RC India

RC Equipments => Batteries and Chargers => Topic started by: traxxrc1 on October 18, 2010, 10:47:57 PM

Title: Cheapest Charger
Post by: traxxrc1 on October 18, 2010, 10:47:57 PM
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6507

Saw this, thinking to buy,
can anyone help about how will this work i mean wherein i will have to plug in my battery connector as there is no such port visible, it seems it has only balance port to plug in

Please help, i am fully new to Li-Poly
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: anwar on October 18, 2010, 11:07:00 PM
Bad idea in general, unless all your batteries are less than around 800mAH.  Get one which charges through the main discharge leads, and use the balance connector only for balancing.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: traxxrc1 on October 18, 2010, 11:39:07 PM
i have a 3s 2650mah 30C turnigy lipo, will it work
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: anwar on October 18, 2010, 11:45:50 PM
For someone who is into RC with passion, I would not recommend this at all. 

These small chargers charge at around 0.8A or 1.0A, through the balance connector alone.  This means that a 2.65A lipo will take about 3x the time for charging as compared to a charger that can charge at 2.65A itself ! Plus, these chargers are for lipos only, which severely limits their usage in the long term.

To answer your question... yes it will work.  But it is a better decision any day to spend a bit more and get at least a 50W charger that can also handle other cell chemistries. Other benefits include a display which can show you individual cell voltages etc etc etc.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: spitfire on October 19, 2010, 12:55:14 AM
I have this charger. in first 3-4 charges it worked well but after that it was not balancing and charging one cell of my 3 cell lipo and was giving false indication that cell is charged.
So i will suggest you not to buy this or any cheap charger which gives only led indication. Buy charger which is microprocessor controlled and gives proper display of each cell and at least 50W as suggested by anwar. I would also suggest to cross check the battery with the help of watt meter after charging.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: raja_mastana on October 19, 2010, 07:20:22 AM
Quote from: anwar on October 18, 2010, 11:45:50 PM
To answer your question... yes it will work.  But it is a better decision any day to spend a bit more and get at least a 50W charger that can also handle other cell chemistries. Other benefits include a display which can show you individual cell voltages etc etc etc.
Can you recommend a good charger within $100? I can see many of them are DC. Do we get a power adapter in India?
For eg: Will the Laptop power adapter work?
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: xxkrishxx on October 19, 2010, 07:33:18 AM
@raja:U can use a computer smps for the power supply..Cheaper one than laptop charger..
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: raja_mastana on October 19, 2010, 07:45:30 AM
@krish .... wow! thanks,
didn't know this
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: iamahuman on October 19, 2010, 08:04:29 AM
you can get the turnigy accucel 6 charger at 22.99$ and the bigger one the accucel 8 150W charger is at 44.24$(Both the prices are from the HK warehouse NOT EUROPE,USA OR AUSTRALIA
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: medicineman1987 on October 19, 2010, 08:16:30 AM
Hey, i'm using a Accucel 6 and its awesome.. Charged my LiPos, my transmitter NiCds and also a SLAB (sealed lead acid battery) without any problems.. I used to just plug it into my computer SMPS and put the computer in sleep mode while charging.. Now i've bought a dedicated (laptop type SMPS) adapter for 405/- and its working perfectly fine..

I suggest buying:
Turnigy Accucel-6
Octopus muilt-connector harness
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: xxkrishxx on October 19, 2010, 08:21:10 AM
http://www.rcindia.org/batteries-and-chargers/using-a-pc-smps-as-powersupply-for-rc-chargers/

raja,have a look in this thread..
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: saurabhhsrivastavaa on October 19, 2010, 09:45:52 AM
Quote from: raja_mastana on October 19, 2010, 07:20:22 AM
Can you recommend a good charger within $100?

For a $100 budget, iCharger is the best solution. Check out the iCharger 106B+. compare its features with all other chargers and then make a decision.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: traxxrc1 on October 19, 2010, 09:50:29 AM
$100 !!!
this one's worth $5
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: anwar on October 21, 2010, 12:53:11 AM
I used an Accucel 6 for many months, then someone else is using it (when I upgraded).  Remember that you will need a 50W power supply (laptop type ones are available on HK, or you can home brew), but the cost of it needs to be considered in the total cost.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: bmanoj2 on October 21, 2010, 07:15:50 AM
Quote from: xxkrishxx on October 19, 2010, 07:33:18 AM
@raja:U can use a computer smps for the power supply..Cheaper one than laptop charger..
Please explain how it works, may be with some pictures  ?? Please bare my ignorance. :)
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: sushil_anand on October 21, 2010, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: xxkrishxx on October 19, 2010, 07:33:18 AM
@raja:U can use a computer smps for the power supply..Cheaper one than laptop charger..

Cheaper, yes. But much more bulky. Not very practical if you are lugging your stuff out of town, for example.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: xxkrishxx on October 21, 2010, 12:58:16 PM
@Manoj: check the link  in reply#10
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: xxkrishxx on October 21, 2010, 01:01:07 PM
Quote from: sushil_anand on October 21, 2010, 12:26:43 PM
Cheaper, yes. But much more bulky. Not very practical if you are lugging your stuff out of town, for example.
I think it'll be smaller than ur plane while moving ur stuffs..
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: sushil_anand on October 21, 2010, 01:20:15 PM
Quote from: xxkrishxx on October 21, 2010, 01:01:07 PM
I think it'll be smaller than ur plane while moving ur stuffs..

Smaller than the plane, but heavier. Bigger than the laptop supply and heavier.

To each their own.
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: kplkum on November 12, 2010, 08:48:07 PM
hello mr traxxrc1 have u abalance charger
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: traxxrc1 on November 12, 2010, 10:23:36 PM
i have this charger now and ordered one more as well.
This is a charger and balancer.
Also i have thought to buy turnigy "something-something" for $18 which can charge all chemical types and has a micro processor+LCD
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: findvikas on November 12, 2010, 11:54:50 PM
Just incase anyone want it, I have one with me that I am looking to sell out. Please see this thread

http://www.rcindia.org/for-sale/turnigy-2-3-cell-lipoly-balancecharger-2-nos/
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: KALYANPRODHAN on November 13, 2010, 07:44:48 AM
# Please note that whatever the balence charger it is, The open circuit voltage for each cell (Charging voltage/cell) must not higher than 4.235 volt/cell or safely 4.23 Volt/cell. Beyond that it may explode during charging. In Balance charger, the diverter circuit (Parallel Path with cell through Transistor) must limit this voltage below 4.2.

# The balance charger use Diverter technology So, you are requested to put off the charger during the cell open condition. Otherwise, power wastage will occur continuously.

# Though pouch cell are not packed in hard container, you are requested to sandwitch with two piece of Balsa and tighten with HDPE Fiber tape or meta wire. That will increase the cell life by preventing expansion in thickness.

# Dont discharge the cell beyond 3V/cell. Otherwise, it may not charge and loss capacity. Else, for better flight-time, Use higher capacity. Whenever experience major unbalance in cell pack (10% or more in terms of state of charge after using balanced charger) just isolate the cell from cell pack and replace with an newer cell.

# The manufacturing cost of Li-Poly is less that Li-ion cells. Only the R&D overhead is there and the cost is drastically reducing. Cell phones are now-a days cones with Li-Poly and also with protection circuit modules. Though protection circuit modules increase weight a little bit, but peace of mind with high charging & Discharging current. (900mAH cell <Rs200/-). If course you can dispose off the plastic packaging.

# You can safely charge at 10C for a 20C cell and can go without problem up to 15C. But don't exceed that for safety reason. But you can safely use the discharge rate. (Generally we use throttle about 25-50% and discharge rate far below rated used. 30C means Total discharge in 2 minutes only).

# For use of NiMH cells in Transmitter, use low self discharge cells. The capacity may be low but it can give benefit to you.

Brand name of LSD cells are given below.
   * Prolife from Fujicell
   * Ready2Use Accu from Varta
   * AccuEvolution from AccuPower
   * Hybrid from Rayovac
   * eneloop from Sanyo
   * eniTime from Yuasa
   * Infinium from Panasonic
   * ReCyko from Gold Peak
   * Instant from Vapex
   * Hybrio from Uniross
   * Cycle Energy from Sony
   * MaxE and MaxE Plus from Ansmann
   * EnergyOn from NexCell
   * ActiveCharge/StayCharged/Pre-Charged/Accu from Duracell
   * Pre-Charged from Kodak
   * nx-ready from ENIX energies
   * Imedion from Maha
   * Pleomax E-Lock from Samsung
===============================From a site having data for 1C battery (2005?)=====
Typical Charge Graph (Cell Capacity: 850mAh)
CC/CV Charge at 4.2V, 1C +25ºC
(http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Polymer/Li_Po_ChrGph.JPG)

Typical Discharge Graph
CC/CV Charge at 4.2V, 0.5C, +25ºC. CC Discharge to 3.0V, +25ºC.
(http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Polymer/Li_Po_DiscGph.JPG)

Typical Discharge Graph
CC/CV Charge at 4.2V, 0.5C, +25ºC. CC Discharge at 0.5C to 3.0V.
(http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Polymer/Li_Po_DiscTGph.JPG)

Typical Cycle Graph
CC/CV Charge at 4.2V,1C, +25ºC. CC Discharge at 1C to 3.0V, +25ºC.
(http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Polymer/Li_Po_CycGph.JPG)

Precautions

To prevent a possibility of the battery from leaking, heating or explosion please observe the following precautions:
Warning !
* Do not immerse the battery in water or other liquid.
* Do not use or leave the battery near a heat source such as fire or heater.
* Do not use the battery to power any other device.
* When recharging, only use specified battery charger.
* Do not reverse the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
* Do not connect the battery to an electrical outlet.
* Do not discard the battery in fire or expose it to a flame.
* Do not short-circuit the battery by directly connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminal with metal objects.
* Do not transport or store the battery together with metal objects.
* Do not strike, throw, drop or damage the battery
* Do not try to pierce, disassemble or modify the battery.
* Do not use the battery in a corrosive environment.
* Do not directly solder to the battery.
* Do not put the battery into a microwave oven

   Caution !
   

# Always read the manufacturers manual for the device before operating, trying to charge, install or remove the battery.
# Store batteries out of reach of children.
# Do not use or leave the battery at very high temperature (for example, at strong direct sunlight or in a vehicle in extremely hot weather). Otherwise, it can overheat, catch fire or its performance will be degenerate and its service life will be decreased.
# Do not use it in a location where static electricity is great, otherwise, the safety devices may be damaged, causing hidden trouble of safety.
# If the battery leaks, and the electrolyte get into the eyes. Do not rub eyes, instead, rinse the eyes with clean running water, and immediately seek medical attention. Otherwise, it may injure eyes or cause a loss of sight.
# If the battery does not charge properly or it is not lasting very long, stop using it and replace it with a new one.
# If the battery gives off an odor, generates heat, becomes discolored or deformed, or in any way appear abnormal during use, recharging or storage, immediately remove it from the device or battery charger and stop using it.
# In case the battery terminals are dirt, clean the terminals with a dry cloth before use. Otherwise power failure or charge failure may occur due to the poor connection with the instrument.
# Be aware discarded batteries may cause fire, tape the battery terminals to insulate them. Recycle batteries where possible and abide by local disposal guidelines and directives.
# Do not leave the battery in a discharged state, always recharge it after use, otherwise it could lead to loss of performace or in more sereve causes make the battery useless.
# If the battery is not in use for an extended period of time remove it from the device and store it in a cool, dry, clean environment. When storing for extended periods charge the battery to 50% and recharge it at the intervals stated above under Storage.
=================================================Collected========
Title: Re: Cheapest Charger
Post by: KALYANPRODHAN on November 13, 2010, 09:49:29 AM
Battery available standards :
http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Polymer/Lithium_polymer_cells.html