Charger for 3.7v micros to 11.1v+ lipo's.

[qwerty]

When it comes to chargers I'm lost. I need a charger to do what the subject says. Maybe do 4 batteries or more at once. Could somebody point me to what I need. Don't want to spend more than I need too.

[qwerty]

bump

[TheWoodCrafter]

Originally Posted by qwerty

When it comes to chargers I'm lost. I need a charger to do what the subject says. Maybe do 4 batteries or more at once. Could somebody point me to what I need. Don't want to spend more than I need too.

I guess you are asking for charger recommendations to charge 1S and 3S batteries?

What sizes are you using?
Do you plan on using bigger packs?
Do you have a DC power supply to power a charger?

[qwerty]

Right now I'm just using the little 130mah or so batteries that come with the little micro hellis and planes. I was planning on getting a radian which takes the 11.1v. I don't have any other supplies other than the cheap charger that comes with the ready to fly micros.

[qwerty]

They had the Turnigy 160mAh for $1.69, but they are on backorder. Where else can I get these good prices?

[ncsky]

I'm no expert, but I have been researching chargers alot. I do know if you are going to charge 4 batteries at once (parallel) using something like the paraboard then you have to have a charger with enough amp output. Lets say you charge 4 11.1 each being 2200 mah. That would be 2.2 (1C charge rate) x 4 = 8.8 amps you would need to charge them at the same time.

Also, you need to look at the watts a charger is running on. For parallel charging you wouldn't want a 50 watt type of charger. You should really look at 200+ watt type of chargers. Most of the higher watt chargers are only DC so you will need an external power supply. If you want to go to 4S packs in the future then your amp output on your charger will need to be even more.

Bottom line is buy the biggest (most amps) charger and power supply you can afford. You need at least a 10amp charger, but if you can afford it I would go with at least 15amp or more since you can grow with it.

Here are some decent examples to look at. There is information on the rc forums about the brands.
http://www.usastore.revolectrix.com/Products_2/Cellpro-Chargers_2

http://epbuddy.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=17_20&zenid=s6g6as gopnkhve6p71vien4n77

http://www.progressiverc.com/chargers

Also this one is coming out soon, not bad for a ac/dc model
http://www.horizonhobby.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?searchKeyword=ultraforce&filterTerm=&sea rchType=productgrid

Good luck

[qwerty]

Wow those are expensive. Didn't know I was going to have to pay so much.

[Scarface26]

It's the capability to charge multiple 3S batteries in parallel that's driving the price up. A simple Thunder AC6 50 watt/5A charger from Xheli for $40.00 plus shipping will charge up to 6 1S micro batteries at the same time, but you would be limited to 1 larger 3S at a time. This would work if you can charge several batteries one at a time the night before you go flying.
There is quite a price jump when you go bigger than this. It just depends on your decision to stay with this hobby and expand in the future and also on your income.

[Left Coast DJ]

Been thinking about picking up a HiTec X1 from my local Hobby People. Comes with an AC plug too for $69.99.

[qwerty]

What about these?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...harger%5F.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5F200W%5F.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...harger%5F.html

[qwerty]

Originally Posted by Scarface26

It's the capability to charge multiple 3S batteries in parallel that's driving the price up. A simple Thunder AC6 50 watt/5A charger from Xheli for $40.00 plus shipping will charge up to 6 1S micro batteries at the same time, but you would be limited to 1 larger 3S at a time. This would work if you can charge several batteries one at a time the night before you go flying.
There is quite a price jump when you go bigger than this. It just depends on your decision to stay with this hobby and expand in the future and also on your income.

What about balancing all six of those batteries?