Recommended Charger

[Cook]

I'm looking to get a good charger for my batteries, and want to make sure I get a good one that will last for a while, so I'm posting this topic.

It should charge all my batteries, with a good range of cells and MAh. (Right know I've just got my LiteStik and a glow plane, but soon I'll get other stuff and I want to make sure that's covered too.) Also, it should be able to quick charge so I don't have to wait hours. And it would be great but not necessary for it to charge at the field with either my 12 volt battery or the car lighter as a power source. Does anything match my description? Are there other features I should be looking for, like decharging? By the way, can one charger charge batteries with DIFFERENT connectors on my different packs?

Sorry if this seems a little demanding. Thank you very information on good charges or those that match my description.

[gjohnson]

Search this BB on chargers. Also go to ezonemag.com and search their BB for chargers. This question has been asked a lot, so there are lots of responses and info out there.

I bought an Astro 110D for my first charger and am happy with it. It does not discharge. It will slow or fast charge from a car battery (or a large field battery). Most others do the same.

--Gordon

[flyingbuddy]

If I had the cash right now, I would buy an Orbit Microlader with the PC interface. It exceeds all of your requirements and is more flexible than the Astro, though at twice the price.
See: http://geocities.com/tonykla/ for prices and ordering, http://www.mp.ttu.ee/risto/rc/electronics/index.htm

[flyingbuddy]

Choose one or two types of good connectors depending on the current they will handle, then make adapter sets for the charger. See what Risto did on his chargers. I use small gold plated pins for uses under 4 amps, Deans 4 pin connectors for up to 15 Amps, and Deans Ultra Plugs over 15 amps.

[jimwalker]

I think there are basically three levels of chargers.

Cheap- Dymond chargers(what I have)and many others for around $30. They'll peak detect, charge 4-8 cells from 300mah to 1000mah. Works off car battery or seperate power supply.

Middle of the road for around $100. Astro 110D. Charges 1 to 30 cells from 50mah to several amps. Peak detect and works on car battery or seperate power supply.

High dollar for $180 and above. Has it's own power supply or runs off car battery. Charges any number of cells of any type. Is programmable, discharges, senses internal resistance, peak detect, basically anything you need it will do.

When I buy another charger, it'll be of this type. I wish I had some money right now because the microladder is on sale at this e-business (http://geocities.com/tonykla/bcharger.html).

[flyingbuddy]

Correction: the website for Tony La is http://www.eflightpacks.com/
though the other address works, but is not memorable. I have updated my bookmark.
He also sells connectors and even 24AWG silicone wire, nice! 24AWG wire is rated up to about 4 amps, so is fine with Speed 280 motors.

[flyingbuddy]

I forgot to add the Orbit manufacturer's page: http://orbitronic.de/e_orbit.html