LiPo charger recommendation?

[madbikes]

Hi, I'm relatively new here. This forum is very informative.

I'm looking forward to get a AX-10 some time early next year. Just doing some research for now.

I was unsure if I should run Ni-MH or LiPo (never ran LiPo before). I didn't realize how feather-light LiPo is until I visit a LHS. I can always add weight for traction.

What is a good LiPo charger? I have a Ni-MH charger already (Superbrain). I don't mind getting a charger to specificly charge LiPo, but it has to have a power supply built in (I don't have a power supply). What is a good one you guys recommend?

TIA

[vltchkr]

Originally Posted by madbikes

Hi, I'm relatively new here. This forum is very informative.

I'm looking forward to get a AX-10 some time early next year. Just doing some research for now.

I was unsure if I should run Ni-MH or LiPo (never ran LiPo before). I didn't realize how feather-light LiPo is until I visit a LHS. I can always add weight for traction.

What is a good LiPo charger? I have a Ni-MH charger already (Superbrain). I don't mind getting a charger to specificly charge LiPo, but it has to have a power supply built in (I don't have a power supply). What is a good one you guys recommend?

TIA

I am using an INDI 16X705, Its an all in one with true CC/CV:
I am also using a lipo balance You can see what each cell is at worth the money as lipos are not cheap.

[JeremyH]

http://holmeshobbies.com/product.php...5&cat=7&page=1

[Szczerba]

I have this same exact setup. Charger was $99 and balancer was $25.
This is my first LiPo setup and I went the cheap route. I know, I know, you get what you pay for but all I use it for is the 11.1 volt 3 cell, 1500mah batteries. Works great for me and the balancer is a great tool for LiPo battery charging.

Originally Posted by vltchkr

I am using an INDI 16X705, Its an all in one with true CC/CV:
I am also using a lipo balance You can see what each cell is at worth the money as lipos are not cheap.

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by Shane_744

I have this same exact setup. Charger was $99 and balancer was $25.
This is my first LiPo setup and I went the cheap route.

The Hyperion charger I listed is only $15 more than your "cheap route"...

[cartronicshn]

X2 on the Hyperion chargers, they are the best IMHO, contact JRH at holmes hobbies he will take care of you

[vltchkr]

Originally Posted by cartronicshn

X2 on the Hyperion chargers, they are the best IMHO, contact JRH at holmes hobbies he will take care of you

Shows out of stock on his site. I am happy with my set up I like the fact I can just plug in the balancer and it will equal out the cells. But I have been lucky with my eflight lipos the discharge pretty evenly.

Andrew

[Tanqueray]

I use a Duratrax Onyx 230, does lipo and nimh, is ac/dc & digital and under 80$, they're becoming very popular at the local track for bang for the $

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1p?&I=DTXP4230

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by Tanqueray

I use a Duratrax Onyx 230, does lipo and nimh, is ac/dc & digital and under 80$, they're becoming very popular at the local track for bang for the $

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1p?&I=DTXP4230

I can only see one small picture, but does that thing include a cell balancer for the Lipos? By my count of the cords leading away from it, it doesnt.

[vltchkr]

Originally Posted by JeremyH

I can only see one small picture, but does that thing include a cell balancer for the Lipos? By my count of the cords leading away from it, it doesnt.

If you look at the right side of the charger you will see a small red and black, which should mean it reads 1 cell. But I like the safety of seeing 1 through 6 cells balancing.

[Tanqueray]

no balancer, but don't need one as much with a lipo as you do a nimh.

for me, if my batteries start needing a balancer, i'll find a friend that has one :-P or just get a new battery, which will probably be in a couple years anyways... (i use orion 3200 race packs in my buggy)

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by Tanqueray

no balancer, but don't need one as much with a lipo as you do a nimh.

Hummm....I guess we'll just disagree on that subject. I will continue to balance mine each time I charge them. It seems that some here would agree:
http://maxamps.com/lipo-care.php

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by vltchkr

If you look at the right side of the charger you will see a small red and black, which should mean it reads 1 cell. But I like the safety of seeing 1 through 6 cells balancing.

Yeah, I read that yours can have a balancer hooked up, I was referring to the one that was linked to on Tower Hobbies.

[03kjrocky]

Got to agree on a Hyperion charger.I have a EOS0610I DUO charger
and it works great.Can charge and ballance two batteries at once,
comes in real handy for my E-Revo and is a real time saver

[ubbb69]

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...(USA_Warehouse)

have had no problems with it

[JAM MaxAmps.com]

Hyperion all the way. They are by far one of the safest charger brands out there. http://www.maxamps.com/products.php?cat=33 And we always have them in stock.

Jason

[BuzzKilla]

OFNA Digipeak 3 charger ive never had a problem with mine


but if you can get one with a built in balancer you would be set.

[JohnRobHolmes]

I do like the hyperion chargers personally. Very solid, usb updatable, and you can log the charge on your computer too. I have em, just updated site inventory.

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by JohnRobHolmes

...usb updatable, and you can log the charge on your computer too...

I did not know this. I will have to look into more of this. Will any USB cord work? Do I need to download any software? Is this applicable to the 606I?

[shimey]

Originally Posted by Tanqueray

no balancer, but don't need one as much with a lipo as you do a nimh.

Other way 'round, right? I guess it depends on how you define "need," but with the safety issues with over charge/discharge (not to mention $$$) I'd think you "need" to keep your lipo/lion cells maintained "more" than nimh.