[thuebner]

Hi all, I need your advice on a good lipo charger. The only lipo batteries I am using are in my Blade cx2, which I have been charging with the included balancing charger. I want to step up into larger electric helis but would like input into the best possible charger to handle 2200mah lipos.
I do have a Hobbico Accu cycle elite which I use to cycle the nicd batteries for my airplanes and it is capable of charging lipos as well. Would this charger suffice or is there a better one I should be looking at?

Thanks for helping,

Travis

Sorry, I should have posted this in the Electronics forum, but please feel free to offer advice or critisism. It's all good.

Trav

I have 2 of these. For all round safety and simplicity ( not to mention price ) their hard to beat. Their lipos and service are second to none also.


http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?...218&section=45

p.s. check their monthly specials section they usually have a deal or two.

[waylander]

I have heard nice things about the cellpro chargers but take a look at the new thunder power 610C, it comes with the balancer that can handle both tp and align style taps and can charge up to 6S batteries.

It will also charge nicad, nimh and a123 batteries.

http://www.rctoys.com/rc-toys-and-pa...ERS-POWER.html

[Nemesis]

dont know if u like ebay but i use a Imax B5

http://cgi.ebay.ca/IMax-B5-LI-PO-Lip...QQcmdZViewItem

[Squidbait]

Travis,

If you're not going any bigger than 3s 2200 packs, then your AccuCycle should be fine - I'd just get an Astro Blinky balancer (~$25-30). Then you'll be able to keep your packs balanced, without a big shellout in cash.

If, on the other hand, you're going to go with bigger lipos, or A123's, then you'll probably want to look at a new charger, something that will handle 5 or 6 cell lipos and charge at at least 5A and balances at the same time.

I haven't seen it in the flesh yet, but the new TP charger certainly looks like it's going to be the new jack-of-all-trades charger. Also have a look at Bantam chargers, they'll do larger packs and balance as well

[thuebner]

If you're not going any bigger than 3s 2200 packs, then your AccuCycle should be fine - I'd just get an Astro Blinky balancer (~$25-30). Then you'll be able to keep your packs balanced, without a big shellout in cash.

If, on the other hand, you're going to go with bigger lipos, or A123's, then you'll probably want to look at a new charger, something that will handle 5 or 6 cell lipos and charge at at least 5A and balances at the same time.

I don't plan on going any larger with the batteries as I have pretty much made my mind up on an Align 450se, and my planes are all glow. If my Accu cycle is good enough then I will look into a blinky balancer.
I do have questions about proper charging, storing ect. but I will browse the forums first.


Thanks for the input guys.


Trav

[Mike Anderson]

In my humble opinion. the Thunder Power TP1010 charger is the very best value for money on the planet. It does any cell type. If a new cell type comes along, it will do that too. Get a TP210 balancer too.

Also IMHO, Zebra Hobby offers the best all around pricing.