Charger

Duratrax Onyx AC/DC Charger Overview

fastie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Onyx 200

Duratrax has introduced a new line of chargers called the “Onyx” series of chargers geared to “sport level performance”. But, don’t let that description fool you, these are some nice chargers with excellent features for the price. With five different models to choose from, these chargers are sure to be a hit at your local RC raceway. Duratrax Onyx Chargers standard features include: AC/DC input, AC power supply built-in, peak detection for NiCd and NiMH packs, auto trickle feature, a wide range of currents, a higher charge current, solid-state overload and reverse polarity protection, audible indicators and a 5-year warranty.

LCD Display

Available Onyx Chargers

The line of Onyx chargers is sure to include a charger to meet you needs. The models available include the AC/DC Sport Peak Charger which is a great entry level chargers geared more to cars and boats. The AC/DC Peak Charger adds a custom LCD display and the ability to charge at lower amp settings. The AC/DC Programmable Peak Charger features an advanced reverse-backlit LCD, fully adjustable amp settings, has built in battery memories, can charge receiver and transmitter batteries and has many programmable features. Now, the AC/DC Advanced Charger further kicks-up the features by providing the ability to charge the latest Lithium battery packs including LiPo, LiIon and even LiFe (A123) cells. It also has all the advanced programmable features and even a built-in fan to keep all the electronics cool. The last charger on the list is the AC/DC Dual Peak Charger. This charger features two independent outputs and is designed for NiCd and NiMH battery users who alternate between various packs at the track. Go to the website for more details and a nice comparison chart on the different chargers.

Onyx 210

Duratrax Onyx 220

Onyx 240

Specifications:

AC input: 110V AC 60Hz
DC input: 11-15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips
Battery types: 1-8 NiCd or NiMH cells (1.2-9.6V)
1-3 LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe cells (3.7-11.1V)
Battery capacity range: 50-9900mAh
Fast charge current: 0.1-7.0A linear, adjustable (AC 50W, DC 70W, 2C limit for lithiums)
Fast charge termination: peak detection for NiCd/MH, cc/cv for lithiums
Fast charge safety timer: off-300 minutes
NiCd/MH peak sensitivity: 3-20mV adjustable
NiCd/MH trickle charge curent: auto mode (1/20 fast charge setting), or manual set 0-250mA
Controls: 4 pushbuttons
Battery memories: 10
Display type: 2x8 reversed LCD with backlight
Setup tones: on / off
Audible melodies: 5
Output connection: banana jacks (includes standard adapter)*
Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload
Case size: 6.0 x 5.28 x 1.69” (153 x 134 x 43 mm)
Weight: 23.5 oz. (666 g)

Hobbico Quick Field Charger MkII Overview

Zero — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:13:31 -0500

Charger has two separate inputs

Small convenient size

Have an assortment of charging needs and can’t decide on the right charger? You need to consider the Hobbico Quick Field Charger MkII. It will do a great job charging your NiCd 1-8 cells, NiMH 1-8cells, and LiPo 1-3 Cells batteries and will work great with a LiPo Cell Balancer such as the ElectriFly Equinox. The charger comes with good instructions to make sure you charge you batteries safely and efficiently. Nicely packaged in a lightweight plastic case, this will also be easy to carry in your models field bag. The charger will require a 10-15V input source.

Features of the Hobbico Quick Field Charger

Comes in a sturdy box with good manual

This charger is some nice features including the two separate inputs so you are able to charge two batteries at the same time. You easily adjust the charge amps as per the instructions for the type of battery you need to charge. You use the banana plugs to connect to your cell balancer (recommended for LiPo batteries) which connects to your batteries or connect directly to the batteries in some applications such for receiver and transmitter NiCd batteries. The MkII is a nice system and ready to keep your models charged up and ready to go.

Charger Specifications:

Input Voltage: 10-15V
Battery Types: NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, Li-Po
Number of Cells: 1-8 NiCd and NiMH, and 1-3 LiPo and Li-ion
Fast Charge current: 0.2A to 2.0A (1A max for LiPo/Li-ion)
Fast Charge termination: peak detection for NiCd and NiMH, constant current / constant voltage for Li-Ion
trickle Charge Current: 0, 50, 85 and 100mA, no trickle charge for Li-ion
Output connectors: Banana jacks
Fuse: 7.5A spade (auto style)
Case: 6.25 x 4 x 1.5 in (159 x 102 x 38 mm)
Weight: 12 oz (342 g)

See the Hobbico website for details.

FMA Direct Cellpro 10s Charger Review

Daniel Switkin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:10:52 -0500

The FMA Direct Cellpro 10s is a balancing lithium battery charger, capable of charging a single battery up to 10 cells, or two batteries simultaneously up to 5 cells, with power up to 10 amps. It can handle lithium polymer, lithium ion, and the M1 lithium cells from A123 Systems. Let's dig in and put it through its paces.