OK-new charger time. Help appreciated :)

[conanthewarrior]

Hi people.

I started off with the I2, then purchased the I4 from nitecore.

Problem is, I didn't realise the nitecore only charged at 375MA if you use more than two batteries in it-the I2 was only 500MAH dual, but it is so slow, and I own a fair few mods and batteries, so do use 4 slots-sometimes the whole six.

I am open to an Xtar or a Efest charger-I want one that I can set the current, and let it charge.

My only question-what current can a 25R be charged at that does not reduce its lifespan? I understand all cycles slightly damage the battery, but the higher the current, the more can occur.

So, my question is, what charger would be best-and what Current is best for charging my batteries?

I have a few things to pay for this fortnight, so it will have to be a mod next fortnight-but I have a goblin mini and derringer clone on the way, plus a few other bits to play with in the meantime.

So-what charger should I go for-and what current do you suggest I charge at? 1A? or can I safely go above this without reducing the batteries charge/discharge cycle life. I also own some VTC4's (Married) and some LG HG2's, are they OK to be charged at the same level as the 25R?

Thanks people-it was just getting annoying waiting absolutely ages for batteries to charge-its lucky I have lots otherwise I would be buggered sometimes lol.

I can spend £30-35 on a quality, safe charger. I am willing to go for Xtar or Efest.

Thanks everyone, Conan.

 

[Neunerball]

I used to have two Nitecore chargers, and retired them both. Now, I'm using the Xtar SP2, mainly in the office, or when I charge my 26650 batteries at 2A. The charge current is set via a switch, always starting off at 0.5A, but can be set to 1A-2A. However, when charging 18650 at 2A, the batteries get awfully hot, and I really don't recommend charging them at 2A, but rather at 1A. Otherwise, I'm using the Xtar VC4 (w/ optional wall adaptor plug), which charges at 0.5A, when batteries are in all four slots, or at 1A, when two batteries are in the very left and right slots. The VC4 has a fanzy display showing the current Voltage of the batteries (2 channels at a time). I usually turn that display off. I love them both!

Pick your poison!

 

[Neunerball]

Of the 3 brand's 4 bay chargers... only the Efest puts out 4A.

So I can do 2 at 2A (which I never do) or 4 at 1A, which I do almost daily.

The Xtar has a prettier display (your Nitecore as well) and also at least some reconditioning abilities that the Efest lacks, but I went with the Efest anyway. No regrets.

The reconditioning made me pick the Xtar. Although, in my 2 years and 7 Months, I never discharged a battery that I would have needed to recover. However, it did happen to me with 1s LiPo packs for one of my Nano CPX R/C Helicopter. Got an iCharger for that though. Which reminds me, I need to cycle some of my LiPo packs. That have been sitting there for a while.

 

[Neunerball]

@conanthewarrior, you are a Heli guy?

 

[Zamazam]

Xtar is my personal choice.

 

[Ryedan]

My only question-what current can a 25R be charged at that does not reduce its lifespan? I understand all cycles slightly damage the battery, but the higher the current, the more can occur.

AFAIK the standard charge on the 25R is 1.25A with which it gets its rated lifespan. Charging at 2A will reduce their life by a couple of percent.

I have two inexpensive Xtar chargers, the old one maxes out at 0.5A and the new one does 1A. I typically charge at 0.5A when I have time. At 1A these batts get a bit warm, but I don't hesitate to do that with my 25R, VTC4, and 5 if I'm in a hurry. If I had 2A available I would use it if I felt the need, but I don't actually have experience with it so take that with a grain of salt.

I can't help much with suggestions for a charger other than to say when I look for one I check out the reviews on lygte-info.dk. This guy knows his stuff and I appreciate the technical side he reports on.

 

[conanthewarrior]

@conanthewarrior, you are a Heli guy?

Hi mate.

I was a big heli guy in my late teens-early twenties, I had a blade 400, MSR, and a TREX 250. I now just have the TREX 250 and the MSR, I haven't used them in a while though-but the missus has got me a drone as one of my christmas presents so I will be having a bit of fun with that.

I mainly wanted it for the camera, I was going to get one-but she has gone and got me one .

Ok so the efest is the only one capable of 1A charging 4 batteries? I probably will get the efest-as I do have two chargers that can recover if it was to happen, in the unlikely event a battery did go too low.

What model Efest charger is it exactly called-I want to make sure I get the correct one lol.

I guess It's the Efest then.

The reconditioning made me pick the Xtar. Although, in my 2 years and 7 Months, I never discharged a battery that I would have needed to recover. However, it did happen to me with 1s LiPo packs for one of my Nano CPX R/C Helicopter. Got an iCharger for that though. Which reminds me, I need to cycle some of my LiPo packs. That have been sitting there for a while.

I was thinking of getting a nano CPX heli myself-I've never flown one myself, I hear they are VERY twitchy, my MSR hasn't got any batteries as the 1S lipos are dead for it-do you have any idea of a good replacement to go for? I know the MSR isn't collective pitch, but its fun for in the house, and wont cut you open like a full CP heli lol. I don't have any batteries as I stupidly stored the 4 lipos IN their charger, then stored them away. Dead Li-pos, all of them now.

EDIT: I just ordered myself 3 160MAH turnigy Lipos for the MSR-I fancy flying now talking about it.

EDIT 2: I bloody hope its the 4 batteries thinking about it. 4 1S lipos not working-I may of just wasted a tenner. Oh well-I am pretty sure the drone runs on the same batteries and only comes with one or 2-so they can be used for that

EDIT 3: Just checked the Lipos for the MSR-it is the batteries, all reading 0V and wont take a charge, so didn't waste any money .

 

[Neunerball]

Hi mate.

I was a big heli guy in my late teens-early twenties, I had a blade 400, MSR, and a TREX 250. I now just have the TREX 250 and the MSR, I haven't used them in a while though-but the missus has got me a drone as one of my christmas presents so I will be having a bit of fun with that.

I mainly wanted it for the camera, I was going to get one-but she has gone and got me one .

Ok so the efest is the only one capable of 1A charging 4 batteries? I probably will get the efest-as I do have two chargers that can recover if it was to happen, in the unlikely event a battery did go too low.

What model Efest charger is it exactly called-I want to make sure I get the correct one lol.

I guess It's the Efest then.

I was thinking of getting a nano CPX heli myself-I've never flown one myself, I hear they are VERY twitchy, my MSR hasn't got any batteries as the 1S lipos are dead for it-do you have any idea of a good replacement to go for? I know the MSR isn't collective pitch, but its fun for in the house, and wont cut you open like a full CP heli lol. I don't have any batteries as I stupidly stored the 4 lipos IN their charger, then stored them away. Dead Li-pos, all of them now.

EDIT: I just ordered myself 3 160MAH turnigy Lipos for the MSR-I fancy flying now talking about it.

EDIT 2: I bloody hope its the 4 batteries thinking about it. 4 1S lipos not working-I may of just wasted a tenner. Oh well-I am pretty sure the drone runs on the same batteries and only comes with one or 2-so they can be used for that

EDIT 3: Just checked the Lipos for the MSR-it is the batteries, all reading 0V and wont take a charge, so didn't waste any money .

Yes, those mini 1s LiPos die fast.
I'm an all Blade guy myself. My TX is the DX9. I own the Nano CPX (w/ brushless conversion, much more stable), 130x , 180cfx , 300x, and 450 3D. The 130x is on the bench for a major upgrade, including cyclic servos and FBL controller. The 300 and 450 have been crashed, so they need to be fixed. The 450 is up for a FBL conversion. I have the parts for all repairs and upgrades, just not the time. Which sucks. The 130 just needs the swash plate leveled, and the skids mounted, and I could take it for a spin.
I also have two quads, the 180qx and the brand new Inductrix (wanted something for inside practice ).
I'm still a "beginner", due to the lack of time, I can't fly much either. The Poenix flight simulator isn't as satisfying as flying the real helicopters. That's also the reason for having the Nano, it crashes well. Except, when it takes a nose dive into the driveway. Don't ask, how I know.

 

[dr_rox]

If you have those fancy lipo pack chargers all you need is some battery sleds and cabling to balance charge. Don't need the cables to single charge. Plus you have currrent control up to limit of charger and doing 26650's only requires a little ingenuity to make a sled.
Just sayin'.
That's all I have been using since I started when there were no fancy dedicated 18650 chargers.
Plus, if you get some of those usb chargers on a chip off ebay in an unbroken strip, you can supply them all power from a common point and solder the outputs to sleds. Cost is 2-4 bucks per slot incl sled. But you can fab your own sled on a pc board.
You can leave it gangster or make it pretty. The chips i have are the same height and width of a single slot sled, So they also work nice in mods.

 

[conanthewarrior]

Yes, those mini 1s LiPos die fast.
I'm an all Blade guy myself. My TX is the DX9. I own the Nano CPX (w/ brushless conversion, much more stable), 130x , 180cfx , 300x, and 450 3D. The 130x is on the bench for a major upgrade, including cyclic servos and FBL controller. The 300 and 450 have been crashed, so they need to be fixed. The 450 is up for a FBL conversion. I have the parts for all repairs and upgrades, just not the time. Which sucks. The 130 just needs the swash plate leveled, and the skids mounted, and I could take it for a spin.
I also have two quads, the 180qx and the brand new Inductrix (wanted something for inside practice ).
I'm still a "beginner", due to the lack of time, I can't fly much either. The Poenix flight simulator isn't as satisfying as flying the real helicopters. That's also the reason for having the Nano, it crashes well. Except, when it takes a nose dive into the driveway. Don't ask, how I know.

Well I should be able to fly the MSR next week with the 3 new batteries-I know its not a 'proper' heli in not being collective pitch, but it IS very fun for indoor flight.

My Trex 250 is also in its box, needing repair. Need a new tail boom. Now this is my don't ask moment, the cyclics were reversed somehow on my DX6I, for about 2 seconds I had no idea what was going on, and that took a dive in my back garden lol.

Would you recommend the Nano CPX? Also I haven't done any flybarless flight-when I was into it, that was pretty new tech

 

[Neunerball]

Well I should be able to fly the MSR next week with the 3 new batteries-I know its not a 'proper' heli in not being collective pitch, but it IS very fun for indoor flight.

My Trex 250 is also in its box, needing repair. Need a new tail boom. Now this is my don't ask moment, the cyclics were reversed somehow on my DX6I, for about 2 seconds I had no idea what was going on, and that took a dive in my back garden lol.

Would you recommend the Nano CPX? Also I haven't done any flybarless flight-when I was into it, that was pretty new tech

The Nano CPX is so cheap, that I bought a second one, when my first Nano's control board died, due to hitting the driveway nose in. Now I have plenty of spare parts. I also bought Blade's Brushless upgrade kit, upgrading the main rotor's motor. Due to the higher head speed, it's more stable. I like it a lot, 'cause it does handle crashes well, and believe me, I crash a lot with it. With the proper programming of your TX, it's not as twitchy either (DR/Expo settings). However, it looks like they have a new Nano CP S, and don't sell the CPX anymore.

Blade came out with a new Heli, I'm thinking of getting myself, it's the 230s with SAFE technology. It also includes a panic recovery feature, as the Nano CP S does. In case, you loose control, you hit a button, or a switch, and it turns itself back into a upright position. Of course, you'll need to be higher in the air for it to work properly.

 

[conanthewarrior]

The Nano CPX is so cheap, that I bought a second one, when my first Nano's control board died, due to hitting the driveway nose in. Now I have plenty of spare parts. I also bought Blade's Brushless upgrade kit, upgrading the main rotor's motor. Due to the higher head speed, it's more stable. I like it a lot, 'cause it does handle crashes well, and believe me, I crash a lot with it. With the proper programming of your TX, it's not as twitchy either (DR/Expo settings). However, it looks like they have a new Nano CP S, and don't sell the CPX anymore.

Blade came out with a new Heli, I'm thinking of getting myself, it's the 230s with SAFE technology. It also includes a panic recovery feature, as the Nano CP S does. In case, you loose control, you hit a button, or a switch, and it turns itself back into a upright position. Of course, you'll need to be higher in the air for it to work properly.

Ok this sounds pretty cool. Where I have not flown for a long time, I may well go for it.

I never made any upgrades so to speak to my heli's, what is the update of the CpS to the nano CPX? I no longer have a DX6I, I sold that with my blade 400-so I don't know wether to get another of them plus the heli, or get a RTF kit with included controller.

The thing is, if I get another DX6 (I know its updated now) I can pair it with more choppers, where as the kit is cheaper but will likely only pair to that.

Hmm, I may get one for christmas. They are around £100 aren't they? I like the crashability aspect too-I am sure I will be doing a lot of that-I never used pheonix or any sim before because I am on mac-I have windows installed now, do you know of any recommended, free sims to get me back into flight? As I have had the injury since-I think I will take my brand new chopper and smash it, as I have not flown a CP heli for so long.

 

[Neunerball]

Ok this sounds pretty cool. Where I have not flown for a long time, I may well go for it.

I never made any upgrades so to speak to my heli's, what is the update of the CpS to the nano CPX? I no longer have a DX6I, I sold that with my blade 400-so I don't know wether to get another of them plus the heli, or get a RTF kit with included controller.

The thing is, if I get another DX6 (I know its updated now) I can pair it with more choppers, where as the kit is cheaper but will likely only pair to that.

Hmm, I may get one for christmas. They are around £100 aren't they? I like the crashability aspect too-I am sure I will be doing a lot of that-I never used pheonix or any sim before because I am on mac-I have windows installed now, do you know of any recommended, free sims to get me back into flight? As I have had the injury since-I think I will take my brand new chopper and smash it, as I have not flown a CP heli for so long.

As far as I can tell, the CP S is the same, except for the new controller board, with the SAFE technology. Besides the brushless motor upgrade, my CPX is original. I made the mistake with my 130x, of adding almost all upgrades available, never again. Therefore, my newest/latest 180 CFX will be stock, except for the skids. The original skids are too fragile.

I recommend getting at least the DX6, rather than a RTF. I still have my DX6i, that I'm using for the Phoenix sim. Speaking of sim, I had a free sim once, but it wasn't useable at all. Besides the Phoenix, there's Real Flight. However, as far as I know, you don't get free upgrades & updates. I started off with Phoenix V.4.1. Meanwhile it's V.6, and I didn't have to pay another Dollar to get those new Versions.

I prefer using my CPX as my sim, usually just in the yard. Therefore, when it crashes, it's in the grass, where I just pick it up, and keep on flying.

In case, you're looking for a good Heli forum, go and take a look at http://www.helifreak.com. They have a sub forums for every Blade Helicopter, as well as Multirotor.

 

[fq06]

This is the charger I use, not a 4 cell charger but it has a very good charging curve and does not charge over 4.2v and will give a true 1a to each battery. Also gives you a read on internal resistance which is nice to keep track of the cells health over time.
All of those batteries are fine with a 1a charge.

Liitokala lii-260 LCD 3.7V
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=LiitoKala+Lii-260+LCD+Display+Wall/Car+Charger+for+18650+/+26650+Li-ion+battery+&_id=151242501125&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658

 

[conanthewarrior]

As far as I can tell, the CP S is the same, except for the new controller board, with the SAFE technology. Besides the brushless motor upgrade, my CPX is original. I made the mistake with my 130x, of adding almost all upgrades available, never again. Therefore, my newest/latest 180 CFX will be stock, except for the skids. The original skids are too fragile.

I recommend getting at least the DX6, rather than a RTF. I still have my DX6i, that I'm using for the Phoenix sim. Speaking of sim, I had a free sim once, but it wasn't useable at all. Besides the Phoenix, there's Real Flight. However, as far as I know, you don't get free upgrades & updates. I started off with Phoenix V.4.1. Meanwhile it's V.6, and I didn't have to pay another Dollar to get those new Versions.

I prefer using my CPX as my sim, usually just in the yard. Therefore, when it crashes, it's in the grass, where I just pick it up, and keep on flying.

In case, you're looking for a good Heli forum, go and take a look at http://www.helifreak.com. They have a sub forums for every Blade Helicopter, as well as Multirotor.

I think I may of been a member of that forum, and a UK one when I flew . Ok so I will get the DX6-I might as well get the DX6I as its cheaper though, and I can still connect it to any chopper with 6 channels, so I couldn't fly a model that fired rockets on the 7th channel for example, but I will be able to fly all standard, fully collective models.

Ok, I guess I will get the Nano CPX then. I will have much more fun using that, and like you said, my garden is grass, so the inevitable crashes should not damage anything.

I just found out the drone I am getting HASN"T got a camera-she got the wrong one. I will still have fun with it though, and I can't be disapointed, its a gift.

So in the new year I will get to flying again-starting with the MSR this week hopefully.

 

[MrScaryZ]

The Opus charger is one of the best according to the testers but then it is expensive (you get what you pay for) All depends on what you need I am throwing this out if you have particular needs
The unit iself has a fan etc but the options are amazing I like it so that I can charge 4 batteries at 1amp that for me is the most important item
I have others as well if all you need to do is charge a couple at 1amp then any will work I like the options of setting at anything between 200ma to 2amps etc also the ability to see all the stats is cool
http://www.amazon.com/BT-C3400-Universal-Analyzer-rechargeable-batteries/dp/B00NR77SL2

 

[Neunerball]

I think I may of been a member of that forum, and a UK one when I flew . Ok so I will get the DX6-I might as well get the DX6I as its cheaper though, and I can still connect it to any chopper with 6 channels, so I couldn't fly a model that fired rockets on the 7th channel for example, but I will be able to fly all standard, fully collective models.

Ok, I guess I will get the Nano CPX then. I will have much more fun using that, and like you said, my garden is grass, so the inevitable crashes should not damage anything.

I just found out the drone I am getting HASN"T got a camera-she got the wrong one. I will still have fun with it though, and I can't be disapointed, its a gift.

So in the new year I will get to flying again-starting with the MSR this week hopefully.

My 450 and 300 are broken, 'cause I was flying too much FP, rather than CP. Instead of switching on the HOLD switch, I pulled the throttle down all the way. Guess, what happens when you do that with a CP Helicopter (besides the obvious crash). Well, full negative Pitch, and the Helicopter drills itself into the ground. That's when I decided to get the Nano. And repairs are way cheaper if needed.

 

[fq06]

This is the charger I use, not a 4 cell charger but it has a very good charging curve and does not charge over 4.2v and will give a true 1a to each battery. Also gives you a read on internal resistance which is nice to keep track of the cells health over time.
All of those batteries are fine with a 1a charge.

Liitokala lii-260 LCD 3.7V
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=LiitoKala+Lii-260+LCD+Display+Wall/Car+Charger+for+18650+/+26650+Li-ion+battery+&_id=151242501125&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658

That is the Cadillac of vape chargers, spendy but a great charger.

 

[Jon@LiionWholesale]

The Efest LUC V4 is the one that was talked about here - digital display, can do 500mA x 4, 1A x 4, or 2A x 2. We use a bunch of them here.

There's also the new Efest Blu6 which is a 6 bay charger that can do 500mA x 6, 1A x 4, or 2A x 2, and has all kinds of snazzy stuff like pairing to your phone and telling you when your batteries are done.

Samsungs are rated at I think 1.25A normal charge so 1A won't hurt them. They also specify a 4A fast charge with sllghtly lower capacity so 2A isn't very hard on them either but I'd still use 1A if you're not in a hurry.