Chargers?

[Focused]

I'm looking at investing in a new charger that'll charge - and hopefully balance - two packs at a time. I've been running LiPo packs in my cars for a couple of years, and have gotten by with a Duratrax ICE and a Blinky up to now. Just got my UL-1, and I don't feel like waiting two hours between runs, and it'll be a few months before I accumulate enough packs to keep me on the water for an afternoon of back-to-back runs (with a little rest for the boat thrown in between battery changes, of course).
I think Hyperion has a good dual batter charger, but haven't really seen much talk about what people are using. Any suggestions? I've considered just picking up another ICE. Never thought I'd own a Duratrax product - but it's been a great charger, has never failed me. But the convenience of having just one charger doing the job seems to be a better idea. Any advice is appreciated.

- Brendon

[JimClark]

This is a very nice Charger
http://www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm?...247&section=72

[Dwyer]

I am in the same position and was looking at this charger. It does 4 at the same time independent of one another. The only thing is they only supply the one connector so you will need to order 3 more to use all the ports. I don't know anyone that has it but the reviews are pretty good.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...Multi_Charger_

[Focused]

I'm leaning towards the Hyperion Duo, but I'm not ready to count any of the less expensive units yet. I'll sell my ICE to help fund something as expensive as the Duo ($300), but would be happy to keep it around for my car stuff if possible. Thanks for the suggestions. Ease of use is obviously a concern, too. I've been using Japanese computer radios for the last 15 years - once I picked up my Nomadio Sensor I've gotten used to intuitive menues. No contorting fingers to press three buttons at the same time to access deeper menu options. If you've owned a Precious or Mars, you know what I'm talking about, LOL.

[indymike]

I have one of the original Hyperion Duo's. Hands down, its one of the nicesest chargers i've ever owned. MHO, it's necessary when running 4S setups that require two 2S packs..

Later
Mike

[NORMKRIS]

Hyperion

[jimw]

I've loved the Hpyerion Duo from two generations back. That is why I carry only the Hyperions in my shop.

Everytime I charge I know that before the next heat the packs are charged, balanced and synched.

[jstolz]

I have two older Hyperion 1210i's. It's a great charger. When I upgrade, I will go to the Hyperion Duo.

[jollyroger]

I use Hyperion packs with my EP planes. Bought some 2S 5000 LVX series for my O.S. 26. I use the FMA Cellpro 4 and Cellpro 10. It can balance charge 2 packs of differing values at once and with USB connection I can monitor cell resistance.
FMA now has new charger/discharger with 1000 watt capabilities. You can now charge those G3 packs with confidence. The only downside is that this charger requires 24V DC supply for that type of operation.
I like the FMA chargers as you can guess. The Hyperion Duo series are very well made but a lot more expensive.

[Jim Caldwell]

The FMA monster also makes 516 watts on 12 volts. But not until June.

[Madmax]

Hyperion Duo's is the way to go; great charger that has been trouble free.

[madmikepags]

The FMA charger is really nice, you don't have to choose the amount of cells or Mah, plug the battery in, choose the chemistry and charge rate and press start, It charges, balances, gives you individual cell voltage and resistance (really like that) the resistance really can let you know if you have a weak cell in a pack. You can charge 1 pack from 1-10cells or 2 packs from 1-5 cells each. The only downside is that you can NOT charge without the balancer. But that's a safety precaution. I have 6 FMA's and 4 Hyperions, the FMA's are definitely easier to use without all those silly menus.

[Allan]

If you intend to run split lipo packs then you should charge them as a single pack. e.g. 2x2s1p = 1x4s1p. You need to series wire the main leads for this and run a balance led splitter (4s to 2s) if your charger cannot accept multiples. ( The Vislero would charge up to 3 series 2s packs and had balance connectors for each). The balance splitters are cheap and useful.

ESC's will cut you pack use at the specified voltage but on a poorly balanced pack that could leave one cell at a high voltage and one below the minimum ( or 2). Charging and balancing as a unit prevents this and will extend the cell life.