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[Popeye]

I'm looking to replace  my wall socket type chargers- the type that come with boxed radois - with something more advanced and in keeping with my model boating needs:-
* Cost to £40
* AC mains supply.
* 4 - 8 cells NiCad and NiMH.  SLA not essential but a useful bonus.
* Ability to charge two differing capacity batteries simultaneously.
* Variable charge rates from say 100/150ma to say 500ma.
* Full charge cut-off  with trickle charge option thereafter.
*Charge state indicators - LED or digital read -out.
*Combi charge plugs - Futaba/Tamiya/Tx  preferred but not essential.


I've been browsing on-line for a suitable charger but have got a tad confused as to what the best choice would be so any advise /suggestions would be welcomed.


Thanks in anticipation of any positive responses.

[inertia]

Two of these?? http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?product_id=37637   
DM

[More Coffee]

Personally.
 Its a nice feature the trickle charge, I would suggest that a charger that is microprocessor controlled. A lot of the cheaper chargers often employ a pass transistor and resistor to select a lower charge current,
Its all good , but heat ,frequent use ,can degrade what will most certainly be cheap capacitors,..and after a while the trickle charge with slowly cook the cell or battery, simply because the charger runs out of its parameters.
just my experience ,after purchasing a name brand battery cooker ,I prefer a microprocessor controlled unit..
The microprocessor units are often quite cheap , theres no heavy iron core transformer and use mosfets .. this results in better more precise current regulation. http://www.ti.com/lit/ml/slyp089/slyp089.pdf
charge options can include , NiCad,NiMH,PB,SLA,Lipo,LIon..
I use a cheap little unit , iMAX B6AC .. It does what I need.
Hopfully other's chime in so you can make a better educated decision, battery's are not getting any cheaper. the more life you can squeeze out the better.
 
 
 
 
 

[wibplus]

I have a Chamaleon isl 6-330D which will charge just about any battery I can think of and it allows the user to decide the charge rate, charge limit and current. It will also charge two of the same type of batteries at a time. It is quite an old charger and these can be found frequently on well known auction sites. 

[crock]

Hi 


I've got a Turnigy which I bought from the Component Shop.  Very pleased with it especially as it changes to trickle charge after the main charge has finished.  Instructions not the best in the world but Component shop very helpful with both advice pre-buying and after in decifering the instructions.  Plenty of chaps on here seem to have one.


Will only charge one type of battery at a time, well my version, but are you in that much of a hurry ?


Crock