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[captain_reg]

Hi All


I'm looking for a lazy method of charging a collection of NiMh batteries. I've got a varied collection of NiMH packs ranging from 6v to 9.6v & various capacities. They are installed in various boats, some as single packs & some in series. I'm expecting to add parallel to the mix soonish.


My current solution is to put each boat on the work surface one at a time, disconnect the batteries, connect a cheap NiMh charger (with a temperature sensor) to each pack one at a time and then manually keep checking on it until I've worked through the whole fleet.


I'm hoping to find a single charger that has multiple connection ports where I can essentially connect a cable to each pack in-situ with the boats and just leave the charger to it.


I've become a bit lost in all the options available, most of which seem to be aimed at LiPo. I know I could just buy enough chargers to dedicate one to each battery pack but this seems a bit costly.


Does anyone know of any such solution?

[JimG]

You used to be able to get a quad charger that could charge 4 batteries at once, the best I haver seen recently will just charge 2 at once. Don't worry about the fact that chargers seem to be for LiPo packs as modern intelligent chargers will charge all types of battery chemistry. Tell it you have NiMh cells and it will automatically charge them switching off the charge when ready so no need to keep a watch on them, it beeps to let you know.
Jim

[Capt Podge]

Hi, give these guys a call https://www.componentshop.co.uk/


I called them recently regarding changing a couple of my boats over to Lipo batteries and they gave me a lot of sound advice. As a result I bought a charger that can deal with 4 batteries at a time - Lipo, nmh, nicad and lead acid and in any combination.
They really know there stuff 


Ray.

[Colin Bishop]

The old Graupner Multilader chargers could deal with several NiMH and lead acid cells simultaneously but not fast charging I think. Not sure if you can still get them.

Colin

[Fastelectrics]

This one should do the job but you will need a fairly chunky DC power supply if you want to power it from the mains.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/quad-4x6s-lithium-polymer-charger-400w-dc-only.html

[captain_reg]

Thanks all, that looks like it should get me sorted.


I assume a repurposed PC power supply of sufficient rating should do the trick as a DC supply at home, you got me thinking about in the car, but it seems like it might be too much for the cigarette lighter socket, unless anyone has tried that?


I'll definitely speak to component shop before choosing though


Regards
Richard

[Capt Podge]

Hi Richard, there's a few photos of the items I bought on my build log here https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,59223.375.html

Reply no. 389 on page 16

Expensive but well worth the money.
Hope you find what you're after anyway.


Ray.

[Fastelectrics]

I think much depends on the charge rate of your battery packs. A 500w ATX power supply should be OK they are generally able to supply up to 30A at 12v. Your car cigarette lighter should be rated at at least 10A although this will vary between different vehicles.  The manufacturer recommends a 20A PSU but if you charge your packs at lower currents you could get way with a less powerful supply.

[Bunkerbarge]

This is a superb battery charger and will do everything you want:


https://www.componentshop.co.uk/ultra-power-up-240ac-quad-charger.html

Give them a ring and see when they might be stocking them again.

[Stan]

I have the two version charger top notch piece of kit.

[Capt Podge]

This is a superb battery charger and will do everything you want:


https://www.componentshop.co.uk/ultra-power-up-240ac-quad-charger.html

Yes indeed - that's the very one I meant

[size=78%]Ray. [/size]

[Colin Bishop]

Not very available at the moment it would seem though.

Colin

[Capt Podge]

True enough Colin - had to wait nearly a month for mine. Well worth the wait though  .


Ray.