[NSRCA-discussion] 10s LiPo Charger Recommendation

[Scott McHarg]

Jerry,

I still have my original CellPro 10S that I bought in 2010 and have since
purchased a 10XP.  I put in a good chunk of flights per year and have had
exceptional fortune with these chargers.  The only thing I've done is
replace the fan.  For Christmas last year, I wanted to try the Graupner
Polaron chargers so I put it on the list.  I wound up getting the AC/DC one
for Christmas.  On 15V, I can charge 2 5S packs at 6 amps no problem.  If
I'm on AC power, the onboard power supply isn't quite as good and winds up
charging at 4 amps.  There are several versions out there that are capable
of charging more cells at higher amps as well.  I don't think that you can
charge straight off the balance boards like you can with the CellPros but
the graphing information is top notch.  It has many, many different
functions as well including programming ESCs (I haven't tried this out
yet).  Graupner updates the firmware frequently and brings new
possibilities to the table every time.  It is a bit of a pain to update the
firmware as 3 files are needed but it's only a pain because the update
fails sometimes and you have to repeat the part that failed and it's only a
couple clicks of the mouse to make that happen.  It's at least worth a look.

Hobbico/Tower Hobbies carries them and, like Mike, are a huge supporter and
advertiser with the NSRCA.  Here's a link if you'd like to check it out and
there are several videos on YouTube to get an idea.  I really do like mine.
  http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=Graupner+charger


*Scott A. McHarg*
VSCL / CANVASS U.A.S. Research Pilot
Texas A&M University
PPL - ASEL

On Thu, Oct 8, 2015 at 7:50 AM, RJ Bohn via NSRCA-discussion <
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:

> Here's my setup... Two server PSs running two TP 820s.  The TPs won't
> charge 10s packs but with dual ports they charge two 5S 5000 packs.  I
> built the thing with the help of a friend with a CNC machine.  All of this
> in a Pelican Storm Case.  Just need 120AC.
>
> Rich
>
> IP Mail
>
> > On Oct 8, 2015, at 08:22, Randy Forbus via NSRCA-discussion <
> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> >
> > The power lab 8 is a good charger, little more than you want to pay
> though.
> >
> > ________________________________________
> > From: NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org> on
> behalf of Budd Engineering via NSRCA-discussion <
> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
> > Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2015 9:59 AM
> > To: List NSRCA-list
> > Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] 10s LiPo Charger Recommendation
> >
> > Hi all, I’m in need of some advice/suggestions for a new LiPo charger
> for 10s packs.
> >
> > For the past several years I’ve used CellPro-10S chargers with good
> results.  However recently one of my CellPro-10s' emitted the dreaded
> “magic smoke” when I connected a 10s pack for charging.  This also happened
> at the Nats 3 years ago, fortunately Mike M. from F3AU was there with
> inventory and I was able to purchase a replacement charger and press on.
> However, after having a second one give up the ghost a few weeks ago (and
> after not many charge cycles - I don’t fly very much), I’m interested in
> exploring other options.
> >
> >
> > To try to add some focus to this here’s my search constraints:
> >
> > 1.  It must be able to charge each cell individually through the balance
> connector, and give me a relative readout of each cell’s condition compared
> to the other 9 cells.
> >
> > 2.  I’m not interested in chargers that have separate balancers from the
> charger (e.g. like the TP1010C).
> >
> > 3.  Reliability and value are important, as is ease of use.
> >
> > 4.  Cost no more than a replacement CellPro 10XP (<$180), unless a
> single charger can charge two 10s packs simultaneously, then I’d consider
> spending a bit more.
> >
> > 5.  Customer service matters, if I can buy it through F3A Unlimited,
> that would be a PLUS.
> >
> >
> > With this in mind does anyone have a suggestion for what chargers I
> should consider?
> >
> >
> > I don’t get out much these days so it’s difficult to see what everyone’s
> using that works well.  So I really do appreciate everyone’s help with this.
> >
> > Thx, Jerry
> > _______________________________________________
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