Show Suggestion from a beginner.

Brandini

Junior Member
Hey Guys, love the show. I've taken a rather long break from the RC hobby and am now starting to get back into it and specifically RC Planes. Would it be possible to do an episode on batteries and balance chargers? I'm looking at gear to buy and honestly I get a little overwhelmed when it comes to the options of batteries and chargers. It would be extremely helpful to me, and I'm sure others, if someone explained the different options available and what the difference is between the chargers and batteries.

Cheers,
Brandon
 

Ak Flyer

Fly the wings off
Mentor
Ditto, the Accucell 6 is my charger of choice and most everyone I know. Best bang for the buck. It can be a little confusing at first but once you get it it's super easy and will charge anything you've got.

What are you trying to power? Most of us have a plethora of planes and helis so we can give lots of advice on battery selection.

As for power supplies, this is the one I'm going to get when they come back in stock. I was referred to these in another thread on this forum.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Quality_16A_Power_Supply_180_240V_220W_.html

This should run two or more Accucell 6's no problem.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._6_50W_6A_Balancer_Charger_w_accessories.html
 

Brandini

Junior Member
Thank you for your replies bicyclemonkey and Ak Flyer and that is definitely a charger I am looking at purchasing. I am confused on a few points though...

Would I have to get a separate power supply for the charger? I can't just plug it into the wall? Are there any balance chargers that come with a power supply that are adequate?

I'm not kidding when I say I'm a true beginner. My only experience in the RC world is several years ago with nitro powered cars. Electric is a whole new beast for me. Thank you guys so much for your help.


Cheers,
Brandon
 

earthsciteach

Moderator
Moderator
For some reason most chargers do not come with an AC wall plug. They are provided with alligator clips to attached to a car battery. Some do. Mine did not. I had a wall charger from my Horizon Hobby Super Cub. I simply cut off the alligator clips and the end of the Cubby charger. Then, just spliced the wires together. Works great.

You can do the same with many AC to DC wall plugs, as long as the output is 12 to 14 volts and an adequate amount of amperage.

And, yes, some programmable chargers do come with wall adapters. Here's one: http://www.hobbypartz.com/thac6smbachw.html
 

Ak Flyer

Fly the wings off
Mentor
I also use my super cub power supply but it's not enough to charge my 2200's at 2.2 amps.

Like was said earlier, most chargers only come equipped for 12 vdc use off of car batteries. You can buy ones that are basically automatic but they are limited and expensive.