1S lipo charger???

[Dougelove]

I have a X4 quad, (3.4v@380mah20C) however the "charger" requires a PC USB for power & well over an hour!!. This is not always possible. So I'm looking for an alternative wall charger to suit. Any advice? I have a Imax B4 but I believe this is 2S up.
I was thinking of an old phone charger adapted to incorporate a USB Female end to plug the "charger" into. I know USB is 5v. The Nokia charger I have is 4.5v @ 350mah, will this suffice? Has anybody got a 5v 380mah old plug? OR am I way off? Any advice appreciated. Many Thanks.

[sparkyboy22]

If you use any other charger then charging at 350mah will still take an hour+.

If you are just trying to avoid using the computer as a power supply then all you need is something like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...BA7KUQ3XJDBCQT

The charger you plug into it will still supply the correct charging current.

[sosidge]

Please don't go down the route of trying to bodge a phone charger to suit.

In RC we are lucky enough to have a wide range of chargers that monitor the cells properly and give you a safe, fast charge.

You can get a mains powered charger that will cope with pretty much any battery you can think of and give you a full readout of what is happening for under £50 from most UK shops.

[Dougelove]

Sparky thanks! I have 2or3 of those kicking around!! Didn't think I could use them as the OP is 2.5 & 5mah! So I can safely use this with the original usb charger then? Thanks.
Sosidge- Point noted & taken! I have a genuine imax b6 (yes it was hard to get!!) can I use this with a microT connector direct banana plug input?

I am aware that you can't rush charging Lipos unless you want fireworks!!

Therefore time is no issue (I now have 7 1s's thanks to a bargain misspelled find on eBay).

I merely want to eliminate firing up the PC or laptop every time.

Thanks guys I'll await your response. Cheers.

[sparkyboy22]

I think sosidge's concern is because your original post did sound a bit like you were going to try and charge the lipo direct from the power source.

So if you have a proper charger that plugs into a pc USB port then it will be fine running off a usb plug socket.

If you have a proper rc charger that runs off 12v they don't specify that they will only work to a maximum of a 400w power supply or a 500w power supply.

This is all you are doing, providing a power supply for your charger.


To bring in another option, if your b6 does 2s then make up a charging cable that links up two of your batteries and balance charge them on the b6 and you can charge 2 at once as long as you can lower the charge current enough.

[Dougelove]

Thanks all understood.
Next question. How do I connect/make a balance lead for multiple 1s?
Much appreciated
Cheers.

[Col]

http://www.banggood.com/4-In-1-X4-Ba...-p-933932.html

http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-Wa...y-p-68437.html

Slowboat from china, but the second one gives you a big clue on how to build your own - this is exactly what I built to charge my 1s cells from my V262

[Dougelove]

Something like this?
Cheers for the info guys.
Much appreciated

[sparkyboy22]

I think the main positive and negative from the deans just needs to be connected to either end of the batteries in series.

The balance connector looks right to me.

[Dougelove]

Yes the switch was incorporated to select 2-6 cell. Stolen from Google! In the post it was advised to get a "break before make" switch to avoid accidents but I'm going for a straight 6 or 4 lead. No switch required! Theoretically my b6 will automatically recognise them and charge accordingly.

On the subject of b6, my 99p Guangzhou psu popped last time I used it! Charger fine - using the car ATM! That'll teach me. Any recommendations for a UK variety?
Cheers

[sparkyboy22]

I use the 200w fusion for my tyre truer.
My charger runs off the mains.

http://rcshopsearch.co.uk/?s=Power+supply+200w

[Dougelove]

Cool beans. On order. Ta

[Dougelove]

Thanks guys. Made some balance leads and got a fusion psu. What's a safe amperage to balAnce charge 3x 380mah 1S?

[Col]

3x380=1.1amps.
Or charge individually at .3amps

[sparkyboy22]

If your balance charging them your charger should be set to a 3s battery and charge at .3 amps.