Selecting a Smart Charger

caferacer

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Joined
Apr 18, 2021
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2
Hi All,
I have been researching for a number of days/weeks in order to select a smart charger.
Just when I think I find a solution, I read other forums etc.. and start questioning again....
My requirement is for a pair of heated gloves, which I have got already but need to change the controller, battery type and rating as one glove is u/s.
So what I need is to charge the battery packs for each glove simultaneously and have a balanced charge (in both glove battery packs).
The battery pack for each glove is a 2S 8.4V with BMS (Samsung 2600mAh 2S1P IRC1865026J). I wanted the BMS for discharge.
As the gloves are being used together, they need to be re-charged at the same time.
I was looking at a ISDT T6 BattGo, but not sure if this will work or if I need a ParaBoard, or not, or a dual charger etc....?
I want a solution that is portable for travel (in luggage), so don't want anything too large or complicated.
Would appreciate any suggestions, comments....
Regards
 
Purchased through Amazon a year ago for $58 (now $86) ... https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Battery-Charger-Discharger-Li-ion/dp/B07SQTYH74 . The first was defective, but no problem returning it to Amazon and getting a replacement that has served me well. Only charge my 5S3P split packs at 1.5amp (retired so extra charge time is no problem). At 1.5amp setting the fan rarely comes on and then only for about 15 seconds. It also has an IR function. You can save a few dollars purchasing from Banggood or better yet AliExpress ($43) ... https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-htrc-t240-duo.html ... but if there's a problem could be a hassle with refund or replacement ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4dCaP-bm3c
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3007051-HTRC-chargers-T150-C240-and-H825/page2
 
caferacer said:
So what I need is to charge the battery packs for each glove simultaneously and have a balanced charge (in both glove battery packs).
I was looking at a ISDT T6 BattGo, but not sure if this will work or if I need a ParaBoard, or not, or a dual charger etc....?
I want a solution that is portable for travel (in luggage), so don't want anything too large or complicated.

eMark said:
Purchased through Amazon a year ago for $58 (now $86) ... https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Battery-Charger-Discharger-Li-ion/dp/B07SQTYH74 . The first was defective, but no problem returning it to Amazon and getting a replacement that has served me well. Only charge my 5S3P split packs at 1.5amp (retired so extra charge time is no problem). At 1.5amp setting the fan rarely comes on and then only for about 15 seconds. It also has an IR function. You can save a few dollars purchasing from Banggood or better yet AliExpress ($43) ... https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-htrc-t240-duo.html ... but if there's a problem could be a hassle with refund or replacement ?

Both those chargers are DC input requiring separate AC-DC converter, and would thus end up pretty large and complicated -- not portable.

Look for AC-input chargers.
If you do require balance charging, RDX1 Mini
For simultaneous, RDX2 Mini

I'm a strong proponent of balance charging, but even I wouldn't waste valuable luggage space on a balance charger for those cheap low-power packs. For luggage travel, just bring a good, low-current 8.4V series charger. Charge sequentially, or since they're used together (equal discharge), just parallel the packs (BMS permitting) and charge them in parallel. Then balance charge at home.
 
There have also been a number of Sony devices with external chargers that are 8.4v. If you look around for those, used, or NOS, they should work with your BMSed packs.

Here's a search that pulls up a number of them, though many of the results are for non-OEM versions, they should do the same job. Just verify before using that they do indeed output just 8.4v like they're supposed to. ;)

https://www.google.com/search?q=Sony+8.4v+charger
 
fatty said:
Both those chargers are DC input requiring separate AC-DC converter, and would thus end up pretty large and complicated -- not portable. Look for AC-input chargers.
Did you not see the AC power cord in the HTRC C240 Duo photo? ... https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Battery-Charger-Discharger-Li-ion/dp/B07SQTYH74 ... has an AC on/off power rocker switch in back. Another photo also shows the DC X60 receptacle on the side (charging in your vehicle. Because of it's popularity it's not in stock until June 18th.
fatty said:
If you do require balance charging, RDX1 Mini
It doesn't have provision for dual charging like that of the HTRC C240 Duo which could be an additional advantage for his application(s). The RDX1 Mini is $43 from Amazon ... https://www.amazon.com/Hitec-RCD-Inc-Charger-HRC44295/dp/B07ZDKT6BD/ref=pd_lpo_21_img_0/133-0305964-4383541?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07ZDKT6BD&pd_rd_r=01628832-e8f2-4a24-b6a4-a6bdc49f036b&pd_rd_w=JoVsa&pd_rd_wg=4DW0D&pf_rd_p=337be819-13af-4fb9-8b3e-a5291c097ebb&pf_rd_r=Y9SKZTSD3GB1E1HC2NBG&psc=1&refRID=Y9SKZTSD3GB1E1HC2NBG

Here's a popular choice ... https://www.amazon.com/SKYRC-LiIon-Battery-Charger-Discharger/dp/B01MZ1ZZ7Z/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=iMAX+B6+Charger&qid=1618871621&sr=8-6 ... priced at $45, but it's not a duo charger. If necessary get this 2S parallel charging board ($10))... https://www.amazon.com/Innovateking-Parallel-Charging-JST-PH2-0-Battery/dp/B07CBZM587/ref=psdc_2234135011_t1_B0041NYMBU

Here's another option at $25 (w/above 2S parallel charging board) ... https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/prophet-sport-mini-50w-multichemistry-charger/DYNC2030.html ... should be in stock at your local Horizon Hobbytown store. Also available through Amazon ... https://www.amazon.com/Dynamite-Prophet-Multichemistry-Charger-DYNC2030/dp/B07751LCYB ... Length: 2.7, Width: 4.3, Height: 1.6 inches
 
eMark said:
Did you not see the AC power cord in the HTRC C240 Duo photo? ... https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Battery-Charger-Discharger-Li-ion/dp/B07SQTYH74 ... has an AC on/off power rocker switch in back. Another photo also shows the DC X60 receptacle on the side (charging in your vehicle. Because of it's popularity it's not in stock until June 18th.
Ah, my mistake. Still bigger and heavier than the RDX2 Mini though, and 10A is overkill for those packs.

eMark said:
It doesn't have provision for dual charging like that of the HTRC C240 Duo which could be an additional advantage for his application(s).
RDX2 Mini does, as above.
 
fatty said:
Ah, my mistake. Still bigger and heavier than the RDX2 Mini though, and 10A is overkill for those packs.
That's why the Horizon Hobbytown may suffice for his application.
fatty said:
RDX2 Mini does, as above.
So does the HHt "Prophet" option at $25 with 5 year warranty may be all he needs (6 x 3.4 x 3.2 inches)... https://www.amazon.com/Dynamite-Prophet-Multichemistry-Charger-DYNC2030/dp/B07751LCYB/ref=pd_di_sccai_1?pd_rd_w=Gbhch&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=RM64FENHHS2124092059&pd_rd_r=d6b2c721-a689-483b-bc06-dc65bb639379&pd_rd_wg=TmfyV&pd_rd_i=B07751LCYB&psc=1 ... w/parallel accessory listed above or your parallel patch cable suggestion would suffice :thumb:
 
eMark said:
That's why the Horizon Hobbytown may suffice for his application.

So does the HHt "Prophet" option at $25 with 5 year warranty may be all he needs (6 x 3.4 x 3.2 inches)... https://www.amazon.com/Dynamite-Prophet-Multichemistry-Charger-DYNC2030/dp/B07751LCYB/ref=pd_di_sccai_1?pd_rd_w=Gbhch&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=RM64FENHHS2124092059&pd_rd_r=d6b2c721-a689-483b-bc06-dc65bb639379&pd_rd_wg=TmfyV&pd_rd_i=B07751LCYB&psc=1 ... w/parallel accessory listed above or your parallel patch cable suggestion would suffice :thumb:
Yep -- good finds!
 
Thanks for all the help on this,

I have come across some of the recommendations already, but being a novice in a new field, didn’t know what was good or bad so to speak. I also came across the Sony 8.4v DC AC charger but wasn’t sure if it would “manage the charge” as a smart charger would. Again, newbie comment...

So as I understand it with the Prophet charger, to charge both 2S packs simultaneously I would need a Parallel Board – correct?

And, the set-up would be qty 2, 2S packs (both wired individually in series), which for charging, both 2S packs get wired in parallel on the separate board - correct?

I see the Prophet charger has current selector, so what nominal current would be required when charging (a) 2S packs individually and then (b) in parallel, (each 2S battery pack is 2.6Ah)?

I see some of the parallel boards have fuses build in? Good idea?

How will the battery pack BMS affect the charging, does this hamper things, when using a smart charger? Only reason why I went for BMS to limit overly discharging?

Finally, I see some chargers like the Prophet do not state Li-Ion compatible, but I have read (on the Battery University website) “Charge and discharge characteristics of Li-polymer are identical to other Li-ion systems and do not require a dedicated charger”. So that would suggest Li-Po and Li-Ion can be assumed to be the same in selecting charging system?

Again, thank you all for your help.
 
Is there a local Horizon Hobbytown store within driving distance to bring your battery heated gloves and explain what you're hoping to accomplish? The one thing about the "Prophet" charger is the EC3 blue charge connector, so most likely you'd need to get an adapter to match to your battery charge connection.

Or just buy a separate banana plug charge cable with the same kind of charge connection as your glove battery. To charge both at the same time you would also need a paralleled charge patch cable which could be a problem to find or would have to buy two to make one paralleled charge cable yourself.

If at all possible talk to a Horizon Hobby techie (or another RC Hobby Store near you) for suggestions for keeping it as simple as possible. At only $25 buy two "Prophet" chargers. I think maybe that''s what i would do and purchase or make yourself the right charge adapter connector patch cables. Would be helpful if you could visit a RC Hobby store and talk with their techie to determine what charger would be a good match for what you're hoping to accomplish (assuming your batteries are Lipos).
 
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