iCharger 206B - charger dangerous FAILURE

[El_Steak]

I was charging a string of 10 NiMh batteries at 2.0amps, using a 15V / 5amps powersupply when I accidently bumped the alligator clip connector on the - side of the string. (no shorts, the clips are covered in silicone)

The battery got disconnected and the charger displayed "connection failure" or something like that. I just reconnected the alligator clip without unpluging / replugging the charger and there was a fairly big spark on the connector. The display on the charger died and I started smelling burned electronics.

I quickly yanked the power supply cable out. The charger was boiling hot at that point. A little longer and it would have probably bursted into flames. If I reconnect the power supply, the charger becomes really hot again in seconds.

I think that speedebikes got a fairly similar problem with an iCharger 208b back in November (replugged after an error without a reset). http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14457&p=215770

Another member also almost set his garage on fire with an iCharger that burst into flames.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=10817&hilit=icharger&start=645#p213518

I fear that charger more than my LiPos now...

 

[El_Steak]

Well at least HobbyKing did good on their exchange policy. I sent them back the charger (15$ by slow boat) and they shipped me a new one today no questions asked.