Red, What would you buy?
01-13-2003, 08:06 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Have you tried the Graupner Ultramat 25. I just aquired one of these gems and I'm 1000% satisfied with it. It is a quick charger which charges from 1 to 25 cells, NiCd, NiMH and Pb cells. It has charges rate from 100ma to 5000ma selectable in 100ma intervals. Will charge, discharge, cycle, capacity test, balance. The delta peak sensitivity can be adjusted for Nicd and NiMH. I use 15mv for NiCd and 3mv for NiMH. Also has a safety timer which stops charging to prevent overcharge in cases where the delta peak fails to detect a peak. I have seen my batteries improve with each cycle and am confident now that I know exactly what each of my packs are doing.
It does have a few querks like only been able to charge 1 pack at a time. It also has a safety timer which only allows a 5hour charge max. I get round this by simply restarting once the timer kicks in. I seldom charge longer than 5hours anyway.
An absolute beauty with the high standard of german quality.
I would have aquired the alpha4 but after 2years of trying to get on the list i've just given up. In my opinion for the price this charger is the next best thing.
Hedley M.
It does have a few querks like only been able to charge 1 pack at a time. It also has a safety timer which only allows a 5hour charge max. I get round this by simply restarting once the timer kicks in. I seldom charge longer than 5hours anyway.
An absolute beauty with the high standard of german quality.
I would have aquired the alpha4 but after 2years of trying to get on the list i've just given up. In my opinion for the price this charger is the next best thing.
Hedley M.
01-13-2003, 08:49 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
It has two port. Port one can change up to 7amps, 1 to 30 cells I believe. The other can do 4 to 8 cells, but I couldn't figure out at what charge rate. If it will do up to .5 amp, you basically have half an Alpha 4. I've seen it in stock for $160 on the network.
For $320, you could have the same capabilities of the Alpha 4, for about $60 more and in two boxes instead of one. Pretty close for those that don't want to wait for the Alpha.
I have no idea what the user interface is like, but with only the 4 buttons, the design can be anything from ok, to nasty. Only using it for a while will tell.
Its worth investigating a bit more. I know I will.
For $320, you could have the same capabilities of the Alpha 4, for about $60 more and in two boxes instead of one. Pretty close for those that don't want to wait for the Alpha.
I have no idea what the user interface is like, but with only the 4 buttons, the design can be anything from ok, to nasty. Only using it for a while will tell.
Its worth investigating a bit more. I know I will.
01-15-2003, 02:43 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
The whole point of buying a Super Turbo,Super Nova or Triton type is you dont have to wait all night to charge anything.
It is just not an issue as you are not usually charging from FLAT nor are you charging for a set time.You are Peak charging
You only put in what you take out.
I have found that I can charge up 2 planes and the Tranny the day I go out to the field while having breakfast and ,if I take it with me ,charge at the field.
Note this is not at fast charge rates or it would be even quicker
It is just not an issue as you are not usually charging from FLAT nor are you charging for a set time.You are Peak charging
You only put in what you take out.
I have found that I can charge up 2 planes and the Tranny the day I go out to the field while having breakfast and ,if I take it with me ,charge at the field.
Note this is not at fast charge rates or it would be even quicker
01-15-2003, 03:29 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by AndyT
The whole point of buying a Super Turbo,Super Nova or Triton type is you dont have to wait all night to charge anything.
It is just not an issue as you are not usually charging from FLAT nor are you charging for a set time.You are Peak charging
You only put in what you take out.
I have found that I can charge up 2 planes and the Tranny the day I go out to the field while having breakfast and ,if I take it with me ,charge at the field.
Note this is not at fast charge rates or it would be even quicker
The whole point of buying a Super Turbo,Super Nova or Triton type is you dont have to wait all night to charge anything.
It is just not an issue as you are not usually charging from FLAT nor are you charging for a set time.You are Peak charging
You only put in what you take out.
I have found that I can charge up 2 planes and the Tranny the day I go out to the field while having breakfast and ,if I take it with me ,charge at the field.
Note this is not at fast charge rates or it would be even quicker
01-15-2003, 03:39 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
Is the super duper impossible to get gonna be any faster???
Doesnt seem like there is any answer at this time. I looked and getting 2 peakers was my answer.
Ps I like a full cooked one if "her in doors" is feeling kindly and I havent bought to much Rc stuff
Doesnt seem like there is any answer at this time. I looked and getting 2 peakers was my answer.
Ps I like a full cooked one if "her in doors" is feeling kindly and I havent bought to much Rc stuff
01-15-2003, 09:29 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
HI gents:
Well for some of you in this thread, the FMA's Einstein would suit your needs, it has TWO ports and can cahrge up to 12 cells per port (if i'm not mistaken), easy to use and care for.,
It is not a fast charger, it is a battery reconditioner (cycler) and for$100.00 it worht its weight.
Well for some of you in this thread, the FMA's Einstein would suit your needs, it has TWO ports and can cahrge up to 12 cells per port (if i'm not mistaken), easy to use and care for.,
It is not a fast charger, it is a battery reconditioner (cycler) and for$100.00 it worht its weight.
01-16-2003, 02:38 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by strato911
Can I borrow your seat?
I'd love to know where to sit to have one of those "fall into my lap "... 
Can I borrow your seat?
I'd love to know where to sit to have one of those "fall into my lap "...
01-16-2003, 05:11 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by sfaust
It has two port. Port one can change up to 7amps, 1 to 30 cells I believe. The other can do 4 to 8 cells, but I couldn't figure out at what charge rate. If it will do up to .5 amp, you basically have half an Alpha 4. I've seen it in stock for $160 on the network.
For $320, you could have the same capabilities of the Alpha 4, for about $60 more and in two boxes instead of one. Pretty close for those that don't want to wait for the Alpha.
I have no idea what the user interface is like, but with only the 4 buttons, the design can be anything from ok, to nasty. Only using it for a while will tell.
Its worth investigating a bit more. I know I will.
It has two port. Port one can change up to 7amps, 1 to 30 cells I believe. The other can do 4 to 8 cells, but I couldn't figure out at what charge rate. If it will do up to .5 amp, you basically have half an Alpha 4. I've seen it in stock for $160 on the network.
For $320, you could have the same capabilities of the Alpha 4, for about $60 more and in two boxes instead of one. Pretty close for those that don't want to wait for the Alpha.
I have no idea what the user interface is like, but with only the 4 buttons, the design can be anything from ok, to nasty. Only using it for a while will tell.
Its worth investigating a bit more. I know I will.
EdMan
01-16-2003, 05:16 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by EdMan
Where can this beast be found? Does it charge lithium?
EdMan
Where can this beast be found? Does it charge lithium?
EdMan
01-16-2003, 05:35 PM
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CirrusCycle Pro?
I can't believe that with 35 posts on this thread I saw no mention of this guy.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/review/350370man.htm
Granted it's limited to Nicads and a 1 amp charge rate, but that's what most of us need.....isn't it?
http://www.hobbypeople.net/review/350370man.htm
Granted it's limited to Nicads and a 1 amp charge rate, but that's what most of us need.....isn't it?
01-16-2003, 10:54 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Just my 2Cs but its 2003 and anything that wont charge NIMH correctly for over $100 is a rip off. The technology is there and its very cheap.
01-17-2003, 01:28 AM
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Re: CirrusCycle Pro?
Originally posted by vinnie
I can't believe that with 35 posts on this thread I saw no mention of this guy.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/review/350370man.htm
Granted it's limited to Nicads and a 1 amp charge rate, but that's what most of us need.....isn't it?
I can't believe that with 35 posts on this thread I saw no mention of this guy.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/review/350370man.htm
Granted it's limited to Nicads and a 1 amp charge rate, but that's what most of us need.....isn't it?
I just ordered the Cirrus Cycle PRO ... good enough ... tired of looking ... geez ... no adaptor needed ... AC/DC ... cool
And I'll just wait for one of those ALPHA 4's to fall in my lap!
01-17-2003, 03:18 AM
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and the winner is...
Good choice Mr. Dawg, and it's way prettier than the Einstein. Plus, we don't need no stinkin NIMH or Lithamums.
LONG LIVE NICADS!!
LONG LIVE NICADS!!
01-17-2003, 06:14 AM
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Ahhh ... but it does do NiMh ...
Originally posted by AndyT
Just my 2Cs but its 2003 and anything that wont charge NIMH correctly for over $100 is a rip off. The technology is there and its very cheap.
Just my 2Cs but its 2003 and anything that wont charge NIMH correctly for over $100 is a rip off. The technology is there and its very cheap.
and unlike the Triton ... you don't need to build or buy a DC power supply ... and Red (hopefully) won't need to write a Manual for Dummies on it <crossing fingers> ...
So you can invest your two cents in some chewing gum ...
<kidding>
But then again ... you can keep those NiMh! I have only used NiCds as long as I can remember ... never had a need for anything else ...
Thanks for the input ...
Thanks Vinne ... but if it turns out to be crap ... I send Uncle Vito and da boyz to pays uz ah visit ...
01-17-2003, 06:45 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Dont suppose you would use lithium then???
A Super vTurbo is about $ 100 and so is a Super Nova plus the dc power supply = 135 +/- $ 10 .
I agree that the Triton is somewhat difficult to understand.
Both of the others are pretty easy and I had to look up a couple of things like adjusting the Peak cutoff but thats all and once the batteries are broken in hitting charge is about all it takes.
The S Nova even charges 12v flight box batteries.
the LHS has another new one from Horizon for about $69 that seems pretty capable and does Nimh and Nicads
So there is more coming out all the time.......maybe the price will be going down.
I am only critisizing the Cirrus and its like because the cost of the extra circuitry is in the few dollar range and I see no reason why they couldnt add it and make these units a little more flexible.
A Super vTurbo is about $ 100 and so is a Super Nova plus the dc power supply = 135 +/- $ 10 .
I agree that the Triton is somewhat difficult to understand.
Both of the others are pretty easy and I had to look up a couple of things like adjusting the Peak cutoff but thats all and once the batteries are broken in hitting charge is about all it takes.
The S Nova even charges 12v flight box batteries.
the LHS has another new one from Horizon for about $69 that seems pretty capable and does Nimh and Nicads
So there is more coming out all the time.......maybe the price will be going down.
I am only critisizing the Cirrus and its like because the cost of the extra circuitry is in the few dollar range and I see no reason why they couldnt add it and make these units a little more flexible.
01-17-2003, 07:50 PM
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AndyT ...
You're probably right ...
I was just getting tired of tring to figure out which of the chargers would be best ...
I only use Nicads ... And came to the conclusion that every one of them have good and bad things said about them ...
All of them do Nicads ... some seem easier to understand than others ...
I just figured since Red never chimed in ... and have read every thread in Batterys & chargers ... It didn't seem like it was worth the hassle any more ...
I would like the Alpha 4 .... but since its a mythical charger ... meaning only those who have the time, money, patience & LUCK to order one ... get it ... I have 3 of the 4 ....
So the link made it too easy ... I was weak ... I saw ... I bought.
I was just getting tired of tring to figure out which of the chargers would be best ...
I only use Nicads ... And came to the conclusion that every one of them have good and bad things said about them ...
All of them do Nicads ... some seem easier to understand than others ...
I just figured since Red never chimed in ... and have read every thread in Batterys & chargers ... It didn't seem like it was worth the hassle any more ...
I would like the Alpha 4 .... but since its a mythical charger ... meaning only those who have the time, money, patience & LUCK to order one ... get it ... I have 3 of the 4 ....
So the link made it too easy ... I was weak ... I saw ... I bought.
01-17-2003, 09:58 PM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by vinnie
LONG LIVE NICADS!! [/B]
LONG LIVE NICADS!!
[/B]
All the more reason to get a charger that can support the newer technologies (NiMh & Li-Ion) if you're looking to make a long-term investment.
I'll look this evening if I can find the source, and I'l post it if I can find it.
01-18-2003, 12:16 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
Dawg
your not the only one!!! All I want is a little peace of mind before I launch $ 1000 plus.
In the last couple of months I have witnessed 4 lost planes due to batteries not being correctly charged or failed and Pilot not aware because " I charged it all night".
I see FMA has a new charger on their web site dont know much about it but it includes an AC adapter might want to give them a call.
www.fmadirect.com
your not the only one!!! All I want is a little peace of mind before I launch $ 1000 plus.
In the last couple of months I have witnessed 4 lost planes due to batteries not being correctly charged or failed and Pilot not aware because " I charged it all night".
I see FMA has a new charger on their web site dont know much about it but it includes an AC adapter might want to give them a call.
www.fmadirect.com
01-18-2003, 12:38 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by strato911
I hate to burst your bubble, but I have read somewhere that a regulatory board (EPA?) has ruled that no more NiCd batteries will be manufactured in a few years. I think the cut-off date is 2006.
I hate to burst your bubble, but I have read somewhere that a regulatory board (EPA?) has ruled that no more NiCd batteries will be manufactured in a few years. I think the cut-off date is 2006.
Thats amazing. Reminds me of the fuel magnets that increase your gas mileage by 300%. Those things are still for sale, and people still by them!
01-18-2003, 12:48 AM
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Can I get an Amen brother!
My biggest fear is battery failure ...
I may only fly 2o to 30 munites on a weekend ...
then I leave the receiver and transmitter on for about 4 hours before I go to bed ...
And charge the on a friday night till saturday morning ... 10 to 12 hour charge ...
However ... sometimes I have forgot to turn of the curcuits and wake up to a totally dead pack ... not good ...
I am concerned about the quality of my packs now ... hence the urgent need for a cycler and conditioner ... I would hate to lose my baby do to weak signals!
I may only fly 2o to 30 munites on a weekend ...
then I leave the receiver and transmitter on for about 4 hours before I go to bed ...
And charge the on a friday night till saturday morning ... 10 to 12 hour charge ...
However ... sometimes I have forgot to turn of the curcuits and wake up to a totally dead pack ... not good ...
I am concerned about the quality of my packs now ... hence the urgent need for a cycler and conditioner ... I would hate to lose my baby do to weak signals!
01-18-2003, 03:00 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
well forget the Fma one I just read the review and Reds comments....probably a one to pass although it supposedly does what it claims Li, Nimh and Nicads discharge/charge but max 800ma charge for Nimh/cads made by MAHA
01-18-2003, 04:01 AM
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Red, What would you buy?
Originally posted by sfaust
That rumor is still floating around? no more NiCd batteries will be manufactured in a few years Thats amazing. Reminds me of the fuel magnets that increase your gas mileage by 300%. Those things are still for sale, and people still by them!
That rumor is still floating around?
no more NiCd batteries will be manufactured in a few years Thats amazing. Reminds me of the fuel magnets that increase your gas mileage by 300%. Those things are still for sale, and people still by them!