sfaust
Posts: 1789
Joined: 9/6/2002
From: Boston,
MA, USA
Status: offline
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by doubleloop
I just can't understand the fuss with so many good cyclers around that will more than do the trick for us modelers. If they don't want to expand, then let them keep their charger. I, for one will not participate in that game that they are playing. Many people think that the more that it costs, and the harder it is to get, makes it better. NO WAY [/QUOTE]
I wish I could say that was the reason people wanted them so bad. However, it isn't. The charger fills a need that doesn't exist elsewhere in a single charger.
That need, is the requirement to charge the larger aerobatic planes with 3 and 4 batteries, whether its NiCad or NiMH, all in one package that is easy to use. This doesn't exist in other chargers, unless you pay lots or, or buy multiple charger.
Consider this. You are at a contest or event. You have two planes that need to be charged and turned around for the next day. You also have your transmitter that needs to be charged. You want to setup a charger, then leave it, and not be a slave to the charger moving it from one battery to the next until they are all done. Basically, you have 9 batteries that need to be all charged and ready for the next days flying.
With dual Alpha's, all one needs to do is connect everything up at the end of flying, and go have dinner then retire to the camper for the night. In the morning everything will be ready.
With one Alpha, they can setup one plane/transmitter at the end of flying, then move the charger to the other plane just before going to sleep. In the morning, everything will be ready.
If you don't have an alpha, you either need 4 or more dual port chargers, or a more expensive 4 port charger. I've looked at every conceivable option available, and have yet to find something that will be as useful, easy, and versatile as the Alpha.
I am not defending Litco, as I think they suck as a business.
And when I do find an alternative, I'm going to be the first do dump the Alpha's solely based on the pains Litco goes through to make life difficult for its customers. No check, no credit cards, or order list, must send an e-mail within a 2 minute window, no confirmation or response if you are not 'accepted' on the list, very short warranty period, must send you payment within a specific window or you're order is canceled, no phone calls, and an order cycle of 6 months (ie, 3 month wait to get on the list, 3 months for your item to ship).
If they didn't fill a very specific need, they wouldn't still be in business. Once competition enters the scene, I estimate their order list with dry up once the word gets around.
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Stephen
http://www.StephenFaust.com/giantscalerc - My Hangar
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