all in one charger/cycler???  
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> all in one charger/cycler???
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all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/1/2002 11:28:32 AM   
MHawker



Posts: 2581
Joined: 3/1/2002
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Does anyone make a charger/cycler that not only charges your RX TX packs, but also the 12 volt battery in the field box? As well as cycles/discharges the TX and RX.

The ideal one would be the above unit that would charge off of AC/DC and would quick charge at the field.

Any ideas?

_____________________________

Mike

Anyone know any good blonde jokes? I'll start- "There was this blonde customer service rep..... "
       Post #: 1

all in one - 4/1/2002 4:10:15 PM   
RC Accessory



Posts: 612
Joined: 12/7/2001
From: Tampa, FL, USA
Status: offline 		The Litco Alpha 4.

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 2

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/1/2002 8:17:57 PM   
howardm4


 

Posts: 119
Joined: 12/31/2001
Status: offline 		Alot/many of the newer units will do everything you ask
plus do Lithium and have multiple charging algorithms.

You can look at the SuperNova, SuperTurbo, Orbit, Schulz
and then the gaggle of lowcost Asian units.

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 3

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 12:23:43 AM   
MHawker



Posts: 2581
Joined: 3/1/2002
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Evan,

Does RC Accesory sell this Litco? I tried the search function, but it only came up with an adapter.

Thank you for your suggestion. That appears to be the one that would fit all of my current (pun intended) and future needs.

Mike

_____________________________

Mike

Anyone know any good blonde jokes? I'll start- "There was this blonde customer service rep..... "

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 4

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 5:00:44 AM   
TopShelf



Posts: 648
Joined: 12/6/2001
From: West Linn, OR, USA
Status: offline 		Only Litco sells the Alpha 4. I have one and it's the only charger I need to use. If you fly a lot of electric stuff it's not the greatest as it's output is 1amp Maximum. Other than that, you can cycle, test and charge virtually any kind of NiCD pack as well gel cells. They are very difficult to purchase as Litco is in chronic back log.

Here is the web address: http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys/

I just checked their backlog status and the list is opening again on 4/11. So, if you jump on first thing (and I mean first thing) in the morning on the 11th, you could place your order. The list generally fills up in a matter of an hour.

< Message edited by TopShelf-RCU -- Apr 2 2002 12:06AM >

_____________________________

He Who is a Slave to the Compass has the Freedom of the Sky.
www.TopShelfRC.com

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 5

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 5:33:44 AM   
MHawker



Posts: 2581
Joined: 3/1/2002
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Status: offline 		WOW! thanks for the heads up. I'll put a post it on my computer now.

_____________________________

Mike

Anyone know any good blonde jokes? I'll start- "There was this blonde customer service rep..... "

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 6

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 6:42:10 AM   
Vince


 

Posts: 1650
Joined: 2/2/2002
From: Nederland, Tx.
Status: offline 		I would not recommend purchasing the Litco. I have one that is about four or five years old. I had an occasion to open it up for a repair, and was shocked at what I found. It looked as if it were a breadbox project of some kid. Components were placed at all sorts of random angles, no symmetry at all. I frankly expected a more professionally constructed unit for this kind of money. Don't get me wrong, I still use my Litco, and I love it....but, I have since purchased three Sirius chargers to fill in where the Litco cannot.

If I were you, I would spend that $200+ on several good chargers. I do not include any Hobbico chargers in the definition of good.

Vince

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 7

The Litco is a good unit. - 4/2/2002 7:23:59 AM   
zero244


 

Posts: 176
Joined: 1/19/2002
From: Mcminnville, OR, USA
Status: offline 		For what it does..........If you want an all around quality charger that almost does it all. I would suggest the SuperTurbo, the SuperNova has fallen short of the Superturbo but would still be a better choice than the Alpha 4. The Alpha 4 will not charge large mah packs fast enough unless your willing to wait 1 to 2 hours.
The last time I was at the Litco web page.........they are not even taking orders till June and thats if you get on there waiting list now.
The fact that the inside of the Alpha 4 is a bit rough on the edges
doesnt mean its not a quality charger.
What really matters is that the components are quality and the design is solid.

If you want to fast field charge large packs at the field the Alpha is not going to be the charger you need.

I still have one of Litco's Multi-cycle chargers that I bought 15 years ago and it still works fine. Its a very accurate overnight charger\cycler. The Alpha 4 is a very good accurate unit.

If you order one today...........you wont get it till October. You can buy 2.5 Superturbos for the price of a Alpha 4.
I realize they are not mass produceing these units, but it seems odd that they cant keep up with demand. In the process they are losing hundreds of sales.

It really depends what kind and size batteries you will be charging. Take a close look at the features of the different chargers. Look to your future needs as well...........if your planning on getting into electrics.........you will need a high amp charger. If all you want to charge is your rx and tx the Alpha 4 will work great, so will the Sirius Pro and several other chargers.


_____________________________

Happy Thermaling !!!

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 8

ok, I'm lost - 4/2/2002 9:17:46 AM   
MHawker



Posts: 2581
Joined: 3/1/2002
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Zero, (or anyone with other insight)

Basically what I'm trying to avoid is having to buy a field charger, a home charger, a cycler, and a 12volt field box battery charger. And I would like it to operate on both AC and DC. (good thing I'm not picky, huh?! ha ha ha)

I am only in need of charging/cycling 2 RX's and 2 TX's along with the once a month or ?? to charge my box battery. But my need may increase as I get more into the hobby. No electrics......yet.

I would like to charge the TX's and RX's (both sets) at the same time. ie come back from flying two planes with two TX's and hook them both up for the next morning.

Thanks everyone for your insight.

_____________________________

Mike

Anyone know any good blonde jokes? I'll start- "There was this blonde customer service rep..... "

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 9

That Narrows The Field Way Down !!!! - 4/2/2002 9:58:23 AM   
zero244


 

Posts: 176
Joined: 1/19/2002
From: Mcminnville, OR, USA
Status: offline 		If you want to charge two tx and two rx packs at the same time.........except for the very expensive German units I think Evan is right.......the Alpha 4 is about your only choice.

And it would probably do the job for you.

I was just at there site...........they are taking orders this month. You might want to get on the list for an order.

Let us know what you think of it, if you decide to get one.


_____________________________

Happy Thermaling !!!

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 10

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 8:43:48 PM   
TopShelf



Posts: 648
Joined: 12/6/2001
From: West Linn, OR, USA
Status: offline 		MHawker,

Based on your criteria, I think the Alpha 4 is your best choice. If you have large packs though, as zero states, it will take a while to charge at the field.

_____________________________

He Who is a Slave to the Compass has the Freedom of the Sky.
www.TopShelfRC.com

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 11

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 8:58:07 PM   
bkf



Posts: 1508
Joined: 1/5/2002
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Status: offline 		Because you guys know about chargers could you post the names and websites for the major ones that I should look at while in toledo. I busy as heck trying to get all the RCU stuff ready to go there,
Thanks Bkf

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 12

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/2/2002 10:34:41 PM   
Jazzy



Posts: 1106
Joined: 1/8/2002
From: Erie, PA, USA
Status: offline 		MHawker, The units mentioned in Howardm4's post will work ok for your criteria.
I have two Supernovas and it only takes a half hour or so to top off each pack after flying.
There are several ways to fully charge your packs without having to buy, and sometimes wait for, a charger/cycler that'll do everything you want it to do.
I assume, (gee, I hate to assume), that you have the wall warts that came with your systems. Just plug'em in when you get home and the packs will be ready for the next day. Check out the Battery Clinic for tips about using wall warts.
I currently have 6 wall warts, 2 Supernovas, 1 Accucycle, 1 Hobbico Quick Peak, 1 Glowbee Ni-starter charger, and an older Hobbico 6-8 cell adjustable current timed charger. I also have the peak charger that came with my park flyer but, it is basically just a battery toaster. With a little ingenuity, I can use all of my chargers in the vehicle, at the field, and at home.
The more time you spend in this hobby the more devices you'll accumulate. I use all of my chargers for different applications. Diversity can be a good thing.

Someday the electronics guys will get together with the computer programers and come up with a device with software that'll do everything anyone could want and have an optional kitchen sink.

_____________________________

Aww $#!^.... I left the )@#& transmitter at home!

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 13

Go to Google.com - 4/3/2002 6:11:20 AM   
zero244


 

Posts: 176
Joined: 1/19/2002
From: Mcminnville, OR, USA
Status: offline 		And do a search for Sirius...........SuperTurbo...........SuperNova.............Einstein and the Alpha 4...................look at what these chargers have to offer. You will have to decide which one is best for your needs. I have a Sirius Pro.......the Sirius Supertest..... 2 Superturbo's and Litco Multi-Cycle and I use my WallWart that came with my radio. I use all these chargers from time to time. Overall the SuperTurbo is the most versital.............it does require a dc powersupply or a Car battery to operate.

There are some others worth looking at too.........the Infinity is a very good versital charger too. A lot depends on how much you want to spend and how many different batteries you plan to charge.


_____________________________

Happy Thermaling !!!

(in reply to MHawker)
       Post #: 14

all in one charger/cycler??? - 4/3/2002 6:51:47 AM   
Vince


 

Posts: 1650
Joined: 2/2/2002
From: Nederland, Tx.
Status: offline 		Something you might consider for your 12v field box battery, is the "Battery Tender Jr." It is a 12v battery charger/trickle that is a little bigger than a wall wart. It will charge your 12v field battery, then switch to a float charge. No fumbling with other chargers. I just plug it in when I get home and forget it until the next flying session, works great and doesn't tie up my other chargers. If you shop around on the internet you can find them for $30 plus shipping. I noticed this months Model Aviation has an ad in it for one for $39.95 (too much IMO).

Website is [url]www.batterytender.com.[/url]

Vince

(in reply to MHawker)