There are two chargers in that pic, one Quick Field Charger MKII, and one Electrifly/GP PolyCharge. The batteries are two TP1320's, with their associated TP205 balancers. The MKII does indeed support LiPo batteries, there's a mode on the charger for such on each charging channel (it supports two independant charging cycles). However, I'd have to say that I was a little unhappy with the fact that the MKII has a hardwired charging mA rating for LiPos, as opposed to NiCads or NMh. The dials on the front of the charger are supposed to allow you to adjust the charging mA rating, however when the Unit is in LiPo mode, it ignores the dial and charges at 1000mA with the 'Constant' parameters required for 'proper' LiPo charging. I have the balancers connected throughout the charging cycle directly to the batteries, and I can monitor the voltage of the batteries directly on the charger itself. It seems to work well, although I have found that the MKII does not seem to charge the 'entire' pack (Meaning equal voltage for each cell across all cells) enough to trigger the 'Done' alert from the TP205 balancers before it stops its charging cycle automatically.

The Electrifly/GP Polycharge however I would say does a darn fine job, if not too good of one (a tad on the overcharged side perhaps). When I use the PolyCharge to charge up the TP1320's at 1000mA, it takes about an hour, and the balancer chimes right up and yells 'Done' without issue. About ten minutes later the PolyCharge throws out it's 'I'm Done!' alert too, and shuts down the charging sequence. The balancer never reports an overcharged state, however it is obvious that the two devices are not looking at the batteries from the same perspective.

The results from both chargers in regards to operating time for the Axe on full charge seems to be the same.

I'd have to say that I'm a little concerned that the ThunderPower balancer does not tell me the ThunderPower battery is fully charged and balanced when running on the MKII charger. My DMM reports voltages in the proper ranges off the charger, but, honestly, I haven't gone and tested the voltages from cell to cell to examine the variances.

The MKII I picked up from Tower, I want to say it was in the upper 40-50$ range. You'll need bananna plug adapters for whatever battery connectors you use. The PolyCharge I picked up at my LHS for about 30-35$ and it has a JST connector on it. I've built/tapped/replaced all connectors with UltraDeans assemblies for all, and everything seems to be working well.

The batteries are ThunderPower (TP)1320mAh batteries, 50$+, and the balancers are TP205's, 50$+/-.

Here's a companion thread for this thought: 'What LiPo/Charger is everyone Running?'
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_52...mpage_1/tm.htm

FYI, my 12v power source for my chargers are either (1.a) The 12v Terminal taps I installed in my car w/Bananna Plug options and/or (1.b) a spare Cig. Lighter adapter for portabilty, or (2) my 250w Desktop computer power supply, off a spare MOLEX, Yellow & Black. Works just fine, though the amperage output might not be enough for some of the more powerfull chargers out there, but for 1000mA/1amp to 2amp charging rates, it's more than enough horsepower.

Cheers and Safe flying/charging!