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Old 01-03-2010 | 11:12 AM
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Anthony-RCU
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From: Ossining, NY
Default RE: Battery Charging for Pattern

ORIGINAL: gaRCfield


I was getting confused as to how to get the different balance plugs to the charger; I was under the impression that each charger would have it's own balance board, and adapters would be needed between the batteries and the charger's balance board. ProgressiveRC's site shows that different balance boards are available specifically for the i1010 charger.


Hi Joe,
I spent a little time on Progressive's site. Lots of good info there. If I wasn't already commited I would probably try the 1010B+. Most charger manufacturers, that don't sell batteries, will sell adapter boards that fit the jack in their charger. Each battery company uses a different balance plug to make things confusing. What iCharge has is a board that will fit into their charger and one particular battery type. The plugs also change with cell count so that board will fit everything from 2s through 6s. The cool thing is it looks like the iCharge adapters also allow you to plug in multiple packs! So to charge two 5s packs you only need one adapter or three 2s packs , etc. With my FMA I had to get an adapter for each pack although their adapter boards fit two kinds of batteries.

So when you order your charger you will need to order the adapter board for the batteries you intend to use. If you have several brands of batteries then you will need several boards. Hope that helps it was a lot of typing.

Sounds like your practice routine is similar to mine. I have seen several guys charge off of a running car and probably will work fine to get you started. I don't like the wear on my car and since I fly alone most of the time I want to make sure my car will start when it is time to go home. A local guy did short a pack while it was charging under the hood and burned his car to the ground. Which is another reason why I use the marine battery for field charging and always take it out of the car. Picked up a little fire extinguisher that will also live in the van just to make me feel better.