I have an older Tekin BC112C charger and am trying to figure out if I can use it with the newer 3300GP NiMH cells. From what I can tell there were software (firmware?) upgrades to this charger.

Does anyone know how I can tell what software version I have? And also, does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade to the later version?

When you first power up the charger the software version will show on the screen. I have a BC112C (version h27) for home and a BC112A (version h28) for taking to the flying field. If memory serves me correctly, you need at least version h27 to properly charge NiMh packs.

I use them both exclusively to charge NiMh batteries in ALL of my planes. The only Nicads that I use are in my transmitters...and they'll be replaced when they go bad...

The Tekin chargers are, in my opinion, as good or better than most of the more expensive chargers that everyone seems to be selling nowadays. The ability to adjust the charge rate down to 0.01A is of great benefit when trickling new small packs.

-Tom

You have an excellent charger, I had one for a few years and it was a flawless charger. Even if you have the older software you can still charge Nimh packs. I had a very old version and charged those type packs all the time. You have to monitor it though as it charges so as the packs do not get to much charge. Basically just monitor the temp of the pack to detect peak.
Of course with an upgraded software version you would not have to monitor it.

Tekin did go out of business a few years ago, but your in luck because there is a service center for these chargers.

http://www.magicookie.com/prodigy/expresstech.htm


Dbow

Has anyone ever opened the BC112C up and looked inside? Is the firmware on an EPROM?

The software is on a ROM chip inside the unit. I don't think it can be redownloaded, but I could be wrong. But it isn't in a socket, it's directly surface mount soldered to the circuit board, so I decided to send it back to ExpressTech and let them replace it. Got it back very fast from them and the upgrade was performed fine.

If I may ask; What version did you have and what version did they upgrade you to? Are you happy with the charger?

I recently bought an Apex Sigma charger (similar to Intellipeak)from someone who advertised it here on RCUniverse. It is supposed to peak NiMH batteries but I'm not happy with it. It's definately a NiCd type neg. delta V peak detect and my 3000mAh subc packs get quite hot when they peak (I charge them at 1C). It's to the point now that I track the peak voltage myself and terminate the charge manually when it flattens. This wasn't the automation I was expecting.

So this time, I'm doing my homework. I'll either design and build my own charger or get something that works properly. I'm really interested in the BC112C.

I had h26 and went to h31. I'm happy with the charger, I like it's AC capability, and it's easy to use. Seems to handle the NiMH cells fine, but I've only used it about a week.

I went this route because I already owned this charger, not sure that I would have bought one used for $50 or $60 with older software, and then paid the $65 to upgrade it. There are probably newer and cheaper chargers if you just want a basic NiMH charger. And obviously with Tekin out of business future support doesn't look good.

So does this mean e26 software will not work? I have 2 bc112c's and 2 bc112a's that all have e26 software. Do I have to upgrade to a higher software or can I still use this for Nimh's?

Thanks.