Dual Powerlab 8 vs Icharger 4010 Duo

[785boats]

I'm not sure. You would have to ask John at Revolectrix. All I know is that he was working on them. Might be a year or so.

[Brushless55]

Sorry kevin.
In my first post, I did mean to say highest balancing "current", not voltage.
But I was referring to some of the chargers that only have a max of 200 or 300ma balancing current.
I'm sure you'll be glad you went with the Powerlab.
If Revolectrix bring out the 4.4 & 4.6V cells there will also be a firmware upgrade released unless they've already installed it up to those values in the newer chargers.

Do we know when these new Revo packs are coming out??
I need to get me a new charger for these HV packs that are out today

[MarkF]

Kevin

You picked the right charger. If you talk to the company's who sell both chargers they will tell you the i chargers have a higher failure rate.

Mark

[kevinpratt823]

Off and running. Just charged (8) 5s packs from 3.7v/cell up to 4.2 in under 24 minutes! I'll post up a more detailed thread when I have time, but this thing is badass! :) I just need to build up a safer charge area now.

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[kevinpratt823]

The server supplies 2zo-rc can be used in series. If you check out this article you can see how many packs an I charger can do in on shot with correct power.

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-power-supply.html

I have actually been running a pair of those in series for over a year to power my current Hyperion charger, I already ordered another pair to set up in series. Each pair will run one side of the PL8x2 at 24v/47amps/1150Watts, and if I went with the Icharger 4010duo I would have just put all 4 in series for 48v/47amp/2300Watts. I get them on Ebay, this last pair was $32 for both, can't beat it. There are a few other models that work well also, but I already know how to mod/configure these ones so I stuck with the same.

[Jdpb614]

The server supplies 2zo-rc can be used in series. If you check out this article you can see how many packs an I charger can do in on shot with correct power.

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-power-supply.html

[kevinpratt823]

67 lipos, WOW how do you find time to charge, store charge, ect.?

I used to start charging as soon as I got back from the pond, and charge through the week etc so I could run a few after work, but my packs sat charged for too long at times. I find that after running my boat packs are usually at least 3.6v, which is a fine storage IMO. I really only store charge the boat packs for the winter, cars run indoors all winter). The whole idea of getting a high power charger was so I could parallel charge for example (2) sets of (4) packs at a time at 40 amps per set, to get 8 packs charged in hopefully 30 min or so, and be able to charge all or most of my packs during the morning prep work(I get up early).

[kevinpratt823]

785boats, I didn't even pick up on the mistake lol. I knew what you meant as it was one of the first things I looked at.....Here's a pic of prepping for a weekend, boats in the morning, cars in the afternoon:)

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[785boats]

Sorry kevin.
In my first post, I did mean to say highest balancing "current", not voltage.
But I was referring to some of the chargers that only have a max of 200 or 300ma balancing current.
I'm sure you'll be glad you went with the Powerlab.
If Revolectrix bring out the 4.4 & 4.6V cells there will also be a firmware upgrade released unless they've already installed it up to those values in the newer chargers.

[meangenesracing]

67 lipos, WOW how do you find time to charge, store charge, ect.?

[kevinpratt823]

Just pulled the trigger on a Dual Powerlab 8. Sounds like it is a touch more bulletproof with a few more safety features. Who knows, maybe at some point I'll end up with a Icharger 4010duo also to see which I like better......I am up to 67 lipos and counting, and I don't charge at the pond. 1-1/2 at the pond and I have a milk crate full of about 30 packs to charge, may as well be invested in good equip to get the most out of what I do.

[kevinpratt823]

It's likely most chargers will have software updates for hv cells anyway.

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[jcald2000]

Don't get too hung up on the " High Voltage cells ". I did a series of tests when I first got my Power Lab a few years ago with my Eagletree system. I cycled New Dinogy batteries 5 times and made 5 moderate power runs for break in then charged to 4.15 per cell and logged 2 runs, then charged to 4.20 and made 2 runs with the batteries at 100 degrees F for all runs when I put them in the boat.
The results, after 150 feet the batteries were at the same voltage!
I have been charging at 4.18 ever since!

[kevinpratt823]

Thanks Paul. I knew only the pl8 did node charging, but it hadn't occurred to me that it could give a faster balance rate if wanted......not sure the extra cost of buying two separate pl8's would justify that feature for me though.

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[NativePaul]

A single (or separate pair of) PL8 can charge each cell individually via the balance leads at up to 3A, so has a 3A balance current at low charge rates. They call this node charging and if it is something you are interested in, note that the dual PL8 can't do it.

PL8 is made by the same company that is distributing the HV LiPos and as such are the recommended chargers for them. I am pretty sure the Icharger has an adjustable charge voltage too, but I don't know how high it goes, my fusion is adjustable but only goes as far as 4.25v/cell (the maximum charge voltage for normal LiPos)