Need a good dual lipo charger under 100

[Rocketzx1]

Hey guys. I need to find a good dual lipo charger, as my current charger is on its way out. I honestly don’t know what brands for lipo chargers are any good, and I don’t want to pay for a charger that seems good but it’s total junk. Any advice?

 

[JvG]

There is no such thing as a good dual lipo charger under 100. Double the budget, get a single charger or skip 'good'.

 

[nino]

Yeah, you're gonna need a bit more cash unless you charge 2&3s only.

I think some combination of ISDT or Turnigy DC charger(s) and a repurposed PC/server power supply would probably be the cheapest option.

 

[Rocketzx1]

Oh okay. Kinda have no idea about chargers, or what to really look for. I currently have 4 2s lipos, 2 3s lipos, and one 4s. So I’d need a charger that goes up to at least 4s.

What do you suggest for a single lipo charger?

 

[jondilly1974]

I have the SkyRC B6 Duo Nano and like it so far, but I charge up to a 4S so far. I like the app ability. Makes it faster to switch between different packs. I have a variety of 3S and 4S lipos and this charger makes it easy to pick the right program. You can even print barcode stickers for your packs and scan them with your phone. Super convenient.

 

[Rocketzx1]

I have the SkyRC B6 Duo Nano and like it so far, but I charge up to a 4S so far. I like the app ability. Makes it faster to switch between different packs. I have a variety of 3S and 4S lipos and this charger makes it easy to pick the right program. You can even print barcode stickers for your packs and scan them with your phone. Super convenient.

That charger looks pretty nice. I actually like the barcode feature you mentioned, and it just sounds like it’s pretty easy to use and works well.

 

[PowerDubs]

There is no such thing as a good dual lipo charger under 100. Double the budget, get a single charger or skip 'good'.

That is 110% incorrect!!

These are awesome- https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=113&product_id=529

If you want an AC & DC version just go to Ebay and type in "D6 charger" and hit search- they are sold under more than one label, such as Hota, Hobbymate, Turnigy, etc.

The dual input (ac/dc) cost a bit more if you want to wait from China for shipping- https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...194739?hash=item1efec2bf73:g:LtMAAOSwojBdOCnZ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...157247?hash=item2622a775bf:g:mT4AAOSwr-ZdOCoP

Feel free to look around at other sites for prices- such as Amazon, etc- or read reviews. They are *awesome* chargers.

They have a newer version just released a few months ago that has a little more power on AC, and can be controlled from your phone as well.

 

[Outcastblxnut]

I've got no problems with my venom dual.

 

[PowerDubs]

7 amp? Woof.

 

[olds97_lss]

7 amp? Woof.

What does the D6 put out on AC? 2x10A/2x100w?

$150 on amazon prime:
https://www.amazon.com/HOTA-Balance-Powerful-Discharger-100-240V/dp/B07Q3V166M

They tend to not list that very well on the AC/DC chargers... they blind you with the big DC output numbers.

 

[PowerDubs]

To answer your question- lets start w/ 15A instead of the 10A you mention- that is *HUGE*....

Specs-

15A / 100w x2 until 6S and the amps drop off to 14ish depending on where in the charge you are.

You won't see the 'Duo' as much in the last few months as they have the D6+ now which is the same on DC, but increased from 100wx2 on AC to 150Wx2 on AC which is damn impressive for the cost and can be monitored and controlled from your couch inside while watching a football game.

https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=447

 

[Rocketzx1]

What do you guys think about this charger?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/293134852665

Or this one?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/183688139375

They both look nice enough and would work well for what I need. I’m not opposed to a good single charger either, but I’m not sure what a good brand is that I should be looking for.

 

[Jerry-rigged]

That is 110% incorrect!!

These are awesome- https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=113&product_id=529

If you want an AC & DC version just go to Ebay and type in "D6 charger" and hit search- they are sold under more than one label, such as Hota, Hobbymate, Turnigy, etc.

The dual input (ac/dc) cost a bit more if you want to wait from China for shipping- https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...194739?hash=item1efec2bf73:g:LtMAAOSwojBdOCnZ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...157247?hash=item2622a775bf:g:mT4AAOSwr-ZdOCoP

Feel free to look around at other sites for prices- such as Amazon, etc- or read reviews. They are *awesome* chargers.

They have a newer version just released a few months ago that has a little more power on AC, and can be controlled from your phone as well.

But that is a DC only charger. So add another $75 for this PSU -
https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=141
And now you have a Great $150 charger.

Edit, nope, sorry, that 12v PSU won't cut it. That Hota D6 needs 24v. Here is one from a different vendor -
http://lipoconnectionsolutions.com/HP-24v-38A-1000w-Power-Supply-4mm-EC5-XT60-XT90-HP241000.htm

To the OP - Pick two -
1.Strong
2.Good
3.Cheap
Also to the OP -

As a rule of thumb, you need 25w of charger power for each cell you want to charge a 1C. so to charge 2x4s, you need 200w total power. That HOTA D6 knocks that out of the park, at 650w total power. It will let you bang out 2c / 30 minute charges on 2 4s packs at once. As for the AC/DC version of this same charger, be aware it is limited to 200w total power on AC - it still needs a 12v PSU to make the full rated 650w/325w per channel.

Be sure and get a robust PSU. I have that SMC PSU I linked. It is a referb server PSU, rated for continuous duty. I have only had mine up to about 500w, but it never misses a beat, even in my hot garage.

What do you guys think about this charger?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/293134852665

Or this one?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/183688139375

They both look nice enough and would work well for what I need. I’m not opposed to a good single charger either, but I’m not sure what a good brand is that I should be looking for.

Pass on the SkyRC D100 - it is 100w total power will leave you wanting for power. The UP120 seems decent - it actually makes 120w on each channel, so 240w total. Fine for 2x 4s charging, and no PSU needed. I almost bought this charger, but then decided to get the Turnigy Reaktor 300w x2 instead.

 

[olds97_lss]

To answer your question- lets start w/ 15A instead of the 10A you mention- that is *HUGE*....

That's good to know. Usually when they are listed at 100W, then are typically 10A or less. So even with 2S packs, your still ok, but with 3S plus, you run into the wattage ceiling pretty early.

The d6+ is pretty nice at 15A x 2/150w x 2 on AC. Since I'll likely only ever run 3S or 2x3S, that would do well for my needs. Would almost handle 3S 7000Mah at 2C, a few watts short. 20A/200W would be perfect! Maybe they will come out with one like that by the time my 4x100w dynamite dies. lol!

 

[Jerry-rigged]

That's good to know. Usually when they are listed at 100W, then are typically 10A or less. So even with 2S packs, your still ok, but with 3S plus, you run into the wattage ceiling pretty early.

The d6+ is pretty nice at 15A x 2/150w x 2 on AC. Since I'll likely only ever run 3S or 2x3S, that would do well for my needs. Would almost handle 3S 7000Mah at 2C, a few watts short. 20A/200W would be perfect! Maybe they will come out with one like that by the time my 4x100w dynamite dies. lol!

I think the D6+ is 200w total on AC, not 300W. I don't think that will get 2x 2s to 15A...

 

[Rocketzx1]

But that is a DC only charger. So add another $75 for this PSU -
https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=141

And now you have a Great $150 charger.

To the OP - Pick two -
1.Strong
2.Good
3.Cheap
Also to the OP -

As a rule of thumb, you need 25w of charger power for each cell you want to charge a 1C. so to charge 2x4s, you need 200w total power. That HOTA D6 knocks that out of the park, at 650w total power. It will let you bang out 2c / 30 minute charges on 2 4s packs at once. As for the AC/DC version of this same charger, be aware it is limited to 200w total power on AC - it still needs a 12v PSU to make the full rated 650w/325w per channel.

Be sure and get a robust PSU. I have that SMC PSU I linked. It is a referb server PSU, rated for continuous duty. I have only had mine up to about 500w, but it never misses a beat, even in my hot garage.

My first lipo charger is a no name china charger from amazon for 40 bucks.

It charges up to 6s, it’s 100watt 10amp single channel charger, and charges all of the types of batteries you’d need it to work with. It worked well for what it is, but I’m pretty sure it’s on it’s last leg, it keeps losing power and it’ll reset itself : /

So that’s why I’ve turned to you guys. I am a literal noob when it comes to chargers, and I’d rather ask the pros on what to look for and what to stay away from than buy a crap charger and waste money.

I’m sure this question is asked a lot, and I apologize I’d you’ve all answered this question many times before.

With all that said, I found another dual channel charger on eBay, I’ll post it for you all to see.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/302469463793

Powerhobby looks like a good brand, I’ve seen people praise their lipos so I’d imagine a lipo charger from them would be just as good. I really appreciate everyone’s help in finding a good charger, thank you ?

 

[Jerry-rigged]

For the same price, I'd rather have the UP120 you posted above.

And yeah, chargers can be confusing...

 

[PowerDubs]

I think the D6+ is 200w total on AC, not 300W. I don't think that will get 2x 2s to 15A...

My BIL has the plus, and I'll be headed over there this weekend. I'll throw my 2 7400 6S on it and see what it maxes at.

If I remember correctly, my duo will do something like 8 amp x2 max on AC, not that I use AC since I have a PS.

 

[Rocketzx1]

For the same price, I'd rather have the UP120 you posted above.

And yeah, chargers can be confusing...

I’ll get the Ultra Power UP120 on Friday then! Sucks I’ll have to wait a week to get out and bash, as I only have that one charger and don’t want to use it with it turning off mid charge =o but I’ll spend less time charging up my batteries, so that’ll be nice. Thanks for all your help Jerry

 

[JvG]

That is 110% incorrect!!

These are awesome- https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=113&product_id=529

If you want an AC & DC version just go to Ebay and type in "D6 charger" and hit search- they are sold under more than one label, such as Hota, Hobbymate, Turnigy, etc.

The dual input (ac/dc) cost a bit more if you want to wait from China for shipping- https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...194739?hash=item1efec2bf73:g:LtMAAOSwojBdOCnZ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTA-D6-Pr...157247?hash=item2622a775bf:g:mT4AAOSwr-ZdOCoP

Feel free to look around at other sites for prices- such as Amazon, etc- or read reviews. They are *awesome* chargers.

They have a newer version just released a few months ago that has a little more power on AC, and can be controlled from your phone as well.

You might want to edit your comment to 100% correct for future readers.
I fully agree the Hota D6 Dual is a great charger, i have 2 of them, DC versions with psu's.

But that is a DC only charger. So add another $75 for this PSU -
https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=141
And now you have a Great $150 charger.

Edit, nope, sorry, that 12v PSU won't cut it. That Hota D6 needs 24v. Here is one from a different vendor -
http://lipoconnectionsolutions.com/HP-24v-38A-1000w-Power-Supply-4mm-EC5-XT60-XT90-HP241000.htm

To the OP - Pick two -
1.Strong
2.Good
3.Cheap
Also to the OP -

As a rule of thumb, you need 25w of charger power for each cell you want to charge a 1C. so to charge 2x4s, you need 200w total power. That HOTA D6 knocks that out of the park, at 650w total power. It will let you bang out 2c / 30 minute charges on 2 4s packs at once. As for the AC/DC version of this same charger, be aware it is limited to 200w total power on AC - it still needs a 12v PSU to make the full rated 650w/325w per channel.

Be sure and get a robust PSU. I have that SMC PSU I linked. It is a referb server PSU, rated for continuous duty. I have only had mine up to about 500w, but it never misses a beat, even in my hot garage.



Pass on the SkyRC D100 - it is 100w total power will leave you wanting for power. The UP120 seems decent - it actually makes 120w on each channel, so 240w total. Fine for 2x 4s charging, and no PSU needed. I almost bought this charger, but then decided to get the Turnigy Reaktor 300w x2 instead.

The Hota D6 does not exactly need a 24v psu.
I'm running them on 12v 750w psu's and they work great. Charging 2 6s 5000mAh lipo's on 2C is no problem.
To get their full potential of 325w per channel you do need a 24v psu.