Battery and charger advice

[Scautura]

My head is currently spinning - I've been looking at chargers and batteries for my next "big purchase" for my Blade 400. I don't usually consider myself easily confused, but this is something else!

Things I currently understand: S is number of cells (my current battery being 3S) and chargers can charge more or less (I've seen up to 10S!), since I'm looking long term at a 500 or 600, I'm assuming I'd be better off getting a charger that does at least 6S. Most of the chargers I've looked at require a separate 10-18V PSU, but haven't specified amps... Only occasionally have I seen wattage (around 50-200 in most cases), but it's here I come unstuck.

I figure that the better the provided power, the larger the batteries I can charge quicker (although I need to take the C charge rating into a account for batteries, obviously). Am I right in thinking that? In other words, I'm better off getting a 200W than a 100W because it will get me back into action quicker?

My budget is tight, so given I probably can afford in the region of £100 at most, I've been looking at the following chargers:

Imax B6 (although I've heard bad things about these)
Bantam BC6 (Dual Power would be my preference, as I'm expecting to charge at home more than in the field - is it worth it?)
Bantam 301DXII
ThunderPower TP-610C

Remember, I'm a complete newbie, so this is only a list of what I've currently looked at. I've heard "good things" about Turnigy and AccuCell (spelling?) but I haven't been able to find UK suppliers, which is frustrating for me.

As far as batteries are concerned, would I have to solder my own EC3s onto them? And should I aim for batteries with JST balancing plugs, given that the Eflite battery has one?

Thanks to all those with the patience for newbies!

[dogbiscuit]

Understanding RC Battery Chargers
try this link. lots of great reading for begginers, not just chargers.

[Scautura]

I should have said I have that as a bookmark - my head is still spinning even after reading that. :/

I might be fine in 24 hours, but there is such a large choice of chargers that I'm still a little stumped. It's not so much the raw information, as the choice of chargers, namebrands I don't know, and so on.

[Dedcalm]

3S refers to the number of series connected cells, in the older times lipo's were referred to as 3S1P if they has 3 cells in series and no parrallel connected cells. Serial connected cells adds each cells voltage to the overall pack voltage, parallel cells adds to the pack capacity or mAh's

I have an aurorra cellpro 10S and although I only have 3S1P packs I can charge 2 at a time the cellpro multi4 is also very good for up to 4S packs

[jimheli]

as stated already if you want a charger that is very safe / balancing your packs well/ proven / easy to use / will charge,1 x 10s or 2 x 5s or 1 x 6s then the cellpro 10s is the chocie for most & has been the one back a year or two to get .
using a 12 volt supplie at home to charge .
many of use still use them now a good charger.
if your looking ahead maybe something that will charge todays faster charge packs at 5c ect , then you need to be looking at mfa new offering PL8 or power lab 8 .
Also theirs the new i charger 3010B ,BOTH CHARGERS ARE GOOD FOR 1000 WATS out with the right power supplies.

links

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/newrep...ote=1&p=490098

the new PL8 will be available at Aurorra ltd , soon not sure when.

FMA Direct : Product Detail


Battery Chargers

also available in Europe ,but not seen it in uk yet ,but i would say it will be i reckon .

if you do decide to go for the cellpro or PL8 say from mike at aurorra well you cant go wrong any problems & he will sort it ,with in reason of coarse.


jim