Which Charger?

[Scratch]

Have got a LiproQuad4 charger and am thinking of up-grading. I can charge up to 4 batteries at the same time but when charging 6 cell 2700mA's it will only charge them at less than 1C and therefore takes quite a long time. I'm told this is because each channel in the charger is only 50W. Would I see any benefits if I got a Powerlab 6 or 8? Presumably I would need to buy new balance boards as well to suit the charger?

[DaveJones]

I also have a 50w charger and charge the same batteries and it takes an age to complete. A higher power charger will let you charge at a higher current and speed up the charge, 2C would charge in about 30mins.

A high power charger like a PL6/8 would also give you room to parallel charge so you could charge 4 batteries at 2C and them all done in around 30mins.

A high power charger will also need a high W PSU to feed it, 24v is best for the Pl6/8.

I have a bigger power lab charger on my want list when funds allow

[Scratch]

Have just bought a 40A/ 1000W P.S.U which will hopefully be powerful enough for a PL6/PL8. Apart from charging quicker not sure what other benefits I will get after spending £165-£225. Apparently though most people seem to rate them very highly. Apart from the number of cells you can charge are there any other major advantages between a PL8 v's PL6? Can't see myself wanting to charge more than 6 cells in near future.

[vinny155]

charging faster is the best benefit by far i think,ive just come back from the field at 1oclock,stuck six 6s 5000mah on charge and they were ready to go again 10mins ago,pity the weather is turning,i got the pl8 cause i was sick of half heartly doing things so went full hog with my charging setup,im now capable of charging 8s batts shoul the need arise over the nxt few years

[Scratch]

charging faster is the best benefit by far i think,ive just come back from the field at 1oclock,stuck six 6s 5000mah on charge and they were ready to go again 10mins ago,pity the weather is turning,i got the pl8 cause i was sick of half heartly doing things so went full hog with my charging setup,im now capable of charging 8s batts shoul the need arise over the nxt few years

Sounds like a pretty impressive bit of kit. The liproquad4 will charge 4 6cell 2700 at same time but takes about 1hr 15mins!