icharger 3010b vs PL6

[mark_j]

Being new to this hobby, would like to future proof to some extent on a decent charger, the above are my shortlist, before the whole Ford vs Vaxhaul debate ensues, would just like to know ease of use, and must have feature. only have 3s 2200 at the moment and plan to be using HP G4 server Ps.

[nigelbrogan]

I use a 3010b and I can't fault it. I'm charging packs for my logo and my Tdr.

[Paulo uk]

I also have the 3010b - Its great, but so is the PL6!


Paul

[Delarado]

I have a 3010b too - it'll charge 10s if you need (so more than the pl6 by a long shot) and maxes out at 10x 6s in parallel which is more than enough power IMO.

The pl6 will chargeat 40a so can do 13x 6s. Not enough benefit for me really... The price is similar but you get less cell capability. I've never used a pl6 but I haven't found anything my 3010b can't handle and I use it for 6 different heli's

[Delarado]

You also only get a 50w standard discharger as opposed to up to 100w on the iCharger ( i get 3.4A ish on a 6s 3000mah which is about right)

[Mark_T]

I have a 3010b too - it'll charge 10s if you need (so more than the pl6 by a long shot)

That is true, but you don't see a lot of 10s packs configured as 10s for charging these days, most seem to be 2x5s.

If you need it though, it is an advantage.

[mark_j]

Ok, have bitten the bullet and ordered the PL6, can anyone recommend the correct board for the ec3 connectors on my 3s 2200's? and anthything else i might need, how many packs can i charge at once with the 500w 12 PSU? wow this is all sooooo confusing!

[Delarado]

Lol, you ask about PL6 vs 3010 and everyone says 3010 so you order pl6

This looks to be about right but without a photo I cant see

Electricwingman | RC Electric Planes & Accessorieso you have JST-XH balance taps? Call up electric wingman before ordering and they can recommend.

You also need to order a balance board for a PL6 and pretty much everything else (connectors to connect to psu etc etc)

500w 12v will charge about 18 of those packs all at the same time so no capacity worries! You can easily charge 6 at once which is all that most paralell boards cater for.

I don't have a PL6 so I dont know exactly what you will need but i believe it doesnt come with any way to connect it to the power supply nor does it come with a balance board, so youll need those things plus whatever else you need to connect your batterys to it.

[mark_j]

I know, but a lot of other reviews recommend PL6 and found one at a good price, capacity will be fine for my current needs and future i hope.

[Delarado]

fair enough mate - the PL6 has a larger capacity than the 3010b iCharger. I just think youll never need more than the iCharger can provide

I had the same decision as you to make a while back, the way I looked at it was I'm getting 10s capability and extra discharge capacity (which can be handy when you want to fly but then you cant!) for the same money. All other things seemed equal.

Both excellent chargers and im sure youll be very happy with it

[scallybert]

I think that these comparisons don't tend to do justice to quite how sophisticated the PL6 & PL8 are.

The programmability can be a bit daunting (you don't rally need to go near it if you don't want to), but it can be really useful.

More importantly are the lengths the PLs reportedly go to in order to ensure safety and protect your packs. The problem is that this is a bit intangible - being highly technical and proprietary. However, I'm far more comfortable using PLs.

[Snaaakeey]

I know, but a lot of other reviews recommend PL6 and found one at a good price, capacity will be fine for my current needs and future i hope.

Im looking for one of these! Can I ask were you got your good price from?

As to how many packs you can charge. As many as you want ! Your C rating will drop is all (it will take longer) i charge 6 5000mah 6s batteries in parallel. To get a 1C charge I would need a charger that can put out 30a(5000mah x 6) at 22.2v. My old TP charger can muster 8.25a at 22.2v which is 0.27C ( you want to charge at 1C or lower for a long life on the lipo) It takes about 3 hours!

You 500w 12v psu will inhibit the pl6. My PSU is a 580w 12v unit which can provide 48a max . So if 45a at 12v goes into your charger then you could get 24a out of it at 22.2v! In reality you ll never get this though becaues the charger will limit the output to about half becasue of the excessive heat generated ramping up from 12v to 22.2v. The higher your input voltage the more efficient the power conversion will be ( so you unit will only work at full potential at 22.2v+ input) There are some nice 800w 24v PSUs in the forsale forum at the mo £70 delivered!

[mark_j]

I got it here, best price i could find

http://radiocontrolledshop.ie

[Planehazza]

Nice year old bump, but wondering if any others have been stuck between these two and what did they go for? Leaning towards 3010B atm.

[GIXERMAN]

I have a 3010b too - it'll charge 10s if you need (so more than the pl6 by a long shot) and maxes out at 10x 6s in parallel which is more than enough power IMO.

The pl6 will chargeat 40a so can do 13x 6s. Not enough benefit for me really... The price is similar but you get less cell capability. I've never used a pl6 but I haven't found anything my 3010b can't handle and I use it for 6 different heli's

Pl6 parallel charges 9 packs