Chargers Still Looking Around

[D.O.G.]

I know many user have the I chargers but I really don't want to spend that much. I do like charging 2 batteries at a time and I found couple 100 watt chargers that I like but will take twice as long to parallel charge them. Well I came across a Duo charger that's I like but I don't know anything about it. The reviews are good but you know how reviews are Lol. Anyway tell me what do you think about this brand of charger Venom Power Pro Duo AC/DC Battery Charger (6S/7A/80W) [VNR0685] | Cars & Trucks

 

[Tony]

I had a Venom charger once. I promptly returned it. The one that I had was grossly over priced for what it was. That one doesn't look all that bad, but man does it look big.

The reason people like Geena, URI or myself are running larger chargers is so that we can charge at a higher amp rating. No one likes waiting around for a 5000mah 6s pack to charge at 2 amps when the 1c charge rate is going to be 5 amps. Most packs now days are 2c so that is 10 amps. The charger you are looking at is only 80 watts. So if you are charging a 6s pack, at 80 watts, you are only looking at 3.6 amps on the charge rate. I know it said 7 amps, but that is the MAX it will do and will top out at 80 watts MAX

Just something to keep in mind. IMO, I would rather purchase MORE charger than I would ever need and with the 306b that I have, and what I use now (no large electrics in my fleet anymore) it is way overkill. But if I get another one, it will be another 1000w or more charger because I don't want to have to buy another one.

 

[murankar]

You want no less than 200 watts. A duo on 80 watts is like a screen door on a submarine. Your looking at 40 watts a channel if your running both.

The Gt500 linked for you is a steal at $75 USD. It will produce 500 watts and will charge 2 smaller 6s packs at the same time.

For your fleet being a 500 and couple 450s I would defiantly consider going 500 watts. It will be the most versatile charger for you. I would charge one pack at a time at 3c and call it good. You will definitely see a decrease in charge times.

 

[D.O.G.]

Thanks guys. URI your right, that GT500 is a steal and I'm going to order it . Now for a psu, what would you guys recommend that is reasonably price?

 

[murankar]

1000 watts for $99.99, add a 12v psu from eBay for about $30 and your in business. If you have an old tower (pc) and you know what your doing you could mod it to power the charger. Personally in would go the eBay route and get a server psu.

HP Proliant G6 G7 1200W Watt Server Power Supply PSU HSTNS-PL11 498152-001 5704327642350 | eBay. (Only need one)

Dell 0YFG1C PowerEdge R710 T610 Server 870W Hot Swap Power Supply Unit PSU 658759045201 | eBay (one will do just fine for you.)

 

[murankar]

Just linked 2 for you, if you do the gt500 you only need a 600w psu. That way you can cover any spikes that may go over 500w.

 

[murankar]

Here is a Dell Dell PowerEdge R610 G1 G2 1U Server 717W Power Supply Unit PSU A717P-00 MP126 658759200549 | eBay

 

[D.O.G.]

Thanks URI for that . $75.00 for the GT500 + $18.00 for the psu is wonderful. I just not to hip on used psu products.

 

[murankar]

Tony uses the HP Dps600 pb. a 575 watt psu that may work just fine also. Not sure how available those now a days.

 

[D.O.G.]

Ok I order the GT500 first then worry about the psu when I find one, not used.

 

[murankar]

Here is a new purpose built psu from progressive rc

PRC500 Power Supply - ProgressiveRC

 

[Tony]

I love my setup...

 

[murankar]

The HP dps 600 pb is s decent power supply for the dollar. It's a work horse and runs great.

 

[RandyDSok]

I just not to hip on used psu products.

If they were talking about a consumer grade PSU, I'd completely agree with you but they are talking about a server grade PSU that is likely being changed out well before it's lifespan is up... a typical situation in the server world. In fact, in many cases were many of these come from, they upgrade the servers and all just to get more efficient servers which saves them in two ways, one power consumption itself and increased CPU efficiency as well.

Of course no one can guarantee that is the case either, it's just the norm in many cases. A new server class PSU is going to be in the 100's of dollars price wise btw.

 

[D.O.G.]

Thanks rdsok for that. You got me thinking now. Sometimes you have to take chances in order to learn. Like you mention, no one can guarantee that is the case either but like everything else in life...can't hurt to try plus the price is right .

 

[murankar]

before i bought my dedicated PSU, the Chargery 1500 I used the same Server PSUs Tony has. The only thing you need to be careful of is the ground when you go to 24 volts. Outside of that they will last a while in the hobby. You wont be running 24 hours a day 7 days a week either. Maybe a couple hours total on a flying day.

Generally when a server is upgraded its because the service agreements are up. To renew the service agreement they buy new servers. They these ebay sellers strip down and piece out the servers.