Another A123 charging option - RC-Monster Forums

JakeE · 12:55 AM

I know of at least one other user here who is using A123 cells. I ran across another A123 capable charger while researching an eighth scale buggy conversion project.

FMA BalancePro HD 6S

It's a 6S 10A max charger (250W so 10A is possible with a 6S pack). The only downside is the need for a specialized/proprietary charging harness, potentially for each pack. The charger balances as it charges so there is no need for a separate balancer. It goes for $105 and the charge adapter/harnesses run $12.50 each. You might need a beefy power supply to run this thing full bore however.

wallot · 02.15.2007, 03:40 AM

found it yesterday when i was searching for 10A A123 charger. it looks very promising and can be even hooked up to PC where all the charging parameters can be set.

TruckBasher · 02.15.2007, 10:43 AM

Nice to know more and more chargers for li-ion are being sold in the market. Great find, balancer/charger for a cheaper price. I hope Mike would sell some....but we can also drop him an email :)....

jollyjumper · 10:54 AM

i actually think my ulatrmat 12's can do li-ion.
not sure, lets take a piek, hold on.
edit, it does do that.
they are graupner.

wallot · 02.15.2007, 11:07 AM

ultramats can do LiOn but they cannot do it at 10A - at least those commonly used - 10.12 and 25 can go only up to 7A with new software and 10 is what you need to charge A123 in field.

It think the FMA balancing charger for lets say USD130 including all the cables is a goog buy

jollyjumper · 02.15.2007, 11:15 AM

yeah, mine does only 5amp tho.

wallot · 02.15.2007, 11:20 AM

and 5A is useless in fieldto enjoy the nice feature of A123 almost full charge in 15mins. all you need is 3 sets (in car, cooling and charging) and car battery and you can have fun all day long - or in my case until I break something :)

JakeE · 02.15.2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jollyjumper

i actually think my ulatrmat 12's can do li-ion.
not sure, lets take a piek, hold on.
edit, it does do that.
they are graupner.

It may charge Li-Ion but does it use a 4.1V or 4.2V cutoff for the CC charge phase when doing so? A123 cells have a 3.6V peak voltage, charging beyond this will shorten the cell's life.