For those looking for a Li charger...

[BrianG]

The TME Xtrema has been around a while now and I really love mine. But what really stands out in my opinion is the great customer service I have received. Twice (once a year or so back, and one last week) I sent the company emails inquiring about various aspects of the charger and both times received complete and detailed responses within 2 business days.

In the most recent email, one of the things I inquired about is the power limit. The charger is good for 10s and 8A, but "only" 180w (and it is truly and exactly 180w - I checked). The reply I got was that they are looking at raising the limit through firmware! Maybe not for the full 336w (10s@8A), but higher than 180w. The case may need extra heatsinking though, but I already took care of that.

Another topic was the v/cell setting. If set at "A123 mode", which is 3.6v/cell, the min voltage required is 2.0v/cell. For all voltage threshold settings above 3.6v/cell, the min voltage required is 3v/cell. Don't know if anyone cares, but there it is.

I also told him about how I use the Xtrema to charge NiMHs despite it being a Li-only charger. I do this by setting a cell count that is above the min V setting, yet won't peak out below the NiMH pack voltage. Then, I use the temp cutoff feature set at 105*F as the "peak detection". Works great. Not as easy to use as a real NiMH charger, but works in the field. His response was "Very interesting technique. As always be very careful, although NiMh batteries do not catch fire on their own, I have heard storied of them exploding and throwing shrapnel when severely overcharged.". Not exactly a "don't do this" type of response.

So anway, just thought I'd pass this info on for those who have, or are looking to get this charger.