Chargers

Chargers for model-making batteries – LiPo, LiFe, NiMH and more

With the right model-making charger, you can charge your RC batteries reliably, in a controlled manner and in a way that suits the battery chemistry used. A wide variety of battery types are used in model boat building – from classic NiMH battery packs to LiPo and LiFe batteries, right through to lead-acid batteries.

In our range, you’ll find RC chargers for model-making batteries, from compact entry-level units to high-performance professional multi-chargers. Depending on the model, LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, LiIon, NiMH, NiCd and lead-acid batteries can be charged, discharged, balanced and maintained.

Chargers for LiPo batteries

LiPo chargers are now standard equipment in RC model-making. Multi-cell lithium-polymer batteries should be charged using a suitable charger and balancer so that the individual cells are monitored and balanced against one another.

Our range includes chargers for different numbers of cells – from compact units for 2S and 3S LiPo batteries right through to high-performance multi-chargers for lithium batteries with up to 8 cells.

Depending on the charger, various programmes are available, for example:

• Balance Charge
• Normal charging
• Fast charging
• Discharging
• Storage programme

The storage programme is particularly useful for lithium batteries when they are not in use for an extended period.

Model-making chargers for LiPo, LiFe, LiIon and LiHV

Many modern RC multi-chargers support several types of lithium battery. These include:

• LiPo
• LiFe or LiFePO4
• LiIon
• LiHV

As these battery chemistries differ in terms of their permissible cut-off voltages, the charging programme on the charger must always be set to match the battery being used.

High-performance units in our range can charge lithium batteries up to 8S and are therefore also suitable for larger and more powerful RC power systems.

NiMH chargers for model-making battery packs

NiMH batteries are also still frequently used in model boat building. They are used as propulsion batteries, transmitter batteries or power supplies for various special functions.

Depending on the charger, individual cells or complete battery packs can be charged. High-performance multi-chargers also support NiMH packs with a larger number of cells connected in series.

Many units also offer additional functions such as:

• automatic charging
• discharging
• charge/discharge cycles
• Re-Peak
• refresh programmes

This makes them suitable not only for charging, but also for maintaining existing NiMH batteries.

Chargers for lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries continue to be used, particularly in larger model ships and functional models. Their greater weight can also serve as part of the required ballast in displacement-type models.

Various multi-chargers in our range can therefore charge Pb or lead-acid batteries as well as lithium and NiMH batteries.

Always ensure that the charging programme and charging voltage are suitable for the lead-acid battery being used.

AC chargers for direct connection to the mains

An AC charger has an integrated mains adaptor and can be connected directly to a 230 V socket. These devices are particularly practical for the workshop or hobby room, as no separate mains adaptor is required.

Our range extends from easy-to-use compact chargers to high-performance AC multi-chargers with a display and numerous setting options.

Some devices can also be operated using DC voltage and can therefore be used, for example, whilst on the move with a suitable DC power supply.

DC chargers for high charging power

DC chargers are powered by an external DC voltage source. As the power supply does not need to be integrated into the device, such chargers can achieve very high charging power whilst maintaining a compact design.

Our range includes high-performance DC chargers for large battery packs and high charging currents. Depending on the model, charging power of several hundred watts and high, adjustable charging currents are available.

Such devices are particularly useful when large vehicle batteries need to be charged as quickly as possible.

USB-C chargers – compact and portable

For smaller batteries, you’ll also find particularly compact USB-C chargers.

These models can be operated with a suitable USB-C PD power supply and, thanks to their small size, are particularly well-suited for use on the go.

Depending on the version, they can be used to charge, for example, 2S and 3S LiPo batteries or various lithium and NiMH batteries.

It is important that the USB-C power supply used is capable of providing the voltage and power required by the charger.

Multi-channel chargers – charge several batteries simultaneously

Anyone using multiple model boat batteries will benefit from a multi-channel charger.

Our range includes, amongst other things, dual- and 4-channel chargers. Depending on the model, two or four batteries can be charged simultaneously via separate charging channels.

This is particularly handy when you have several model boats or when you need to prepare several spare batteries during a day’s sailing.

Choosing the right charging power and charging current

When buying a model-making charger, you should not only consider the maximum number of cells supported. Equally important are the charging power in watts and the maximum charging current in amperes.

For smaller batteries, a compact charger with relatively low power is often sufficient. Large, high-capacity drive batteries, on the other hand, require correspondingly higher charging power if they are to be charged within a reasonable time.

With some devices, the actual charging power achievable also depends on the power supply used.

Balancers for lithium batteries

For multi-cell LiPo, LiFe, LiIon and LiHV batteries, the balancer is an important part of the charging process.

It monitors the individual cells of the battery pack and equalises differences in cell voltage. This ensures that the cells are charged as evenly as possible.

When connecting the charger, both the main power cable and – if provided by the charger – the appropriate balancer connector must be connected correctly.

Chargers with discharge and maintenance programmes

Modern RC chargers can often do much more than just charge batteries.

Depending on the model, functions such as the following are available:

• Charging
• Balance charging
• Discharging
• Storage charging
• Charging/discharging cycles
• Battery refresh
• Internal resistance measurement
• Voltage measurement

are available.

Some particularly comprehensive model-making chargers can also be used as adjustable power supplies or offer test functions for servos, receivers and other RC components.

LiPo alarms and battery monitoring

To monitor lithium batteries, we also stock LiPo alarms and voltage monitors.

A LiPo alarm monitors the cell voltage of the connected battery and can emit an audible warning if the voltage falls below a set threshold. This makes it easier to detect excessive discharge during operation.

Compact voltage meters are also available for monitoring on-board voltage.

Which RC charger do I need?

When making your selection, you should first check which batteries are to be charged.

Important criteria are:

• Battery chemistry: LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, LiIon, NiMH, NiCd or Pb
• Maximum number of cells
• Battery capacity
• Maximum charging current
• Charging power in watts
• Integrated balancer
• Number of charging channels
• AC, DC or USB-C power supply
• Required charging and maintenance programmes
• Available connector system

If you mainly use smaller battery packs, a compact AC or USB-C charger will often suffice. For larger drive batteries, multiple batteries or high charging power, however, a high-performance multi-charger is recommended.

RC chargers for model boat building

Whether it’s a simple NiMH charger, a LiPo charger with a balancer, a USB-C charger, a multi-channel charger or a high-performance professional multi-charger – you’ll find chargers for a variety of batteries and requirements in RC model building here.

Choose the charger that suits your battery chemistry, number of cells, capacity and desired charging power, and ensure a reliable power supply for your model boats and RC models.