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Post by patmatgal on Feb 23, 2009 23:40:30 GMT 1
thameth My vote is for the Cellpro4S (Multi may be better but this makes me happy). Had a boat load of questions when I needed a good Li Po charger (once you go Li Po you'll never go back, maybe not really but you get the point) and ended up with a Cellpro 4S from www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm?item=2218§ion=45right now they are out of stock but expect some in around the 25th The power source is www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm?item=2262§ion=45 I feel a lot better charging at home where I can closely monitor things, but could switch the power source to the included aligator clips and charge at the field This adapter plugs into the Cellpro and lets you plug in the balancning tap from Zippy batteries (Zippy H are fantastic, have you tried the Zippy Flightmax ?, got 4 on order) www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm?item=2271§ion=45 The whole set up will cost a shade under $100, uses AC or DC power, does not do a thing for NiMh batteries but is pretty safe because it optimizes charging based on the individual battery pack. Not that there are not other good Li Po chargers out there, see Cellpro4S vs Turnigy Accucel-6 at www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10793737&highlight=Turnigy but this set up floats my boat for now. Any way you go there is a whole bunch of info to read and learn about Li Pos, treat 'em bad and you will have some serious problems but treat 'em well and you wikk be one happy camper. Happy & Safe flying to all |
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Post by flydiver on Feb 24, 2009 7:09:01 GMT 1
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Post by patmatgal on Feb 24, 2009 17:41:40 GMT 1
Looks good! FMA did good by me when I got a charger from them so I'm probably a little biased in their favor (ooh, there goes the beeper... Just got 4 Zippy Flightmax batteries, topping them off while online and can't wait to try them out) But back to FMA, the Multi looks like it may do everything but make a cup of coffee (and there may be a button for that somewhere) Newbie or grizzled pro, it's suitable for both, I'm sure it is but since I don't fully understand the charger Id have to lean toward the Cellpro4. Lke my cell phone, can do a boat load more than what I want it for (and that's nice) but I want it for RELIABLE communication.
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Post by flydiver on Feb 24, 2009 19:53:58 GMT 1
I'm subject to my own prejudices of course. My NiMh stock is about dead and I rarely use them anymore for RC and it seems most folks are that way so I don't see the point for a lot of people to have multi-chemistry. If you have a field battery and use RX packs extensively that would change the need but I don't think that points to the majority of the Cub users.
I still do use NiMh extensively and have a bunch of them for other purposes so have a number of chargers and battery (packs). I continue to learn in that area also. At first lipo seems complicated and NiXX simple but I'm finding there is a lot more to that area than I thought.
But, reading about the multi-4S had be kind of Jonesing for one. Those FMA folks seem to know how to do charger technology.
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thameth
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 39
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Post by thameth on Feb 26, 2009 21:35:07 GMT 1
Uhhhh... Where did the CellPro4S go??? Its no longer on FMA's website. I was waiting to order when they got them in stock on the 25th....
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thameth
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 39
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Post by thameth on Feb 26, 2009 21:51:50 GMT 1
Well that was dumb, they're already sold out and no info on when they're getting more. Guess I'll be forced to get the Multi anyways....
And it looks like they're discontinued:
"Hi,
I'm not sure if we will get anymore in. That was our last scheduled batch. Our manufacturer has one more production run scheduled but these are for our distributors in Europe. We may end up with some of these but we can't say for sure at this time. Right now we are carrying them as discontinued."
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Post by flydiver on Feb 26, 2009 23:59:13 GMT 1
You snooze, you lose.
I've been promoting them for ages and made a general announcement of the discount on the 'old model' some time back. Frankly, no one seemed interested. I almost had to threaten to go over to patmagal's house and beat him up to convince him to buy one.
They are a very popular charger and would go fast at that price. I bought a 2nd hand one for more than that. There are a few that pop on on the other RC groups as folks upgrade but they tend to go fast unless overpriced.
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thameth
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 39
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Post by thameth on Feb 27, 2009 1:43:07 GMT 1
Problem is they nowhere mentioned that they would SUDDENLY discontinue them.. what the hell is up with that? If they would have mentioned it I would have pre-ordered.
Now I'm forced to buy the more expensive Multi4.... I guess there's a reason why I wanted to get one earlier...
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Post by flydiver on Feb 27, 2009 2:02:01 GMT 1
Go read the muli review if you haven't-link above.
I'm of the 'why bother' opinion since mine does what I want fine but it made me want one and I've already got 2, plus 3 other more limited lipo chargers. Don't even ask about the NiXX chargers.
FMA is a small company. They don't make a lot of stuff so their range of items and likely stock levels aren't tremendous. HC they are not and that's ultimately who they are competing with.
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Post by patmatgal on Feb 27, 2009 4:49:57 GMT 1
fly
Anytime you're in Fairfax Virginia stop on by with a Super Cub, found an awesome field about 15 minutes away that has oodles of open space and a full size soccer field of astroturf ;D
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Post by ginginho on Feb 27, 2009 14:21:33 GMT 1
fly Anytime you're in Fairfax Virginia stop on by with a Super Cub, found an awesome field about 15 minutes away that has oodles of open space and a full size soccer field of astroturf ;D Ooh Pat, that's a bit unfair! Only Fly is invited?? Hmm, next time I'm in Fairfax Virginia, lets see, umm.....Probably never. Darn it, you win! ;D Enjoy the astroturf, post lots of accounts of how wonderful it is. I'm getting very very jealous.  |
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swimmer
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 95
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Post by swimmer on Feb 27, 2009 15:06:38 GMT 1
Received my CellPro Multi4 this week. After using it several times I can see why no one wants to part with them on aftermarket sales.
swimmer
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Post by flydiver on Feb 27, 2009 16:56:05 GMT 1
Kinda like Castle and Berg -
if it keeps after market value and is snapped up at much higher prices than similar appearing competing products there must be something going on there.
Very nice invitation. I lived in Arlington for awhile a LONG time ago. I'm lucky enough to have a decent park a mile from my house. There is significant remodeling going on right now and our flying field is kind of abandoned. We may get a crack at some AstroTurf our self or we could get booted when it's done.
We lost our old field nearby when it was converted back to a 'natural' area. It used to be underwater years ago and was pretty swampy in the winter.
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Post by flydiver on Mar 5, 2009 17:56:14 GMT 1
If anyone is still looking at the Multi there are some sales:
Buy the Multi4 Charger:
get TWO free Adapters
(CP4S-TP/PQ4S or CP-GP/KO)
a savings of $19.90
use CODE M4ADAPT
get a free USB PC Interface Module (FUIM2)
a savings of $19.95
CODE M4FUIM
get a free Power Supply (PS12V5A-BP)
a savings of $29.95
CODE M4PS12
You must mention Code Above when placing your order to take advantage of this Special.
Pricing on the FMA Direct website will remain at full retail.
The Special price will be applied when the order is processed, provided that the Special Code is mentioned. When ordering online, please place the Special Code number
in the Comments Section of the FMA Order Form or the PayPal Message to
Vendor Window. This special cannot be combined with other specials or coupons from FMA.
Specials are not retroactive.
This Special good until March 16, 2009.
You get these notices by signing up on their site. I'd say they average 2/month, most of them not interesting (to me) but occasionally a very good one. The had 10S referbs awhile back for a great price along with blowing out the old 4S standard model.
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Post by patmatgal on Mar 6, 2009 1:13:15 GMT 1
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