|
|
Post by superfly on May 9, 2013 17:34:51 GMT 1
Hello All... I am in the market for a better charger than stock. I've been trying to read up on the myriad number of chargers out there, and, of course, the forumite (not Marmite) posts. Might anyone have an opinion (and why) on the Thunder AC680. It's in the $60 USD range. My purpose is concentrated on the SC and Eflite Apprentice Lipos. Thank you all in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by flydiver on May 9, 2013 18:03:04 GMT 1
Be aware that the AC680 is one of a VERY large group of 4 button 5-6A chargers.
You'll find a LOT of different chargers with the same guts. In this case, it's the four buttons, 2x16 display, and the distinctive software that gives it away. (not a complete list as they proliferate like mushrooms)
Turnigy Accucel-6
Loong Max E6
iMax B6
GT power A-6
iCharger iC6
Bantam BC6
Sky Charger B6
Battman B6
Venom Pro Charger
Dynam Supermate DC6
The major difference is whether they have the ac-dc converter built in, and if they have a fan.
Some people think it's and AC/DC charger...it's not. It's a DC charger with a laptop power supply stuffed inside. If that burns out, and it can, then the entire charger may be shot. It's a bit more clunky but you might be better off with a DC version (cheaper) and a separate PS, either cheaper also, or better.
If you think you may want more charging power or the ability to do multiple batteries at once you should consider stepping up. Many folks are disappointed when they get one of these chargers and want to charge 2 x 2200 and find out the only way they'll do that is slowly.
Do not under any circumstances get the IMAX B6 for cheap off eBay. There are fakes on the market and some are simply junk.
addendum: the 'original' is the Bantam. That and iCharger are better quality.
The Accucel-6 is kind of the original clone. The Imax B-6 is very popular because it's been cheaper but is not longer a good buy unless you are careful not to get the fake. I wouldn't buy the cheapest of this group I think like the ECO 6 on HK.
I personally have the AC-6 and generally like it. The fan is junk, and the wires that come with it are stiff and brittle .
|
|
|
|
Post by kenninny on May 9, 2013 21:43:39 GMT 1
I have the long max e6 its just a DC charger but Im happy with it, I also have the apprentice
|
|
|
|
Post by superfly on May 10, 2013 16:02:30 GMT 1
FlyDiver and Kenninny..thank you both for your input..good point on the separate pieces as opposed to the all-in-one. Between the planes and the boats, it would be nice to weed the chargers down to one...my turn now to just pull the trigger and then go fly..Thanks again.....
|
|
|
|
Post by flydiver on May 10, 2013 20:00:12 GMT 1
Pretty much impossible to wade through it. You just get confused, like all the other guys. That's why the question is asked over and over.
For every 10 guys that love one of them, you'll find one guy thinks that brand is junk. You ask for information 90% of the time you actually get opinions. How many guys have actually done a comparative long term test on more than one?
If you get a decent one, any of the above will work fine. You get a bad one, you'll think that brand is junk for the rest of your life. I've got the AC-6 going on 3 years of regular use. Outside the fan needing lube once in awhile it's great. My buddy got one and it died in less than a month. He won't touch them.
Most, but not all of them come from China. Many of them come from the same factory with different coverings. They all work off the same software and operate almost identically. The main differences really are the hardware and care in assembly, plus the support.....if any.
|
|
|
|
Post by toff on May 10, 2013 23:42:19 GMT 1
The Accucell is the best charger in this price range - for the simple reason that it does what it says. Avoid the Imax B6 ( which I had) - The resistors in the casing are ( were - in case this has been fixed) wrong, and would only charge to ( in my case - 3.8v per cell, and read fully charged - 4.2v per cell) and left me wondering why I had short flights with little power......
I do still have the B6, but it now has the correct resistors ( details on RCgroups), but I still don't trust it....love my accucell!
|
|
|
|
Post by flydiver on May 11, 2013 0:16:00 GMT 1
I spent a BUNCH of time arguing with a guy on RCGroups about the B6. He has one that works. He thinks they are all exactly the same under the cover. Therefore why buy the more expensive ones?
From my perspective the IMAX B6 has more problems and failures than any other 4-button clone on the market. Some early ones were known to have poor balancing needing new components to be trusted. Now there are fake ones on the market known to be crap. Why bother?
For the less expensive ones, if 50W is all you need, get the AC-6. If you want better or more power step up to the ICharger or the next tier up chargers of this class.
If you want best in class, simply pass up all these and go right to the FMA upper end chargers. You'll need a good power supply to boot.
|
|
|
|
Post by superfly on May 11, 2013 16:18:26 GMT 1
Thanks, Flydiver and Toff for your appreciated input. As 50W is an acceptable base for me right now, it's looking as though the AC-6 will be the one..Thanks again..........
|
|
