From: rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: 15 minute quick charge Ni-Cad RC Racing batteries to power an HT?
Date: 11 Nov 92 22:11:25 GMT
Organization: still seeking it

In article <1992Nov11.143612.799@en.ecn.purdue.edu>, ghg@en.ecn.purdue.edu (George Goble) wrote:
> In article <74112@apple.Apple.COM> north@Apple.COM (Don North) writes:
>>
>>On another point, I have also been using a model-car-battery peak-charger
>>to quick charge the standard HT battery packs (Alinco 7.2V/700ma EBP20N,
>>Yaesu 7.2V/600ma FNB-17).  This is an AstroFlite model 110 DC/DC auto-peak
>>charger.  Runs off 13.8VDC input (car battery, shack p/s), has an
>>adjustable charge rate (1-5A, I usually set it to 2A for the HT packs),
>>and goes into trickle-charge mode after it has detected the voltage
>>peak of the pack being charged.  No timer needed; set and forget.
>>Typically it takes just 15-20 min to recharge a spent HT pack.
> 
  [deleted reply about batteries]

 I started flying R/C planes this spring (but that's another story).  One
thing that I was looking for was a fast charger so that when I spent a day
at the field flying, I didn't have to stop when my batteries wore out.

 I started asking what other guy's were using, and I happened to overhear
two guys talking about a new fast charger that has almost every feature that
one would want, and cost a lot LESS than other comparable chargers (and not
so comparable chargers).  These guys were really excited about this unit, so
I had to start asking some questions.  After talking with them, I ordered one
of these units, and have been using it for a few months now.  And it works
with almost all of my Ham radio related ni-cad packs too!!!

 Here is some of the details:

   This unit is powered by 12 vdc (works great from a car battery, or from
a power supply to allow use at home).

  It will charge anything from 4 to 10 cell (4.8 to 12 volt) batteries.
   (this covers most HT battery packs, and also the usual R/C car racing
    batteries, plus my R/C transmitter and reciver packs).

  It has a charge rate that is programable (with jumpers) to handle
    batteries in the 270 mah to 1800 mah capacity.

  Its fast charge rate is programmmable from .9 to 4.5 Amps.

  It is a Peak detecting charger (will automatically revert to a trickle
   charge when the ni-cad is fully charged.

  If a battery takes too long to charge, it will abort the quick charge.

  It ALSO includes a Programmable battery cycler!!  This will report
   the batteries condition as a percentage of rated capacity (i.e.: 60%, 70%,
   80%.... %110 of rated capacity).  This feature is super for testing,
   and conditioning ni-cad packs.

  This unit is sold by Hitec and is their model CG-325.

 I have been VERY happy with my unit.  It will charge most batteries in
10 to 20 minutes.  When the charge is complete, is 'chimes' to get your
attention.

   Rivendell Electronics (a Amateur Radio shop in Londonderry, NH) sells
   these units for about $80.  This is a great deal (IMHO). 

  (please apply the usual 'just a happy customer' disclaimer to this)


 Rich

-- 
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 * Rich Bono                     IMRICH         UUCP:rbono@necis.ma.nec.com * 
 * (508) 635-6300                 NM1D          AMPR: nm1d@nm1d.nh.usa.noam * 
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