RC battery and its charger are a package deal. One without the other is not only useless but a nuisance. As an RC enthusiast, it is non-negotiable to learn about an RC battery charger as much as you focus on the battery itself.
However, chargers can be rather befuddling if you are new to this hobby. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the amount of variety in RC battery chargers. Furthermore, each charger has so many features and buttons.
So, one way out for those stressed RC enthusiasts is to look into the functions of the battery charger. In short, understand what you want and what a charger offers.
Here’s a list of functions commonly found in RC LiPo battery chargers.
Balance Charging
Most RC battery chargers offer this function, and it is a rather useful one. Some confuse this feature with charging, but they are different.
Your charger can balance charge if you need to insert a balancing lead from the battery into the charger. It checks the voltage of each cell in the battery pack and ensures they all have the same voltage. Some chargers may have built-in monitors and balancers, which you can check before buying.
Balance charging is a vital step in the process as it can prevent over- or under-charging of the battery. Otherwise, it can cause battery damage.
LCD Screen
Choosing an RC battery charger with an LCD screen is a great idea. It lets you change charging parameters accurately, monitor charge cycles, and track individual battery voltages. This much-needed visual feedback gives you control during the charging process.
When you have an LCD screen in your battery charger, you can do things with much more ease and effectiveness, leading to a better user experience. Thus, many professional and hobby RC users prefer this feature in their chargers.
Multiple Charging Ports
RC battery chargers with multiple charging ports are powerful. You can use each port individually as a smaller charger. For instance, you can charge four different batteries simultaneously with a 4-channel charger, regardless of voltage level, capacity, etc.
Simply put, it is equal to having four LiPo battery chargers. It is the most user-friendly feature an RC battery charger has to offer. It improves your productivity, performance, and satisfaction.
Not only that, but you can also set different charging parameters for each channel. But remember that the charger’s power is the sum of all channels. Keep this in mind and use it as per the instruction manual.
Storing Charge
The storing charge feature of an RC battery charger helps users store their batteries in a safe and optimal state for long-term storage. When a battery is not being used for an extended period, it can lose charge and become damaged or even unusable. The storing charge feature addresses this problem by charging the battery to a specific level before keeping it away.
Usually, the storing charge of a LiPo battery voltage is 3.8V per cell. Storing a fully charged battery affects its capacity loss over time. Thus, you store a LiPo battery at this level for safety.
Also, this feature can help extend the battery’s overall lifespan by reducing the amount of stress on the battery caused by long-term storage. It can maintain the battery’s capacity and performance over time, ensuring it is ready for use when needed.
Hence, looking for an RC battery charger with a storing charge feature is a good idea. It maintains the health and longevity of the battery and keeps it ready for use when needed, even after extended storage periods.
Quick Charge
As the name suggests, this feature charges a LiPo battery faster than the standard. This feature can be useful for those who need to charge their batteries quickly and do not have the time to wait for a full charge.
However, it usually does not balance the voltage of individual cells. It only focuses on the total voltage. Hence, you must pay attention to your battery state when quickly charging.
It is also important to note that using the quick charge feature too often or for extended periods of time can lead to increased heat and wear on the battery. It can reduce its lifespan. Therefore, it is better to use quick charging sparingly and only when necessary.
Nevertheless, the quick charge feature of an RC battery charger provides a convenient option for users who need to charge their batteries quickly and efficiently.
Discharge
Discharging a LiPo battery is an important part of the process. When you have this feature in your battery charger, you can reduce the voltage of your battery to the permissible voltage. Usually, it may be 3.3V or 3.0V, depending on the charger.
Final Thoughts
There you go!
These are 6 of the common features and functions you will find in RC LiPo battery chargers. You can pick a charger with one or more of these features depending on your needs and likes.
However, read and understand the instructions clearly before using either the LiPo battery or the charger. Improper use can damage both.
Most importantly, buy the products from a quality supplier. Buying a subpar product and expecting it to perform as the best of class can only end in disappointment. Hence, you need to set your priorities right and purchase items accordingly.
RCBattery is a great name to consider in this respect. Check out their products and services on their official website before purchasing.
We hope you learned a bit more about LiPo battery chargers in this blog post. If you have any questions for us, leave a comment, and we will help you out.
