By: Mark Rounge
From RC Driver Issue: 135
Perfect take-to-the-track Li-24 2S-4Scharger for under $25
Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for RTR packages to include LiPo bat series (which is amazing), and also include a slow wall charger that may or may not balance all of the individual cells. In order to upgrade the charger, one had to sometimes invest a fair penny and sometimes even buy extras such as power supplies and various cables. Duratrax now offers one of the most affordable, easy-to-use chargers on the market, making it the perfect upgrade to any basic RTR charger, or a nice backup to throw in your bag and not worry about.
WHAT IT’S GOT
One of the great things about the Li-24 is the small size. It weighs hardly anything and probably takes up less space on your desk than your smartphone.
There are only two switches to worry about on the charger, one to select the battery chemistry (LiPo or LiFe) and one to choose the charge current (1A, 2A, or 3A). That’s it and once the battery is connected it will start charging automatically.
The Li24 can balance charge 2-4-cell LiPo or LiFe batteries using the included Traxxas or Deans Ultra Plug equipped charge cables. Four LED indicators will confirm the number of cells in the pack you are charging and also indicate the charging status. It’s pretty simple, red is charging and when it turns to solid green charging is complete (you will see orange in between indicating that the charger has switched to constant voltage mode).
HOW MUCH: $24.99
MODEL NO.: DTXP4620
POWER INPUT: 100-240V AC BATTERY TYPE: LiPo/LiFe NUMBER OF CELLS: 2-4
CHARGE RATE: Variable, 1A, 2A, 3A DISCHARGE RATE: N/A
BATTERY INPUT: Banana Input BALANCE PORT: JST_XH COOLING: N/A
LENGTH: 4.4-in. (111mm)
WIDTH: 2.7-in. (69mm)
HEIGHT: 1.6-in. (41mm)
WEIGHT: 6.2oz. (176g)
PROS
+ Incredible price
+ Could not be easier to use
+ Integrated power supply
+ Lightweight and small footprint
+ Includes a charge cable of your choice
CONS
– Only charges in full amp intervals
HOW IT WORKS/FINAL THOUGHT
The Li-24 does exactly what you want it to with no complicated menus or con- fusing manuals. I tried charging a few of my packs and had no issues whatsoever. Although it took a little longer to charge my high capacity 5000mAh batteries, the small size and integrated power supply more than made up for this since I could easily bring it to work or anywhere. It is the perfect charger to bring out to the field and pass around with its durable and rugged case. And the best part of all is that it can be had for under 25 dollars, which should be an absolute crime for a LiPo/LiFe charger with an integrated power supply.
LINK
Duratrax, duratrax.com
I just picked up this charger and (2) Duratrax Onyx 7.4V 5000mAh batteries (DTXC1964). Am I safe charging these on the 3A setting with this charger? (Essentially charging at 3/5C, correct?) I’ve been charging the first battery for what seems like a REALLY long time and still not fully charged according to the LED indicators. (but has gone to CV mode)
Charging less than 1c would obviously charge your battery slower, but this doesn’t hard your battery, it just takes a long time :/