For smooth operation any car or aircraft model needs a device with which you can charge its battery. Charging device universal type - these are the most common and functional types of accessories that can be used to charge lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, nickel-cadmium and other types of batteries. A universal device can charge one battery, or it can be designed for simultaneous charging of several batteries: such models of devices will appeal to modelers who have two or more radio-controlled cars, tanks or aircraft.
Universal chargers: features
Most of the universal devices for charging batteries presented on the site have a number of important advantages:
Buy Universal Charger from RC King Store
In the assortment of our store, universal chargers for batteries of the most different models... There are chargers from IMAX, Turnigy, Hobby King, iCharger and many other manufacturers, which are well known among modelers for product reliability and high functionality. All devices are tested and have a quality certificate from both the company and the store. If you want to pick up a universal charger, thanks to which you can forget about the problems with recharging the batteries of your models, then in our store you will find everything you need!
How do the transformers from Cybertron charge their batteries? ... It's a joke, of course. But I will tell you what device can be used to charge almost any battery.
You may have already heard of balanced battery chargers. it electronic device is a kind of multifunctional controller that allows you to re-discharge and charge lead-acid Pb (including sealed ones), lithium-ion Li-Ion, lithium-polymer Li-Po, nickel-cadmium NiCd, nickel-metal hydride NiMh and others types of batteries.
Turnigy Accucell Universal Charger and Discharge 6.
I used to charge my batteries with the simplest charger, but now it's over. I got a universal charger, popularly just "Turniga". I bought it here. Together with the delivery, it cost 1184 rubles.
This is what charging looks like.
The thing is very useful, especially for those who constantly deal with batteries of all stripes. With Turnigy Accucell 6 you can charge Li-ion, LiPo, LiFe, Pb, NiCd, NiMh accumulators. A balancing connector is provided for lithium with several "banks".
Turnigy Accucell 6 is an analogue of the popular charging IMAX B6 from SKYRC, which almost every auto-modeler has. You can buy this on Ali. The original charger has a holographic sticker with a code. With it, you can check the originality of the device on the Skyrc website. Pay attention to this when buying!
The Turnigy Accucell 6 comes with 3 laces. Two of them are equipped with crocodile clips. Thanks to them, the charger can be easily cling to the wires.
The output connecting wires are provided with a XT60.
I have never seen such a connector before, but it is widely used in modeling. A very solid connector with powerful connectors - you can pump significant current.
To the output connectors (" OUTPUT") connect the banana plugs of the corresponding cord.
Balancing connectors are also located next to the power output connectors on the device body.
A balancing connector from a lithium battery is connected to them during charging. This connector is necessary in order to equalize the voltage on different "banks" of the lithium battery while charging the battery and thus evenly charge all the cells of the composite battery.
To charge other types of batteries (except lithium batteries with 2 or more cells), a balancing connector is not needed.
On the other side of the Turnigy Accucell 6 case, there is a power input connector. It can be either a power supply unit or a rechargeable battery (for example, a 12V battery from a car).
This allows the Turnigy Accucell 6 to be used in field conditions... For example, we need to charge Li-Po. We connect the tuner to car battery and charge. To prevent over discharge car battery in the charger settings, set auto shutdown when the input voltage is below 10.5V (you can set your own).
For "Turniga", the mains power supply is purchased separately. Even a low-power power supply is suitable, it all depends on which batteries and with what current you will charge.
A power supply with an output voltage of 10-18 volts and a maximum current of 300mA to 7-8A is suitable. Of course, it's better to use a more powerful power supply. I had a 100 watt 12 volt power supply on hand. Not the smallest solution, but ideal for charging Li-Ion batteries even high currents.
For Turnigy Accucell 6, I would recommend buying a stabilized power supply with a capacity of 80 - 85 watts with an output voltage of 12 volts. The maximum output current of such a unit is about 6 ... 7 amperes. Since the charging itself is designed for a maximum output current of 6 amperes, such a unit will be enough with a margin.
Although, if you are not going to charge LiPo batteries with high currents, then a 30 ... 36 watt (12 volt) power supply will be enough.
If you don't have a power supply at hand, you can buy a suitable one on AliExpress. I already talked about how to buy on Ali.
What is a universal charger useful for?
Batteries are now used everywhere. They work for me in a wireless keyboard and mouse, in a multimeter, a flashlight and more. Naturally, all this stuff requires a good charger. It's even better if it is compact and versatile.
It's no secret that cheap chargers, as well as many "native" chargers, for example, from screwdrivers, have a very primitive device. Because of this, after several cycles of using the battery, its capacity decreases sharply, or even completely fails.
I already talked on the pages of the site about the charger from the screwdriver, as well as the battery flashlight. When using the simplest chargers (and most of them), we completely kill the entire potential of the battery. Especially it concerns NiCd and NiMh batteries since they possess " memory effect".
Turnigy Accucell 6 NiCd and NiMh batteries are charged according to the so-called algorithm Delta-Peakmost optimal for this type.
Therefore the Turnigy Accucell 6 is ideal for charging AA, AAA NiCd and 1.2V NiMh batteries. When using a special battery box, you can charge up to 15 (!) Such batteries at the same time.
Also the charger comes in handy when repairing / refurbishing NiCd battery from a screwdriver or other power tool.
An example of using the Turnigy Accucell 6 to recover an over-discharged lithium polymer battery from a cell phone.
Nowadays every radio amateur has a digital multimeter. Such a multimeter is powered by a 9-volt battery. Its capacity is small and, as a rule, with intensive use of the multimeter, it quickly sits down. But as such a battery, you can use such a NiMh battery at 8.4V (with a capacity of 250 - 300 mA / h).
It is clear that by using a 9V NiMh battery, there is no need to buy a new battery every time.
The Turnigy Accucell 6 can charge and discharge any lead-acid (Pb) battery up to 20 volts. It can also charge a standard 12V car battery. Also remember that lead-acid batteries now they are actively used everywhere: in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS "ah), backup power supplies, flashlights, electrified toys ... So, if something happens, a universal charger will always help out. As you can see, there are more than enough possible applications.
By the way, the charging is repairable. Such devices usually have problems with power elements (field devices, resistors, connectors / sockets), and the "brains" of the device remain intact.
Unfortunately, in place with the Turnigy Accucell 6 I did not receive the user manual. I had to search the net. The native leadership was not the most understandable (poor translation, low quality design), but there was a quality guide from the clone charger. It is fully compatible with Turnigy Accucell 6.
We also managed to find a repair card for IMAX B6, which will work for Turnigy Accucell 6.
A universal charger for all types of batteries avoids the clutter of a large number of devices for powering different equipment. This solution is attractive from the point of view of economy, since there is no need to purchase specialized "chargers" for a laptop, phone, batteries of any kind. And in addition to this, space is freed up, because you do not have to store a ball of wires from numerous chargers.
What is it for?
There are many advantages from using a universal charging option. First of all, it should be noted the boundless comfort, because now you do not have to look for a charger from one or another device. Additionally, significant savings are noted: a universal device will be inexpensive, and at the same time, it is enough to buy one unit to provide power to any equipment available in the house (of course, the one that requires recharging).
We watch a video of what a simple device is:
Another plus is that the space in the room is freed up, which is always not enough anyway. And this, in turn, leads to an improvement appearance premises, because now numerous wires do not stick out from everywhere. And, perhaps, the most important advantage lies in freedom of movement, since, again, there is no need to carry a heap of wires with you.
As a result, a very attractive picture is drawn: convenience + comfort of use + affordable price... However, there is also a circumstance that may confuse some users - not always high quality, which is largely influenced by the origin of most of these devices (China).
Features of functioning
There are quite a few versions of such devices today, and each is designed to work with a certain group of batteries, accumulators: for powering laptops or small-sized equipment, including mobile phones, as well as large-size batteries. For example, there is a universal charger for traction and starter batteries, it is compatible with absolutely any types of batteries that differ in chemical composition (acidic, alkaline, lithium and others).
We are watching a video, a universal charger for working with a battery group:
When it is said that the device is universal, it is imperative to clarify with which battery group such a charge works. For example, if we are talking about an option designed to power laptop batteries, then in this case you can find in the kit wide choose special connectors for connection. Such devices are not certified and are usually offered at a significantly lower price than branded products.
Regardless of the version of the charger, it is necessary that the charging current is 0.1 of the battery capacity. There is no single value for this parameter, because in each case it is required to supply a charge current of a certain value, and this is due to the difference in battery voltage. Some universal devices are able to independently distribute the charge current, depending on what type of battery is connected and how many units are planned to be powered simultaneously. And in other cases it is possible to set the required value of the charge current.
We are watching a video about the popular Frog memory device:
There are also simpler devices that are called a universal charger for frog batteries. The device is called so because of the external similarity (the design provides for a kind of clothespin with which the battery is attached).
ZU type "Frog"
The peculiarity of this type of device is the limitation on the type of batteries (only lithium, which are usually used in telephones and some small-sized equipment). Such a charger is powered by a 220V network.
To connect this device, it is enough to connect it to a power source, and on the other hand, by means of a kind of clothespin, fix the battery, for which there are two movable "antennae". This design was created to provide the ability to connect batteries with a different number of contact pads (from 2 to 4). Each of the "antennae" is connected to the "+" and "-" of the battery. A light indication is also provided to control the battery charging process.
Decisive parameters when choosing
For ease of use, it is best to select devices that are compatible with different kinds batteries (lithium, nickel-cadmium, lead, etc.). This is the first criterion for choosing a universal charger. In order to be able to further increase the charge level of the desired device in different conditions, you should pay attention to the type of power source for such devices (from the network and the car).
Usually the cost of such equipment is low, but such devices as a universal charger for powering car batteries are represented by a wide range, the cost individual models while varying from 2,000 to 20,000 rubles. Accordingly, it is advisable to pay attention to the price as well.
Overview of models of different price categories
Helvi Progress 35
One of the expensive options for recharging a car battery is Helvi Progress 35 7057, which is offered at a price of 20 200 rubles. This is a single-phase device designed to increase the battery charge voltage from 6 to 24V.
The charge current can reach 35A, the design provides for an ammeter and a voltmeter, as well as the ability to switch voltage and current. Locks are provided for connecting the battery device, and for safety users there are rubberized handles.
A simpler tax is the Hyundai HY 400, which costs only 2,000 rubles. This is a compact device designed for a voltage within 6-12V, the charge current does not exceed 4A. With this design, you can charge the battery not only on a car, but also on a boat and a moped.
Watching a video about the model hyundai brands HY 400:
For simpler needs in everyday life, a variant of the "frog" type is widely used. The cost of a device of this kind is extremely small - within 200-350 rubles, in practice it is suitable for batteries of phones, cameras and other small-sized equipment. It charges quickly. If the battery is incorrectly connected to the contact pads, the indication will indicate an error and charging will not be performed. In this case, simply reverse the polarity.
Nuances of operation
If we consider a universal charger for powering all types of batteries of any laptop models, then you need to choose a suitable connector from the set, connect it to the battery on one side and to the laptop on the other. If there is a light indication, the device will inform you about the end of the charging process. In the case of a frog-type device, there are also no tricks: the phone's battery is attached to the device in accordance with the polarity by means of antennae, provided by the design charging, after which it connects to the network. In fact, almost all of the existing universal devices function under the condition of ensuring contact with the battery in accordance with the polarity.
Thus, the principle of operation of such a technique is quite simple, as well as its structure. And given the affordable cost and high efficiency, the use of such devices is becoming more and more attractive. You just need to connect the battery of the appropriate voltage. Not all such devices can work with completely discharged batteries, however, the version of the "frog" type successfully copes with this task.
Every motorist sooner or later finds himself in a situation when the car battery is discharged. And this becomes an obstacle to starting the engine. Most often this happens in winter time years, since at low temperatures the battery holds a charge very poorly and quickly discharges even when idle. Let's imagine a situation: you left your car on the street at minus ten degrees Celsius and returned in a week. What will happen? The battery is definitely discharged. And here one of two things remains: to "light" it from another car, which will have to be stopped, or to charge it with special device... Such a device is a universal
1. How to choose a universal battery charger.
The question "How to choose a universal charger?" sales consultants in car stores hear every day. And this is understandable, because every day from some motorist it will take, and the battery is discharged. And you have to do something about it. So upset drivers run to the store, trying to get their car back on track. And to save money, they buy a charger instead of a new battery. Charging a battery, like a quality battery, is the right investment. I bought it once and have been using it for many years. There are two types of chargers:
1. For a specific model and type of battery.
2. Universal chargers.
Most chargers are universal and will fit almost all batteries. There are, of course, their own nuances in the choice of universal chargers, which we will talk about further. By the way, it is quite possible to assemble the charger with your own hands. On the Internet, you can find a lot of information on this topic, including device assembly diagrams. But, if you are not particularly versed in electronics, then you better do not risk it and buy yourself a quality charger from a manufacturer that is trustworthy.
2. The process of charging the battery with universal charging.
The charging process with a universal charger is not complicated and consists of the following stages:
1. Wear a protective suit and be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Remove the battery from the car by first disconnecting the positive and negative wires from the terminals. During dismantling, you should be very careful and attentive so as not to damage the battery.You will also have to try not to come into contact with the electrolyte, as it is very dangerous for humans and burns if it gets on the skin. Removal should be carried out only after a complete stop of the car engine, otherwise it may lead to damage to electrical equipment.
3. After removing the battery, you can warm it up (if it is already very cold). But just do not use hot water for this. When a cold battery is immersed in hot water, the plates may crumble, which will not have a positive effect on the device.
4.
Wipe the battery with a soft cloth dampened with ammonia. At the same time, make sure that no dirt gets into the electrolyte. Otherwise, your battery will simply be doomed.
5. Dismantle the top cover or unscrew the plugs from the battery. This is done so that during charging the electrolyte "breathes" and does not boil, which, when the lid is closed, leads to explosions.
6. Look at the electrolyte level in the battery plates. If the liquid level is below the required level (which can be recognized by the marks on the battery case), this liquid should be refilled with distilled water. If you start charging at a low electrolyte level, the plates will simply burn out and the battery itself will lose some of its power or even all of its power.
7. Attach to the terminals "crocodiles" from the charger. It is important not to confuse where the minus is and where the plus is.
8. Only then connect the charger to the mains.
9. Wait until the battery is fully charged. Battery acid may boil while charging and make strange sounds. This is normal. The main thing is to make sure that it does not overheat too much. If overheating occurs, disconnect the charger and allow the battery to cool down, then continue charging.
10.
After charging is completely done, you should disconnect the universal charger from the mains and only then remove the "crocodiles" from You can find out that charging is complete by the indicators that are on some batteries and almost all modern chargers. Alternatively, measure the density of the electrolyte using a hydrometer. Average, full charge the battery takes about ten hours.
11. Screw back the cover removed from the battery and install it back into the vehicle. A little about security. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area. And in no case at home. This is because the battery emits harmful substancesthat negatively affect human health.
There are many different car battery chargers on the market. There are both cheap Chinese options and more expensive ones from well-known manufacturers. When choosing a charger for yourself, be sure to consult with the seller. He will tell you which chargers are better, which batteries are suitable, and just talk heart to heart.
1.
How the charging circuit is built. There are chargers that operate with a constant current value, and there are those that operate under constant voltage... The former charge the battery fully, but can lead to overheating of the electrolyte inside. The latter exclude the possibility of overheating of the electrolyte, but you will not see a full charge with such devices.
Neither does the battery benefit. Therefore, another type of chargers appeared - with a combined charging process, in which the entire procedure is performed in automatic mode without the participation of a motorist. But such devices are the most expensive.
2. Charger power. Always remember that the maximum allowable battery charge current is 10% of its capacity. For example, if your battery has a capacity of 100 Ah, then you should choose charging with a current of 10 A.
3. Pay attention to the type of charging. There are transformer and pulse models. The former are more reliable, but take up a lot of space. The latter are compact and portable, but not as reliable as the former. So, if you decide to buy an impulse charger, we recommend staying with trusted manufacturers. It will be more reliable this way.
4. Charger power supply method.There are those that are powered by a regular electrical network, and the current to the battery passes through the "crocodiles". And there are those that work from a cigarette lighter, the so-called charging and starting devices. Here you need to pay attention to your personal experience and features of car operation. If you do not go on long trips and return the car to your garage every evening, then choose the first type of charging. But, if you want portability, choose the second type. This way you will never be left without a battery.
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Today it is even difficult to imagine how people used to live without portable devices. They accompany people everywhere: at home and on vacation, on the street and at work. Without a doubt, living with them is much more convenient if there is a universal charger for all types of batteries.
But, along with this, the rapidly growing "population" digital devices carries certain problems associated with the lack of a single standard for power supplies.
To power such devices, 10 years ago, they still used standard batteries, the standard sizes of which could be counted on the fingers, therefore, the same batteries were used to power tape recorders, transistors, and models. Modern electronic devices require "their" source.
Batteries vary electrical characteristics and dimensions, which is why they are suitable for limited use. Without them, a person is cut off from the outside world.
Therefore, to recharge existing devices, the user has to use strictly appropriate chargers, which is inconvenient even in stationary conditions, if only because many sockets are required. In addition, you have to constantly unravel the wires. And there is no need to talk about how difficult it is during rest and travel.
This problem is especially relevant for those who like to travel: bulky and not very large storage devices replenish their luggage, and in hotels there is often only one available outlet.
There is only one way out in this situation - a universal charger for all types of batteries, which has a connecting cable with adapters that can be connected to various portable gadgets.
Charging using a universal charger for all types of batteries is much more convenient. Weighing up to 400 grams, they even fit a pocket, and even more so in a backpack.
Video: Best Universal Charger (Review)
Battery Charger Types
Universal charger - ECO6
A universal charger for absolutely all types of batteries - ECO6 with a set of adapters allows you to charge a Lipo battery with a current of 5A (up to 6 cells). JST-XH connector is included for balancing. The supply voltage is 11-18 volts, so charging can be done from a personal computer power supply or a car battery. A feature of the device in memory, i.e. memorizing the parameters of five batteries. Maximum power and the spread of the charge current, as in the above model.
The Hobby King 4B6 smart balance charger has 4 autonomous ports. This allows 2 LiPo batteries to be charged at the same time, for example the transmitter battery and the glow plug.
The HobbyKing ECO6-10 200W 10A kit, capable of automatically setting and charging 10A batteries of any size, includes various connectors, including balancing JST-XH, wires for all connection methods.
And they make it easy to charge ZIPPY / TURNIGY batteries. At the input, the supply voltage is from 10 to 18 volts, which is suitable for both power supplies for computers, as well as for car batteries.
The features of a universal charger for all types of batteries include:
- the ability to balance an individual can (JST-XH connector);
- microprocessor;
- wide range of charging current (0.1 ~ 10 A);
- time limit function;
- power saving mode;
- data storage for 10 batteries in memory;
- battery protection (power monitoring);
- storing the date of the operational period and putting the device into operation.
Another brand that cannot be ignored. The device is compatible with many types of batteries. It is capable of charging from 12V and 110 / 240V (NiMH, Lion, LiPo, LiFe, NiCd). In addition, it has a three-inch LCD touch screen displaying key features such as graphics.
Its characteristics are as follows:
- supply voltage - 100 ~ 240 V;
- charge power (maximum) and discharge, respectively, 90 and 10 W;
- fluctuations - 50-60 Hz;
- charging current - 0.1 ~ 10 A;
- weight - 520 g;
- dimensions - 146 x 148 x 58 mm;
- battery types - (LiPo), (LiFe), (LiIon), (NiMh), (NiCd).
IMAX B6AC V2 - newest version a professional device with functional novelties - control from a personal computer. If necessary, the firmware can be updated. The device allows you to adjust the voltage at the output connectors. For charging high power batteries, this is perfect solution... It is also used for a lithium battery when its internal resistance needs to be measured. The B6AC V2 is equipped with functions that limit charge capacity, time and current, which makes it the safest among analogs.
Main characteristics:
- supply voltage 100-240 V;
- input supply voltage - 11-18 V;
- for containers: (NiMh), (NiCd), (LiIon), (LiPo) and (LiFe);
- discharge and charge power (maximum), respectively, 5 and 50 W;
- fluctuations - 50/60 Hz;
- discharge and charge current limits - 0.1 ~ 5 A;
- the number of cells in a NiMh battery is from 1 to 15, in the rest - 1-6;
- voltage of Pb batteries in the range of 2-20 V;
- weight - 832 grams;
- dimensions - 135 x 144 x 36.
It is completed with the following details:
- network cable;
- with T-connector, 4mm banana;
- connectors: JST, XT60, Futaba, crocodile, DC Jack / crocodile.
The device allows you to charge lithium lead, as well as nickel batteries, equipped with a balancing function - Turnigy B6 PRO. The charging current is adjusted in the range of 0.1-6.0 A. Li-xx cells are simultaneously charged up to 6, and Ni-xx - up to 15. For the convenience of the user, the device easily memorizes the values \u200b\u200bof 5 batteries.
The power supply has reliable protection, thanks to which there is no need to worry that the battery will be "drained". It automatically puts the battery into the "storage" mode.
Any source that produces 11-18 volts is suitable for power supply. The charger comes on the market in four color options, has an LCD display and a backlight.
Turnigy
Another model Turnigy B6 PRO. Thanks to the capabilities given to him - multifunction device can charge and monitor the status of nickel, lithium and lead batteries. Like the previous type, its charging current is in the range of 0.1-6.0 A. The internal memory contains data on five batteries. The power supply is protected, so the battery will not "run out" when charged "in the field". The device can monitor the temperature of the battery (the sensor is not included in the kit), if not used for a long time, transfer the battery to the "storage" state. Power supply is possible from any source with a constant voltage of 11-18 volts. To make it easier to "identify" it is available in 4 colors.
The Turnigy TQ4 can simultaneously charge four different types of containers. Batteries belong here: LiPoly, Li-ion, LiHV, LiFe, NiMH, Ni-Cd. The device weighs 1100 grams, is equipped with a JST-XH (2 ~ 6) connector, the voltage of the batteries is Pb 2-24 V. In a NiCd / NiMh battery, cells from 1 to 15, in LiIon / LiPol / LiFe - 1-6 pieces.
iCharger 106B-plus250W 6s
The power of the multifunctional charger iCharger 106B-plus250W 6s is 250 watts, and the current value is 10 amperes. It is suitable for almost all batteries. A special feature is super-precise balancing.
If the question arose about purchasing a universal charger for all types of batteries, the legendary iMax B6 Power Bank (PB12000AB) device, etc., will help out. latest model charges three devices at once, for which it has the corresponding 4 USB-connectors.
Video: The best universal charger for all types of batteries
