HobbyKing Online R/C Hobby Store : hexTronik Balancer/Charger Dual Charge Capable

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22/07/2010
Jonathan (34%)
Is a 1amp wall lighter adapter enough? I tried a 500ma, it wasn't- the charger wouldn't charge at that low current. Of course I won't be able to charge at above 1amp, but do you think it will charge at .5a at least? I'd rather not pay $30 for a 5amp adapter if I don't have to.

Mike (71%)
5A supply for under $9 here: ***********hobbycity****/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6256
Why use anything less?

Jonathan (34%)
thanks, but I'm reading bad comments about it. This one seems better, and just $6 more. hobbycity****/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6477

Lanell (59%)
I'll tell you what I did was took a old wireless router power cord* OUTPUT: 12V**-1.5A and used it with this charger for almost a year now. inexpensive way to recycle a power cord and I have charged from .5A to 2A although 2A bogs it down its still holding and in the reviews it suggest a drop of oil on cooling fan, it helped.

This customer was awarded a credit for their answer.

Jonathan (34%)
Cool solution Lanell. I've got an extra 200W PSU I think I'll use. I *ahem* blew up my 8080 by ignorantly installing an unpolarized wall plug and pop goes the charger. The fuse couldn't save this one, so I just ordered an Accucell-6. If it fails, I'll go back to the 8080, because I know at least it works well...as long as it isn't plugged directly into an AC wall socket! *stupid stupid*

13/07/2010
danbillyboo (50%)
Hi! Can it charge 2x 4000mah Lipo 2S battery in the same time? and how long?

Thanks!

uarghhh (48%)
Sure it will but max charge is 2amp, so a little over 2 hour, maybe 2h30.

This customer was awarded a credit for their answer.

danbillyboo (50%)
Thanks! I tried it and it charge during 3h15.

21/06/2010
Stephen (72%)
Is this charger suitable for this Rhino 460 mAh lipo from Hobby King?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7303

Can you charge 2 of these at once?

Thanks!

Izglioib (50%)
Charging shold go on 1C rate. for your 460mAh battery 1C is .46A Charger minimum rate is .5A It's enough close to not destoy the battery. So this charger fits. And yes you can charge 2x2s battery at this charger at same time

JaRa5xxx (67%)
I regularly charge a 360mAh Rhino 3S with this one at 500 mA, no problem.

22/05/2010
mpthompson (34%)
For those who may need it, I created a PDF version of the HexTronik HX8080 Lithium Polymer Charger user manual here:

preview-tinyurl-com/2d76sc4

Just replace preview(-)tinyurl(-)com with (.) to preview the correct link.

Ben (50%)
THANKS

7/04/2010
Carl (50%)
How or can I charge 2 x 3s battiers on this charger at one time.

Joseph (50%)
the best way would be to buy one more charger jk the only time you can charge two if its a 2s lipo with that charger sorry about that

Matthew (-15%)
you can't. it only charges 2x 2C which is a total of 4C which is the charger's capability.

Izglioib (50%)
You can't It charges 2x2s at same time. 3s charges one at a time.

Michael (13%)
It's not made to charge two 3 cells at once, but you can do it by cutting down the balancing chargers left nob and forcing the 2nd battery into the 4 cell port, right side. Then you'd be charging in parallel at up to 2 amps total so only 1 amp per cell, so it'll take twice a long. You won't find that in the manual. I've been doing that for years. Parallel charging is slower, thus safer for the cells. Of course charge on concrete or in a safe bad like always.

7/10/2009
amirzakwan (44%)
does this charger come with power supply? if it does, i will buy it asap

Joseph (50%)
no but i bought on at best buy for 20 dollars and it works great with this charger

Niels (0%)
A power supply has to be ordered separately. Or you could use a power supply from an other source. Just as long as the power (voltage and current) are within specs of the charger.

numbers guy (34%)
no power supply, and it is hooked up with a car adapter. however, can easily switch to alligator or banana clips to run off of 12v field battery.

26/09/2009
a_pilot (70%)
So if plug a 3s or 4s battery into this charger and set to 2amp charge, it charges at 2amps, but if I plug in 2x 2s batteries and set to 2amp charge does that mean each battery gets 1amp. What if I set to 0.5amp charge, does each battery get .25amp charge?

yflihi (62%)
No, it doesn't work with mains input. And when charging two 2s packs at the 2A setting, both packs get 2A each. It actually charges each cell individually at the selected current.

28/08/2009
giladb (16%)
Hi,

Is this working with 220v also? how can I tell?

Thanks,
Gilad

Niels (0%)
The charger has no power supply of it's own. So you can use any power supply that delivers enough power.

24/08/2009
goofa (45%)
I don't understand how the Serial button works I have received a new charger today, have tried It out when I press the serial button It seem,s to be a momentary action switch there no In or out position how does one know when it's serial or Parallel? I'm confused.

25/07/2009
Ori (34%)
Does it charge NiMH?

Niels (0%)
nope...

22/07/2009
M.Awais (34%)
I bought this charger and it works perfect. I am using 12v 3amp supply and it is really cool.

16/07/2009
zxsonnyxz (69%)
Just to clarify:

This charger can charge 2x 2S lipo in the same time it would use on just one 2S?

Niels (0%)
If the power supply can deliver enough amps the charging times should be the same for 1 or 2 2S packs.

9/06/2009
Barany (97%)
Hi Guys,
I bought a ZIPPY Flightmax 180mAh 2S 15C battery. And I have a HX8080
hexTronik Balancer/Charger, with minimal 0.5A charger current. How can I charge this battery with this charger, if I do not want to charge more than 1C (0.18A) current? I do not want to breakdown my new battery...
Thanks,
Endre

17/05/2009
John (50%)
I have this charger and need to know how you can tell if it is charging in parallel or series? I use it to charge 7.4V LiPolys (2) at a time. I have brand new batteries that have only been charged once with this charger and I tried charging them last night and the 2 cells are not charged at the same. One cell is at 8.14 V and the other is at 4.13V (center pin). I measured the voltage coming out of the charger too and this voltage difference was found to be the same. Anyone know whats up? Is it trying to charge in Series?

helikaren (79%)
It's charging in parallel. You're measuring off the wrong pins. You need to measure pins 1 & 2 then 2& 3 then 3 &4 rather than 1 &2 and 1&3 which you are doing.

Tal Kotzer (48%)
GRREAT CHARGER
ONE OF THE BEST THAT I EVER USED!!
REALY GOOD....SIMPLE AND SMART:)
THANK YOU HOBBYKING

5/05/2009
joe (54%)
Need help. I have a wall adaptor that has a cigarette plug output. At work today I plugged (2) 7.4v 2S 4000mah lipos in and set them for 2.0A charge rate. After my full 8 hour day my lipos were only reading 7.0v and 6.9v. When I got home they only lasted 7-10 minutes. It was like the charger never did anything. Can someone please explain? Also what is the "serial" button on the front of the charger for? It doesn't say anything in the Manual. Thanks, Joe. Email is joeyhatch11*yahoo**** if anyone wants to write me a long email to explain what I'm doing wrong. Thanks again.

Mustang Sally (97%)
What is the output of your wall adapter?

Beaufighter (22%)
Yout wall adapter is probably way too small... It will need to supply a current of about 5A (60W) be usefull for allmost any charger.

Serial is for serial charge, unlike parallell. If set to serial, it will treat all connected as one (the total voltage of all connected will be charged), if set to parallell it will charge each cell separately with 4.2V. Parallell is usually the best choice...

Bas123 (42%)
How do you know in which mode it is???

4/04/2009
greg (75%)
will this charge a 1800mah 7.4v lipo battery for my rc18r?

Mark (88%)
Mine just won't charge new or old batteries anyone else had this problem.It don't work

johnw291237 (43%)
Suggest checking fuse first and if OK then check outputs using multimeter. Had one for 12 months+ and it works fine.
Good luck JohnW

I_Gotts_Ta_Fly (65%)
This unit looks quite similar to the Turnigy 420 Balancer/Charger 2S~4S ($23.95).

Same dimensions.
Dimensions: 133X83X35mm (same enough)

Difference is that Turnigy has the % readout. I wonder if one is a knockoffs of the other, or are they the same internally made by the same OEM manufacturer?

Has anyone made a comparison internally?

Beaufighter (22%)
Turnigy and HXT IS the same, so no knockoff. Same charger, but the Turnigy has a status diplay.

JohnH (86%)
Only recently had need to try the "SERIES Charging", (ie just using the "Deans" connector & not through the "balance connector".) Seems to charge with no difference if the "Series" button is pressed or not. The info in the manual speaks of (special??)adaptors for series charging charging. All I did was make a lead with a balance connector to plug into the charger, & the pos. & neg. from this to the "Deans" male. ANYONE WITH EXPERIENCE OF THIS NO DIFFERENCE AS TO THE "SERIES' BUTTON BEING PRESSED? OK, it worked but the "Series" button would not have been include for no reason.
JH 26-09-08

Aur�lien (34%)
Can I charge a Rhino 1350mAh 3S 11.1v 25C Lipoly Pack with this charger ?

EugeneBee (97%)

Yes! through balancing connector current charging 1A. Good luck!

Jason (67%)
If i plug a 3S 1000mAh Zippy battery in and 1 and 3 are red but the 2 stays green what does that mean?? Is this a bad cell. The battery is new and never charged before.

Neal F. (56%)
Jason,

Unplug everything. Plug power into the charger. Wait a few seconds. Plug in the battery. If it still won't charge one cell, jiggle the connection - I've noticed loose pins on some balance leads. Then try another battery - if the failure persists the charger is bad. Also use a voltmeter to measure the individual cells on the suspect battery - perhaps one cell is bad.

CHRIS (50%)
WILL THIS CHARGER CHARGE A 4000mah 4S PACK OK? AND IF SO HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

EugeneBee (97%)
To be without problems, but being fully charged with a current 2A will take approximately 1.5 hours. Please note that this charger needs a source of nurturing DC 9-15V at least 2A.

wayne5 (69%)
Is there downloadable instructions?

Oliver (50%)
Also want to know how I can use this to charge a Thunder Power battery. Please advise, thanks!!

Mansoor (38%)
Just checked out the UH website. They have a new product on offer by which I think one should be able to connect a TP battery to the Hextronic charger.
I will certainly purchase this product.
iMAX-FP-TP
iMAX FP & TP Plug Adapter.

Mansoor (38%)
Will it directlly charge a Thuder Power battery or is a adaptor cable required? If so, then which one?

Maniac20 (56%)
It will not fit directly with the TP batteries. The charger will fit JST-XH connectors* those found on LoongMax and HXT batteries.

ccc19155 (0%)
Will the seriel charger be able to chare my 9,6 volt Ni-MH battery in my transmitter.
reg. Poul

Jean Philippe (50%)
I bought one of thoses 2 months ago.

At first , it charges the batteries to 4.14 V max and balance them well : 0,01 V difference only .

After few cycles of the batteries , the balance between cells is becoming worse and worse . I can get nowodays more than 0,1 V of difference between cells on some 3S packs . Does the same happens to you other users ?

JWManning (88%)
It is possible the cells are damaged or of ***r quality. I know my charger, which displays read outs for the individual cells, charges to 4.17-4.20 but immediately after the charge certain cells will lose voltage rapidly due to cell damage.

JWManning (88%)
Does this charger have reverse polarity protection on the power side and the charging battery side? I have packs that use the same plug in but are reversed polarity from the Hextronik packs.

oz42 (34%)
Yes, I tried that already. *-) I plugged in a Kokam 2S Lipo, nothing happened, LEDs stayed green. Had to convert the Lipo to JST-XH, now it gets charged well.

Michael (50%)
what charger plug lead would I need to purchase to charge a LM Loong 1000 or 1300 3SIP 20C lipo pack

JWManning (88%)
The balancing charger connection that come with the pack will directly plug into this charger because Loong max uses the same balance plug as HexTronik.

rainman (87%)
Rainer
which type of batteries can be loaded
Li-Po (3,7V), Li-Io (3,6V) and Li-Fe (3,3V)

JWManning (88%)
This charger is designed for Lipoly so it will charge 3.7v to 4.2v. Li-Io can be charged with this charger but doing so will reduce the lifespan of Li-Ions as their final charge is 4.1v not 4.2v.

bothal3 (98%)
1. Has the balance accuracy between cells been improved since it first became available?(to say 0,01 V or better)2. Has the repeatability of the end of charge voltage been improved since it first became available? (to say 4,17 V)

Geoff (90%)
I find that as my batteries get older and tired the "fully charged" voltage tends to drop a bit. Old cells can charge to as low as 4.08 volts while new cells charge to 4.21 volts.
Cell to cell voltage in a pack can also vary as cells age slightly differently due to factors such temperature during discharge.

joonas (50%)
Can it charge battery's under 500mah?

JWManning (88%)
It may not be very well advised to do so with the current being .5 Amps at the lowest setting. If the C rating is high enough on the battery I suppose it could be done but a general rule of thumb is if the pack is 200 mAH charge at no more than 0.2 amps.

JGermain (28%)
I noticed someone on the Review section posted the actuall load of the .5 switch being 280 mah. I wonder if anyone could figure out a work-around that could be rigged up somehow to step down the load before the battery for smaller lipos. Maybe it's a bad idea...anybody?

Geoff (90%)
you could parallel up cells for charging lower capacity cells.
I parallel up 2 3s 2800 mah packs and charge at 2 amps. By doing this I'm charging the cells at a gentle 1 amp.

Make sure that the cells are discharged to a similar level and are of the same capacity

graham (50%)
can it be pluged into a wall?

Graham
Gbkcmowing*gmail****

Alfred (50%)
no +12V (Car)batterie

JWManning (88%)
You can get a separate converter for your wall socket such as those used for laptops to convert AC to 12v DC. This is what I do when I want to charge my batteries inside. United hobbies does not offer such a converter, but you should be able to get them elsewhere.

JWManning (88%)
I would like to revise my previous statement, Hobbycity DOES offer such a converter on page one of the "chargers" section.

***********hobbycity****/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6256

GooMan (47%)
GOTO RADIO SHACK AND GET A 12 volt converter its awsome run your charger anywhere ther is power

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