The Passport AC/DC Li-Po 6S brings style and performance together in a package that looks as great as it performs. Loaded with features, the Passport AC/DC Li-Po 6S take the word 'competition' to the next level. Integrated balance technology in addition to a 5 amp charge rate make this charger a top choice amongst RC enthusiasts looking to get the most bang for their buck. Powering the unit is as easy as choosing which power source to use, AC or DC. And of course, nothing is easier to use than Dynamite. The AC/DC Li-Po charger includes banana plugs with a Deans Ultra connector and beeper for easy connection to source and easy operation.
Key Features:
- Integrated 1-6S Li-Po balancer
- Variable 5 amp charge rate provides quick charge times
- AC/DC input provides flexible charging capabilities
- Charges 1-6S Li-Po and LiFe batteries
- Includes Deans Ultra connector with banana plug terminals
- Banana plug inputs provide flexibility when choosing appropriate connector type
- 120 Volt AC 60Hz input.
This product was added to our catalog on November 6, 2009
The programming of this charger is very easy. Plug it into the supply source, either 120 VAC or 12 VDC. The 120 VAC cord is permanent, while the 12 VDC cord is detachable. Select either LiPo or LiFe by holding the button down before you plug in the battery pack. The color of the LED on the top left will change; either red or green. The meaning of that color is printed right on the face of the charger. Momentary presses of the button will change the charge current in 1 A increments. Now, plug the balance lead into the appropriate balance port and the discharge lead into the main harness. Then, press and hold the button until you hear a beep and charging starts. You'll hear the fan slow down a bit as the load is put on the power supply.
There are only two drawbacks to this charger: a) Loud fan. No biggy. b) it doesn't seem to charge the packs as fully as my Multiplex LN-5014 charger, which costs $10 more but doesn't include a balancer or power supply. (I bought an external balancer for $25 and already had a power supply) When I have a pair of identical 5 Ah, 2S, 20C LiPos that I had just run down in my HPI E-Savage, at the exact same load, this charger finishes charging probably 20 minutes sooner than the Multiplex. To safely charge a LiPo, a charger needs to limit itself to a certain maximum voltage. Therefore, as the charge progresses, the charge current ramps down until it gets to a certain minimum charge current, and the charger says it is all done. So the completeness of the charge has to do with the minimum charge current that the charger allows before the charger thinks it is done. In other words, the precision of the contant voltage, constant CVCC circuit. This charger probably only goes down to about a 500 mA charge rate when the voltage reaches the max, while a more precise computer controlled charger will go down to 100 mA or less.
So if you are driving in a situation where you really need that last minute of runtime, you may want to invest in a higher-end charger. Typically, the ones that have a full LCD dot matrix readout and that will charge a variety of different battery types are the more precise ones. Also, remember that a charger is a one-time investment. They don't wear out, and they don't get crashed and broken. Ditto with a good computer transmitter.