Features:
- High power, high current, high-performance power conversion circuit. The iCharger series uses advanced Synchronous buck-boost DC/DC converter technology with an output conversion efficiency that can reach over 90%. This not only saves power and reduces heat build up but also makes the charger more compact and conveniently mobile.
- Two input power choices. DC jack with auto-resetting fuse (maximum input current 6A) and alligator clips that can be soldered the the main input leads (25A).The output power can be adjusted to align with the available input power, thus preventing input current overload and protecting the DC source.
- Multiple Battery Types. The iCharger series can be used with three types of Lithium batteries - LiPo, Lilo, LiFe - and has a fully integrated cell balancer.
- Temperature Sensor. Internal temperature sensor and temperature controlled automatic cooling FAN controls the internal temperature and provides intelligent protection. When the internal temperature is over 60℃(140 oF), the output power is automatically reduced by 25%. If the temperature exceeds 65℃(149 oF) the charge cycle is stopped.
- 10 memory slots. Convenient set of 10 battery profile memories that can be saved and loaded by number. You can also set the name on the memory slots to a custom value for easy identification.
- Large backlit LCD screen. 2x16 backlit LCD screen that provides rich information including active mode, current, voltage, total charge (mAh), charging time and temperature etc.
- Charge/Discharge options. Various charging/discharging settings and cycles to meet a wide range of customer needs. For Lithium batteries: balance charging, normal charging, fast charging, storage, discharging, ext-discharging, charge/discharge cycling, and battery monitoring. For NiCd/NiMH batteries: charging-auto, charging-manual, discharging, charge/discharge cycling and forming charge. For Pb batteries: charging and discharging.
- Unique Lithium battery expanding discharge program. When you connect the external capacity resistance, you can use it as the maximum discharge power capacity—170W (@25V/7A).
- Unique Lithium battery Monitor program. When you use other equipment to charge or discharge a Lithium pack, you can use the iCharger to monitor the per-cell voltages, battery temperature and process time. If any individual cell appears over-charged or over-discharged or the pack is too hot or the process has gone on for too long, the iCharger will generate an alarm sound and the related information will blink.
- Electric motor test mode. Electric motor test mode can be used to run-in electric motors, test motor parameters and performance, check tolerances etc.
- Foam-cut drive. In this mode, the charger acts as a convenient power supply for a hot wire foam cutter.
- Battery interior resistance measurement. The iCharger can not only measure the internal resistance of the battery pack, and also can measure the per-cell internal resistance (only available for lithium battery).
- Perfect protection. The iCharger has protection for reversed polarity (input or output), low input voltage, battery temperature, charging capacity and time overrun.
The iCharger also supports the “Open Format” data of the “logview” software and can display, plot and analyze the charge and discharge data by it. (See detail information about logview in the following website, http://www.logview.info) The software for updating the charger via the USB port is available here, and the instructions are available here.
Specifications:
Input Voltage Range: 10.0 – 18.0VDC
Charge Current Range: 0.05 – 10.0A
Discharge Current Range: 0.05 – 7.0A
Maximum Charge Power Capacity: 250W @ input voltage > 13.5V
Maximum Discharge Power Capacity: 20W
Maximum External Discharge Power Capacity: 170W @ 25V/7A
Current Drain For Balancing: <300mA
Balance Accuracy: <10mV Lithium (LiPo/LiIo/LiFe)
Battery Cell Count: 1 – 6 series (In non-balance mode, expand LiFe to 8s)
NiCd/NiMH Battery Cell Count: 1 – 17 series
Pb Battery Cell Count: 1 – 12 series (2 – 24V)
Battery Setup Memories: 10
Intelligent Temperature Control: Yes
PC Connect: USB port
Weight: 350g
Dimensions (L X W X D): 134X83X25mm 5.28X3.27X0.98"
This product was added to our catalog on February 5, 2009
I noticed that one of the features of the unit, regenerative discharge, was not mentioned on the user’s manual that was supplied (in the CD that came in the package)! I went back to the forums:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839657
After some more reading, I discovered that this time, the manual was updated. I downloaded the new manual from the website of the manufacturer. The flowchart at page 7 was now corrected. On page 11, there were diagrams showing the wiring when regenerative discharge function was turned on and off, as well as notes on current and voltage limits.
Due to the word “regenerative” I presumed that this was a nice feature to have but there was no clue on how it regenerates batteries? How I can benefit from this feature? Is this for Lixx, Nixx or Pb batteries? What current and voltage limits would be suitable for what?
I went back to the forums and asked the above questions. Thankful to my interest in their products, the manufacturer replied by a repetition of what I had posted, ignoring my questions. Another registered user of the forums later let me know*. This is how I learned another nice feature of my charger/balancer.
Also, its memories are numbered from 0 to 9, except memory #7. After “memory 6” and before “memory 8”, there is “memory”. It is functional. Nothing but the 7 is missing. This may not be a big deal but this confirms that the manufacturer was probably in a hurry to go to the marketplace. One day, another upgrade may solve this. This may happen before or after an instruction manual upgrade that explains what regenerative discharge is.
I can recommend this unit only to those who are willing to take the hassle. In return, you get a lot of features at a good price. BTW, it works fine after the “initial” software upgrade.
I can not recommend it to those who want a charger/balancer that is truly complete when they buy it. You may have to pay a bit more for similar features but your peace of mind would probably be inclusive.
*“regenerative discharge means as you discharge your flight battery the energy is dumped into the power supply battery. That way the discharge energy goes to a positive use, charging the power supply battery. Rather than creating heat in the discharge resister which is only capable of a low amount of watts anyway. It's got nothing to do with regenerating the flight battery”. -//- I suggest upgrading this charger/balancer first, before doing anything else with it. You can do so by following this link (which is also provided at the front page, just above the specifications) http://www.jun-si.com/UploadFiles/iC1010B+_V309.bin or by using the CD that comes in the package. Before the upgrade; never, ever attempt using one of its memory functions. I did and it gave me never ending beeps, accompanied by a flashing warning that read “System Check, Please Wait…” followed by nonsense characters all over the screen. Unplugging it from the power source and plugging it again was no remedy. No matter what, it was starting the same way.
The customer representatives of A Main Hobbies did offer me the possibility of receiving a new one. They even encouraged me to send it back so my hat-off with A Main. However, sending it back was my second preference due to frustrating “reverse custom formalities” and possibly a hefty shipment rate.
After some Google search, I found this site: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839657. Those who are interested in can find my whole story here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839657&page=481 from post # 7212 to 7233. These forums confirm that the memory functions had triggered the same bug for other people as well.
It now works flawlessly and I will write another review here, if it malfunctions again.
On the positive side, it now does what it claims, including its 10 memories. It balances my LiPo’s to the same exact voltage, it offers me LiFe convenience, it has a storage charge mode and; it even charges my NiCd’s more fully than my old Triton 2. In automatic cycling mode and with the same setups, I get 50 - 60 mAh more from my 1.500 mAh glow starter now than I was getting with my Triton2. It is very compact. This is a great convenience for my tool box. I can place it vertically, which is nice at home. The fan does not run all the time and when it does, it alters its speed (unless set-up otherwise). It is silent, too. Finally, the above forum is a huge bonus. I whish I didn’t have to search for it but now that I found it, I can not deny its value.
What else could I ask for, other than having received an already upgraded one in the first place?
I'm going to get a second one sometime soon.
the size is very compact and the quality is high.
the balancer is very accurate, and the coolig fan do its job well.
its very easy to use, you don't need the manual to start charging alsothe manual is easy to read and understand.
i said almost perfect because it does not come with power supply and there is no connection you have to get yours.