Bit Char-g Charger

[BitMaster]

Hey! Has anyone seen a 'homemade' charger for bit char-gs? I saw one on another forum but haven't been able to find it since...

It was in a black case with an "on/off" toggle switch, led and wal plug...

Any help would be appreciated.

B

[BitMaster]

I found the charger I was asking about-- in case you guys want to build one-- go to
http://www.geocities.com/pfabersac/bitcharger.html

B.

[ViperKid]

how does it work? does the car just sit on the bolts? is looks cool:)

[BitMaster]

As far as I can tell that's all you do... I guess the 'light' is a safety feature-- you wouldn't want to get a jolt- by mistake.

I plan to build it tomorrow or early next week...

B

[BitMaster]

there's also a 'simpler' version available-- i found this one on the QFM site--
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/qfm/racing/mod_06.htm#22

its called "standalone bit charger"

B.
:D

[schoon]

The simpler mod still uses batteries, however.

I was thinking that the plug-in charger could be integrated with the electronics of a regular charger, so you'd still have the 45-second feature. Of course you'd ahve to sacrifice an old controler for the project :(

[BitMaster]

exactly--:D

I was in radio shack today with my print out of the "battery" version-- but decided to go with the plug-in version instead...

I think the plug-in is a great charger especially if you have a multi cell bit...

The multiple charges you have to do for Nimh batteries (if you switch out your Nicd for Nimh inside your bit) will having you going through a lot of batteries -in the long run-

B.

[schoon]

I agree that the plug-in version is the way to go (as are the NiMH batteries). You should be able to very simply integrate the controler timer with the project if you so desire - 3V is 3V, whether it comes from batteries or another DC source.

[schoon]

OK, I actually built one of these today. I'll post a how-to & lessons learned when I have more time...

[tinyrc]

Wow, looks like a nice clean job - looking forward to the details!

[butler]

Good work. What will you do about timing the charge?

I guess if you had a NiMH Bit you would go for about 2 minutes.

Do you just use you wrist watch?

[schoon]

I actually have a stopwatch - not that such a thing is required - a wristwatch does fine.

I have a book on electronic circuits on the way, and if I do another one, I'll figure out a timer for it :D

[schoon]

Oh, and here's a far better circuitry diagram for it:

[BitMaster]

So you built the plugin version--

I recently made the battery version- but plan to made the plugin 2--

B.

[swissracer]

is there anywhere a manual to built a charger like those?

[BitMaster]

Check the two links above-- they go to drawings (although Schoon's are better :rolleyes: )

There are no 'in depth' instructions that i know of... the battery version is extremely simple-- spend about $2 for a battery case @ your local Radio Shack(2 -4 AA's depending on how 'juiced up' your bit is), take out the charging station from one of your controllers, then connect red-to-red and black-to-black-- that's it.

B

[schoon]

Yes... On my site: Plug-In Bit Char-G-er (http://www.geocities.com/schoon8654/bitcalb/charger.html)

[BitMaster]

I can dig it!! Looks good!

Aren't ya glad I created this topic?!:D

B.