Using a Smart Charger...

Namuna · #1 08-28-2002, 11:57 AM

I just received my Dymond Super Turbo Charger today.

I bought the charger so I didn't have to worry about using a bunch of different chargers for all my different Micro R/C cars (that have rechargables in them), not to mention all the NiMH AAs and AAAs I have for my MiniZ/Perfex. The other reason is I want TOTAL control over how all the different batts are charged, which is goig to involve a good amount of testing and trial-an-error to find all the right configurations.

I will be setting up rigs and charging stations for all my cars:
Bit Char-G
DigiQ
Epoch
MiniZ (the AAs and AAAs)

I'm going to write an article detailing all the specs, mods, charging rates, setups, etc...

If anyone has any hints, tips, experiences, warnings and such, that would be greatly apprecited too.

Thanks.

Namuna · #2 08-28-2002, 02:13 PM

Just an update on input power.

The charger I received (and indeed most of the field smart chargers) uses a 12V DC with at least 7amps power source...That's basically a car battery.

Since my charger's primary use will be in an indoor capacity, I've opted to purchase a Regulated Power Supply instead.

The power source requirement is:
10.5V ~ 15V DC at 7amps or higher

I went to Radio Shack in search of a regulated PS that fit this requirement, they had a 13.8V at 10amp unit for $99.99...I walked out.

Went on the internet and found a company by the name of Pyramid that makes Regulated Power Supplies.

They have a regulated 13.8V at 10amp unit (WITH a cigarette lighter attachment) and I found a place on the Internet that sells it for $34.21.

Pyramid PS15KX Regulated Power Supply ordered and should be here Friday or Tuesday next week.

Namuna · #3 08-28-2002, 07:24 PM

Picked up some Battery Holders from RS for charging the AAs and AAAs...I think I'm going to solder 2 AAs holders together, to handle 8 AAs at a time. I just might do the same thing with the AAA holders.

Here's a picture of an AA and an AAA holder...Pretty cheap too.

Radio Shack Part #s
- 270-413 (4-AAA holder) $1.49 (US)
- 270-391A (4-AA holder) $1.69 (US)

KeyserSoze · #4 08-28-2002, 07:40 PM

hey thats a great plan, i want one!

a little OT but where did u learn to solder? If you taught yourself then i just might go and get an iron and try it out on a broken pc monitor

Namuna · #5 08-28-2002, 08:06 PM

Keyser,

BELIEVE ME! If I can do it (Solder tiny parts that is) you CAN do it!

Yes, I learned on my own...It takes some practice and TONS of patience (my fingers AIN'T dainty) but it's pretty damned rewarding when you do it right and it WORKS!.

KeyserSoze · #6 08-29-2002, 12:00 AM

sweet! Ive always thought that it was something you couldnt teach yourself so i was afraid to buy an iron but im definitly going to get one now. Thanks

fatdoggy · #7 08-29-2002, 01:59 AM

I also taught myself. I've been soldering for a little while, when I started I completely sucked at it and burnt out alot of iron tips, as well as getting a crap load of burns LOL

. But you get better at it after a while and it gets easier and easier. Make sure you clean the tip on a bit of damp sponge and don't overheat the iron tip cause it will go black and deteriorate faster. Just buy a cheap one to start off with and then after it melts

get a decient one.