Advice on first charger unit

micco

micco

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Aug 7, 2018
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29
Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some input on a unit to buy to kick start my hobby - which i'm new to.
I was set on getting the SkyRC imax b6v2 (worried about clones/fakes, so looking for the sticker and a reliable seller), however found the Opus BT-C3100 v2.2 which also is popular and does everything.

I looking for something that can charge my existing Ni-MH, as well ascharge and determine capacity forLi-Ion cells i'm harvesting.

Long term goal would be to build a power wall, but for now i'd like to build smallerli-ion projects;such asbatterypacks for my kids RC cars.


Any input, suggestions or other units i should consider would be appreciated.

thanks!
 
Personally I use 2 Hyperion RC dual chargers. But I'm going to pick up some of the updated opus bt3100 v3 testers to see how they stack up to my RC chargers. And I use a bunch of tp4056 modules to precharge cells then finnish on a bench power supply to proper 4.2v.
 
I have a Zanflare. They run about $30 on Amazon. Besides various Lithium Ion cells, it will charge and test AAA, AA, and C NI-MH. My only complaint is that the charge current tops out at 1A. And it tops out at 500mA during test cycles. Otherwise it seems really nice. Easy to use.

I am already thinking I probably need more than one to speed the process of testing lots of cells.
 
They both have different uses. The opus only does cylindrical types, so if you're using lipos which are popular with rc then stick with the imax, which is more versatile. I use the imax clones, a hobbyking version to do the charging only. I have it hooked up to a set of cell holders so I can charge 12 at a time. This way I know I hit the 4.20v mark every time consistently on all cells. Then when I let it sit to test for self discharge I know which ones bad. I will switch to the opus to do the discharge test, as this can do 4 independently at the same time, which the imax can't. So different chargers for different uses.
 
Thanks folks.
That's a good point of the opus only doing cyl cells.
Aliexpress has the c3100 v2.2 for ~35$ CAD, vs amazon ~65 - just takes 30+ days to get here...
 
Miboxer C2-4000 (my review)is the best choice i think. Its only disadvantage is that it has only 2 slots. But if you are ok with it you get aNi-MH/Ni-Cd Li-ion 4.20/4.35V and LiFePO4 charger with a very wide range of charge/discharge current you can choose from. And also you don't need to disassmble it to access the LiFePO4->Li-ion 4.20V->Li-ion 4.35V switch like on Opus.

People say Opus has problems with calculating the capacity and overheating. There are guys who make mods with bigger fans attached to it. With C2-4000 there are no such problems.
 
thunderheart said:
Miboxer C2-4000 (my review)is the best choice i think. Its only disadvantage is that it has only 2 slots. But if you are ok with it you get aNi-MH/Ni-Cd Li-ion 4.20/4.35V and LiFePO4 charger with a very wide range of charge/discharge current you can choose from. And also you don't need to disassmble it to access the LiFePO4->Li-ion 4.20V->Li-ion 4.35V switch like on Opus.

People say Opus has problems with calculating the capacity and overheating. There are guys who make mods with bigger fans attached to it. With C2-4000 there are no such problems.
Click to expand...

thanks for the input/suggestion and the review - watched it.
Its really too bad its only 2 slot, i feel since i'm just starting harvesting more slots would help...
Amazon Canada has it listed for 75$, so at that price point i think id go with the opus, which provides the 4 slots.

Currently thinking is to augment with the imax b6v2 wheni get into lipo.

Side note, i have 2 18650 metering at 0.0 ohm - are they dead or can i revive?
 
micco said:
thanks for the input/suggestion and the review - watched it.
Its really too bad its only 2 slot, i feel since i'm just starting harvesting more slots would help...
Amazon Canada has it listed for 75$, so at that price point i think id go with the opus, which provides the 4 slots.
Click to expand...

Yeah 2 slots is a big disadvantage. $75 is almost twice its price - it should cost somewhere around $30-35 on other stores.

micco said:
Side note, i have 2 18650 metering at 0.0 ohm - are they dead or can i revive?
Click to expand...

Check your measuring equipment. Even if a battery is shorted it won't be 0.0 ohm.
 
Alright, i think i found a good deal on ebay, new c3100 v2.2 for 15USD, so i bought 2.
Sadly they are EU plugs, so i plan to use a computer PSU and use the 12v rail.

Does anyone see any issues with that?
I suspect the amperage draw is controlled by the unit's main board and not the ac adapter.

Also the 2 cells reading 0 ohm, I suspect the cell protection was tripped.
I've bin'd them in the recycle pail :)

thanks
 
micco said:
Alright, i think i found a good deal on ebay, new c3100 v2.2 for 15USD, so i bought 2.
Sadly they are EU plugs, so i plan to use a computer PSU and use the 12v rail.

Does anyone see any issues with that?
I suspect the amperage draw is controlled by the unit's main board and not the ac adapter.

Also the 2 cells reading 0 ohm, I suspect the cell protection was tripped.
I've bin'd them in the recycle pail :)

thanks
Click to expand...

Links ? I wouldn't mind getting order another Opus or two
 
looks like the seller is out - also they have no rep, so taking a chance...
OPUS
 
micco said:
looks like the seller is out - also they have no rep, so taking a chance...
OPUS
Click to expand...

11 dollars for an item shipped from Netherlands.. sounds too good to be true. All sold out.. cheaper then Chinese sellers
 
All Opus below 30USD are fakes and you wont get them. Look at the number of sold items or reviews...... Its a fake seller.
 
ya most likely it will be a fraud claim with ebay/paypal, but i've been surprised before... :p
 
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