Battery packs and charger

[Todd]

I have a couple of Zig Zag Racers and was thinking...

Replacement battery packs are approx $25/each. I discovered that the
battery packs consist of 6ea - 2/3A 1000mah 1.2 volt NiMH batteries,
connected to create a 7.2V pack. I've found where I can buy the
"parts" to make them for approximately $8-10 per pack. I've bought
enough parts to build 8 packs. Now I need a way to charge them.

The included chargers are slow (3 hours per pack), and there is an
available rapid field charger (it's DC - I'll need a cigarette
lighter) that will charge in 45 minutes. I was looking for a rapid
charger, preferably one that will charge multiple packs at once.

My problem is -- I don't really know what to look for in a charger? Of
course, it has to support NiMH bateries and I want it to be "smart" --
in other words, I don't want to have to worry about over-charging by
leaving them plugged in too long. I don't know the proper amps I'll
need.

I've found a Hitec CG-340 DC charger that looks like it'll charge two
batteries (it has two outputs!?!?). It's cheaper, but since it is a DC
charger, I'll need a 12V power supply to use it in the house, which
will add another $20.

Then there's the Duratrax Intellipeak Twin that appears to use AC
power, but I don't know if it'll do two of these types of battery
packs at once.

Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks!

[Mr R. Laramee]

Hello,

I have been using the FMA Super Nova charger for EVERYTHING!
this charger does it all up to 3000 mA from 1 to 25 cells. it is a CD only
but if you hook it up to a GOOD power Supply it will work for you with out
any problems. I have 2 in my R/C case with a Kenwood powersupply. You need a
10 amp continuous one to handle this baby.

one charger for all my needs e.g.:

remotes for TV, VCR, DVD, stereo, clocks, flashlights, basically anything
that need cells!

that's my 2 cents ohh yah and here is the website for that charger and the
Kenwood

THIS IS THE REVIEW:
http://www.off-road.com/rc/fma/charger.html
WERE TO BUY IT:
https://www.fmadirect.com/home.htm

FOR THE POWER SUPPLY:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamps/4273.html



"Todd" <todd@theseabourns.com> wrote in message
news:732cbc25.0301021850.5a36cefc@posting.google.c om...
> I have a couple of Zig Zag Racers and was thinking...
>
> Replacement battery packs are approx $25/each. I discovered that the
> battery packs consist of 6ea - 2/3A 1000mah 1.2 volt NiMH batteries,
> connected to create a 7.2V pack. I've found where I can buy the
> "parts" to make them for approximately $8-10 per pack. I've bought
> enough parts to build 8 packs. Now I need a way to charge them.
>
> The included chargers are slow (3 hours per pack), and there is an
> available rapid field charger (it's DC - I'll need a cigarette
> lighter) that will charge in 45 minutes. I was looking for a rapid
> charger, preferably one that will charge multiple packs at once.
>
> My problem is -- I don't really know what to look for in a charger? Of
> course, it has to support NiMH bateries and I want it to be "smart" --
> in other words, I don't want to have to worry about over-charging by
> leaving them plugged in too long. I don't know the proper amps I'll
> need.
>
> I've found a Hitec CG-340 DC charger that looks like it'll charge two
> batteries (it has two outputs!?!?). It's cheaper, but since it is a DC
> charger, I'll need a 12V power supply to use it in the house, which
> will add another $20.
>
> Then there's the Duratrax Intellipeak Twin that appears to use AC
> power, but I don't know if it'll do two of these types of battery
> packs at once.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?
>
> Thanks!

[Climate]

I second the opinion of the FMA charger.
I have one, been using it for years. It is super simple to use, you can even hook it up wrong with no damage to the charger or cells.
Probably one of the best "Bang for the buck" chargers today.

[Dirtnap]

The duratrax charger can charge two at once but the charge rates
look a little high. One output is fixed at 3.5 amps.
The other is switchable from 3.5 and 1 amp only.
Sorry.




"Todd" <todd@theseabourns.com> wrote in message
news:732cbc25.0301021850.5a36cefc@posting.google.c om...
> I have a couple of Zig Zag Racers and was thinking...
>
> Replacement battery packs are approx $25/each. I discovered that the
> battery packs consist of 6ea - 2/3A 1000mah 1.2 volt NiMH batteries,
> connected to create a 7.2V pack. I've found where I can buy the
> "parts" to make them for approximately $8-10 per pack. I've bought
> enough parts to build 8 packs. Now I need a way to charge them.
>
> The included chargers are slow (3 hours per pack), and there is an
> available rapid field charger (it's DC - I'll need a cigarette
> lighter) that will charge in 45 minutes. I was looking for a rapid
> charger, preferably one that will charge multiple packs at once.
>
> My problem is -- I don't really know what to look for in a charger? Of
> course, it has to support NiMH bateries and I want it to be "smart" --
> in other words, I don't want to have to worry about over-charging by
> leaving them plugged in too long. I don't know the proper amps I'll
> need.
>
> I've found a Hitec CG-340 DC charger that looks like it'll charge two
> batteries (it has two outputs!?!?). It's cheaper, but since it is a DC
> charger, I'll need a 12V power supply to use it in the house, which
> will add another $20.
>
> Then there's the Duratrax Intellipeak Twin that appears to use AC
> power, but I don't know if it'll do two of these types of battery
> packs at once.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?
>
> Thanks!