After reading some of the experts posts, I am thinking of getting a variable DC power supply to charge lipols. Does anyone have one of these or opinions of them?

http://www.radios4you.com/mastech-hy3005D-3.html

Doug

Doug,

For only ten dollars more ($270, including shipping) you can get the Mastech 3020, which will put out up to 20 amps @ up to 30 volts.

You can charge a lot of cells with the bigger unit - I own one, it charges A BUNCH of LiPo cells in parallel just fine, although I advise monitoring the charging voltage with a DVM during charging:

http://www.radios4you.com/mastech-hy3020E.html

- RD

Thanks RD

The 3020 does seem like a much better deal. Since you didn't say anything bad about it, I take it you like it?

Doug

Originally Posted by RD Blakeslee

Doug,

For only ten dollars more ($270, including shipping) you can get the Mastech 3020, which will put out up to 20 amps @ up to 30 volts.

You can charge a lot of cells with the bigger unit - I own one, it charges A BUNCH of LiPo cells in parallel just fine, although I advise monitoring the charging voltage with a DVM during charging:

http://www.radios4you.com/mastech-hy3020E.html

- RD

RD the one you reference is single out put yes? The other one is dual out put?
So is specs on the dual out put one total for both for each?

Charles

The single-output version is less than $100.
And if you dont have a need to charge anything larger than a 4S pack, you can get the 0-18V, 0-3amp model for $50.
It has digital readouts as well.
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317272
I like mine.

Pullin'

Charles, I'm not sure if you're addressing me ("Dave"), or Doug?

Doug, yes, I've used mine for quite some time now, and I like it.

- RD

Doug,

I should add that mine drifts up in voltage a little (in process of measuring exactly how much) and I wouldn't use it without a DVM monitoring it.

- RD

Originally Posted by RD Blakeslee

Charles, I'm not sure if you're addressing me ("Dave"), or Doug?

Doug, yes, I've used mine for quite some time now, and I like it.

- RD

Sorry about calling you Doug ,RD.
I was asking you however will take answer from anyone who knows. To me haveing dual outputs would be twice as nice.
Often the fact that total amps available is for both sides combined is well hidden in the documentaion somewhere.
There is no such thing as to large of a power supply, one of mine is a very old transformer one which I built about 20 years ago which is 13.8 volts at 50 amps.

Charles

That "Dual Output" terminology is highly misleading, Charles, to say the least. The 3020 has a single output with controlled voltage and amperage on that output. That's not "Dual Output" IMO.

- RD

Originally Posted by RD Blakeslee

That "Dual Output" terminology is highly misleading, Charles, to say the least. The 3020 has a single output with controlled voltage and amperage on that output. That's not "Dual Output" IMO.

- RD

Paste from site:
For the two variable outputs the voltage is variable from 0 to 30 volts and the current is also variable from 0 to 5 amps. The 2 sets of dual digital LCD meters display the actual voltage and current within 2 percent. There is a third DC out put which is FIXED at 5 Volts and 3 Amps.
The unit also has a switch to choose among INDEPENDENT, SERIES or PARALLEL operation.

There are 3 out puts shown and two sets of volts/amps displays.
Is this very deceptive advertising?

Original link:
http://www.radios4you.com/mastech-hy3005D-3.html

OK ,now I get it we are discusing two different units,original posting was link to

MASTECH HY3005D-3 DC POWER SUPPLY

not the 3020 you referenced.
Charles

To clarify; The Website description of the 3020 says:

“Excellent for multiple regulated power requirements with the two variable 0-30 volt 0-20 amp output.” The picture, and my knowledge of the unit, belies that:

I have standardized on 2S1P 2150 mah Tanic packs and use up to 3 packs for an average day's flight. I can get about more than an hour's worth of flying. I never have to charge them out in the field.

The 3 packs R routinely charged in // at the same time on a 8.4V / 6 amp clamped output 400W multi output switching power supply , monitored inline with a spared AFI whattmeter. Shows zero amps when done.

The smaller unit does appear to have two separate output channels, but without the fine vernier voltage and amperage adjustments on the 3020. I would not be comfortable charging LiPos without the fine vernier on the voltage, presuming the smaller unit's voltage adjustment "jumps" as much as mine does on the coarse adjust knob - a reasonable presumption, I think, since both units are variable 0-30 volts.

- RD

To be perfectly(?) (well at least more clear.)

Paste from site:
For the two variable outputs the voltage is variable from 0 to 30 volts and the current is also variable from 0 to 5 amps. The 2 sets of dual digital LCD meters display the actual voltage and current within 2 percent. There is a third DC out put which is FIXED at 5 Volts and 3 Amps.
The unit also has a switch to choose among INDEPENDENT, SERIES or PARALLEL operation.

There are 3 out puts shown and two sets of volts/amps displays.


Original link:
http://www.radios4you.com/mastech-hy3005D-3.html


MASTECH HY3005D-3 DC POWER SUPPLY




If can be switched to Parallel out put operation then perhaps 5 A plus 5 a equals 10 amps.
Anyone with experience with this one I believe was original question.
Charles

woops!

Charles, our posts are crossing fast and furious, interspersed with the usual static. I don't know whether the amperage rating is total for both channels on the smaller unit, or per channel.

- RD