Charger suggestions please

[captianworkbench]

I am looking into purchasing a universal charger that will handle all types of cells and configurations. I have some custom packs that I have built and need an effective way to charge them.

A friend of mine has, and has recommended a Triton charger(I think it is a Triton2) and I have also been looking at the Tenergy chargers.

I have devices that have NiCd, NiMH, and SLA batteries. I haven't ventured into LiPo or LIfe yet but I imagine I will in the future. So I would like to get one charger that can handle all those types of batteries. I would also like the ability to discharge & condition. The ability to balance cells isn't as important to me as of this moment, but I imagine it would be wiser to buy a charger with that ability off the bat.

I want to get a charger that is rock solid and will treat my batteries well. So any input you guys could offer would be great.

Thanks,
CWB

 

[CKOD]

How many cells in series and do you need discharging too? FMA cellpro multi4 can balance charge 4S Lipo/LiFe, charge 5S LiFe unbalanced, 12S nickel packs, and 6v and 12 lead acid batteries (It can do oddball increments of cells, not just 3S and 6S for lead acid, but you dont find a 4v or 10v lead acid around too often) No discharging however. The powerlab 8 does discharging, and upto 1.3kW charging output, so its a whole lotta charger that you may not need(Aka $$$) and could be served better by other ones that feature a discharge if you need it.

 

[captianworkbench]

Well, I have, or will have NiCd and NiMH packs ranging from 2 cells up to 15 cells. My SLA batteries are either 6V or 12V. In the foreseeable future I could also see the need to go up to 24V with SLA. But then again, I could probably separate those charging requirements back down to 12V.

I would like the ability to discharge and condition my NiMH and NiCd packs.

LiPO and LiFe requirements are minimal at this time. Balancing would be nice, but not a requirement off the bat.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[My2Cents]

Whatever you get, make sure it has temperature probe as safety mechanism. It should automatically stop if max temp is reached. Also firmware update by customer, usually by usb connection, is a plus. Good luck.

 

[VegasF6]

Another thing to consider is your input source. Most chargers are going to require 12V to ~ 18V input. If you are willing to do that you could use a lab power supply, a laptop or converted computer, even a large automotive battery. But if you want the option to plug directly to the mains it will limit you.

Personally I have been mostly satisfied with my iCharger. Lot of features for the buck, seems to be moderate build quality. I am sure they don't hold a candle to a Schulze but take a look at them. I bought the 106B+