Schulze nextGeneration 6.30-5?

[LA OZ]

I understand it is the mercedes of charger but can someone convince me that the Schulze next Generation 6.30-5 worth the $A389 price tag? I am looking for a quality charger and I am eyeing on this model.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello LA OZ,

Schulze has about the best algorithm for NiMh and NiCd charging. They have also taken a different approach to balancing the cells in Li-Ion batteries. Most others, drain the highest voltage cell down. The Schulze balancer charges the lower voltage cells up at a slightly higher rate so they catch up to the highest voltage cell. This results in less time spent charging.

Another strong point for the Schulze is its ability to do long term forming. This is very valuable in recovering lightly sulfated lead acid batteries, and in balancing multi cell NiMh and NiCd packs.

Another strong point is that the firmware can be upgraded by a download from Schulze. This will extend the useful life of the charger, and if new chemistries are introduced (like the A123 cells) your charger can be quickly upgraded. I have read about people that have been using the same Schulze charger for over 15 years. The older chargers had to be sent back to the factory, and/or had to have a chip replaced for upgrades, but it is nice to know that your charger can be upgraded as charging algorithms are refined and as new chemistries are introduced.

If you are into competitive RC racing, and/or if these features are important to you, then the Schulze chargers are worth consideration.

Tom

 

[LA OZ]

Hello Silverfox and congratulation for being promoted to moderator. You are really deserve that status.

I will be using it to charge every days batteries. I have read that from the Schulze manual and it is interesting that they have pointed out that the nicad and nimh needed a higher charge rate of more than 1C in order for it to accurately detect the delta wave. May be this is the problem with my Triton (V1) charger. Mine cut off very early and the battery is not fully charged. I will try a higher charge current and see what happened. I am still eying on the Schulze as firmware upgradeable is a big plus for me.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello LA OZ,

I believe Schulze states that you should charge NiMh at 1C and NiCd at 2C.

Tom