[Review] XTAR VC4L: USB-C nimh, nicd, li ion (21700 capable) multi speed charger

Budda

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 30, 2009
Messages
590
Location
Italy
I received the VC4L from XTAR for the review.

The VC4L is a 4 slot battery charger, with a digital display, USB-C input. It can charge li-ion (including protected 21700), nicd and nimh batteries. It is able to reactivate batteries with a tripped PCB.
It represents the evolution of the previous VC4, and adds 21700 compatibility and USB-C input.

Here's the video review of this charger, including video footage of the display and the animations.


The VC4L comes in this box
XTAR_VC4L_01.jpg

XTAR_VC4L_02.jpg


Inside the box, the VC4L is protected by this nice plastic bag.
XTAR_VC4L_03.jpg

XTAR_VC4L_04.jpg


The VC4L comes with instruction sheath, usb-C cable and manual.
XTAR_VC4L_05.jpg


The VC4L is 115 mm wide, 34 mm tall and 154 mm long, for a weight of 234 grams.
XTAR_VC4L_07.jpg


On the back of the VC4L there are the specs of the model
XTAR_VC4L_06.jpg


The slides can fit batteries up to 78 mm in length, and are smooth and easy to operate.
The contact points at the positive side are 2 raised portions, allowing both for contact with flat top cells and with smaller cells.
XTAR_VC4L_09.jpg


The same goes for the negative contact points
XTAR_VC4L_08.jpg


On the top there is the usb-C port for input.
XTAR_VC4L_10.jpg


The charger has both a large display and a multi colored LED on each channel.
The LED on each channel will be
Green, when in standby, battery full, polarity inversion
RED: charging, reactivating the battery with a tripped PCB, diagnosing the battery

The VC4L is able to output 0.5 A on each channel, or 1A on channel 1 and 4 at the same type.
The display is backlit, and has a wide viewing angle. The backlit can be turned off by keeping the switch pressed.
The display shows the voltage of 2 batteries inserted, and the charging current of one channel (1 to 4, you can scroll them with a press of the button in the middle of the channels).

My thoughts
The VC4L is a simple charger with a big display that helps you understand what's going on with the cells you are charging.
The charging current can't be changed with a switch, but you can pick between 2 1A slots or 2 0.5A slots (or 4 0.5A slot when using 4 batteries).
The wide range of cells supported is good, but 0.5A can be a bit too high for smaller non IMR batteries.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top