Chargers

Introduction to Chargers

When looking to purchase a charger, there are many factors to consider and terms to know. Making the purchase can be a daunting task. Follow along as I go through the basics and list some of the more popular chargers out there.

Timed Chargers

Timed chargers are exactly what they sound like. They charge at a high rate for a length of time determined by a built in timer. Most timed chargers also offer the option of trickle charging as well, which is a lower rate charge that is sustained over several hours. The disadvantage of a timed charger is that it's harder to obtain a fully charged pack. You either have to watch for the voltage to drop, which indicates a full charge, or constantly monitor the temperature of the pack itself. Since many timed chargers can only be set for 15 minutes at a time, you may have to run the pack through more than one 15 minute cycle to obtain a full charge. For information on how to do this see my article on Charging Your NiCad's With a Timed Charger.

Peak Chargers

A peak charger is what I would recommend purchasing for recharging your battery packs. The cost of a peak charger starts at about the same cost of a timed charger. A peak charger watches the charge being applied to the pack and shuts itself off when the pack has obtained a full charge. This makes obtaining a fully charged pack a very simple operation. Most peak chargers will need to be told how many cells are in the pack, so they can correctly monitor for when they should stop the charge. You'll also find that the majority of peak chargers also offer trickle charging as an option as well.

Professional Chargers

This really isn't a true category of chargers, but I'm using it to lump together some of the high-end chargers. These chargers offer many features such as the ability for timed or peak charges, discharging, battery conditioning, multiple charge rates, and other things. These chargers start around $100.00 and go up from that point. While a charger of this caliber isn't necessarily a bad investment in itself, you'll need to examine whether you have the need for all the features offered. If all you plan on doing in running your truck in the backyard, many of the features may go unused, which might make this type of charger a less worthwhile investment for you.

Part One:	Introduction to Chargers
Part Two:	Deciphering the Specifications
Part Three:	Recommended and Popular Chargers
Part Four:	Charger Comparision
Part Five:	Using a Timed Charger