Choosing a Charger for Your Remote-Controlled Car
The first thing to consider when buying a new charger is the types of batteries you want to charge. Most chargers can handle all the types used for remote-controlled cars.
Once you've chosen the type, whether NiMH or LiPo, you need to know the battery sizes you want to charge (1S-6S), whether you'll be charging one pack at a time or multiple packs simultaneously, and, of course, how quickly you want to charge them. Here, you'll find chargers for NiMH batteries and LiPo batteries.
If you want to charge quickly, it's not just the Amperes you should look at but also the Watt rating. The higher the voltage of the battery, the more Watts the charger needs to quickly charge it, which means more Amperes.
To calculate the required Watts, you can multiply the battery's voltage by the desired Amperes. For example, 15.2V x 10A = 152 Watts.
You can also figure out the charging capacity of a specific charger in Amperes by dividing its Watt rating by the battery's voltage. For example, 60W / 15.2V = Approximately 3.9A.
Some chargers come with a USB output that you can use to charge your mobile phone.
Power Supply for the Charger
Most chargers can be used with AC (230V) and DC, which can be an external power supply or a 12V car battery. This can be convenient when you're on the go and don't have access to 230V. Make sure to check the specifications before purchasing your charger if you want both functions!
Charging Connectors for LiPo Batteries
Remember to check the type of connector on the charger and what comes with it. It varies from charger to charger, just as it differs for batteries and cars. If the right connector isn't included, there are many adapter connectors available that you can use.
Additional Features
Chargers can vary in terms of the data they display. Some may only show the most essential information, such as voltage, amperage, charging time, and capacity, while others can display more data. Some chargers can even connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth and display additional functions through an app.