HobbyKing ECO6 chargers - WTF!

[2moto]

I seem to go through these pretty regularly. Are they just junk? They don't seem to last more than about 4-6 months.

It's this one: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...O6_50W_5A_Balancer_Charger_w_accessories.html

What's a more reliable model for a similar spec? Don't mind paying even double if it would last a few years.

 

[neptronix]

Pretty much all those rebranded hobbyking chargers are junk.

iCharger and hyperion chargers are quite good.

 

[2moto]

Thanks for the heads-up. What about an Imax like this:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...AC_Charger_Discharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_.html

 

[Cheeseboy]

I had two eco6's and they both died pretty quickly, I switched over to the accucell-8 and it runs much cooler and seems to be a better unit, I have had no problems so far, so its a good alternative for not much more cost.

 

[adrian_sm]

I have used both the ECO6-10 -200w and Accucell-8 150w for 2-3 years now. But only at ~2-3 Amps (due to low watt power supply). Both have been trouble free.

Only issues have been a weird fan noise (dodgy bearings) on the ECO6 and the screen dislodging on the Accucell, probably from me carting it around in my backpack too much.

I tend to bulk charge now with one of these, and only balance occasionally.

 

[whatever]

I had a hobbyking eco8, I put it on an almost balanced 24v a123 20ah pack to see what would happen...........it put the cells all out of balance!!!
Then tried the turnigy accucel 8 and it balanced very well, not much more expensive than the hk chargers.
I do have one icharger which is the bees knees but quite expensive

 

[thewall241]

I had two of the eco6 chargers and they only lasted a couple of days. Bought an imax and all has been good so far.

 

[dogman dan]

I wouldn't call the balancing function of my Accucell 8's perfect. My B6 chargers are closer. But I could give a rip about .01v so the accucells are good enough. The accucells have been running 7 amps for years.

But I have tired mightily of waiting for a 10 ah bundle to balance, and now I balance using a 1s charge using the b6. Quicker to just charge the low cell, than discharge 4 high ones with a cheap slow balancer.

 

[Hillhater]

I seem to go through these pretty regularly. Are they just junk? They don't seem to last more than about 4-6 months..

What are you using as a power supply ?
And what pack configuration/voltage are you charging ?

 

[2moto]

Power supply is from an old laptop and (on the face of it) within specification of the charger. I charge mainly two types of packs. One is a 4s1p LiFePo4 and the other is a 5s1p LiPo, mainly charging at 4A.

 

[Hillhater]

Well, charging a 4s (15v) or a 5s ( 21V) pack at 4A ( =80+W)... is pushing that 50W charger over the top !
Next time try running at 2.5A charge !
Also those chargers get very hot if they are working at higher output voltage than the input supply voltage.

 

[neptronix]

Well, charging a 4s (15v) or a 5s ( 21V) pack at 4A ( =80+W)... is pushing that 50W charger over the top !
Next time try running at 2.5A charge !
Also those chargers get very hot if they are working at higher output voltage than the input supply voltage.

So in other words they're pieces of junk :lol:

If it will really allow you to charge at such a high amp rate, that's pathetic. Every RC charger should have safeguards to prevent you from doing stuff like that.

( yet another reason why i like the iCharger and Hyperion.... when i was a total n00b, my iCharger prevented me from blowing stuff up. The hyperion can nag you about a lot of stuff too. This is good if you're having one of those days where you're not particularly 'with it' )

 

[sandos]

Never had a problem with my eco6, either the 50w or 200w version. On the other hand I only do normal RC charging.

My 50w charger is actually in pieces after experimenting with firmware on it. I never did manage to make it a LED driver though

 

[2moto]

Well, charging a 4s (15v) or a 5s ( 21V) pack at 4A ( =80+W)... is pushing that 50W charger over the top !
Next time try running at 2.5A charge !
Also those chargers get very hot if they are working at higher output voltage than the input supply voltage.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. Yes, at the higher voltages, it appears to limit the current to keep it inside 50W. However, the problems don't even seem to be related to power issues. The fans are just ridiculously low quality. One of them the display just shows a line across. I guess they are just junk.

Cheers for everyone's feedback. I am off to buy something better.