iCharger 1010B+ burned out while discharging (good news !)

[mikehains]

Purchased a bit over a month ago, while running a cycle on a single 5A Turnigy Lipo (5S), and during the discharge on its first cycle, something gave way in the 1010B+ and it started smoking.

Smelled the smoke, ran and unplugged it ! Now it is dead.

All of a sudden, this NewB (me) has a new appreciation of the warnings about the new technologies ... and about leaving chargers unattended (the type of battery in this case would seem to be irrelevant).

Purchased from HobbyCity, and so now I will pack it up and ship it back to them (and see what they are like on warranty claims). Anyone have any other suggestions ?

 

[liveforphysics]

That always sucks. Fortunately, HobbyCity has an awesome replacement policy, it just costs shipping, which sometimes is $20-30bucks or more, but then you get your device either repaired or replaced.

If you want to open it up and take some pictures, it's possible that it's a simple fix that would be cheaper than the $20-30 shipping. While discharging did you notice the cooling fan start-up?

 

[mikehains]

Thanks. Yes I thought about an easy fix ... but looking through the vent, everything is charred and black. I have looked for other similar symptoms, and I found a story about a PCB trace to the large capacitor not holding its weight, and the capacitor giving way.

Actually, its not all bad. I probably haven't been quite careful and respectful enough of the energy involved. I'm working with 10S4P Lipos, and have been thinking about charging "Gangster" in the future, when I get more experience.

Obviously ... quite a bit more experience.

 

[mikehains]

Good news from HobbyKing.

Posted it back to them. Almost immediately they emailed me they'd received it ... and today I get an email that a new one has been dispatched to me.

Very impressed

The Lipo addiction is growing (I feel the need ...)