iCharger 3010b USB cable

[NeilP]

Just wondering if anyone know wat is special about the iCharger USB cable

There are warnings/notes in the iCharger manual about only using the supplied USB cable...Anyone know why?> what is special?

Is it maybe some sort of USB pin crossover? and anyone know what the pinout maybe?

Or is it that there is some active components within the cable?

 

[neptronix]

heh..
that's weird, i just use any ol' cable with my 1010b+

No such thing as a crossover for USB.
( or any reason to do something like that in the first place )

 

[NeilP]

Maybe you got lucky

 

[Philistine]

Sorry to go OT, but have you guys had any issues or problems with this charger? I only ask because I have one of these on order from HK, to be my at the office charger, but have been made a bit nervous by the reviews on the HK website, about 5 or 6 totally different users report their 1010B's catching on fire, and one even says it was shooting 15cm flames. Not the kind of thing I want going on at work.... I was just concerned because it wasn't like one or two users reported this, it was about 5 or so. Just wondering if this was an early QC issue they sorted, have you guys had any problems?

 

[NeilP]

Well I have a 3010b...the bigger brother...and will happily charge at 36 volt and 16 amps input, so near on 600Watt...so only running at 60%.

I wonder if the problems were just due to running very high currents through them...trying to max them out. should have gone for a 3010b

 

[Philistine]

Sorry NeilP, I meant the 3010B, that was a mistype by me. The 3010B is the one I ordered.

That was the point, have a look at the HK website for the 3010B, and as you will see, there are about 5 reviewers saying the charger burst into flames after several charges (and the current they quote are not using the full 1000W of power). When I saw the reviews of fires I presumed they were maxing the full 1000W to do that, but some of them are charging 3S batteries (at I think 10 amps or so).

Reassuring that you guys haven't had any problems, so I will now happily charge away next to my offices server room.....

 

[NeilP]

I had read those too, after I ordered...and did wonder too.

At least with charging in the server room, there is probably good auto fire detection capabilities...shame about the servers though when the water starts raining down

 

[scoot]

Just wondering if anyone know wat is special about the iCharger USB cable

There are warnings/notes in the iCharger manual about only using the supplied USB cable...Anyone know why?> what is special?

Is it maybe some sort of USB pin crossover? and anyone know what the pinout maybe?

Or is it that there is some active components within the cable?

This is why NeilP:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10879289&postcount=2167

 

[NeilP]

I have not read it yet...have opened it in new window..wondering if I want to ..I have just used a standard cable...and it 'seems' to have worked...dare I look at your link and find I have now damaged my charger.....guess i 'll have to...................

Wheww

The USB cable we use is a little bit different from normal USB cables. When using normal USB cable, the metal shell will go through laptop's GND and the input power supply's GND via USB's SGND. At this time, when users connect the batteries' positive pole, and touch the charger's metal shell unconsciously, it will occur short circuit, which may damage the charger or laptop. To avoid this case, the SGND of our USB cable is disconnected. Of course, you can use normal USB cable, too.

Regards,
Junsi

 

[neptronix]

No problem here except when i first got the charger, it was shutting off repeatedly while trying to charge at 2a.
Now it no longer does that. hm...

Also they do NOT conduct heat well.. drbass opened a 3010+ up and found that the mosfets were basically touching the aluminum case only by pressure, not bolted on or anything, wtf!!! so when i charge 10S i only charge at 3 amps otherwise the internal temps get super high and the fan goes nuts..

I have reversed a balance lead cable and my charger survived. It has given me no problems other than the initial cutout issue. I think it is the lesser evil of all RC chargers; very well designed and pretty idiot proof. Have thought about the hyperions though..

 

[NeilP]

Cheers for that..maybe I'll pop mine open and look at the outpult fets...see if they can be bolted down better

 

[neptronix]

Yeah i'm waiting for my warranty period to be over before i do that. Post pics if you do though!

Sorry about the suggestion re: the usb cable. That is really weird that they have a custom one. I wonder if it really IS special. dang pins are too small to check with a continuity tester tho..

 

[NeilP]

No, custom cable, well at least nothing real special about it..check the post further up...just a disconnected ground line