Lightest 12s bulk charger?

[rborger73]

Ok have a Thunder 1220 charger and a Thunder 350w psu in a pvc container I made to fit inside my backpack for when I visit people and know I'm going to be there a few hours. This is very doable to bring along, but makes me limited if I need to bring much else with me. I already carry small air pump, vice grips, tape, meters, cresent wrench, allen wrenches etc. Yesterday brought a small bottle of Gold Schlauger along as well. SO.... what I'm trying to find is a small light all in one bulk charger for visits. I have speedict anyways plus always have a meter to check each brick for cell levels, so I can pretty easily get away with just a straight up bulk charger to dump some Ah back in.

So anyone have any links to a smaller lighter 12s bulk charger?

 

[MadRhino]

I guess your best bet is a 48v SLA charger. Most are not that big, cheap, a tad heavy but not fragile to carry on a bike. As long as you keep monitoring your cells you can recharge lipo pretty quick and safe.

 

[rborger73]

I guess your best bet is a 48v SLA charger. Most are not that big, cheap, a tad heavy but not fragile to carry on a bike. As long as you keep monitoring your cells you can recharge lipo pretty quick and safe.

Mainly weight is what I want to reduce. A charger light enough that it isn't a big decision on if my back will start bugging me in 10 miles. hehe. My loaded pack is probably 20lbs or less total, but since I added another 10Ah to the rear carrier for a total of 20Ah of 12s there and 20Ah in the triangle I am not pleased with the top heavy feeling. Having a 20lb pack swinging to and fro doesn't help either. It's not all that bad, and at least 10Ah will be moved down much lower soon as I finish my next mod and I should have that nice balanced weight feeling again.

At home with the Thunder 1220 I usually am pushing 6.25A into the pack. Seems the Thunder or the psu I'm using are finicky about 110 to 120v. My one friends I have to drop down the wattage in order to not get an occassional BATTERY EMPTY error after charging for a while. At the boat dock at the lake nearby I have to do the same. So I end up pushing in around 4a instead. That usually is satisfactory since I'm planning on a few hours of not riding anyways. So anything that can push around 4a, has a smaller footprint and is lighter considerably than a Thunder 1220 charger and a Thunder 350w psu is what I'm looking for.

 

[wineboyrider]

A meanwell HLG 240h is very compact and offers variable voltage. I use 24 v meanwells in series for 10 amp charging while on the road. A kingpan charger is also another option, but the rattling of biking will take a toll on it. 8)

 

[melodious]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=60169

It's called the Satiator. It's a game changer for the same reasons some of us prefer not to carry a charger with us, unless absolutely required. You may be able to get on board for the beta models. I believe the production models will be out before the year's end.

 

[rborger73]

A meanwell HLG 240h is very compact and offers variable voltage. I use 24 v meanwells in series for 10 amp charging while on the road. A kingpan charger is also another option, but the rattling of biking will take a toll on it. 8)

Looking at the HLG 240h -48 . Its a little under 3lbs at 1.3kg and 9" x 2.7: x 1.4" which seems to be fine size and weight wise. Do the meanwells ramp up the voltage slowly when turned on like the Thunder 1220 does? Like if I need to top off and I'm at close to 50v it isn't going to hit it with 5a soon as I turn it on is it?

 

[motomech]

In a hurry are you?
Since they are a power supply, I doubt they go though the sensing cycles like he the lithium chargers.
Way more important is this, you can easily adj. the top Voltage and the current will taper off as it approaches that value.
That means you don't have to stand there and watch it, but you can't leave it totaly unattended either.
maybe a cell checker with a high Voltage alarm?....

 

[rborger73]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=60169

It's called the Satiator. It's a game changer for the same reasons some of us prefer not to carry a charger with us, unless absolutely required. You may be able to get on board for the beta models. I believe the production models will be out before the year's end.

Am reading and so far wanting. Still searching for it's weight.

 

[rborger73]

There is a 54 V version of the above LED supply.
Adj. current and Voltage.

http://www.meanwell.com/search/HLG-240/HLG-240-spec.pdf

Think for 12s the 48v version is best suited isn't it?

 

[rborger73]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=60169

It's called the Satiator. It's a game changer for the same reasons some of us prefer not to carry a charger with us, unless absolutely required. You may be able to get on board for the beta models. I believe the production models will be out before the year's end.

Ya that price point is going to have to come WAY down though. Almost 300.00 from what I've read so far unless that has changed. I already don't like having the Thunder 1220 plus psu in my pack. The Satiator seems awesome but since I already have a speedict to show me any info I need as far as Wh in or out that price point isn't going to do it for me. 150.00 to maybe 175.00 would be a more reasonable price point. Or if I didn't already have a good charger I'd consider it. I will keep my eye on that one though.

 

[motomech]

There is a 54 V version of the above LED supply.
Adj. current and Voltage.

http://www.meanwell.com/search/HLG-240/HLG-240-spec.pdf

Think for 12s the 48v version is best suited isn't it?

Yeah, but the 54V can be adjusted down. With it, you could do 13S or 48V packs as well.

 

[rborger73]

There is a 54 V version of the above LED supply.
Adj. current and Voltage.

http://www.meanwell.com/search/HLG-240/HLG-240-spec.pdf

Think for 12s the 48v version is best suited isn't it?

Yeah, but the 54V can be adjusted down. With it, you could do 13S or 48V packs as well.

I'll have to see if the price point is worth it. If the price is within a small amount 48v vs 54v I may get the 54v if I end up this route at all. The Emini is still an option and I'm waiting to see what Speedict is going to end up with on their bms / controller solution they are working on to see if it will have it's own charging setup like the emini. But for now something 120.00 or less like the meanwell may work to lower the weight for longer trips when I have time to charge.

 

[rborger73]

Anyone have a good source for the meanwell, or know if this site is reliable? Any reason I'll have issues bulk charging with this?

http://www.onlinecomponents.com/mean-well-hlg240h48a.html?p=37809850

 

[John in CR]

The DIY super dangerous charger would be the lightest....a diode or 2, a capacitor, and something to regulate the current like some light bulbs. Personally I would include an programmable cutoff timer. See the Technical thread for how to do it, but be very careful if you go for it because there is no voltage cutoff. You're just hacking off half of the AC source to make it pulsing DC.....http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=31428

 

[rborger73]

The DIY super dangerous charger would be the lightest....a diode or 2, a capacitor, and something to regulate the current like some light bulbs. Personally I would include an programmable cutoff timer. See the Technical thread for how to do it, but be very careful if you go for it because there is no voltage cutoff. You're just hacking off half of the AC source to make it pulsing DC.....http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=31428

I'd do that if there weren't reasonable alternatives. That meanwell seems reasonable and around 90.00 usd with shipping. 2.86lb and 9 x 3" x 1.5" is a pretty slim package.

Has anyone made a holder for their chargers they take along using memory foam? My thought was when not in use make a small box out of formed pvc sheet with precut memory foam and kind of seal it up when it is cool and ready to get back on the road. Have maybe a 10.5" x 4" by 2" or whatever box. I'd think that would take at least some of the smaller bumps from the horrible roads around here if it is in my pack on my back then in the storage box with memory foam surrounding it, and if not it's only 90.00 and having one die would suck but still cheaper than filling something up with gas if it has to be replaced every now and again.

 

[motomech]

I think you are missing what is the benifit of going with a LED supply as a portable charger. It is fully potted so it can be carried on the bike. If your roads aren't shaking your controller apart, if won't be a problem for the HLG series.
Something like this could hard-fixed on the bike and the supply could be carried within.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-Downspout-Extension-M0594/203203900?N=5yc1vZar84

 

[rborger73]

I think you are missing what is the benifit of going with a LED supply as a portable charger. It is fully potted so it can be carried on the bike. If your roads aren't shaking your controller apart, if won't be a problem for the HLG series.
Something like this could hard-fixed on the bike and the supply could be carried within.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-Downspout-Extension-M0594/203203900?N=5yc1vZar84

Don't want it perm mounted. I have 40Ah of fresh new lipo and usually stay within 15 miles of home. I'd leave it in my pack that I bring with me every trip anyways if anything. I'm thinking I'll go with the meanwell above. Gotta weigh my thunder psu and balance charger tomorrow and see where the weight comes in at. It is a tad bulky too though.. so in the middle on this one.

 

[motomech]

I didn't say perm. mount the supply, mount the PVC tube and slide the charger into it for transport.
The less in your backpack, the better.

 

[motomech]

I think you are missing what is the benifit of going with a LED supply as a portable charger. It is fully potted so it can be carried on the bike. If your roads aren't shaking your controller apart, if won't be a problem for the HLG series.
Something like this could hard-fixed on the bike and the supply could be carried within.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-Downspout-Extension-M0594/203203900?N=5yc1vZar84

Don't want it perm mounted. I have 40Ah of fresh new lipo and usually stay within 15 miles of home. I'd leave it in my pack that I bring with me every trip anyways if anything. I'm thinking I'll go with the meanwell above. Gotta weigh my thunder psu and balance charger tomorrow and see where the weight comes in at. It is a tad bulky too though.. so in the middle on this one.

<<<<I have 40Ah of fresh new lipo and usually stay within 15 miles of home. >>>
Then why do you need to carry a charger

 

[rborger73]

I think you are missing what is the benifit of going with a LED supply as a portable charger. It is fully potted so it can be carried on the bike. If your roads aren't shaking your controller apart, if won't be a problem for the HLG series.
Something like this could hard-fixed on the bike and the supply could be carried within.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-Downspout-Extension-M0594/203203900?N=5yc1vZar84

Don't want it perm mounted. I have 40Ah of fresh new lipo and usually stay within 15 miles of home. I'd leave it in my pack that I bring with me every trip anyways if anything. I'm thinking I'll go with the meanwell above. Gotta weigh my thunder psu and balance charger tomorrow and see where the weight comes in at. It is a tad bulky too though.. so in the middle on this one.

<<<<I have 40Ah of fresh new lipo and usually stay within 15 miles of home. >>>
Then why do you need to carry a charger

It's in my very first post. When I visit friends and am going to be there for a while I like to go ahead and charge while I'm hanging out. But with the bulk of the thunder 1220 and psu plus the pvc housing I made to keep them from smacking around and if I'm bringing anything with me as well the charger becomes a burden then. So I want a smaller lighter portable charger to throw in my pack. Sort of how you like to have rain gear when you go out if there is a chance of rain. You'd rather have super light rain gear to cover your bike and self if you get caught in a downpour. If the rain stuff is too heavy you are less likely to bring it so then you get those days where you say..."nah only 25% chance I don't want to bother and you get poured on. I'm trying to make it as easy as possible when I'm going a bit further than normal so it isn't a big decision that makes me leave the charger behind.

 

[dogman dan]

One reason I have gone to 14s is that I could easily adjust my old kingpan charger to bulk charge it. So far, carrying it on a suspension bike, I have had no problems with the charger breaking.

The ones I did break from carrying had stuff inside like daughter boards that moved around easy. Or just the plug wires failed from coiling them up every cycle.

No they aren't that light, but I carry two chargers like this when I go 80 miles from the house.

 

[wineboyrider]

Those meanwell HLG bolt very easily on too the bicycle bottle holders and such and as long as they are snug shouldn't rattle too much and cool naturally. They cool pretty fast after unplugging them though. They are great opportunity chargers I use them on the road only and use kingpan chargers at home and work for bulk charging.
I have 2-24v meanwells that slam 10 amps into my 12s 20ah lipo pack...LOL

 

[cal3thousand]

Sounds like you need a Meanwell for opportunistic road charging. I have a CLG series that is fully potted, so it can go where ever I need and charge my pack up to about 85% (which is perfect for charging while out and about)

What you don't get from these LED supplies is end of charge cut off. So you have to do that yourself. To me, the easiest way to do that is to have a Stand-alone CA shunt that I carry around with me. I unplug my CA from the controller, and plug it into the shunt unit which goes between battery and charger. That gives me a nice understanding of where the pack is in the charge process and how many Ah were put into it. After done charging, just hook the CA back up to the controller and put everything up.

These units are readily available at around 50-60 dollars and then 25 for the CA shunt.

Alternatively, the Satiator will handle this stuff and be much more configurable. If you are going on a 'trip' with other ebikers, Satiator could be a life saver in some situations.

 

[rborger73]

Sounds like you need a Meanwell for opportunistic road charging. I have a CLG series that is fully potted, so it can go where ever I need and charge my pack up to about 85% (which is perfect for charging while out and about)

What you don't get from these LED supplies is end of charge cut off. So you have to do that yourself. To me, the easiest way to do that is to have a Stand-alone CA shunt that I carry around with me. I unplug my CA from the controller, and plug it into the shunt unit which goes between battery and charger. That gives me a nice understanding of where the pack is in the charge process and how many Ah were put into it. After done charging, just hook the CA back up to the controller and put everything up.

These units are readily available at around 50-60 dollars and then 25 for the CA shunt.

Alternatively, the Satiator will handle this stuff and be much more configurable. If you are going on a 'trip' with other ebikers, Satiator could be a life saver in some situations.

Have a speedict so I can monitor with no problem from about 60 feet via bluetooth. I always watch when I charge and never trust the charger to shut off anyways. I think over the last 1600 miles on this pack this year the most variation I've seen between the original 72 cells was .04 to .05. After a balance it all stays put really well and normal variation is less than .03 on the norm. What I want is all 96 cells displayed on my speedict screen or on an overlay. That's coming I think. Waiting to see if speedicts bms / controller unit is able to do that. That right now is my only peace of mind I'd like to have. Just about exactly where I wanted this bike now though. Basically I just want a small lightweight charger for 12s that isn't a big decision to throw in my backpack. I'm considering a front carrier, but don't want the steering affected too much. Just is nice to have the weight off your back sometimes on a long ride. I have some plans to mount essential tools and bike chain inside the clam shell on the side I rarely remove to get a few lbs out of my pack too.

Thanks for the suggestions so far all. Little less important to me at the moment after yesterdays 50 mile test on one charge and I was only down to 3.78 on each cell. Figure easy 10 miles more if I needed to. So charger is becoming less of a worry.

 

[cal3thousand]

I have a 12S display device / battery monitor that might be what you are looking for. It won't watch all 96 cells separately, but each of the 12S channels can be displayed.

http://www.chargery.com/doc/Chargery BS12 specification V2.1.pdf

I can sell you one for $35