Hey guys.
After getting some ride time on my latest build (Jsonnett's Latest East Coast Build) I’ve been frustrated with my wayyy underpowered RC style charger (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LF1SC63/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and started looking for a better charging solution for the large batteries used on these boards. I know I’ve seen others asking around with this same problem and I wanted to share what I came up with.
I wanted something with some power. Something capable of at least 10A. I run two 6s ~24Ah batteries in series so a dual-channel setup that lets me charge/ balance both batteries at once was a must. I also wanted something fairly affordable as high power chargers and power supplies can get pretty pricey. I also am too impatient to wait for stuff from China so if I could find everything off of amazon then BONUS!
Here is what I came up with:
- All in it cost me about $170 to build.
- Super easy to assemble and build.
-Everything can be had thru Amazon Prime. - Capable of charging at 15A continuous PER battery, 30A total (chargers capable of 20A each but might toast these power supplies). It RIPS (to me at least)
- Can handle up to 8S (watch your currents and stay within power supply rating).
- 1.5A/cell balance current.
- Really nice/clean user interface.
It uses:
- two ISDT Q8 chargers (https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charger-Discharger-Balance-Display/dp/B088TVLT43/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=isdt+q8&qid=1608303811&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSTNGT0k2VlJGNEtMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjc5NjEwWEpVQTdFVDFJSDlHJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwODg1MTYyRlE2NkdDMkIwSk03JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)
- two $18 24V computer power supplies (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0146IAXYO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
- a 3d printed chassis to hold everything and designed to allow for proper airflow to all four fans (1/PS, 1/Charger) https://a360.co/37wft56
- a power cord (homedepot)
-DIY power and balance leads (you will need to make/buy your own since the chargers don’t come with input/output or balance leads)
STL files for the chassis can be found here:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4689369
Airflow thru both power supplies is drawn in from holes in center portion of the chassis. The hot air is blown out of either side. Make sure you note PS fan orientation when assembling and make sure fans are on outside. Chargers are tilted at an angle so that hot air from the one in the front doesn’t blow right into the intake of the one in the back.
8 screws hidden under the chargers and underside of base thread into the PS and sort of sandwich everything together. I used stick-on velcro to attach the chargers to the chassis.
I hope some of you find this useful. Im really pleased with it so far. Its awesome to be able to casually charge 2 batteries at 10A each without even breaking a sweat while my last charger would only charge at about 3A each running wide open (and eventually burning up). I can easily get two rides in a day with this thing and can charge my 2 6s8p 30Q packs in about 3 hours at 10A but could even go up to 15 if Im in a hurry.