What charger should I get Turnigy A-6-10 vs Accucel8 vs Thunder AC680 or other?

[nexgen91]

I am looking at the chargers below and cannot decide which one to get, I would like to have the max amps available (even though I dont need them as of now) and be able to charge at least 6S lipo eventually (have not made the jump yet) My budget is under $100 and these all look promising. I really like the fact that the A610 has 200W 10Amp charge current (even though right now I dont need it), but I am concerned about reliability. I will be charging at least five different batteries (a 7 cell 8.4v 1200mAh NiMh, a 8 cell 9.6v 1400 mAh NiMh (both airsoft batts), a 6 cell 7.2v 4600mAh NiMh, (for my scx10 honcho), a Losi B0848 4.8V 1/3AAA 150mAh 4C NiMH, and a 12v power wheels (my kids) as well). I eventually plan on replacing the 7.2v with two llipos (dont know how many cells or what voltage yet though it would probably be 2S-6S 3500-5000 mAH 7.4v-9.9v). What would be the best charger for my current and future needs?


Also does anyone know if the Thunder AC 680 is 10 amp capable? The title list it as "10A" but in the specs it says 5 AMP.

Turnigy A-6-10 200W Balance charger & discharger $38.35
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11444
Spec.
Input Voltage: 10~18v
Circuit power: Max Charge: 200W / Max Discharge: 25W
Charge Current Range: .1~10.0A
Discharge current range: .1~5.0A
Ni-MH/NiCd cells: 1~18
Li-ion/Poly cells: 1~6
Pb battery voltage: 2~24v
Weight: 540g
Dimensions: 143x124x37mm

Turnigy Accucel-8 150W 7A Balancer/Charger $42.44
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7523
Spec.
Operating voltage range: 11.0~18.0Volt
Circuit power: max. 150W
Charge current range: 0.1~7.0A
Discharge current range: 0.1~5.0A
NiCd/NiMH battery cell count: 1~27 cells
Lithium bettery cell count: 1~8 Series
Pb battery voltage: 2 to 36V
Weight: 625g
Dimensions: 170X125X35mm

Thunder AC 680 Professional Intelligent Dual Power Multifunction Digital Balance Charger 80 Watt 10A for NICD/Lithium/PB Batteries w/ AC Power Adapter $59.00
http://www.hobbypartz.com/73p-ac680-accharger.html
Operating voltage: DC 11~18 volts
AC in: 100v-240v
50/60Hz
Charge/discharge power: Max. 80/10 Watts
NiCd/MH: 1~15 cells
LiIo/LiPo/LiFe: 1~6 series
Pb: 2~20V
Charge current: 0.1 to 6.0A
Discharge current: 0.1 to 2.0A
No. Of cycle: 1 to 5 times
Battery data memory: Up to 5 data

One more option would be the following, but I have not read anything about it.

Sky Charger B6AC 6-in-1 DUAL POWER Balance Charger/Discharger w/ AC Adapter for 1-6 Cell Lipo/Lilo/LiFePo4 + 1-15 Cell Nimh/NiCD w/ USB PC Charging/Monitor Software $59.95
http://www.hobbypartz.com/skychb6chdup.html
The specs list is kind of flaky/non existant but I think it has the same specs at the IMAX B6

Operating vultage range: DC11.0-18.0 Vult AC100-240V,50/60Hz
Circuit Power: MAX.charger power 50W ;Max. discharger power 5W
Charge current range: 0.1-5.0A
Dicharge current range: 0.1-1.0A
Current drain for balacing Li-poer: 300mAh/cell
NiCd/NiMh: 1-15 cell
Li-ion/Pulymer: 1-6 series
Pb battery vultage: 2V or 20V
Weight: 580 g
Dimension: 133mm x 87mm x 33mm

EDIT: I am aware I will need a P/S with the two turnigy chargers

EDIT: Im also looking for fast charge times

 

[forbid89]

I would either go with the Thunder AC680 or the Accucel-8. I have the Accucel-6 and it's been a nice charger. Do you have an external power supply or the ability to make one easily (ie. old PC power supply)? If not then the Thunder AC680 looks like the better choice since it has a built in supply. I haven't heard much about the AC680 yet but I know the Thunder AC6 has a good performance record.

 

[nexgen91]

I would either go with the Thunder AC680 or the Accucel-8. I have the Accucel-6 and it's been a nice charger. Do you have an external power supply or the ability to make one easily (ie. old PC power supply)? If not then the Thunder AC680 looks like the better choice since it has a built in supply. I haven't heard much about the AC680 yet but I know the Thunder AC6 has a good performance record.

I have the ability to make a P/S (i got a old PSU, and a laptop/monitor P/S already) it anything I can use my truck battery. Im not to concerned about the power source, more what will work best.

Well I found another option, however it is not in stock

Thunder T610 NiCd/MH(1~18 cells) & LiIo/LiPo/LiFe: 1~6 series Balance Charger/Discharger w/ LCD Display+Auto-Fan $59.00
http://www.hobbypartz.com/75p-t610-charger.html
Operating voltage: DC 11~18 volts
Charge/discharge power: max. 200/25 Watts
NiCd/MH: 1~18 cells
LiIo/LiPo/LiFe: 1~6 series
Pb: 2~24V
Charge current: 0.1 to 10.0A
Discharge current: 0.1 to 5.0A
No. of cycle: 1 to 5 times
Battery data memory: up to 5 data

 

[nexgen91]

Well I ended up getting this instead:
Sky RC iMax B6 Ultimate Balancing Charger $69.99
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/sky_rc/sytm1001.html

•Compatible with 1-18 cell NiCds/NiMHs, 1-6 cell LiPos/LiIons/LiFes and 2-24V lead-acid batteries.
•Internal independent lithium cell balancer is included – no separate external unit is required to individually balance each cell.
•Operating software is optimized to prevent excessive charging and discharging.
•Lithium battery charge cycles can be accelerated to reduce charge time or slowed down to increase battery life.
•PC connection (via USB port) allows users to keep track charge/discharge curves, voltage, temperature and amperage. Data can be suppressed or superimposed for comparison purposes.
•Delta peak voltage detection prevents overcharging.
•Stores up to ten battery memories.
•Easy-to-read LCD screen.
•Fan cooling system helps regulate the unit’s operating temperature.
•USB port also provides 5V/1A continuous current for digital cameras, cell phones and various other electronic devices.
•Temperature probe.
•USB cable.
•12AWG DC power cables with bullet connectors and alligator clips.
•Two sets of charge leads.
•2S-6S LiPo XH adapter.
•Instruction manual.
•Software disc

Specifications
Dimensions: 5.9 in x 4.6 in x 2.1 in (150 mm x 116 mm x 53 mm) Weight: 1.3 lb (607 g) Compatible with: 1-18 cell NiCds/NiMHs; 1-6 cell LiPos/LiIons/LiFes; 2-24V lead-acid batteries Operating Range (DC): 11-18V Circuit Power: Max. Charge Power: 200W Max. Discharge Power: 25W Current Drain for Lithium Balancing: 200mA/cell Requirements: DC power supply

Looks to have the same specs as the Turnigy A-6-10 but with the USB capability, temp sensor, usb charger, 10 pack memory instead of 5, and all the hookups for power. I feel a little better about buying it from tower, instead of China or HK.

 

[jeepron]

same exact charger as Venoms new charger,just more money