Several of my family members as well as myself, own the hexTronik Balance Charger. It has the ability to charge packs from 2 to 4 cells, at rates from .5 to 2 amps. It also can charge multiple 2 cell packs at once. The LED lights help you identify as each cell reaches the proper voltage.
This charger comes with the adapter necessary to plug into the cigarette lighter, already installed. I have found this very convenient. Most chargers come with alligator clips, and require that you either connect directly to a battery or purchase an adapter and solder it to the leads.
The charger also allows you to adjust the charging amp rate. Li-poly batteries are very sensitive to the charge rate and also their balance. A balance charger allows each battery within the pack to be charged individually and also balanced between each cell.
Please note: You should never charge a li-poly battery at a rate greater than 1C. For example a 1000mah pack should not be charged at a rate greater than 1 amp and a 1800mah battery should not be charged at more than 1.8 amps. I can not emphasize this enough. There have been reports of li-poly batteries bursting and starting fires if not properly charged.
My procedure has been to check the temperature of my batteries before charging. I don't have a scientific method for this, I simply hold them in my hand, and if it feels warm, I wait to charge it. I have been told that Li-poly batteries hold a charge for a very long time, and unlike other types, do not need to be peak charged prior to flying.
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