Noob - NiMh & charger question

[mcvwuk 6]

Hi,

I have a Sand Viper with a Tamiya TEU-101BK ESC which has the Male Tamiya connector (to the battery), and I also have a (probably dead) 7.2v 3000mAh NiMh with the Female Tamiya connector.

In my haste to get the buggy running I bought a charger (Etronix powerpal pocket 2) as it was local to me (and only a £5) but after it arrived I've noticed that a) it says it's for LiPo and Li-FE batteries, and b) it has no Tamiya style connections (see picture).

So... a few questions.

1) Can I use this charger with NiMh batteries?

2) If I can use it with NiMh batteries I presume I would need to get an adaptor lead - which lead should I get (i.e. to connect to which port)?

3) Alternatively, if I bought a LiPo battery, would it work with my ESC, and if so should I get a LiPo with a Tamiya connector or a standard LiPo connector (Dean) and use an adaptor to connect to my ESC?

Thank you,

Mike

[catman79 346]

hi mike, 

this charger will not charge nimh batteries. you could buy lipo batteries, but if you are new to this i would just buy a cheap charger that will charge nimh's

[KEV THE REV 2319]

I agree . Buy the NiMh charger , charge your battery and see what life you get out of it , charge the battery at 3AMP charge .

[mcvwuk 6]

Thanks guys, I was looking at getting this one: https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/etronix-powerpal-mini-ac-6a-60w-balance-charger-discharger-433764 and whilst I was hunting down one in stock I found this: https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/overlander-rcs60-ac-60w-balance-charger-and-discharger/

To me, they look exactly the same - just a different sticker/brand. Anybody know if one is better than the other?

[KEV THE REV 2319]

They look the same . With these chargers you will only need the NiMh menu for your existing battery  . The balancing etc is more for Li-Po . If you get into Li-Po later it will still be useful . To charge your pack you will need a Tamiya plug adapter as it comes with a Deans cable

[catman79 346]

Or there is this, only does nimh / nicad so you can’t go too wrong 

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/392866?gclid=CjwKCAjwv_iEBhASEiwARoemvIbE0V5qEuZET4nXZmWAfaW1SvDkHN_hb_bhe2ubboPI9dZz3aL0hBoCs_kQAvD_BwE

[Willy iine 18805]

For NiMH I use a Dynamite Prophet Sport Dual which charges both NiMH and Lipo two at a time (separately) if desired.  You can dial in your charge rate so not stuck with just the preset amperages (if you care).   It is also very easy to use.

Its a reliable unit.. if you think you might expand your hobby in the future it might be something worth checking out and getting from the get go.