Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/12
Page Numbers: 15

December 2004 15
Multiplex All-Purpose
Charger and Li-Poly
Batteries
Hitec and Multiplex Modelsport
USA have announced their new Model
LN-2010 all-purpose Ni-Cd, NiMH,
and Lithium battery charger. The
companies are also selling a complete
line of Li-Poly batteries ranging from
145 to 4000 mAh in single cells and
two- or three-cell assembled packs.
The charger is item M92523 and
has a street price of $79.99. Colored
LEDs indicate the charging cycle’s
status. Input is 11.0-15.0 volts, with a
minimum established of 12.0 volts at
3.0 amps. You can operate this charger
from an automobile battery or an AC
power supply that can supply at least
the minimum requirement.
Model LN-2010 is capable of peakdetect
charging one to 10 Ni-Cd or
NiMH battery cells, or it can charge
one to four Li-Poly batteries using the
constant-current, voltage-limiting technique that is necessary
for these types of cells. Charge current is continuously
adjustable from 0.1 to 2.0 amps.
The charger features custom cell-voltage selection for Li-
Poly batteries and an internal timer that limits charger
operation to a six-hour period.
The entire
unit comes in
a small case
measuring 5
inches long x
4 inches wide
x 13⁄4 inches
high. Input
cables are a
generous 30
inches long
and are
terminated in two
large alligator clips.
The output circuit consists of three banana plugs: two
black and one red. The red jack is the common positive
connection for the Ni-Cd/NiMH or Li-Poly batteries. The
modeler must select the two negative jacks for the type of pack
being charged.
If you accidentally select the wrong set of jacks for the
battery being charged, the unit will sound a loud alarm while
flashing all three LEDs on the front panel. That safety feature is
especially nice.
When charging, you must first select the battery type (Ni-
Cd/NiMH or Li-Poly) by pressing the “BATT TYPE” switch on
the front panel of the charger. While you are pressing this
switch, the red LED will light for the Li-Poly batteries and the
orange LED will light for the Ni-Cd/NiMH batteries. This
function will alternate from one type to the other every time
you press the “BATT TYPE” switch.
The instructions advise you not to charge Li-Poly batteries
that have been discharged to less than 3.0 volts per cell. Many
modelers may know that these cells should not be allowed
below that level. But to be on the safe side, Model LN-2010 has
been programmed to use a low charge rate for the first minute or
so. During that time, the battery is “conditioned” and the cell
count is determined and set automatically.
The second step is to set the charge current. A rotary dial
allows you to select anything from 0.1-0.2 amps. The suggestion
is to use a 2C charge current for NiMH cells, 3C for Ni-Cd, and
1C for Li-Poly. This is probably the most important thing the
modeler must do.
Once the charge current is set, press the “START” button and
the charging will begin. During the charge process, the green LED
“FULL/VOLTS” will flash. When the charging is complete, you
will hear a loud series of beeps and the green LED will glow
steadily at the same time.
A certain amount of “trickle” charging (roughly 50 mA) does
continue after the
fast charge cuts
off. This is okay
for Ni-Cd/NiMH
batteries but is
neither required
nor desired for Li-
Poly batteries.
The promotional
sheet indicated
that Multiplex is
offering 19
different battery-pack configurations, ranging from one to three
cells and capacity ratings from 145 mAh to 4000 mAh (4.0 Ah).
Prices range from $12.98 to $299.95.
We were provided with a two-cell (2S1P) 350 mAh pack (0.8
ounce) and a three-cell (3S1P) 750 mAh pack (2.0 ounces). The
smaller pack came with a red plastic JST connector, and the larger
pack employed the popular Deans Ultra connector. This connector
can easily be soldered.
Multiplex USA: 5001 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.:
(858) 748-6948; Web site: www.multiplexusa.com MA
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