Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 16,17
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Worth a Closer Look

TP820CD Dual Port Charger

The TP820CD is a dual-port, multi-chemistry charger, discharger, cycler, and balancer system with up to 800 watts of total charging power. Each of the two independent ports can charge, discharge, and cycle a wide variety of batteries.

Features and compatibility:

  • Supports 1S–8S Li-Poly, Li-ion, and LiFe (A123) batteries.
  • Supports 1–24 cell Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries.
  • Supports 6–30 V Pb (lead-acid) batteries.
  • Built-in 2S–8S Li-Poly/Li-ion/LiFe cell balancers (one per port).
  • Included balance connector adapter boards compatible with Thunder Power and JST-XH balance connectors.
  • Each port can charge at up to 20 A (simultaneously, depending on input power and settings), enabling ultrafast charging up to 6C and beyond for many Li-Poly packs.
  • Can charge up to 8S on each port or “split” batteries with interconnect leads up to 16S by using both ports.

Firmware and updates:

  • We installed one firmware update and the charger is running version 3.6. Updates are free and available from Thunder Power’s website.
  • Updating requires a standard mini USB cable (not supplied); instructions are provided online.

Power and controls:

  • DC powered; connect to a power supply using the bullet connectors or the supplied alligator clamps for a 12 V battery.
  • Input current is user-settable from 10 to 40 A to match power-supply capability and charge rates.
  • 48-character blue backlit LCD is easy to read.
  • Programming uses Enter, Mode, Port, + and - buttons:
  • Enter selects options (battery type, cell count) and starts/stops charge or discharge (press and hold).
  • + and - cycle values.
  • Mode accesses charge, discharge, cycle, and storage modes.
  • Port toggles between ports 1 and 2 (current port indicated by a 1 or 2 on the top right of the screen).
  • Includes a storage mode for long-term battery care.

Accessories and experience:

  • Includes two charge leads with bare wire so users can solder their preferred connectors.
  • We used Final Charge Cables from RC Accessory (nine connectors on one cable) to charge a wide range of batteries.
  • We used the TP820CD frequently, including charging all of our Li-Poly batteries for flight training during NEFI, without issues.

Warranty and contact:

  • Backed by a two-year warranty.
  • Thunder Power RC, 4720 W. University Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; Tel: (702) 228-8883; website: www.thunderpowerrc.com

Osprey Publishing Duel Series

Osprey’s Duel series examines machines of war pitted against each other and the personnel who operated them. Each book combines color artwork, photographs, cutaways, and three-views with pilot profiles and historical information, useful for both scale documentation and general interest.

Highlights:

  • No. 35 — F-105 Wild Weasel vs SA-2 “Guideline” SAM (Peter Davies): A heavily illustrated account of the dramatic contests between newly outfitted F-105s and North Vietnamese missile sites, drawing on first‑hand pilot experiences and technical manuals to present the technologies and tactics of both sides.
  • No. 36 — Spad VII vs Albatros D.III (Jon Guttman): Examines two important World War I fighters, the aces who flew them, and the differing design philosophies behind each type.

We’ve enjoyed this series for both its technical detail and historical context.

Osprey Publishing, 443 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016; Tel: (866) 620-6941; website: www.ospreypublishing.com

RealFlight Expansion Pack 8

We’ve been flying RealFlight G5 since our May 2010 review and later upgraded to G5.5. Expansion Pack 8 adds new aircraft and flying sites to expand the simulator experience.

What’s included:

  • 18 new aircraft: 13 airplanes (including two versions of the Aeroworks ProX and the Thunder Tiger Titan X50) and 5 helicopters.
  • Three new flying sites: Austria PhotoFields, San Diego PhotoFields, and the Shipyard Obstacle Course.
  • The Shipyard Obstacle Course features ships’ cranes, warehouses, containers, and gigantic bolted metal rings suspended above the docks for precision flying. Many such obstacles are easier to navigate from the cockpit view.

Notes on compatibility and upgrades:

  • Expansion Pack 8 requires RealFlight version 5.5.
  • Users of version 5 can upgrade to 5.5 for free via the RealFlight Launcher or the website. Upgrading adds features such as expanded combat options and new glider launch methods.

Great Planes/Model Distributors, Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel: (217) 398-8970; website: www.realflight.com

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.