SkyRC MC3000 Charger

[Carnage9270]

Really liking this one.

 

[AtmizrOpin]

i really like the looks of that charger as well. it states max charge current of 3 amps max (x 4 slots). does that mean 3 amps total for the 4 slots or 3 amps max per slot (12 amps total)? max output power is 50w, so i would assume it's 3 amps per slot. it'd be nice if you could charge 4 cells at 3 amps at once.

 

[ShowerHead]

i really like the looks of that charger as well. it states max charge current of 3 amps max (x 4 slots). does that mean 3 amps total for the 4 slots or 3 amps max per slot (12 amps total)? max output power is 50w, so i would assume it's 3 amps per slot. it'd be nice if you could charge 4 cells at 3 amps at once.

You can according to the specs and the manufacturer.

 

[NCC]

I came real close to buying one a month ago. But, in the last minute I went to the Opus BT-C3100 v2.2 instead. It cost only 20% as much. The only thing I was interested in that the BT-C3100 doesn't do is allow PC connectivity. And from what I've read, that connectivity isn't very well implemented.

I am very much a gadgets, gizzmos and upscale electronics freak, so the MC3000 had a draw for me. But my budget is much tighter nowadays than it once was.
So far, I am happy with the BT-C3100. It does almost every thing the MC3000 would've done, and I saved enough money to buy gasoline for a couple months.

EDIT: I just noticed the date of Post #1, about a week after I switched to the BT-C3100 purchase.

 

[ShowerHead]

Does the Opus still do 2A pulses? I avoided it for that reason when I got my first charger.
Though it's within range of most 18650s, I prefer to stay at 1A for charging.

 

[NCC]

Does the Opus still do 2A pulses?

I don't know about pulses. But, there's a fairly in-depth review here. I normally charge at 500 mA.

 

[ShowerHead]

I don't know about pulses. But, there's a fairly in-depth review here. I normally charge at 500 mA.

Thanks for the link. Didn't take long to find that it does.

Note that the Opus uses 2.5Amp current with PWM. While it's okay for most 18650s, I wouldn't use it for cells that require smaller charging currents.

 

[NCC]

Thanks for the link. Didn't take long to find that it does.

Note that the Opus uses 2.5Amp current with PWM. While it's okay for most 18650s, I wouldn't use it for cells that require smaller charging currents.

Dang, so you're telling me it will damage my AA and AAA Eneloops?

I wanted a charger which could handle both my LiIon and NiMH and this is one which seems to fill the bill. That's what it is designed for. Arggg, now you've got me upset.

 

[ShowerHead]

Dang, so you're telling me it will damage my AA and AAA Eneloops?

I wanted a charger which could handle both my LiIon and NiMH and this is one which seems to fill the bill. That's what it is designed for. Arggg, now you've got me upset.

It's my understanding that the Eneloops have different charging criteria from others. At least, there is a Eneloop 'type' in higher end chargers.

While the SkyRC may take a big adjustment to fully understand the programs that run to charge various batteries, it seems to be my next charger. While learning, I can always run it in 'Dummy' mode.
Should be good even for the new batteries that will be coming soon. The charger is upgradable and better, has had several upgrades released. Just need to check if the slots can physically hold the new batteries.

 

[JKuro]

The MC3000 is a great advanced hobby charger. If you do not know anything about electronics or charging patterns, you are probably better off with a Nitecore, Xtar, or any other basic charger. Although you can just use it in dummy mode.
It's not a perfect charger but is extremely capable and highly configurable. The PC monitoring software is poor, but the phone app Bluetooth monitor is great. There is also a 3rd party data acquisition software available.
I use it for eneloops and Li-ion cells, and should be able to fit 20700 cells no problem.

 

[Barkuti]

Review of Charger Opus BT-C3100 V2.1​

The Opus C3100 tunes the output current via 2A PWM, something which, in the original version, crumbled its PSU output with nasty 9A pulses (Review of Charger Opus BT-C3100).

Current version works well, or so they say. I tend to prefer appliances devoid of unreliable humming sound sources, though.

Cheers

 

[NCC]

I apologize to the OP. I probably should've started a separate thread.

The Opus C3100 tunes the output current via 2A PWM, something which, in the original version, crumbled its PSU output with nasty 9A pulses.
Current version works well, or so they say. I tend to prefer appliances devoid of unreliable humming sound sources, though.

Cheers

<sigh> Understand, I do not have a degree in electronics. Even so, I can grasp that too much current is generally a bad thing, for anything.
Could you clarify, please, is my C3100 version 2.2 dangerous for my AA & AAA Eneloops? In plain English, as though you're talking to a 3rd grader. Are there any of its modes I should avoid, aside from 'charge': Discharge, Discharge Refresh, Charge Test, Quick Test? Is Charge itself hazardous?

Or should I simply not use the C3100 for anything other than 18650s? That would be a bummer, since it is its claimed versatility that made it my choice. That, and the fact that it is much more in line with my finances than the SkyRC MC3000.

The PC software is all I would be interested in with the MC3000, and you confirm it is weak. "unreliable humming sound sources"?? I haven't got a clue what you're referring to there.

 

[Barkuti]

NCC, I think you have nothing to worry. Even those small AAAs of yours can handle 2A continuous nicely.
If the charger's behaviour would have posed any sort of potential issue, HKJ (the reviewer of the Opus) would have pointed it out. Sleep peacefully my dear.

Cheers

 

[Barkuti]

Ouch! Sorry if I missed your last question, NCC. This is what I call an “unreliable humming sound source”:

​

Cheers