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THE FACTS
Manufacturer: Hitec
Product: Multi-Charger X4 AC Plus
Part Numer: 44167
Price: $195
Battery Type: NiCd, NiMh, LiPo, Pb, Li-Ion, LiFe
Cell Count: 1-15 NiCd/NiMh, 1-6 Lithium, 1-10 Pb
Balancer: Built-in
Charger Rate: .1 to 6.0A
LCD Display: Backlit
AC Power Supply: Internal
How often is it that you go to the track and find yourself running multiple classes? I do it a lot and find that I need two or three chargers to keep my batteries charged and ready. This can be a bit tedious when it comes to setup and break down, and it uses up a lot of valuable pit space.
Well no more! I bring to you Hitec’s Multi-Charger X4 AC Plus, the big brother to Hitec’s recent X4 charger. The X4 AC Plus has all the awesome features of the X4 but now includes a built in 22 amp power supply. Just show up to the track, plug it in and start charging!
The X4 AC Plus features 4 identical and independent 50-watt power outputs, and each can handle up to a 6S Lithium pack, 15-cell NiCd/NiMh or 6-12v lead acid battery. Each computer-controlled port includes a built in balance port so there is no need for a separate balance board. One of the cool things about these ports is that they are not a specific plug type; it’s basically a slot with pins in it. This design allows you to plug in ANY plug type into it! Just be sure you pay close attention to the direction in which you insert the plug!
The X4 AC Plus can charge four different battery types at one time and has multiple charge modes. The Fast Charge Mode eliminates the balancing of the cells, reducing the time it takes to charge the pack. To keep things safe, the Fast Charge Mode only charges a pack to about 90% of its capacity. The Balance Charge Mode monitors each individual cells voltage during the charge. This mode will charge the pack to 100% of its capacity. Finally, there is the pretty cool Storage Charge Mode. The X4 AC Plus charges your packs to a safe level so they will not be damaged during long-term storage.
Setup on the X4 AC Plus is pretty simple. Plug in the charger and connect the battery to the charging and balance ports on the side of the unit. Press the Battery Type button to cycle to the battery you are charging. Press the Start button once to exit that screen and press Start again to select the Charge Rate. Use the Inc and Dec buttons to adjust the Charge Rate. Hit the Start button again to select the Cell Count. Use the Inc and Dec buttons to select your Cell Count. Once done, tap the Start button again and you’re ready to rock and roll. Once you’ve completed these steps, they will be held in memory. This means you can assign Port 1 for 2S LiPo charging, Port 2 for 4S LiPo charging, Port 3 for NiMh charging and Port 4 for receiver or transmitter pack charging! Or, if you’re a multi-vehicle driver like me, all FOUR can be set for 2S LiPos!
LINKS
Hitec, www.HitecRCD.com (858) 748-6948
