SPEKTRUM S100 1X100W USB-C SMART CHARGER
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in a low-cost charger with several features, the Spektrum S100 1x100W USB-C Smart charger is worth considering. Inside the box, you will find the charger, a 60-watt USB-C-to-USB cable, and a product manual.
To use the charger, you will need to provide your own USB-C power supply. This selection is very important, especially if you want to charge using the higher number of amps supported by the charger.
I started by using a power supply that came with my phone. The charger wasn’t happy, even at the two-amp setting, and would only charge for approximately three seconds then reboot.
I switched to a power supply capable of 2.2 amps and was able to successfully charge my 3S 2,200 mAh Smart battery at 2 amps. To charge at higher rates, consider using a laptop or similar power supply capable of up to 100 watts.
The charger has an IC3 and IC5 connection to support different sizes of batteries. Only one can be used at a time and it has a sliding door to ensure that you don’t accidentally try to use both at the same time.
The charger is also equipped with a balance port that can support 2S to 4S LiPo balance plugs. If you are using a Smart battery, the charge process will start automatically after being plugged in for a few seconds. The parameters will set automatically. For example, on my 3S 2,200 Smart battery, it automatically set the charge parameters to LiPo and 3 amps. I manually changed the charge rate to 2 amps to keep within the specifications of my power supply.
An illuminated lightning bolt indicates that it is charging. It also illuminates the battery type and the charge rate. The charger also has charging status indicators of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. During the charge process, the next highest indicator will blink when the battery is close to reaching that point so, in a way, you can see where your battery is in increments of 10.
The charger also has a red exclamation point to let you know if it has encountered an error. You can then look at the table in the manual to see what the error is. The manual is small and, although I had no problem reading it, it might be difficult for some. If that is the case, I would recommend downloading the manual on the Horizon Hobby website product page.
The Spektrum S100 is an impressive charger for the price. It would be good for those on a budget or to keep with your RC gear that is taken to the field if you don’t need to charge anything larger than a 4S battery.
Smart technology brings with it a host of features, and I’m happy to see a low-cost option that covers the bases so that more modelers can take advantage of this technology.
At a Glance
Product Specifications:
Peak detection: Yes
Short-circuit protection: Yes
Over-current protection: Yes
Connector type: IC3; IC5
Maximum charge rate: 1 amp; 2 amps; 3 amps; 6 amps; user selectable
Product length: 3.86 inches
Product height: 1.42 inches
Product width: 2.83 inches
Thermal protection: Yes
Battery balance connector: JST-XH
Battery types: LiFe (3.3 volts per cell); LiHV (3.8 volts per cell); LiPo (3.7 volts per cell); Smart NiMH (1.2 volts per cell)
PC connectivity: Yes
Battery temperature monitoring: Yes
Programmable: Yes
Selectable charge rate: Yes
Display: LED
Input voltage: DC 5.0 to 20 volts; USB-C
USB-C input power: Minimum 10 watts; recommended 65 watts; maximum 100 watts
Integrated balancing: Yes (internal balancer and external adapter)
Low input voltage protection: Yes
Software updates: Yes
Technology: Smart
Price: $29.99
SOURCES:
Horizon Hobby
www.horizonhobby.com
Spektrum RC
www.spektrumrc.com
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
Lil’ Bubba 17.75-Inch Zippy Sport Flyer @ $79.99 + S&H from Aspect Laser
Tel.: (248) 707-4430; website: www.aspectlaser.com
Designed by John Hoover, the Aspect Laser Lil’ Bubba is a small, fast, balsa sport model. Available in a quality laser-cut kit with full-size plans and a nice, printed instruction book, the kit also includes extensive US name-brand hardware where applicable. It’s perfect for intermediate-plus builders and fliers.
Aspect Laser offers the perfect power setup with the PPK 2 Power Pack, which comes with the motor, ESC, and appropriate factory-tested propeller to power the Lil’ Bubba. With a 17.75-inch wingspan, 122 sq. in. of wing area, and weighing 13-plus ounces, it flies nicely using an 850 mAh to 1,000 mAh three-cell LiPo battery.
An X228 2,600 Kv motor is required, as are the radio system, a four-channel receiver, and two 9-gram servos. Glue, covering, PermaGrit tools, and many other hobby items are available on the Aspect Laser website.
Chilli GPS 4.7m Glider @ $2,079 + S&H from ICARE-ICARUS
Tel.: (450) 449-9094; website: www.icare-icarus.com
The Chilli GPS 4.7m glider is based on the successful wing of the Carbonara and is one of the ultimate Soaring experience gliders. With a large and aggressive tail and fin for accurate tracking and crisp response, you can aerotow, Slope soar, or fly it with electric power with one of ICARE-ICARUS powerful setups. With a glider of this size, you can also thermal farther than a normal Thermal Duration sailplane, allowing for extended flight times, distance flying, GPS cross-country flying, or easily achieving any League of Silent Flight tasks.
Built with full carbon-fiber reinforcement in the mold, the wing is three easily transportable pieces. Even the rudder and elevator are removable. Six control surfaces are used for smooth, precise control and actuated by a linear drive system, making the linkages completely internal. Live hinges are also featured, with minimal gaps for aerodynamic efficiency, while the fuselage is a sturdy Kevlar/carbon-fiber build.
The GPS version comes with 40-gram ST tips and a ballast set. Complete servo and power setups are available upon request.
Project ONE Inrunner Motor @ approximately $861 USD + S&H from Kontronik
Email: timdiper i@kontronik.com; website: www.kontronik.com
Kontronik’s new inrunner motor, Project ONE, was released during the ROTOR Live event held in Germany in March 2023, and it attracted strong interest.
Rotor equipped with CFRP reinforcement for the highest speed, the bearing is specially optimized for the requirements of helicopter pilots and has a defined axial preload. The shaft outlet is compatible with the PYRO series of motors, designed with a 6mm diameter and prepared for a counter bearing.
High-performance cooling features a fan wheel tailored to the motor that, regardless of the direction of rotation, sucks air directly through the stator and motor but remains acoustically unobtrusive in the background. Project ONE also has cooling fans in the housing to ensure rapid heat dissipation not only during the flight, but also after landing. An integrated temperature sensor can be read with KOSMIK HV-1-series controllers via telemetry for maximum security.
Intended as an alternative to the PYRO 750, it is available with 530 Kv, 590 Kv, or 650 Kv. The Project ONE 780-53 motor is for dynamic aerobatics and light 3D; the 780-59 is for ambitious 3D and F3C pilots; and the 780-65 is for pilots who love speed flight and hard 3D.
