PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Worth a Closer Look
SPEKTRUM S2100 G2 2X100W AC SMART CHARGER
GREG GIMLICK explains why, when it comes to battery charging, safety is key, and Spektrum Smart chargers excel.
By combining modern Smart technology with intuitive design, Smart chargers bring safety and ease of use to the forefront. Don’t think that you need to have the latest Smart batteries to take advantage of the Spektrum S2100 G2 Smart Charger though; it’s compatible with all batteries that employ a balance plug. The beauty of Smart batteries, however, is that they just have one connector (IC3 or IC5) and don’t require a balance plug.
The S2100 G2 Charger makes battery charging easier and safer than ever. The Auto Charge feature recognizes your Smart battery’s parameters, such as the chemistry type and charge rate, and begins safe, correct charging automatically when the battery is connected. If you’re using batteries without Smart technology, it’s a simple matter of setting the charge parameters in the well-organized settings window. The user interface is clear and intuitive; so much so that you’ll be tempted to skip reading the manual—but don’t!
Being able to view the Smart battery history and performance allows you to see how your packs are aging and lets you adjust their use—or know when to recycle a pack—as necessary. USB input and output ports enable you to charge secondary devices and to update the charger’s firmware.
The front of the charger has both IC3 and IC5 connectors. All you need to do is slide the cover up or down to expose the desired connector. These are backward compatible with older EC3 and EC5 connectors, so no adapters are necessary, and a balance tap is adjacent to each port. The back of the charger has a removable AC cord and an on/off switch, so you don’t have to unplug the charger every time you’re done.
I’m very happy with the S2100 G2 Smart Charger. It lives on my bench for easy access and allows me to do battery and charger updates with ease as they become available. Having two 100-watt chargers built into one unit is extremely handy, and if I need more than 100 watts, I can use just one side and go up to 200. If you’re someone who is complacent with charging safety, this is custom-made for you; it will protect you from your bad habits. This charger is a winner and highly recommended.
At A Glance
Specifications
Battery types: Smart; Non-Smart; LiFe (3.3 volts per cell); LiHV (3.8 volts per cell); Li-Ion (3.3 volts per cell); LiPo (3.7 volts per cell); NiCd (1.2 volts per cell); Pb (2.0 volts per cell); NiMH (1.2 volts per cell)
Battery balance connector: JST-XH
Charge protection circuitry: Yes
Discharge: 0.1 to 1.5 amps; adjustable in 0.1-amp increments (15 watts max)
Input voltage: 100- to 240-volt AC; 50 to 60 Hz
Integrated balancing: Yes (internal balancer and internal adapter)
Maximum charge rate: 10 to 14 amps
Normal/standard charge rate: 0.1 to 12.0 amps; adjustable in 0.1-amp increments (200 watts max)
Number of cells: 1S to 6S Li-Ion/LiPo/LiFe; 1S to 16S NiCd/NiMH; 1S to 12S Pb
Overcurrent protection: Yes
PC connectivity: Yes
Peak detection: Yes
Reverse polarity protection: Yes
Safety timer: Yes
Selectable charge rate: Yes
Short circuit protection: Yes
Software updates: Yes
Thermal protection: Yes
Display: 2.4-inch 320 x 240 IPS LCD
Dimensions: 4.1 x 5.7 x 5.7 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Price: $199.99
SOURCES:
Spektrum
spektrumrc.com
