RC Aerobatics

Author: Justin Wells

Edition: Model Aviation - 2026/09
Page Numbers: 76, 77, 78

Diagram showing two 5S LiPo packs connected in series to an ESC.

WHAT CHARGER DO YOU USE?

By Justin Wells | justinwells@mac.com

ONE OF THE most asked questions as of late is, “What type of charger are you using?” The answer can vary based on how you are using your LiPo battery packs.

In this article, I want to review the two methods of charging for the 10S 36-volt (42 volts fully charged) pack that is required to power F3A (RC Aerobatics) aircraft. We have standardized 10S for our small portion of the hobby. There were some cases for use of 12S packs, but the FAI has unfortunately not accepted those and the experiment has lost traction.

I do want to mention that if you only fly in AMA classes, you can use 12S packs. I would expect more 12S usage in the next few years as battery technology continues to develop. The 6S packs in series to get 12S are more available than 5S packs and tend to be more standard. I can see this catching on.

Battery Configuration and Type

If you are using two 5S LiPos separately, your charging method can be simple and more off-the-shelf. These batteries are two separate packs but are joined together by one of two methods: with a series cable (with jumper) or with the series connectors built off of the ESC. This is ultimately the pilot’s choice, and you might save some weight and have one less connector in the mix. You can review the illustrations for how these work.

Utilizing this method allows you to use a standard charging system to charge your batteries; anything that charges at least a 6S pack will work. Keep in mind that with this method, you will want them to be identical in nature. It is not recommended to mix and match packs. Purchase two whatever 5S batteries you want to use. A common pack to utilize would be 5,000 mAh at an approximate 20C to 30C rating.

For simplicity’s sake, you can utilize a full 10S battery pack. Some pilots make their own, but I will not go into that. For this exercise, however, let’s assume that you have a 10S pack, that the connection in the aircraft is simple and easy, that you are dealing with a rather large pack, and that your charging is plug-and-play. The problem this presents is that there are a limited number of chargers available for 10S batteries. You’ll find the list of modern chargers for this quite small.

How you choose to wire your ESC and whichever battery configuration you decide to go with will help you in your charging decisions. Once you establish this method, the next steps become easier. I have tried all of these wiring and LiPo pack methods and I personally prefer the 10S pack, but this is just not for everyone, and I understand why.

Diagram showing two 5S LiPo packs with the ESC wired for series. — An easier method to eliminate another connector to get a 10S battery pack from two 5S packs.

An easier method to eliminate another connector to get a 10S battery pack from two 5S packs.

Diagram showing a singular 10S LiPo battery pack configuration. — A singular 10S LiPo battery pack setup.

A singular 10S LiPo battery pack setup.

ISDT P10 battery charger. — The ISDT P10 charger is for packs that are 6S and less. It charges two batteries.

iCharger DX12 battery charger. — The iCharger DX12 can charge two 10S packs.

Chargers for 10S

ISDT X16
Thunder Power TP1225HVC
iCharger X12
iCharger DX12
iCharger 4010Duo

Chargers for Individual LiPo Packs (5S)

ISDT P10
ISDT P30
Sky RC D200neo+
iCharger X6
ISDT Q8 MAX

Power Supplies

The majority of the chargers in these lists will need a separate power supply matched to the input voltage and wattage that is required for them to perform at full capacity. Whichever charger you choose takes time. Review its requirements for the best charging capabilities.

A lot of modelers use Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) server power supplies or products from MEAN WELL. You can match these together for the ultimate charging setup.

Connectors

The connectors that pilots are using can vary by the amp rating specifics, personal

preference, and even old habits. I have standardized XT-90 connectors, but any of the following connectors can be seen in use at a competition using the setups that were previously outlined: