LiPO Chargers

You can make a simple LiPo charger that is CV and current limited using a few transistors and an LM317 regulator. You make one for each cell, so for a 3S LiPO you need 3 chargers. Keep the max current low and you can sleep peacefully. Balanced charging by default.

Sadly you can normally buy a super-gizmo smart charger from China for the less that the components cost :frowning:

My own LiPOs are charged with a slow charger that can take 4-5hrs to charge a 4AH pack. I have no evidence other than circumstantial but it seems that slow charging gives a long life. I know my two 2009 vintage packs don’t seem quite so zingy and full of zap than when they were new. But nearly 8 years use most weekends is good enough for me.

See this: SHDesigns - Lithium Ion Charger