These are nice little chargers. I have long ago ditched the idea of
using a single expensive charger with two channels (the so called,
dual-charger). Why? because chargers crap out occasionally. Why? I don't
know but I've tossed three +$200 chargers that died on me over the last few years. Another thing is, those were AC-based chargers and I've come to the conclusion I'm better off using these
inexpensive DC-chargers. Why? In part because two of my dead chargers
(top quality Thunder Power, too) died on the AC-power side and repair parts
were impossible to obtain. The other died when a balance component
went teats up and again, repair parts were unavailable.
However, I like DC-chargers better due to greater versatility. Basically, it's because I can use DC-chargers both
in the field and in the shop with an inexpensive DC-power supply. How?
In the car by connecting to the battery either through a cigarette
lighter plug, large alligator clamps, or through a USB-C connection
(many cars have these, as do lots of laptops these days). Note; we offer input leads separately or go on Amazon and buy el cheapo versions for a few bucks less. Funny thing is, our I/O leads are so good we occasionally have folks come to us 'after' buying their chargers elsewhere - go figure!
So why these chargers? They're inexpensive, they work well, and they're
so compact I can have several. For example, I have four M8S set up on our
ProModeler ProTote expressly for field use (the link opens in a new tab for convenience). A ProTote for field charging is perfect when I go fly and there's no
available power (especially useful at fun flies when too many people
need to use power and there aren't enough outlets - keeps me
independent).
Last thing is this; I especially appreciate the redundancy they bring.
Earlier I mentioned my pricey dual-channel chargers. While they're sold
with the idea one single charger does two batteries at a time, what this
also means is one dead charger takes all my charge capacity with it
when it dies. But with a pair of these compact chargers, if one craps
out (and only God is perfect), then I'm down to 50% capacity which is
better than 0%. I have time to order another (and likely pay less that
repair parts would cost had they been available).
Anyway, I start the charge cycle while I'm making coffee in the shop and by the time I'm done loading models,
they're usually done. This is important to me because I don't like to charge
batteries unattended (due to fire risk). This makes it easy to keep an eye on things while the flight
packs charge.
Also, while I don't need it often, I pack an M4 Pocket with me also to the field (for the
off chance I need to top up a receiver pack). Finally, like I said, we offer input leads with both
cigarette lighter plug, large alligator clamps for direct connection to
the car battery terminals, plus USB-C. Those, and output leads, too. All are top quality, and sheathed in mesh. This, so they don't get tangled
(or just get your own el cheapos off Amazon).