When it comes to flying FPV drones, having the right battery charger is just as crucial as the drone itself. LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries are the most commonly used power source in the FPV community due to their high energy density and lightweight characteristics. However, charging these batteries safely and effectively requires a solid understanding of the basics.
In this post, we will explore the essential aspects of selecting the right charger for your FPV drone batteries. Understanding the different types of chargers, their features, and the best practices for charging will not only enhance your flying experience but also prolong the lifespan of your batteries. We’ll go over the charger type, the safety features, compatibility and budget to help you choose your charger.
Chargers come in all shapes and sizes, you’ll need to figure out what you need and what you can afford. First, the biggest difference is the power supply side of the charger. There are PD chargers (usually a USB-C power delivery) that are typically smaller and lack some features. There’s also DC chargers that need an external power supply and are usually fully featured, often with multiple channels and higher charge power potential. And there’s AC chargers that have an internal power supply, with typically the same features as the DC chargers.
Second, you’ll need to figure out if you need a single or multi channel charger. When you have multiple batteries, you can either use a balance board or charge your batteries one at a time. Balance boards are not ideal as they can damage your batteries long term if they aren’t close enough in voltage. Multi channel chargers allow you to charge multiple different batteries independently, which is ideal for battery longevity.
When looking for a charger, make sure you get a renowned brand and make sure the charger has integrated safety features, like over charge protection, balance checks and auto turn off. These will protect you, your batteries and your home. A charger is a part of your kit that will last a long time and spending a little more will result in a better long term experience. Here’s a couple of our picks here at EpicFPV :