I know we all have chargers that came with our radios which are generally of the C/10 50MA constant current type. Like myself, most of you guys out there plug them in the night before we go flying and then it's off to the field in the morning. Well, this was all right for aircraft having 500MAH flight packs, but it's no good now with the big ones containing 1200-2000Mah Ni-Cad packs. But there's one weak link in our giant aircraft that's always in my mind and in yours as well... the fear of a depleting battery. With modern technology forever promoting the electric powered R/C cars and boats, there has been improved development for newer and better battery chargers for the 1200 to 4000MAH Ni-Cad battery packs. These chargers, and there are presently 14 manufactured, are for either R/C cars, boats or electric planes.

But, be that as it may, I happened to find one that will charge Ni-Cads of the 4.8 volt pack to 9.6 volts. This charger is called the Pro-Ace AC/DC Charger, Model No. 1010. From a specification standpoint, the Pro-Ace Charger is capable of charging nickel-cadmium battery packs of four to eight cells (4.8 - 9.6 volts), ranging in capacity from 250MAH up to 1800MAH. This charger has a built-in ammeter permitting one to obtain current levels from 0-3.5 amps. This charger is of the constant current type which means that if one sets the current on 2 amps, this charger will stay at this level for the entire charge period. However, this isn't as bad as it sounds because the Pro-Ace unit comes with 0-15 min. timer, external output voltage jacks which are attached to my digital voltmeter for monitoring the Ni-Cad voltage during charge cycle. The Pro-Ace charger also has a trickle chage light which comes on when the timer goes off, indicating that the packs are now in trickle charge.

I personally like a charger that when after it has performed the charge function, it reverts to trickle charge. This feature helps to equalize the Ni-Cad cells within the pack. Also, the Pro-Ace Charger has a discharge circuit which is helpful in conditioning or testing of the Ni-Cad packs just prior to a day's flying. I personally like a charger that when after it has performed the charge function, it reverts to trickle charge. This feature helps to equalize the Ni-Cad cells within the pack. Also, the Pro-Ace Charger has a discharge circuit which is helpful in conditioning or testing of the Ni-Cad packs just prior to a day's flying. To go on with other features which the Pro-Ace has, they are as follows:

An A/C input power source 120 volts A/C, also two D/C input sources, one of which is a cigarette lighter plug which fits the standard lighter socket; a plug-in D/C power cord (just plug the banana jacks to input jacks) on the rear side of the charger case and alligator clips to a D/C 12 volt battery. The output power connections are red and black charging cords to which one can apply his plug for particular Ni-Cads being charged. Also, there are 2-way universal output jacks - takes wires or banana plugs to a volt meter to monitor the peak voltage charge of your battery pack.

To place the Pro-Ace Charger in operation will require the following steps:

Charge Routine:

1. Start with placing the toggle switch to the "Charge" position.

2. Connect the charger to one of its three input power sources. If a DC 12 volt battery is used, it is recommended that an automobile size battery is used with this charger without the automobile running.

3. Turn the current knob to 0 current (counter clockwise).

4. Apply Ni-Cad battery to be charged.

5. Connect volt meter to red & black DC voltage jacks.

6. Turn the timer to the proper timed charge setting for the Ni- Cad's capacity i.e. a 1200 MAH pack would receive a current setting of 3.5 amps for 15 mins. on the timer. NOTE: This can vary depending on the amount of discharge in the battery. That's why it's important to have a volt meter to observe for peak charging voltage and any increase in battery pack temperature, which to me is the cut-off point for charging... trickle can continue here.

7. After the timer is set, gradually increase the current adjustment knob to set charge current on the meter to the battery's capacity.

Discharge Routine:
The discharge circuit allows you to discharge your Ni-Cads properly for a safer and thorough charge which will also determine capacity of the battery. The MAH discharge level reads approximately 400MA on the meter in the discharge mode. (Again, with the volt meter connected, don't discharge below 1.1 volt per cell).

1. Place toggle switch in Discharge position.

2. Connect charger to your Ni-Cad pack.

3. Set timer - discharging will be noted on the current meter, voltage drop on the battery can also be observed. Stop when pack volts reach 1.1 volts per cell).

4. Battery is now ready to be recharged (If battery is warm, wait until it cools down).

Concerning fast charging - there is a rule of thumb that fast charging is generally three times the battery's rating. For instance, a 1200MAH Ni-Cad pack would receive 3 x 1.2 which comes to a 3.6 amp charging rate. At this rate a fully discharged pack would be -. ought back up in approximately 15 mins.

The charger itself measures 6" x 5" x 2 3/4" with a weight of 2 lbs.

The case material and finish are aluminum extrusion and black anodized,. and I might add, it's appearance is top of the line. Considering all the features this charger has over all others, and how well it's put together, the Pro-Ace A/C, D/C Charger is an excellent value at a cost of $44.95.

I purchased mine from: Indy R/C Sales, 10620 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46280.