RCMW DIY Multi Output Charger

[Igull]

Hi All
I'm hoping there may be a geriatric or two that might have a copy of Radio Control Model World - I'm fairly certain it was one of the first 4 or 5 in 1984 - it had a multi ouput nicad charger in it (4xRx, 2xTx at 9.6v'ish).
I just need a scan of the article. I built one at the time and have used it nearly every week for the last xxx years
I'd like to build another, but can't face tracing out the veroboard - I even wound the mains transformer from an RS transformer kit at the time. There was nothing smart about it, but it used raw dc - absolutely no fancy regulators - or even capacitors I'm certain that simple design kept my nicads in great shape (I even still use one of them on my faithful servo tester - yes, the dreaded Maplin one LOL )
I've searched all the mag covers I can find online, but don't see it.
TIA
Cheers
Neil

[Shaun]

I'll should be able to sort I have most of the early ones.

Shaun.

[Spike S]

Anyone still using NiCd or NiMh cells may find the attached essay from our Club Newsletter of interest.

Burst Charging.RTF

(38.88 KiB) Downloaded 203 times

I have been "Burst-charging" several sets of AA and AAA-type cells now for over 10 years and have seen no adverse effects. Notwithstanding that, most of my recent setups are now powered via BEC from the drive LiPo or, on IC models, 2S LiFe battery with a voltage-dropping diode for older Rx or servos that are ununhappy at the full 2S voltage.

[Shaun]

Hi Neil,
Just looked thru the first years worth and the only project charger I can find is a 12v field charger ( a Century Systems design) giving one tx and one rx output. It was in the first issue..

Shaun

[Igull]

Just looked thru the first years worth and the only project charger I can find is a 12v field charger ( a Century Systems design) giving one tx and one rx output. It was in the first issue..

Mmm, thanks a lot for that Shaun - I knew it would be a geriatric that answered my call - I know of the field charger, it's not that one.
Maybe it was a RCMW special mag - in my mind , it was definitely in the first few issues of RCMW - I'm probably wrong of course. I don't think it was advertised on the front cover if memory serves. Only had a multi winding transformer, a handful of diodes/resistors and some LEDs.
It's not rocket science, I could spend an hour, but I'd like to have the article.
I ran out of garage space and ditched all my RCMW a number of years ago - still have a number of silent flight/QFI etc but that's it - oh, also an aeromodeller of my birthday month LOL - still to be mounted in a frame in the workshop
Cheers
Neil

[Shaun]

I'll dig some more out for you Neil.

Cheers,

Shaun

[RON]

Sounds like it was just 2 wirewounds lol

Ron

[Mike_K]

Is this what you mean? If it is you're only a year or so out...

[Tobe]

Terrible and / or ugly could also be good and / or beautifully if they just are it a lot!

[Igull]

Is this what you mean? If it is you're only a year or so out...

Brilliant Mike - thanks !

I knew I was close on the year But at least I was right about RCMW

It may not look much, but it has proven it's worth over the last 33 yrs. It is a known fact that using raw DC to charge nicads cleared the dreaded dendrite growth problem (not sure if the same can be said for NiMh - different chemistry). Can't ever recollect having a NiCd battery problem - and certainly no black wire issues (but let's not get into that can of worms ).

Cheers and thanks again Mike

Neil