Q-41: I own an ACE Digipulse battery charger which you have recommended on several occasions. My question is, do all six outputs of this charger work independently of the other? Also, how long can I keep my battery packs attached to the Digipulse (in a pulsed trickle mode) without it affecting the life of my batteries?
A-41: The reader specifically mentiond that he had six transmitters attached to all six outputs on his ACE Digipulse unit. He might take three of the six transmitters out to the field for a flying session. On return, these three would go back on the Digipulse and the selected charge initiated for the 16 hour pre-set period (for each battery).
Our reader wondered what happened to the other three transmitter battery packs that had remained attached to the Digipulse. The answer is nothing! Each output is independent of the other. You can set each output to any current from between zero and about 200 mA. When you return a particular transmitter to an output position, you simply press the charge button (for that output) twice and your pre-programmed charge current is initiated. Any transmitter that remained on any other output, continues to pulse trickle charge the battery.
As far as how long you can keep your battery packs continuously on the
Digipulse, let me say the answer is most likely—indefinitely! At least three of
my six transmitters attached to my Digipulse have been connected for
approximately five to six years. These are original packs and they continue to
discharge test and perform at normal rated capacity. I have no problem leaving
my battery packs on the Digipulse. Keep in mind, of course, that I’m talking
about either Ni-CD or NiMH batteries. You do not want to trickle charge Li-Poly
cells. With their exceptional storage life it also isn’t necessary. They only
lose about 1 or 2% of charge over a six-month period.
Unknown to many who don’t read instruction manuals thoroughly, the ACE Digipulse
has a battery back-up that maintains all of your preset charge currents in a
memory circuit. It uses a standard 9-volt alkaline battery. Should your house
current have a momentary (or prolonged) power failure, this battery will store
all your presets. The only thing you must remember is to occasionally replace
this 9-volt battery, because eventually it will drop out of service.