The making of the BLF UC4 charger: the start of a new venture, INTEREST LIST, UPDATE 7 (Well, ramping stopped :/ )

Even if you go with USB PD, couldn’t there be a 5.5 * 2.5mm barrel connector wired in parallel? Write “Do Not Connect Both At Once” on the back :slight_smile: or switch them with MOSFETs for automatic power source selection.

Is this charger going to balance charge packs? Like an iMax B6 can?

I also don’t have a powerful PD PSU.
But I am sure I will buy one at some point anyway because I believe it’s the future power socket for many devices.
I’d strongly prefer the BLF charger to be a part of this future as otherwise it will force me to lug around a dedicated PSU which is simply inconvenient.
Also, USB input would allow me to charge cells from a car outlet.
Or a bus. Or a bench. There are way more USB outlets scattered around the public places than AC ones, let alone barrel DC.

Preparing for the future seems reasonable to me, especially since it’s been stated that a wider market other than solely BLF is being planned for.

@Phlogiston - “Even if you go with USB PD, couldn’t there be a 5.5 * 2.5mm barrel connector wired in parallel? Write “Do Not Connect Both At Once” on the back Smile or switch them with MOSFETs for automatic power source selection.”
Again, to me two connectors is also reasonable and a good idea, although I feel the addition of automatic power source selection is not necessary.
OG

Did I miss the chance to request this in time? :frowning:

Charger is only for individual cells (1S), nothing assembled in series.
Just the beginning still. Blue is finalizing specs and discussing with mfgs soon.

I do not mean to be disheartening but, fellows, please keep a look at the already long list of features and capabilities for the target price. Maybe some of you would prefer a “deluxe” version, don't you?

At this point BlueSwordM may want to start asking some really budget manufacturer like LiitoKala. I could also do it, @#$%.

Joshk, balance charging? That feature requires quite a different design than the usual for independent slot devices. It would require to set any contiguous slot “in series compatible” with the previous one, or else stuff would blow up. Someone already did that with a Lii-500 and… magical smoke.

I don't mean to be impolite but I still have no answer. Please can someone confirm if this feature will be part of the specifications or not? Thank you.

+1 !

@Lux-Perpetua, a partial feature has been written already in the form of a charger non-reset disabling between 5-10V, to prevent charging to restart, or during a sudden loss of power during charging. Basically, solar panel

One last minute change could be added, as someone else(and you directly) discussed in a PM at SecondLifeStorage:

Basically, you could have the ability to change chemistry on boot, NOT reset on any power loss(forceful battery removal before charging completion to your settings or blackout, same thing really), and will not resume charging unless manual input is used.

Only for lithium-ion chemistries though. NiZn is so niche it doesn’t even matter, and even then, charging with NiMH parameters isn’t dangerous.

Currently speaking with MiBoxer and DlYFull.

Anyone want to enter Skype with me?

I maybe need some help. I’m not too adept dealing with direct OEMs like DLYFull.

Reminds me of the start of my 1st Gen GB.

Ok guys, so as I expected, it would actually be better to make the charger out of aluminium since it would require way less units to move compared to plastic injection moulding(at least 40000pcs per year and optimal would be 50000pcs per year).

So yeah, we are going with aluminium.

49$US target price is set, which includes the power supply.

A new interest list has been set.

Who wants in?

1. 1x BlueSwordM
2. 1x AmishBill.
3. 1x OLd_gUY
4. 1x shirnask
5. 1x bhstinger
6. 1x Lux Perpetua

  1. 1x AmishBill

Added.

Just state how many chargers you want, or need. :confused:

Base price without the power supply would be possible at 39$US, although we are not sure.

49$US is the price we are sure about.

Added: OLd_gUY

In for one at the moment

Added again.

I’m in for one BLF charger (with EU plug), too.

Thanks for your reply BlueSwordM. If you need any help with (German) translations, let me know. I use Skype, too.

@Lux-Perpetua, no problem.

Will send you a PM shortly with some info to contact the important people.

I’m starting to design the manual now.

In for one. Thanks Blue.