Need A Replacement Charger for Opus BT-C3100

[RollerBoySE]

@gauss163

@RollerBoySE

The fact that HKJ uses he MC3000 himself is a strong indication of it being a good choice.

That’s not a good way to make such decisions. A good charger for one user might be terrible for another, e.g. experts may not mind fiddling with complex programming but novices may require very simple plug-n-play. Some users may use it only in contexts where there is adequate external cooling and in fireproof places and while keeping on eye on it (so they have little worry about overheating) but none of those may be true for other users. Some users may not mind if they have to open it for simple repairs (e.g. to replace a fan or spring pins), but this might be a showstopper for others.

The more complex the product, the more factors that influence suitability, so the less likely that another user will have exactly the same requirements as you. Already analyzing chargers are complex enough that this applies.

Good point, if I remember right he even wrote that it’s not a charger for everyone.
But I don’t think he would be using it if it wasn’t good.

[Speed4goal]

@HKJ

@tatasal

@HKJ

.
That the sensors works was shown in the first batch where the fan was pulling air down past the heatsink, that could not always remove all the heat from a 4 cell LiIon discharge and the charger would reduce the discharge current to avoid any issues. In later the models the fan has been turned around and blows air up over the heatsink, this improves the airflow slightly and the charger can usual discharge at full current (This will depend on the ambient temperature).

Oh well, issues like this would now have been avoided if “due diligence” (for a charger/analyzer costing that much) have been done right from the start, and even then, with the current model, I don’t have a problem with my Opus even with an ambient temperature reaching 38C in my country, easily discharging 4 x 18650 @ 1A each, even from the time of the 2.0 version.

Technical excellence should have been coupled with excellent functionality.

Happy are those who have the latest versions, but for the rest of us, I rest my case. :person_facepalming:

Opus do not have a temperature protection and because it gets much hotter it can handle the same power with less cooling.

Wait the opus doesn’t have tempature protection? When I got my 2.2 the instructions say something about reducing current at one temp And then if it reaches a certain internal tempature the unit shuts off until tempatures drop below a thresehold

[HKJ]

@Speed4goal

Wait the opus doesn’t have tempature protection? When I got my 2.2 the instructions say something about reducing current at one temp And then if it reaches a certain internal tempature the unit shuts off until tempatures drop below a thresehold

Then it probably have and I have just not warmed it enough up to trigger it.
But it do not change that it runs hotter than the MC3000, the 80C temp. limit is fairly low.
Look at this review for electronic that runs hot (Some of it a bit too hot): Test/review of Load resistor Juwei 2.5-5-10ohm

[Zebretta]

@gauss163

@RollerBoySE

The fact that HKJ uses he MC3000 himself is a strong indication of it being a good choice.

That’s not a good way to make such decisions. A good charger for one user might be terrible for another, e.g. experts may not mind fiddling with complex programming but novices may require very simple plug-n-play. Some users may use it only in contexts where there is adequate external cooling and in fireproof places and while keeping on eye on it (so they have little worry about overheating) but none of those may be true for other users. Some users may not mind if they have to open it for simple repairs (e.g. to replace a fan or spring pins), but this might be a showstopper for others.

The more complex the product, the more factors that influence suitability, so the less likely that another user will have exactly the same requirements as you. Already analyzing chargers are complex enough that this applies.

Well….the OP did say he wanted a charger “Packed with features”.

Thanks for all your hard work and reviews HKJ!
I partially based my decision to buy the MC3K on your reviews and reading threads here. BEST decision I’ve made in this hobby.
By reading and learning, from you and others my knowledge has increased a good bit. (still a LONG way to go)
but with all the great info here I’m really enjoying this hobby.

I’m sure the OP will buy whatever charger he feels works best for him. And it will be the correct choice for him no matter which one he chooses.
(At least until his knowledge increases……as mine did)

[wolfdog1226]

Here is my Heat sink for my Fenix ARE-C2! I am VERY pleasantly surprised in how well it works. My Fenix charger gets hotter than any other I own or have owned.It gets warm at best now!

This is Not rocket science. It is simple, creative and Very effective! I never claimed to be mechanically inclined nor do I excel in the science behind electrical components and how they operate.

This slab of steel is L=6”, W=1.5”,H=1” and weight is 3.3LBS/1.5KG

It almost looks like that “slab of steel” was made for the ARE-C2. It is the same length as you will see in the pics. below!

I have heard that HEAT is the enemy of L.ion cells. I do not doubt that. I will say that my first ARE-C2 is over 3 years old and my Orbtronic 18650 are 4Y 3M old w/ over 430 cycles.75% of those cycles have been charged in my ARE-C2.I have other batteries that have been charged in the ARE-C2 their entire life and are still going.With that said,eliminating heat is definitely beneficial for the charger and also the batteries.

I am a simpleton. “It is the ”Simple Things in Life” that make me happy!

[Zebretta]

@gauss163

@Zebretta Why did you quote my post? Your reply has nothing to do with what I wrote. (the post was later edited, but it still has little relationship).

Really? No harm intended there my friend.
Your post just got me thinking of how many times I’ve referred to HKJs’ posts and his website and I really feel he knows his stuff.
You may be right. If so, please accept my apology.
Regards.
Z

PS…
If you’re offended, please tell me how I can change the post to suit you.

[Zebretta]

@gauss163

@Zebretta No problem I wasn’t sure if perhaps you meant to say more but were pulled away, or something similar.

It’s probably more of a getting “old and forgetful” thing :weary: