charging backup battery

[Max Lobovsky]

We did not get/cannot find our backup batter charger so i was wondering how to go about charging it. For now, we can use 5 AA batteries, but we obviously need a way to charge it. Will any 7.2V DC source limited to a reasonable current ( <2 amps) do the trick?

[sanddrag]

I think chargers are a little bit different than just giving it some juice from something like a power supply. But I could be wrong. You should be able to find a charger at your local hobby store since nearly all RC cars and some RC planes use 7.2V batteries. You will most likely have to switch the plug on the charger or make an adapter or something. If you have a little time, you may check www.towerhobbies.com for chargers or by a replacement charger from Innovation FIRST

[Phil_Lutz]

We are using
1. The delivered charger with hte EduBot.
2. A PF12 (Park-Flyer) charger from Hobby People. www.hobbypeople.net
search for chargers.

The PF12 is a great charger as all you need to do is dial in the amperage you want and press a button.

The Edubot batteries are 800mah. You set the PF12 to 2c or 1600mah and when the battery is "full", the unit switches to a trickle charge. (1/10 dial setting)

You will need Adapters for the Battery packs (r/c cars use something similar.)

Good Luck.

Phil

[KevnMajikskech]

u could use a jurryrigged charger but i wouldnt recomend it; it shortens battery life, can overheat batteries, spill acid (depending on batt. type) or it could just catch on fire; use a comercial charger like a rc car charger

[Pierson]

I believe RadioShack sells the chargers because the connectors for their RC cars are either similar or identical.

[Mark McLeod]

I believe RadioShack sells the chargers because the connectors for their RC cars are either similar or identical.
The connectors are not the same.

[dez250]

http://www.innovationfirst.com/FIRSTRobotics/edu-electrical.htm

Theres the offical charger, the 2nd thing down for $24.