SKYRC B6neo Sensible Charger: Tiny & Highly effective

All-new from SkyRC is the B6neo 200W pocket good charger. It has the dimensions of a matchbox and packs many options, together with a 1-inch show, dual-power enter, as much as 10A charging present, and 6S LiPo compatibility. Moreover, it doubles as a customizable energy provide and battery checker (cell voltage and inner resistance).

LiPo batteries have a number of cells, and it’s essential to make sure that every cell throughout the battery pack is charged evenly to forestall overcharging or undercharging, which might result in battery harm and even fires. Sensible LiPo chargers like this B6 Neo characteristic stability connector, which displays and balances the voltage of every particular person cell through the charging/discharge course of.

The SKYRC B6neo chargers assist you to regulate the voltage and present settings, supplying you with extra management over the charging/discharge course of. This may be particularly helpful you probably have several types of batteries with various charging necessities. It’s multi-chemistry and is appropriate with the commonest RC rechargeables, together with LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, and LiIon batteries.

SKYRC B6 Neo charger evaluate

Disclosure: I acquired this pocket LIPO charger as a part of a product evaluate collaboration with Makerfireplace. Product specs and high quality might range in response to the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’ll get a charger that performs precisely the identical as seen in my evaluate.

In contrast to the opposite related merchandise I not too long ago reviewed, this B6neo ships in an ultra-small field. SkyRC doesn’t embrace an influence adapter or any cable with the unit. Only a tiny printed quick-start information is offered. The detailed on-line consumer guide may be discovered right here.

At a look

The B6Neo is properly constructed, even whether it is solely made from plastic, not aluminum like its predecessor, the B6 Mini (see picture under). It measures 70x50x32mm and weighs simply 83 grams. The pattern unit I acquired has a black, gray, and silver colour scheme, however different cool colour choices can be found, too. The entrance panel is split into two components: on the left is the large LCD display screen, and on the proper are the three management buttons. All of the connectors and buttons are properly labeled.

The stability socket (as much as 6 cells) and the XT60 charging port are situated on the proper facet of the housing —no onboard XT30 plug, so you’ll need to make use of an XT30-XT60 adapter for smaller-capacity batteries. On the alternative facet are the XT60 DC and USB Kind-C enter ports. On the underside is a cooling fan that it’s best to keep away from overlaying. Via the vent holes, you possibly can peek inside, however solely a giant heatsink is seen.

It may be powered by means of the XT60 connector from 10 to twenty-eight volts (max 200W) or through a PD charger (max 80W). As a DC energy supply, you should utilize a devoted AC/DC energy provide inside or an influence station exterior. Utilizing my Kovol Dash 120W ( as much as 100W/Channel) PD charger, the displayed energy by B6neo was 60W (20V x 3A).

Consumer Interface and Operation

As I beforehand talked about, the SkyRC B6 Neo has solely three buttons (Up/Down/Choose), making the operation easy. You’ll be able to entry the system setting menu by lengthy urgent the enter (choose) button. Utilizing the arrow keys, you possibly can toggle between the primary, cell voltage, IR, and Enter energy screens.

I discovered it simple to program and was glad the method was similar to my different good chargers. You solely want to pick out the chemistry (battery kind), variety of cells, and desired present. Within the case of LiPo, LiHV (Excessive Voltage LiPO), and LiION batteries, you possibly can go for Steadiness CHG, Cost, Storage, or Discharge program.

The Cost program (direct cost) lets you refuel with out connecting the stability connector. Sadly, there is no such thing as a “simply balancing” program that normalizes cell voltage throughout the battery pack. It’s value mentioning that the balancing present is Max. 500mA and the discharge energy is as much as 24W.

Throughout the charging course of, the primary display screen exhibits the charging present and energy, battery voltage, charged present, and elapsed time. There’s additionally a visible indicator (battery icon with 4 bars) that exhibits the charging degree.

Pricing, availability, and choices

The B6 Neo charger is offered at Makerfire for under $45.21 or $78.40 with an included 100W (20V/5A) energy adapter. You’ll be able to select from Crimson Sky, Mysterious Black, Sakura Blossom, Sunlit Sky, and Festive Gold colour schemes. Moreover, you could want an XT60 to XT30 converter for smaller LIPO batteries.

SKYRC B6 B6neo: Key options

• [Stunning! In every way] With the two-tone physique design and playful colour choices, B6neo provides a contact of enjoyable to your routine charging session. Stand out within the racing discipline with a pop of colour and impress different gamers along with your distinctive persona. Select from daring, shiny, or basic, subdued colour schemes that completely match your model. Make your RC charging shine with SkyRC B6neo!
• [High power & Dual input] It options an XT60 interface as its DC enter and a de-facto fashionable Kind-C PD enter interface, guaranteeing better flexibility and comfort in charging your RC batteries. When powered by DC, the B6 Neo can cost as much as a formidable 200W, whereas it might deal with as much as 80W with USB PD enter.
• [Discharging Multiplied by Balance Port] The built-in stability port permits B6neo to discharge sooner, permitting it to discharge at as much as 24W when used with the primary port. In distinction, the discharge charge when utilizing the primary port alone is restricted to only 10W.
• [Versatile 2-in-1: Check Batteries Easily] When the stability port is related, B6neo is a flexible battery checker able to measuring cell voltage and the stability state of LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, and LiIon batteries. The general voltage and particular person cell’s voltage shall be displayed on the fly to assist inform whether or not the battery is charged or discharged and whether or not it requires balancing. It is going to work as a safeguard for batteries, as, for instance, LiPo battery is famend for his or her excessive power density and light-weight properties. Correct care and monitoring are essential to make sure their security and longevity.
• [So Pro. So is Digital Power] B6neo is skilled in charging and may act as a digital energy provide. After clicking on the menu, B6neo is prepared in your utility, providing an optimum voltage of 5-27V with 0.1V increment adjustable 1-10A present.
  Quick circuit, Overload, and Reverse polarity safety are all included!
• [Enhanced Protection, Assured Safety] The SkyRC B6neo charger is built-in with a number of important security options guaranteeing optimum charging security. Quick-circuit, Over-temperature, Capability, Time-out, Minimize-off, and Over-voltage Safety.
• [Hassle-Free Firmware Upgrade] Improve your charger effortlessly with the complimentary Charger Grasp App. Keep knowledgeable and obtain immediate prompts at any time when a firmware replace is offered. Updating your charger is so simple as connecting it through the Kind-C port. Get pleasure from a happier charger as every improve brings bug fixes and compatibility, improved stability, and enhanced efficiency.

Technical parameters

Replace Firmware on the B6Neo?

First, obtain and set up the Charger Grasp (Home windows APP) from right here. The newest, V1.21, is appropriate with the SkyRC “Neo” collection. The obtain velocity from their server is tremendous sluggish, so endow you with numerous persistence.

Initially, I simply related the charger to my pc and waited for a popup to indicate up and say {that a} new system was put in and able to use -but nothing occurred. Subsequent, I began the Cost Grasp app, which additionally mentioned: “Not related”. Studying one other SkyRC B6neo evaluate, I found that you could concurrently press the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ buttons whereas connecting the charger to enter into communication mode. When efficiently related, it’s essential to click on on the button labeled “Examine For New Model” -if a brand new firmware model is offered, click on on the “Replace” button, and you’re executed. Mine had v1.61 inventory firmware and up to date it to v1.63.