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41
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Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: alpha4 charger failure rate
From: "Kevin Schlosser" <nospam.kevinschlosser@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 12:31:16 -0500
I received my Alpha 4 from Peter at the beginning of spring after waiting
6-7 months. It took a lot of faith to do something like that. Let me tell
you... It was worth every minute wait. Emerging from the stone age into the
Alpha age was a major difference! I should have quit procrastinating and
wondering about the price 2 years ago so I could have had the benefit of the
device that much longer. I don't know why I subjected myself to that
(pre-Alpha). If you want to stop beating your head on the workbench with
all sorts of silly battery annoyances, get the Alpha. When my wife asked,
"What did you buy now?" I replied, a piece of safety equipment. I was
right. Saved my bacon the second month I owned it. Better to ground the
plane for a going-bad pack than risk injuring myself or others.
Aside: Dan, now that you have those nifty Alpha's... please get yourself
some TrippLite Gold Series or Panamax Lifetime surge protectors for your
equipment if you haven't thought of them already. Since you run them like I
do, you are probably already using the surge protectors anyway. TrippLite
and PanaMax cover the replacement cost of the connected equipment and the
protector (if you call them up and verify you have connected them right
[legal protection]).
The Sky's The Limit,
Kevin
-=-=-
Wb4guk wrote in message <19981123055625.19944.00000702@ngol05.aol.com>...
>I have three Alpha 4's that are on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for
about
>the last three years. No problems have been had.
>Sounds like someone is trying to start a rumor.
>Dan Thompson (AMA 32873, IMAA 20735, EAA 60974, Ham call WB4GUK)
42
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Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Hobbico Accu Cycle Plus
From: "Barry Burke Jr." <nospam@snet.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 07:54:57 -0500
U of M News wrote:
> Cycle do what it was made for but saved me a hundred bux right off the bat.
> It cost me 179.00 with out tax.
> what a savings after it saved both rx/tx paks from death. Well worth the
> money I spent on it.
> Anyway thats my 2 cents on my new accu cycle.
>
> sting
>
> ems wrote in message <366E934C.62F97C77@emsphone.com>...
> >I'm thinking of purchasing the Accu Cycle Plus. I'd like to know what
> >are peoples experience with it. Was it good or bad? And if it would be
> >a good investment.
> >Thanks in advance & happy landings.
The Accu-Cycle isn't a bad unit, but for $30 more I can have an Litco
Alpha 4, which is TWO Accu-Cycles, a gel-cell charger and a programmable
ESV rolled into one. On top of all that, the A4 runs on 12 volts, so
it's portable!
Before everyone knocks themselves out telling me that they can't get an
A4, let me offer an explaination of what I did, and what I would again
do if I needed a new cycler. Look for a good, USED, Accu-Cycle or FMA
Einstein unit and buy it. Next, order the A4. Use the Accu-Cycle until
the A4 arrives, keep the Accu-Cycle extra clean and store it in the
original box. When the A4 arrives, sell the Accu-Cycle. Since you've
taken EXCELLENT care of it, it should sell at, or right around what you
paid for it.
Don't worry about the new features of the Accu-Cycle Plus, since you'll
have to buy that new and that would cause you to take a much stiffer hit
on resale. Just try to buy a cycler to use until your Alpha 4 can be
had.
There is honestly NOTHING that compares to the Alpha-4, at ANY price.
It's even more of a no-brainer considering the cost of the AccuCycle
Plus.
Have Fun,
Barry
44
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery Chargers and Cyclers
From: w_bravo@my-dejanews.com
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 21:18:32 GMT
In article <01be8437$a24a5240$b85d25d1@default>,
"Todd" <tandt@lewiston.com> wrote:
> Oh, also Barry you can not even ORDER a Litco Alpha 4 until July 14, 1999
> due to "backlog" (?). You can check his site at:
>
> http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys/
>
> I think the TRC Impulse is available now.
>
> TP
> I have owned and used several TRC chargers including
the 2D. They work well however after purchasing my first
Alpha 4 I have to say there is no contest! The Alpha 4 does
it all. I have two now and use nothing else. WB
>
45
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Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Hobbico Accu-cycler..worth the $$$
From: mrpete37@aol.com (MrPete37)
Date: 6 May 1999 20:32:20 GMT
Vince has the right idea! You get what you pay for! I have one and paid $100.00
when they first came out. Debated on spending another $100.00 and getting a
REAL cycler(Alpha 4) but I thought I'd save some $$ and go with the Hobbico.
Well.......should have spent another $100.00 and gotten a cycler(Alpha 4) that
is 4 times(at least) what the Hobbico is. Guess it just depends on your
application and usage requirements.
Pete C. Maurek
Wichita Falls Texas
48
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Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Cycler opinions
From: Red Scholefield <redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
Date: Thu, 03 Jun 1999 00:36:21 GMT
It's Litco Alpha 4. Nothing better. FMA Einstien in 1st place in the $100
range. Litco Alpha 4 has a 6 month delivery and price is $225. There is a
reason.
I have dozens of battery maintenance systems, but my Litco Alpha 4 does
most of the work. Never leave home without it.
Red's R/C Battery Clinic
<redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
URL = http://yoda.fdt.net/~redscho
On Wed, 2 Jun 1999, Honest Ed wrote:
> HI JC: I have three cyclers Ace Abbacus=discharge only, Ace Digipace 3
> and a Hobbico Accrucycle. There is some good and some bad in each. I
> send a copy of this to C.L. Red Scholefield, who knows more about nicads
> and systems than anybody else in this world. Red is using a fancy system
> called a Linton, I think. Check with Red or maybe he will give you a
> shot.
> Honest Ed
>
> "J.C. Johnson" wrote:
>
> > Anybody have any stong feelings over battery cyclers? Is the Einstein
> > cycler better than the Hobbico or are they about the same?
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > jc
49
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery Cycler advice needed
From: Red Scholefield <redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 09:57:12 GMT
Litco Alpha 4 - The very best $225 Can handle (individualy programable)4
packs at once, field or bench (12 volt DC or AC adapter provided), fast
charge, overnight charge, cycling. Lead acid charging as well as
Ni-Cd/Ni-MH. digital loaded voltmeter. 1-12 cells, cell test diagnostics
FMA Einstein - best in $100 range. 2 packs at once 2-10 cells 5 charge
rates, 16 hr timed charge, AC only. cycling.
Red's R/C Battery Clinic
<redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
URL = http://yoda.fdt.net/~redscho
On Fri, 4 Jun 1999, Steve Lenz wrote:
> Can anyone give me advice as to which battery conditioner to purchase? I
> am rather new to the hobby and would like to make a good decision on
> which one to purchase based on all of your experience.
>
> Thanks in advace,
> Steve
>
>
50
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Alpha 4 trivia
From: Red Scholefield <redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 00:30:40 GMT
I have been getting far better capacity readings on my Alpha 4 than with
previous discharge tests on Digipace, Einstien, Accucycle. Does the Alpha
4 restore, rejuvenate, revitalize? NO. I have replicated the cut off of
the Alpha 4 with my custom Victor Engineering units and the results are
repeatable.
It discharges the pack in a rather unique way, looking for cut off on open
circuit voltages rather than the actual discharge voltage. In other words,
it discharges to a level, samples the open circuit voltage and if above
1.0 volts per cell takes out some more until the open circuit goes to 1.0
volts per cell. This is a very deep discharge, yet does not risk the cell
reversal of continuous discharge. Litco has come up with a system that
even we, as cell manufactures, are impressed with. Which probably
explains why they will not take any more orders until July14th, one unit
per customer. When you are good you can afford to gage your production to
what you can do without compromising product perforance.
Red's R/C Battery Clinic
<redscho@gnv.fdt.net>
URL = http://yoda.fdt.net/~redscho
51
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: "Daryl B" <me@mail.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 18:41:10 -0700
I've been through many chargers and cyclers over the years. At Christmas I
finally decided to get on the list and I've now had my Alpha 4 about a month
or so. I don't think the company is arrogant, once and a while a product
comes along that is really worth what you pay for it and the demand exceeds
the ability to supply. I think they are handling the situation regarding
supply and demand very well. It appears they are not willing to sacrifice
quality for quantity nor are they willing to sacrifice Jobs at home by
shipping them overseas. The wait didn't bother me at all. Its tough for a
small business to make a sustained go of it in this hobby, Litco's doing a
fine job.
Dan D wrote in message <7mlte5$5jf@newsops.execpc.com>...
>Just another one of those 'exclusive' sort of things. Like, if you want
one, take a number, stand in line, and we'll get to you
>when we are good and ready. No product is worth the that sort of
arrogance, no matter how good it supposedly is...
>--
>
>Dan
>Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
>
>Remove the 'not' from address to reply
>Check out our page: http://my.voyager.net/gingerd/
>AMA L307
>
>DeSpamerizer:
>admin@loopback $LOGIN@localhost $LOGNAME@localhost $USER@localhost
>$USER@$HOST -h1024@localhost root@mailloop.com
>
>Larry Smith <ldsmith@vegas.infi.net> wrote in message
news:378E3A19.480C034F@vegas.infi.net...
>| Why won't Litco sell to Pennsylvania residents?
>|
>| Larry Smith
>|
>
52
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Now thats amazing!!!! Litco has suspended orders for the A-4 already!
From: villasp@aol.com (VillasP)
Date: 16 Jul 1999 02:00:07 GMT
Bag it and get an Einstein Deluxe or some other lower cost unit that covers
your needed functions, then order the Litco on Oct 20th and sell your old unit
at a discount - consider it a low cost 4month rental (actually, probably when
you place the order on Oct20th, there will be yet another wait :) ) - peter
53
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Now thats amazing!!!! Litco has suspended orders for the A-4 already!
From: "Rob S." <leaveme@alone.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 22:38:20 -0400
> If they are so good why do you need 2?
hehehehehe.... It is because they are that good, I use the things on
everything rechargable
in my inventory and Dads and Moms and the neighbors....
>
> I though that the "Good Thing" about the LITCO was the fact that you didnt
> need another charger........
Yup, thats right.
Rob
54
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: Bill <bill_twomey@my-deja.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 14:34:10 GMT
Agreed. I got one a month ago. Its a devastates other chargers. I
didn't find the waiting period to be too bad since I'm busy with
family, life, work.
>Would > you be happy if he ramped up production, no longer hand built
>and tested> the units himself and shipped you one of those?
Yes. If his design were a mass-produced electronic item like
televisions, there would be no shortage, and price would drop. I'd buy
two more, one for the garage and the other for the field box. I wonder
if Peter wouldn't make out well by selling the design. Then he could
design and build another generation.
>NO, I'd be willing to> wait my turn to get an Alpha 4 hand constructed
and tested by an> electrical engineer. Not just any electrical engineer
but the designer> of the unit. You won't find that in too many products.
Yeah, for good economical reasons. But I'm very happy with what Peter
provides.
> Now, if you don't want to wait for an Alpha 4, you can get an
Ultimate > Charger from SAI today. It has more features than the Alpha
4, more than> twice as many ports and much higher capacity. It's $460.
I sold my Alpha > 4 to move up to this but at $460 can you see why
people are willing to > wait in line for an Alpha 4?
The reason I am following up: I can't see getting the SAI penultimate
charger. It does its charging based on time only. You can't quickly
peak a battery of indeterminate capacity without a peak detecting
charger like the Alpha 4. The Alpha 4 is great.
A genuine ultimate charger would be smart, multi-port, peaking/trickle,
charger/cycler that handles 1 to 20 cells per port, has programmable
charge/discharge rates and battery capacity, and charges at up to 4A.
The Alpha 4 is half-way there, yet its way ahead of the same priced and
some higher priced competition.
The Alpha 4 is an excellent and valuable piece of equipment.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
55
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: "Joe L." <joejl@erols.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 08:06:14 -0400
Lyman Slack wrote:
>
> Yes it is :-) And it's not arrogance -- it's production quality.
>
> Cheers -- \_________Lyman Slack__________/
> \_______AMA6430 IMAA1564___/
> \_____Flying Gators R/C_____/
> \___Gainesville FL________/
> Dan wrote:
> > Just another one of those 'exclusive' sort of things. Like, if you want
> one, take a > number, stand in line, and we'll get to you when we are good
> and ready. No > product is worth the that sort of arrogance, no > matter
> how good it supposedly > is...
> > Dan
> > Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Lyman, You're right on target with your response. People have been
bamboozled for so long to accept shoddy workmanship that they have a
hard time recognizing the time and effort it takes to turn out a genuine
quality product by someone with integrity.
--
Joe L.
======
It was all so different before everything changed.
56
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: "PinnacleGuy" <pinnacle@home.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 21:12:15 GMT
> Now, if you don't want to wait for an Alpha 4, you can get an Ultimate
> Charger from SAI today. It has more features than the Alpha 4, more than
> twice as many ports and much higher capacity. It's $460.
But not as many useful features. Plus it does not peak detect, it is
essentially a very expensive Hobbico charger. It uses a simple timed
circuit. Lots of other bells and whistles, but it really lacks the most
important feature - accurate detection of termination voltage. Too bad.
looks good otherwise.
Bill Malvey
57========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: aurora@iamerica.net
Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 00:10:51 GMT
Dan D wrote:
>
> Just another one of those 'exclusive' sort of things. Like, if you want one, take a number, stand in line, and we'll get to you
> when we are good and ready. No product is worth the that sort of arrogance, no matter how good it supposedly is...
> --
>
> Dan
> Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
You could not be more wrong about Pete, his company, or the Alpha 4. I
conversed with him many times while waiting on my Alpha 4, both over the
phone and by email. A while back someone who frequented this NG made the
comment about just walking in to Litco and buying an Alpha 4 over the
counter while everyone else was waiting months. I wanted to find out if
this was true, so I called Litco and was told this was impossible
because they do not do counter sales. Pete was extremely nice and very
interested in the comment made on this NG about his company.
Pete's company is small and he is making the choice (IMO) to keep it
that way. He evidently knows how many units he needs to produce to
support the lifestyle he has chosen. The Alpha units are a hand
assembled lab quality piece of battery management equipment, not like
the Taiwanese mass produced Hobbico stuff. I can personally assure you
that if you get on the list and receive your Litco, and are not
completely satisfied with, and don't think it's the best thing since
whipped margarine,.....I will buy it from you.
Vince
58
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: "PinnacleGuy" <pinnacle@home.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 21:12:15 GMT
> Now, if you don't want to wait for an Alpha 4, you can get an Ultimate
> Charger from SAI today. It has more features than the Alpha 4, more than
> twice as many ports and much higher capacity. It's $460.
But not as many useful features. Plus it does not peak detect, it is
essentially a very expensive Hobbico charger. It uses a simple timed
circuit. Lots of other bells and whistles, but it really lacks the most
important feature - accurate detection of termination voltage. Too bad.
looks good otherwise.
Bill Malvey
59
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha4
From: "PinnacleGuy" <pinnacle@home.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 02:47:04 GMT
> I knew I would push a few buttons with my previous post... ;o)
>
> Is there any reason not to increase the production rate? I really do not
> need a hand made unit in this day and age;
Then buy a Hobbico P.O.S. made in Taiwan. But don't try to stop those of us
that appreciate the quality and performance of a well made instrument form
getting it.
Bill Malvey
60========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Now thats amazing!!!! Litco has suspended orders for the A-4 already!
From: day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com (Daytripper)
Date: Sun, 18 Jul 1999 01:28:13 GMT
On Fri, 16 Jul 1999 23:51:51 -0700, "QUICK CURT" <CURTE@EMAIL.COM> wrote:
>Why don't they increase production?
>Don't they know what can and probably will happen?
>Someone else will design and produce a similar or better product and flood
>the market.
>And it will be just as good or better than the Litco.
>This has happened time and time again.
>The litco does not do anything that another machine couldn't.
LOL! Now *that's* funny!
Most of the above is little more than hope and speculation. I especially like
the last line - that's a good'un! ;^)
- The A4 has been on the market for YEARS.
- Those who own it love it, and trust their very expensive models to it.
- Those who see it in action, want one for themselves, and are willing to wait
in line to get one.
- And years later, nobody has produced a comparable system in its price band
yet.
Some people find that all very disturbing - almost "unAmerican".
Tough.
You're certainly welcome to sit on your hands and hope that someone else
eventually produces an "A4 Killer". I'm sure many of us would be happy to see
some real competition in that arena. But it ain't happened yet...
The fact remains that today - right now - the A4 is the best system for the
money.
It's as simple as that. Get over it...
/daytripper
61========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Now thats amazing!!!! Litco has suspended orders for the A-4 already!
From: "Barry Burke Jr." <nospam@snet.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 20:08:30 -0400
Daytripper wrote:
> The fact remains that today - right now - the A4 is the best system for the
> money.
>
> It's as simple as that. Get over it...
>
> /daytripper
Let me add that many of the Litco lovers, including me, waited in that
line multiple times to get more than one.
If it was all hype, I doubt folks would actually wait AGAIN for multiple
units.
But they are worth the wait! <G>
Barry
--
62========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Best Cycler for my $ ?
From: aurora@iamerica.net
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 1999 23:49:06 GMT
Charlie wrote:
>
> I've decided that I'm probably going to be staying in this hobby for
> a while and am ready to invest in a cycler. So which is the the best
> bang for the buck? And where can I get it? Right now I am looking at
> FMA's Einstein Cycler. Would that be a good choice? I don't really
> want to spend over $130 unless there's something that "I can't live
> without".
> I realize that there will be differing opinions, so if you like or
> dislike a system please let me know why. Thanks.
>
> Charlie Murphy
For the time being buy an FMA Einstein for $130, then get on the list to
purchase a Litco Alpha 4. It is the one you can't live without. When it
comes in you can sell your FMA Einstein.
http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys
Vince
63========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Best Cycler for my $ ?
From: "Barry Burke Jr." <nospam@snet.net>
Date: Sun, 01 Aug 1999 07:39:24 -0400
Charlie wrote:
>
> I've decided that I'm probably going to be staying in this hobby for
> a while and am ready to invest in a cycler.
> I realize that there will be differing opinions, so if you like or
> dislike a system please let me know why. Thanks.
I know they're hard to get now, but I love the Litco Alpha 4. My
battery info, including cycle numbers are kept in a looseleaf binder in
my shop. Since I've gotten the Alpha 4's, I have two, my batteries have
steadily gotten BETTER. I previously used an Accucycle. I have three
year old batteries that still test over their stated capacity.
Of my two A-4's one stays home and the other travels to the field. The
traveller is used as a quick charger, ESV, and to occasionally top up my
starter gel cell on the way to the field using automobile power. The
evening before big trips I hook 'em both up and they are used like this:
A4 #1
Port
1 - 8UA (1)
2 - 8UA (2) (Spare)
3 - 12v Gel Cell
4 - Airplane
A4 #2
Port
1-4 (4) Airplanes
My glow igniter gets charged at the field on the travelling A4 or a
Glo-Bee, while I set up.
I cycle everything once a month, with the last cycle date and numbers
kept on a white board on my shop wall. The white board also helps
me remember what size pack is in each of my planes, which the A4 will
ask when setting up for certain modes.
FWIW, the A4's also do an awesome job with my radio scanners, camcorder,
cordless tool, and other NiCd and Lead Acid packs around the house.
I've heard that one reason for the large backlog is that non-R/C'ers
have discovered them, especially professional photographers.
Have fun,
Barry
64========
Newsgroups: alt.binaries.radio-control,rec.models.rc.air,rec.models.rc.helicopter,rec.models.rc.soaring
Subject: Re: What would you trade for a Litco Alpha 4 ?
From: bstearn@direct.ca
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 1999 03:48:09 GMT
How about a new TSK Mystar46 with a OS 46fx heli engine.
(about $700.00usd). Yes I have a Litco Alpha 4 only a
couple of months old.
I would not consider losing it for anything else.
Blair.
On Wed, 1 Sep 1999 21:08:28 -0400, in rec.models.rc.helicopter you
wrote:
>This is not an offer for a trade, just an inquiry. Thanks!
>
>
>Rob Sprague
>Linux -the choice of the GNU generation.
>**//EOF
65========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: BATTERY CYCLERS
From: jallen@nospam.daphni (Jerry)
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 21:01:48 GMT
I use the Litco Alpha 4.
Had to wait 4 months to get it, but what the heck I made 4
installment payments and it was mine!
It is by far the best investment I have made in my R/C purchases.
4 channels of cycle, fast charge, trickle charge, C10 charge, peak
charge etc...........
I also have the Accu-Cycle, it has been fine, but I use the Alpha all
the time and have not touched the Accu-Cycle in 2 years, it makes
a great backup device!
On Mon, 20 Sep 1999 21:16:20 -0400, "Christ" <mchris@gate.net> wrote:
>I am looking for a good battery cycler. Does anyone have any suggestions.
>ACE - Super Digipace
>FMA Direct - Einstein XL
>Hobbico - Accu-Cycle
>Dean Dischargers - Not a Cycler - A discharger
>
>Thanks Mike
>
-- Jerry
* Remove the nospam and add s.com to the end of the email address if replying via email.
69
========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha 4
From: pzirwes@my-deja.com
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 10:37:12 GMT
Hi Guys,
Long time, no see!
Red wrote...
> The one that I have now has become habit
> forming, would hate to think about
> being with out it even for a short time.
I remember talking to Red about the Litco back in
early 1996 when it was brand new... shortly
before I bought one. Even though there was no
waiting list then, I remember feeling
uncomfortable about the advance payment terms and
concerned about the six month warranty period.
But once I bought the Alpha 4, I knew it was a
winner... At the time, I had written the
following to this list:
"I'm not particularly thrilled with the warranty
terms, especially when compared with Ace's
lifetime warranty. But in all other ways, this
unit blows everything else I could find right out
of the water."
Funny, isn't it, that these words still ring true
almost four years (and zero problems) later? To
me, the Alpha 4 is still the "Swiss Army Knife"
of recharging systems. It has become an
important and useful tool for more recharging and
testing tasks than I ever envisioned... and it is
one of the most useful pieces of electronic
equipment I own. Now that I'm getting into
electric flight, I only wish it had a 5 amp
output... Hey Peter, where's that Alpha 5?
Have fun,
Paul
----
From high in the mountains above San Diego...
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
70========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha 4
From: "Darwin N. Barrie" <ktlkrn@primenet.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 11:46:57 -0700
pzirwes@my-deja.com wrote:
>
>
>
> I remember talking to Red about the Litco back in
> early 1996 when it was brand new... shortly
> before I bought one. Even though there was no
> waiting list then, I remember feeling
> uncomfortable about the advance payment terms and
> concerned about the six month warranty period.
> But once I bought the Alpha 4, I knew it was a
> winner... At the time, I had written the
> following to this list:
Just a point of information: The A4 has been out at least 8 years. I
have had one for about 7 now and bought my second one this year.
I personally feel all other charger systems are a waste of money. Once
you have an A4 you can never go to anything else. I often take mine to
the field for fast charging and explain the benefits to others. Others
do the same. The networking of how good this thing is created the list.
But it is worth the wait. I value mine so much I had the LoJack system
removed from my car and installed on my A4. Just try to steal it!!
Darwin N. Barrie
Scottsdale AZ
Darwin N. Barrie
71========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Litco Alpha 4
From: Paul <rc_mtnman@my-deja.com>
Date: Mon, 01 Nov 1999 03:19:59 GMT
Hi Darwin,
You wrote...
"Darwin N. Barrie" <ktlkrn@primenet.com> wrote:
> Just a point of information: The A4 has been out at least 8 years. I
> have had one for about 7 now and bought my second one this year.
Wow, I didn't realize he'd been doing it that long... when I looked on
his site, his earliest post was late 1995... and I was the first one on
my field to get one... But now that I think of it, I first heard about
it on this list, I got a number of rave list reviews, even way back
then. No one had ever heard of the A4 at my field, Accucycle and Ace
were all the rage...
> I personally feel all other charger systems are a waste of money.
You're singing to the choir here... I just wish it had more current.
Because I'm getting into eFlight, I am looking at some other fast
chargers to fill the gap... the Hitec 335 looks both inviting and
versitile... But when it comes time to "look after" my pack, I know
the A4 will be waiting...
> I value mine so much I had the LoJack system
> removed from my car and installed on my A4. Just try to steal it!!
ROFL... I installed a special section in my field box, all fuel-
proofed and padded... just for my A4! (no kidding) LoJack is a great
idea... do you run it off your field battery? :)
Have a good one, Darwin!
Paul
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
72========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery cycler suggestions
From: Paul <rc_mtnman@my-deja.com>
Date: Thu, 02 Dec 1999 10:31:31 GMT
smithwp1@vuse.vanderbilt.edu (win) wrote:
> I am looking for the best battery cycler for the buck-
> Accucycle or Accucycle Plus?
> EINSTEIN XL BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
> Digipace II or III
> Other
None of the above. Hands down, the Litco Alpha Four is the best and
most versatile charger/cycler I've ever used. At $219, it's not the
cheapest and you'll have to wait until May to get one. But they have a
waiting list for good reason... they are, quite simply, the best! Now
that I'm into eFlight, I'd love to own another one so I can cycle eight
packs at once!
see: http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys/
Happy flying,
Paul
--
Flying high in the mountains above San Diego...
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
73========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery cycler suggestions
From: Paul <rc_mtnman@my-deja.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Dec 1999 11:34:22 GMT
"Ezas" <ezas@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hands down the best? Apparently from what I read, but he asked
> about best for the buck. Aren't alpha's much more expensive
> than all these others? I know the alpha is very well thought
> of, and I am sure that reputation is warranted. I opted for
> the $99 dollar Einstein. Too many things that extra couple
> hundred of dollars can go towards and the Einstein did everything I
> wanted it to. Plus when I went to the Alpha Litco web site they had
> suspended takin orders until they caught up with the demand.
I agree with you that the Einstein is the best choice for the under
$100 class. When he asked for "the best battery cycler for the buck" I
recommended the Alpha 4 because it's the best and most versatile
battery maintenance system I have ever seen at any price. It is a real
bargain when compared to any other system.
For an extra $100, you get a system that can process four packs
consisting of 1 to 12 cells of nicad or NiMH batteries or 2 to 18 Volt
wet and gel cells. That's twice as many packs as either the Einstein
or the Accu-cycle.
As far a versatility, the Alpha 4 can charge or test almost any battery
you can imagine (excluding Lithium). Its software includes 3 different
cyclers, 3 fast chargers including a wet and gel dual rate charger with
float, a sophisticated voltmeter ESV, two C/10 chargers and one trickle
only charger. It comes with an AC adaptor, or can be powered by your
car battery on the way to the field or using your field box battery at
the field.
I'm certainly not alone in my praise for the Litco, just check the
archives of this list. Our list's resident battery expert, Red
Scholefield says: "For those that want the very best its the Litco
Alpha 4" (http://gnv.fdt.net/~redscho/)
When you compare the many features of the Alpha 4 with the cost of
buying two cyclers, two fast field chargers, four advanced voltmeter
ESV's, etc, etc... you'll understand why those of us who own them feel
that the Litco Alpha 4 is indeed "the best battery cycler for the
buck" ... hands down...
Why would anyone be willing to wait for months in order to buy one?
Because the Alpha 4 is well worth the wait...
That's my two cents...
Happy flying,
Paul
--
Flying high in the mountains above San Diego...
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
74========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery cycler suggestions
From: Paul <rc_mtnman@my-deja.com>
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 19:03:11 GMT
stand@futureone.com wrote:
> Many suggested the Litco IV. Lot's of luck they have suspended orders.
> This has been a recurrent problem at Litco. Good engineering, poor
> management. Quote from their page, "The last group of orders accepted
> before the suspension will ship on: May 16, 2000."
> ref:http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys/backlog.htm
Yep... that's a bummer. I already have the February order date in my
Outlook calendar so I can get up at 6am and order my second unit.
Expect I'll get it in the June production run. It's unfortunate that
they can't produce them any faster and the long-term shipping backlog
is very sad. Last I checked they were a two-man shop and he wanted to
keep his quality control and production standards high. I don't fault
him for that, but it's a shame he can't figure out a better way. My A4
has been working great since 1996, both at the field and around the
house. I had to wait a couple of months for it, even back then!
> I have the UBAIII plus and since it's computer controled I have an
> infinate choice of battery configurations. Graphs and history of all
> my batteries and etc. I have an older PC that is devoted to battery
> work using the UBAIII plus. Mines pretty old, I bought it in 1995 and
> it has been in constant use. Vencon is now manufacturing the UBA-4.
> These are expensive at $369, but they do a lot more than the Litco
> System. ref: http://www.vencon.com/.
I disagree that the UBA can "do a lot more" than the A4, but they are
quite different creatures. I like the UBA's Lithium-ion recharging
ability, 1.5a output (vs the A4's 1a), temperture monitoring option and
the ability to monitor the on results on a computer. But these are not
high-priority features for most modelers... Otherwise, the Alpha 4 can
charge the same number of cells/types as the UBA.
I prefer the A4 because, at nearly half the cost, it does not require
an external PC to operate, it can process twice as many packs, it can
run off AC or DC inputs, it can function as a four channel fast field
charger and it can act as an ESV. The A4's input and outputs are
completely protected so you'll never blow a fuse if you plug it in the
wrong way. The worst you'll see is nothing (wrong input polarity) or a
polite error message (wrong output polarity). These are important
features to most modelers.
> What I need to get is a field charger. Anyone familiar with the
> Hobbico Accu-Cycle Plus? It's $179 and then need the DC field
> converter, $28. It's also available now. No production problems.
I'm not sure about the "Plus", but if you read the list, you'll know
that the Accu-Cycle has had some Q/C and display problems. It also has
a nasty and potentially dangerous feature. If the power gets
interrupted in mid-cycle, it will forget its settings and default to
trickle, leaving you with packs that are not fully charged! You might
want to use a UPS if you plan to use the AccuCycle or pay close
attention to the display so you'll know it there's been an outage. The
plane you save may be your own! My favorite feature of the Accu-Cycle
is you can get them on eBay for ~$65... It's a good solution while you
wait for your A4. Just resell it on eBay once the A4 comes in!
> Also the Hobbico Quick Field charger? Anyone using this one? It's $50
> and has peak charge sensing.
Yes, it's my backup field charger. It works ok for what it is, NiCD
only, 800ma fast charge rate, peak sensing, 90 minute timeout. It will
blow a fuse (or worse) if connected incorrectly. I haven't used mine
much since I got my Alpha... I blew a fuse once, which is quite
inconvenient if you don't carry a spare, but otherwise I've had no
problems. I'm using it more now that I'm into eFlight, but I'll
probably put it on eBay after I get my second A4. BTW, there's one on
eBay today...
Happy flying,
Paul
--
Flying high in the mountains above San Diego...
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
75========
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.air
Subject: Re: Battery cyclers
From: "m3/911" <denis54@videotron.ca>
Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2000 13:29:42 -0500
I just received my Alpha 4 this week It has the reputation of being, by far,
the best cycler on the market. So far, I am delighted. I also own an
Accucycle that I am about to sell to a friend. It is a good but it cannot
be compared to the Litco Alpha 4. If you can afford the cost and the wait,
go for it you will be happy
"Ron & Maurine Weaver" <rweaver2@uswest.net> wrote in message
news:lU0e4.690$nQ6.4911@news.uswest.net...
> would like to purchase a battery cycler. Have checked with my club and no
> one seems to have any to give opinions.which one would you recommend. I
fly
> 6 different planes.
>
> --
>
> Ron & Maurine Weaver
> email rweaver2@uswest.net
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