SuperGrand UltraDeluxe (Plus Extra More) Charging Cart

This is actually the third RC charging cart that I've constructed.  The first cart was a milk crate that I modified by adding wheels and a handle.  The second was more of a purpose built cart constructed from marine grade plywood.  It held up pretty well over it's year or two of service but it too had it's flaws.  So, late in 2008 I decided to sell that cart and have a third and hopefully ultimate cart constructed.  The design is based on some toolboxes that I saw while at the Norfolk Naval Shipyards.  I had originally hoped to acquire one and modify it for my purposes but this proved impossible.  So, I set out to design and find someone to construct this cart.  The result was pretty close to what I wanted and required a few modifications but generally turned out nice.  It is serious overkill but hopefully it should last for a very long time.

Key Features

  • Solid welded aluminum construction
  • Class III hitch mountable
  • 55AH @ 24VDC of AGM type deep cycle lead acid battery power
  • Heavy duty roller bearing wheels and axles.
  • Abloy Protec cam locks
  • Large diameter handles for ease of lifting and moving
  • 5 - 180W charging channels (most any chemisty up to ~28VDC with built in cell balancers)
  • AC powered marine charger for the main batteries (12A distributed charge rate)
  • Room for tools cables and other goodies
  • T-Track on the lid for transport of other items

 

Charging Cart 1 Charging Cart 2 Charging Cart 3
Charging Cart Hitch Adapter Charging Cart 4 Charging Cart 5

 This cart has come in handy a few times.  A few months ago, I used it to both start my car and charge it's battery.

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Comments

Rob Wood's picture

Re: SuperGrand UltraDeluxe (Plus Extra More) Charging Cart

Thast is one serious piece of work! I can't quite make out the chargers for ship-board batteries (NiMH and the like), though. What brand are they?

 

Rob

Drew's picture

Re: SuperGrand UltraDeluxe (Plus Extra More) Charging Cart

They are made by Hyperion.  I have a Hyperion EOS0610i Duo I, EOS0610i Duo II and a EOS0610i Net.  The Net can be connected to another 610i Net with a link cable for charging 12 cell (lipo) packs at 500w combined output power.  However I never got a second Net.  The Duos can each do a similar trick to charge 12 cell packs at 360w output power.  I have to say that I've been very happy with my Hyperion chargers.  They'll charge and balance just about anything. Oh and the lead acid charger is a ProMariner ProSport 12 gen2.

Rob Wood's picture

Re: SuperGrand UltraDeluxe (Plus Extra More) Charging Cart

Hi Drew,

Do you use LiPo batteries in your combat ships? And what would you use 12 cell LiPo packs for? 

Also, are you familiar with the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries Strike Models sells?

Rob

Drew's picture

Re: SuperGrand UltraDeluxe (Plus Extra More) Charging Cart

LOL No I run a 2s2p 4.0Ah 18650 pack in my little tugboat.  But I also fly rc helicopters and a 90/700 size would run on a 12cell lipo pack.  I'm somewhat familiar with LiFePO4 batteries.  I've never used any myself but it is good technology.  Someday I would like to build a new battery pack and I'll probably use LiFePO4, balance taps and some sort of short circuit protection.  I really hope to go sailing with someone in the club who has a large boat to test huntington's power.  I get the feeling I may have to upgrade the "engines" she has to asist the larger boats.