iCharger Duo Balance Repair

[@DroneSurf]

Instead to use the charger for balancing what is a passive balancing I will add a 5A Active Balancer that will do a much better job without burn the excess of heat. They are inexpensive.

[@DerekEmmett-f5h]

Great video on the iCharger balancing issue... I have a different symptom, which looks like the following: I turn on the 4010 via the Meanwell (RSP-2000-48). Within a few seconds the Meanwell crowbars from 48V to 0V (the 4010 does not power up). When I disconnect the 4010 and re-power, the Meanwell measures 48V... It would appear the 4010 is shorted, thus the Meanwell is crowbaring to 0V due to the 4010 short. I've taken the 4010 apart, but don't visually see any issues. Have you seen this issue and could possibly give me some direction? I've looked for a 4010 schematic, but could not find one. Best regards Derek...

[@kocetoMR]

Hello, I have a problem with my 4010 duo charger. There is a serious divergence of the balance line voltages what can be done? If you tell me what to look at, I'll try to do it myself

[@bardbradbury2787]

My charger has done this pretty much since I’ve had it. Looks like a fix I can handle. Where do you source the transistors? Thanks

[@BladeScraper]

The transistors have gotten harder and harder to find. I'm still using my existing inventory and still looking for a reliable source of a replacement. The last ones I got from Mouser, but that was years ago.

[@bardbradbury2787]

@@BladeScraper Thanks for replying. I believe I found the item on mouser. Mouser.# 863-MJD42C1G Thanks again

[@rodm.4008]

Hello, thanks for this video! I'm having trouble finding the exact part #j42cg. Instead, I am getting mjd42cg, but the middle leg is short and not the same... I know it's been a while since this video was posted, but if you or anyone can assist regarding where to buy, I truly appreciate it??

[@rodm.4008]

Sorry, I know the model shows the mjd42c but I was hoping to have that long 3rd (middle) leg, Guess I'll just wire up the middle if they no longer sale it with the 3legs.

[@BladeScraper]

These parts have become very hard to find, yes. After all, the charger design is likely close to 15 years old at this point, and component manufacturers put parts at end of life status eventually. I found one that I *think* is a suitable replacement based on its specs, but I haven't actually tried it yet as I still have a decent stockpile of the original part which I got almost 6 years ago. MJD42C1G by OnSemi. Both DigiKey and Mouser currently have some inventory. But even that one says "This product is no longer manufactured and will no longer be stocked once stock is depleted." I'm really not sure how much longer this repair will be possible, unfortunately.

[@rodm.4008]

Thanks the info!

[@CloudyFlyerRowdyNiemira]

I just know if something happens to my icharger I'm just hitting you up first 😅. But seriously, a very awesome informative video right here. I learn something new every time.

[@thesufi]

Thanks, good video. I've just performed this fix on a faulty iCharger X12 which proved a little trickier as its 12 FETs are stacked more closely together. They also back onto a thermal pad on the heatsink and the positioning has to be just right and the thermal compound kept intact or the FET overheats when powered-up resulting in rapidly fluctuating voltages on the affected string.

[@BladeScraper]

huh. So the new chargers do it too? Guess they haven't learned...

[@thesufi]

@@BladeScraper I ended up smoking my X12! Not buying another one. They are too expensive and hard to source to risk losing another like that. I already have a dedicated pack discharger and a Neey 4A active balancer that can go to 24S so all I was using it for was as a universal pack charger. I'm going to use a big PSU and voltage converter for that in future.

[@claudevandaele4402]

Nice work !