Hobbymate D6 Duo | NEW BEST VALUE AC/DC LIPO CHARGER

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The Hobbymate D6 Duo is a new lipo charger with AC input (plugs into the wall) and DC input (plugs into a bigger battery or power supply). It's got two channels of 325 watts or 15 amps each. If you're looking for an AC-capable charger, I think it just might be the best choice for the money.
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[@jtgexp]

I've seen several reviews on this charger, but your review was absolutely the best and most informative. Your the only one I saw that knows what the Ext Discharge actually is (really nice feature). Great job Josh. Impressed.

[@bladex9061]

Hi Mr Joshua Bardwell, thank you so much for making this video. I have definitely learnt more than something today. It's been 14 days now, that I'm hunting for my next lipo charger that I can use- and am getting so stressed about it. I've learnt so much from this video. So grateful that you take the chance to explain things so clearly and unbiasedly. Very blessed. God bless you man...

[@proz71ful19]

Blade X have you chosen a charger yet?

[@KendallSmithFPV]

iCharger 406, etc allow charging or discharging to specific levels. Thanks for another good video. I appreciate that you cater to both new and experienced hobbyists.

[@Abzocold]

Please make a "Care And Feeding of LiPo Batteries" video where you take noobs by the hand and explain safe charging, discharging, balance charging, long term storage, how long you should let a battery sit fully charged, etc etc. Explain HOW and also WHY. Many thanks!

[@pspicer777]

Seconded Mr. A. This all looks like the Black Arts to me... seems as if there is a lot of experiential knowledge that noobs (me) don't have.

[@natecz8141]

Check out his playlists. He has everything you’re looking for

[@rschmidtschmidt6810]

I would die if that actually came out. That would be the most useful thing for me

[@fuzzytech3846]

@@rschmidtschmidt6810 He has many videos explaining just that

[@flybar1f]

Good video, you talked me into ordering one today. I checked your links first but ended up ordering from the rotor riot sight instead as the prices were substantially less.

[@Huey7703]

I like this charger, I bought one that you needed a degree in physics, math, and electrical engineering to use. Buying this one.

[@DJJakeyJake]

When I was first getting into the hobby, I didn't have any RC or battery charging knowledge. I hardly knew how to solder yet. Trying to build a power supply and understanding the why/how of it all went wayyy over my head. I would have gladly bought this when I was starting off for the fact that it can take AC power.

[@jester3265]

Looks a nice piece of kit, thanks for the review JB.

[@PinchTune]

I really like how you compared them all. I've been running a 24v dual server power supply hooked up to an iCharger 306B for the last 5 years. It's been a flawless setup. I normally don't even charge at more than 12 amps simply because I tend to charge the day before I'm flying. However, I'm looking for something portable now. I was always against chargers with integrated power supplies, but this one does look very interesting. Not to mention, I've used it a few times as some of my friends have it. Yeah, I considered making a small power supply to feed a pair of Q6 chargers. But, even though the setup would not be as big as my current 306B setup, it would still not be as portable as this Hobbymate Charger. I think I'm old. All I have to check now is if there is anything newer now that might possibly be better, given this charger came out in August.

[@radukapu]

Very clear explanation of charger in general. Every beginner should watch this video! Thank you for sharing.

[@FPVHans]

Bardwell i love you! Thank you for informing us so well!

[@bitsinmyblood]

As always, a great video. Thanks, Joshua!

[@MCsCreations]

Great info, JB! So many fantastic chargers!

[@StopLossLOL]

I watched the first 15 seconds and instantly clicked "subscribe"! :D

[@jumpstartrc1571]

my birth days coming up in a couple days I'm so glad you posted this vid of been hold of to buy a charger because I wanted a powerful charger with out a power supply

[@PacificNorthwest360]

I love your videos Brother. I guess I’m getting older but feel great only because I’m 42 and up until about 4 months ago I thought ToysRus Drones was about all there was..... for Father’s Day my wife bought me a Mavic Pro. I about shit my pants as to FPV and how amazing it was, I was so far behind. Now I’m filling my ‘Cart’ with Freestyle FPV. Your videos have helped me out tremendously and I want to THANK YOU for opening my LIFE and making it more fun. I’m going to get the EMAX HAWK 5 just to get started while I learn how to build my own..... You know a lot of stuff about this hobby. I have a lot to learn and I watch about 4 hours of Quad videos a day. Thank goodness for KZbin LOL. Olympia WA

[@RichardOfYork1967]

snap

[@DanielBrassard]

100% agree. 45 here, started at Christmas (wife bought me a little toy drone!) and largely get to do this because of JB. Also in the PNW, but on the Canada side of the line. Cheers, man!

[@paulgiusti6779]

Ha, exactly how I started, except I bought my own Mavic for my 60th birthday. Welcome to the journey down the marvelous rabbit hole that is RC flying!

[@JasonRidesmoto]

I'm pushing 70 and still ripping

[@PacificNorthwest360]

Update, ordered the TBS OBLIVION RTF with crossfire nano...

[@RADERFPV]

This charger looks impressive. Great review, thank you.

[@atsuedwin]

Great video. very informative as always. i learn a lot each time.

[@montypeak8417]

Thanks Josh! Great review!

[@blackmennewstyle]

I have 2 SkyRC quatro, loving them so much

[@reign2732]

Dr. Disrespect in the back lol, YES!

[@RealKushrage]

loool xD but not any longer...

[@traniel123456789]

@@RealKushrage Although....

[@gozzyboy1989]

Didn't even notice haha

[@socalcpl775]

Thanks for the review. You mentioned in the review that the charger produces more power in the DC mode so it got my creative juices flowing. I have a dead battery backup for my computer but the 24V charging circuit and batteries still work even when the unit is turned off. I am going to use this as a 24V power supply for charging through the HOBBYMATE D6 Duo Pro Balance Charger. Don't worry, I know how to do this safely.

[@dekesone1]

The iCharger 308, 406, and 4010 allow balancing for storage at any user selectable voltage. They also can charge many batteries at once due to their massive 30 and 40 amp charge rates. But they are DC input power only. Pretty much the best lipo chargers in existence overall.

[@dividingbyzerofpv6748]

Quick tip for those using a DC input from a battery. Especially A T8. Watch your charger input voltage the charger will operate down to. I have an ISDT T8 I bought to use with a portable battery charge box. Luckily I built the box with the idea of housing two batteries to possibly run in series at 24+ volts rather than parallel at 12v. I tested running the T8 charger off of 12v and quickly found that if the main AGM batteries sagged to under 12v the T8 will shut off. This happened quickly at trying to charge at 6amps. The T8 requires better than 12v input and when trying to charge a 16v battery at 6amps you will draw closer to 10amps off the 12V supply. I rewired the 12v batteries into series and now I dont have a problem. Charging packs at 10amps means I draw like 6amps off the 24v supplym. WAY better option. I tend to run a parallel array of 8-12 batteries charging in series while in the field. Off of my 2 20ah AGM batteries I have done 22 1300mah 4s packs while out in the field with enough room to probably do a few more packs. Fun part is the amp draw off a 24v system is much less than with a 12v system trying to charge the same set of 8 1300mah 4s batteries at 10amps. That was what Bardwell hinted about with higher input voltage being useful with this charger doing a DC input versus the AC/DC line in. TLDR? If using a car battery, consider buying 2 for doing a 24v setup rather than a 12v setup.

[@Camilookb]

Nice, thanks Joshua, I was looking for something like this

[@PULSEmultimedia]

Thank you for very good review! Charger D6 can be charge and discharge 2-6s lixx battery without balance plug? Via only power cable. I want charge batteries from photo/video cameras.

[@LesCousinsASMR]

How accurate are Hota Chargers Joshua? I'm interesting in the D6 Plus with 300 Watts DC

[@PerBuch]

When traveling, i just use my pc powersupply. It's 19V 200W. Sometimes i have an extra 19V 135W pc powersuply. I have made a couple off converters to XT60. Perfect with my two ISDT Q6.

[@goober24787]

Great review man! I'm happy with my Q6 BUT if I was in the market I'd buy one.

[@JodyGUY]

Thanks for the great info! Have you heard good things about the Revolectrix gt500 2? It's only $75 right now and I can't decide between these two!? Help would be much appreciated!

[@stonkeng]

Not sure if things have changed but the External Discharge function now works by connecting the battery you want to discharge to the rear EC60 port and a dummy load of about 1.5 to 2.5 ohms to the EC60 output at the front. At the moment I am using 2 x 55 Watt car headlight bulbs in series, but intend to improve on this using 4 x 100W 8 ohm resistors in parallel (2 ohms 400 Watts) bolted to heat sinks and a fan to cool them. Do not do what Josh suggests at around the 4 minute point of this video.

[@gandaulf_fpv6925]

Just purchased on your advise. Thank you.

[@criminalhaze1]

I just purchased this off your recommendations on your site .. i can't lie ..the whole charging and battery process of fpv is by far the most confusing thing for me lol. But ive got a month probably before ill be charging batteries so hopefully I can learn more about this and actually understand it before I do . Thanks for the videos .

[@skree_fpv436]

My Revolectrix GT 500 charger lets you pick what voltage you want to start balancing at.

[@siimmaripuu7783]

Thanks for sharing! Saves a lot time

[@haldersoham4]

Hey nice comparison video! I've been looking to buy a new charger. But I don't see the skyrc nano b6 compared anywhere. Any thoughts?

[@talbenyaacov2558]

Hi Are you sure about the external discharge to a battery? Tried that with a Pb and it asked me to disconnect the external battery… Thanks

[@jonyovanno4145]

What’s your feelings on the venom charger? Duo/quad

[@OswaldBeef]

Good video thanks for the info josh

[@copypastor]

Big LED power supplys are great for lipo charging. They have wide range of voltage and power. From 12 to 36 or even 48 volts and up to 2 kW at a reasonable price. Im using 24V x 360W for my ISDT for $14. It rocks.

[@jamest.5001]

I need something like that. To do regenerative discharging. But will it do 1s and 7s. I'd love to be able to balance at any voltage!

[@slimfire74]

Question how would you rate this charger vs ISDT D2? I am trying to figure out what to get.. thanks a lot!

[@zeroair]

Fantastic video - you dropped some knowledge! Would you mind making a video showing the "Discharge ext." feature of this device? I'd love to see it discharge something at 15A, and how that all works. Thanks!!

[@Jaxson2919]

Great video, hope you can help. I'm looking at this charger for my MAxAmp 9000XL mah 133Wh 14.8v 100c. Like the option of AC/and DC duel chargeing. Do you think this would be a good option for me? How long would you think it takes to charge with AC and DC? Any recommedations for a better charger? Thank you very much!

[@taevy12]

Sir, where can I get that 24v power supply?

[@sr175]

My icharger when on balance appears to balance to the voltage of the cell with the lowest voltage.

[@daniellawrence9229]

You are the Bomb. Thanks for all you do

[@TheHelicapt]

Can you recommend a power supply that would take full advantage of this charger.

[@Danimal-3D]

Solid video, Joshua -- I'm in the market for a charger... upgrading from the iMAX B6 AC

[@WarChest]

I started the video thinking “this is the one to replace my ailing main charger”. I ended the video with “Oh crap now I’m not sure what to buy again..”

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Sorry... I can't resist.

[@madebyandre_]

Just got mine. No internal resitance checker function?

[@thijsschadevanwestrum1697]

How does it stackup to the skyrc b6 nano duo. The have roughly the same specs and size. The Skyrc has bluetooth and scan and charge... wonder what your take on it is.

[@ryswe]

By running into this video at random I learned that the charger I've had for 3 months has a settings menu 😂😂😂😂 best part is low volume beeping and only beeping once upon battery completion. Thank you Joshua, I would have gone on hearing those beeps forever 🤣🤣🤣 that's what I get for not looking at the manual!

[@atomique90]

I am also interested in building up that powersupply - would be nice if you share how you did that - just want to do that ISDT T8 solution you mentioned! :)

[@Bill-NM]

Is the USB port only for firmware updates? Or is there some logging to computer?

[@nutrox84]

on my icharger 3010b i can set "max" charge voltage. making the charger balance to my wanted voltage.

[@scottcarman1198]

J B..... Off the subject of this video but I've got a problem and I haven't figured out what to do. I've got a King Kong 200GT on Beta Flight 3.3 using my T8SG Jumper. I set it up as perfectly level as I can get but when I go to fly it, it always pulls left and forward. Re did it just in case and same thing. Trim buttons on tranny does nothing. I've watched all your videos and can't remember this coming up. So what's up..... What the hell am I doing wrong? Thanks bro

[@PaulAndrewKennedy]

just bought this...my first fpv will be here next week....:)

[@SilkSexAndSugar]

Hello, Joshua. Can this charger be calibrated like the IDST chargers? Ps. Love your vids and I try to buy everything through your page to give back. Take care.

[@emmanuelmata]

Price not being a factor what's the best, buy once charger out there? with intergrated power supply or seperate power supply and which one would you reccomend? thanks i've been watching your videos and ended up subscribing thanks again

[@nnsense]

This is still a solid choice in Oct 2020. But I've seen the HOTA D6+, no review yet.. what do you think about it?

[@0Ninja0Dude0]

Watched a few of your videos thanks for making my decision alot easier. I'll be sure to use your affiliate link when I purchase minr

[@spyder000069]

My Thunder Power TP820CD dual chargers have the storage mode and will charge or discharge them to 3.85V automatically.

[@dronereviewman9580]

I like this one!!!!! Great post!!!

[@jyunte]

The Hyperion chargers balance at whatever storage voltage you select.

[@_M_a_r_t_i_n_M]

Been in this hobby since 2013. I have, after the year 2014 when I bought my first actual hobby grade balance charger. Have, after my toying around with charge rates, settled into a habit of charging my cells and packs at a normal of 1C. Sometimes even slower if in no special hurry. It puts the most amps back INTO the battery. Faster charging always also comes at the cost of not putting the full mAh used back into the cells.

[@_M_a_r_t_i_n_M]

Been using the Icharger X6 since before this video was made. It has outlived two power supplies so far. Finding quality hobby battery charging server style PSUs that don't break the bank (typically they are advertised for controlling motors or hobby CNC machines or LED displays) that aren't typically actually implemented as true computer PSUs. I have been looking at a couple of models which could fit my needs in regards to future proofing as well as reducing PSU death anxieties as near future purchases. Have recently jumped back into the fun side of the hobby after a two year rabbit hole of self education on analogue electronics, digital electronics, MPU programming and actual software coding, as well as antenna theory, which is what sent me down it all. After I put a proper antenna and coax jack onto my Taranis QX7+ TX. And decided to dive into AlienFlightTNG hardware... I am a helicopter guy at the core. Never did I think I would learn to stop giving a shit and love the Goggle. Don't bash airplanes either. Those things are a world of RC fun in their own right. And my only LHS is land and track ONLY so... I am kinda _that_ guy in the RC world.

[@orebusaiku]

HOTA D6 Pro AC 200W DC 650W 15A Charger There's an identical charger for less money

[@soldermecold7456]

I decided to go with the iCharger 4010 duo after going through 5 different chargers

[@lmorrison17]

I finally upgraded from a B6 after about 7yrs. I looked at this but I needed to be able to charge 7S. I found some other chargers that went to 7S but I like the native xt60 output. I went with the ISDT T8. I liked the feature to price ratio. I found chargers I liked better but some of deal breakers were only 6S charging, bullet connector output, very high price. I wish the the Icharger x6 was x7 or 8.

[@MrMikeyx007]

I know the old days I used to use a car battery charger to charge my RC car batteries and I'm wondering if these LiPO batteries can use a car charging unit on low setting

[@patrickcolclough2423]

Excellent review Joshua, thank you, but when manufacturers are looking at a price-point I worry about how these chargers are built. I know you don't often do in-depth tear-downs, but just taking the cover off and looking at the soldering, wiring etc can tell an awful lot. You're more than qualified and it would be nice. :)

[@jankucera8505]

How would you compare this to a little older SkyRC Quattro Q200?

[@ojkolsrud1]

I just bought one of these, from Hota. Happy so far!

[@BWWGL9]

Great PRICE, but if you always OUT OF STOCK what good is the low price?

[@flying.fox987]

Can it charge 2 pack of 6S LiPo with 6A on AC suplly?

[@weddingphotographywoodland8833]

Its great info for our Lipo although where can we get hold of a quality Lipo battery in the first place Ebay is very hit and miss

[@nickb5091]

I’m really torn between this and the ToolKit M6D which is half the price but doesn’t have a DC Power Supply. Also almost half the balance current. I’m curious if you know if the M6D has a balance function that can balance at a given voltage for storage purposes? I’m thinking I’m going to have to buy once cry once here… but, funds are limited. Thoughts?

[@RGMGFitness]

Joshua, I'm new to FPV flying and I'm researching LIPO Chargers...lots of research. Wondering if you've heard anything about the Spektrum S2100 SMART Charger & Batteries. It seems to be similar to DJI Smart Batteries where it really simplifies the LIPO Charging/Storage/Balancing process. Are folks in the FPV world talking about this stuff...seems like this 'Smart Technology' is a great way to go. Though, certainly a little pricier. Any thoughts on this tech? Again, being new and not having any old gear to maintain thinking this might be a great option....any thoughts?

[@MrFRESKOTV]

How many watts can it output on AC (connected to the wall) ?

[@ng-iq4kx]

I was dead set on the D6, clicked on your RDQ link, it was on back order. Mean time I came across the UP6+ similar to the D6 but also has ability to check motors and servos. Didn't check the reviews yet. You might want to check it out.

[@markburton5292]

Is that wow in the back ground?

[@hj_fpv9647]

Nice and thorough review! Thanks for sharing! Any thoughts about the HTRC T240 DUO charger? It seems to be a direct alternative to this one. And cheaper.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I think it's the same thing.

[@jamest.5001]

What is the highest voltage input this thing can handle? And can it do 7s? I ha CV e a 24v lead Acid Bank. And I'd like to charge a 7s liion bank from. And 1s batts... Can this di that?

[@janmajnik6889]

Will this charge XT30 batteries? I have one of these and ordering 4S batteries for my geprcs cinelog 25 v2. But the batteries are XT30. I need to buy a separate charger right? Any recommendations for a dual charger like this one? Is it possible to just buy a cable adaptor?

[@dondupuis5524]

I got this one through you, love it

[@doraymon4797]

@JoshuaBardwell have you done a video on how to update the firmware on this? I bought the Hota D6 Pro and there is no way I can get it in Firmware update mode.

[@andrecpu]

This is one for me :) thanks!

[@JasonRidesmoto]

The Venom Pro Quad has been one of the best purchases I've made in the hobby.

[@jameshoff3264]

I am trying to update the Firmware on my D6 Duo Pro but cannot get it into update mode. I hold CH button, plug power in, but it just starts up normally. Any suggestions?

[@afrog2666]

Always use a LiPo bag when charging, and preferably have it in sight during charging, OR charge in a dedicated area where it won`t cause damage should something go wrong. LiPo bags are nice, don`t have that? A metal container of some sort works, but be VERY sure there is NO chance of shorts. I`ve seen people charge in their sink and metal buckets, I prefer a LiPo bag, it`s cheap, takes no space, weighs nothing, and is a great safety device ;) Also, if you`re not sure you`re using a pack, remember to store the pack(s) with as close to nominal voltage as possible, (3.7V per cell) 3.6-3.8V per cell is good for long term storage, that`s why things with lithium batteries come with SOME charge, because empty or full, they would arrive broken after being in storage. Most of you probably know this already, but worth a mention anyway :)

[@doglabdogtraining-gus.8873]

I have a tesla battery 3000kwh 24v 125amps , what would ge tye best balancing charger for me , im looking to balance them maybe once every6 moths, thank you , love your videos

[@danman7665]

I need you to make a buidvideo of a 24V 1000W powersupply!

[@TheHelicapt]

Any update to the best charger out there ??

[@tyrian869]

Have you seen Gremsys charger? they use for there gimbals? 3A good for 2/3/4s lipos just plug in the balance lead and wait for light.

[@spyder000069]

Did you compare voltage readings of the individual cells with a known calibrated multimeter? Does it have the ability to adjust its calibration on those should the readings stray? I have had cheap chargers that were way off so balancing was useless. Also did you happen to open it up to see the quality of construction. This is the issue with chargers is often they are poorly put together and if you saw what some of them looked like you would not allow them in your home. I realize a teardown and reverse engineering is RCMreviews territory but a quick peek to see if anything stood out would have been nice. :^)

[@damndopey]

Anyone knows the proper use for this charger with a parallel board? Got more lipos now and charging 2 by 2 is quite a hassle. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@ryankeller9379]

Thanks for this video, I bought this charger after watching this video. I am going to predominantly use this charger for my 4S batteries but also wanted to charge my tiny whoop 1S batteries with it. I tried to plug my STRIX 1s LiPo Battery Charger into this charger using a XT60 female and male wire but it said the battery connection was in correct. Is it not working because it is not a parallel charger and also doesn't have the other balance cable? Thanks again for all your help.

[@fprintf]

Did you ever figure this out? I also need to charge similar Whoop batteries from this charger and am wondering what I need to get in order to connect and charge them.

[@jr26731]

Hi Wanted to know when charging 2 battery at the same time do they need to be the same battery ? Two 4s lipos or can I charge 1 3s lipo and 1 4s lipo at the same time ? Any Help will be great please

[@paultravers1782]

Hi, Josh. Love your videos.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I love your comments, Paul! :-)

[@lillmasen]

is it manual balans charger !?