LiPo Charging Made Easy! Spektrum SMART S2200 LiPo Charger & G2 Battery Overview| RC Driver

We receive a lot of emails from people asking how to properly charge LiPo battery packs and even emails about being scared to charge a LiPo. We understand! All those warning labels are pretty overwhelming. But Spektrum has been hard at work making LiPo battery charging as safe and as user friendly as possible. Please be aware, you should always use proper caution when using, charging and maintaining LiPos, but this new Spektrum G2 Smart Technology Charger and Battery system will make it very easy for you. We got our hands on the new Spektrum G2 SMART S2200 charger and G2 LiPo battery packs and Greg studied up his best to give you the best possible overview of this new LiPo battery charging technology. If you want and easy to use LiPo charging system and battery set-up, you need to watch this video!
PRODUCT FEATURED
Spektrum SMART S2200 LiPo Charger & G2 Battery
Distributed By: Horizon Hobby
Charger Type: Multi-Chemistry
Battery Type: Lithium Polymer
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Price: Varies
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S2200 G2 AC 2x200W Smart Charger- bit.ly/2Lrfpe8
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#Spektrum #RCCars #RCDriver

[@CCxRC]

Great in-depth video as always Greg! I'm a fan of these batteries and ecosystem. G2 looks to be even better.

[@CSAFMedia]

I've stayed away from LiPo packs and confusing charge rates until seeing this video...thank you Spektrum 👏

[@ianb.1603]

Im loving the Spektrum G2. i got 3 S2200 chargers, four 2S, four 3S, and four 4S G2 Batteries and totally love them. Ill never buy any other Batteries unless i have to for a certain size. Most of my RC's run all Spektrum Electronics. I love having the telemetry.

[@questionably_xavier9177]

It’s amazing to see the hobby grow and improve, crazy to see the new tech these companies are creating

[@rcdriver]

Yup, just when you think they can’t come up with anything else... surprise!

[@mikeb3427]

This will definitely be my next set up for batteries and charger. I'm at an age where the simpler stuff is, the better. I just want stuff to work and it seems that this fits the bill.

[@rcdriver]

I hear ya. Testing this out the first time had me smiling like a kid with an ice cream. Just plugged it in and that was it! It did the rest. Didn’t even have to push a start button!

[@Omega-ct6kd]

My AC cord that came with the Spektrum SMART S2200 LiPo Charger that I just received today, was maybe 3ft long at best. But, the charger works great, I like it.

[@jknewb6276]

Horizon hobbies went up 35% during a pandemic...RC Hobby is so awesome!

[@michaelmcgrath2380]

RC is a luxury, not a necessity. If they have extra challenges to produce and deliver your product you're going to pay more.

[@jknewb6276]

@@michaelmcgrath2380 ummm I was talking about how much products they sold..... because so many people had to stay indoors or stay away from people hobbies like RC thrived and business went up during that time. Pretty sure you read it wrong...I'm not saying anything about prices

[@jknewb6276]

@@michaelmcgrath2380 also if you consider RC a luxury then buddy you aren't living.

[@GhostRider-ii7tz]

I think the spectrum setups are great for new people getting into the hobby.I ordered the arma big rock.I also ordered a smart charger and smart lipo as well.looking forward to use the new system.

[@HobbyPerfeXion]

Awesome technology! Certainly will make things easier especially for people just getting started in the hobby. Great review thanks!

[@davidwinter2417]

I purchased this charger and batteries after watching the video and it's FANTASTIC. Plug in the battery and it sets itself. Does anybody want to purchase my old chargers 🙂

[@puddleduckist]

Wow, awesome system! Thanks for the in depth review. I'm new 2 the lipo world so this will come in handy.

[@jerzinho92]

Im in rc hobby for 30 years and smart system of spektrum is the most interesting technology in rc cars after lipo/brushless and 2,4ghz. DJI already propose telemetry and automatic for 10 years, but we were waiting for cars! I bought this charger and convinced by quality and possibilities offered. Its expensive vs hobbyking's style charger but power supply is included.

[@greendiode5522]

No balance connector's means no option for lipo alarm and more likely to overdischarge batteries. Yes I know all of that information is available with telemetry but only if you have a Spektrum transmitter, esc and receiver in every single model you own which is an expensive proposition for those of us with lots of older models. I bought an S2100 and a couple of G1 SMART batteries last December and I really like them but worry now that Spektrum will discontinue the G1 batteries. The other problem with Horizon is they are notorious for refreshing product lines and discontinuing the old stuff with very short product life cycles. Next year they'll have G3 series and everything else will be discontinued.

[@jerzinho92]

They announced that G1 will be maintained, but you re right, its a risk. I hope they wont fall in the Apple disease. Spektrum is in radio for ages and i think they ll do what they say. If they want to break in batteries and chargers business, they dont have choice. Im sure other makers will follow the trend.

[@gourobkundu2173]

Man, spektrum now did what Traxxas has been doing for years, no separate balance ports. This kinda sucks for me , as i use an universal charger, but it is great for someone getting into the hobby.

[@kadenburton7450]

Yeah but u like traxxas, spektrum batteries are actually good. I mean don't get me wrong traxxas lipos aren't bad but do they really expect me to run a 25c lipo in the Maxx? I think just get into the spektrum system an you're good cuz the chargers can charge other brands too. 😎

[@jerzinho92]

I use big universal chargers for years. And for me Spektrum smart system is a real up date in rc car Business, even for experimented hobbyist, as it covers esc, telemetry, chargers, batteries and of course radio. Traxxas knows how to make cars. Spektrum is going to Master all the rest...

[@mainsource8030]

@@kadenburton7450 traxxas chargers can charge any brand battery, i charge my zeeee batterys on the traxxas smart id charger, look it up, theres a balance port under a cover

[@jimhimesjr]

The old smart chargers like the s2100 have an update to auto charge like the G2 does. Uses the same interface. Works well. Glad they got rid of that stupid spinning button thing on the g1.

[@robertgrew3146]

I have the smart technology from Spectrum and totally love it, I also have the Traxxas Live and it's really nice also but for me I like Spectrum a bit better.

[@thegaragehub]

I love this, back years years ago when lipos first came in they were a bit dangerous but they have gotten very safe and much better. Its awesome how many features there are and the versatility of the charger, as well as the technology in the batteries without the balance plug. I can justify the price of this platform for how easy and safe it is. Less to worry about and more time driving.

[@paulomealey9027]

Drive on Greg, Good walk through video time to up grade to the G2.

[@TheAyatollahofNofappollah]

Wow! You don't need the Smart batteries? I am definitely getting this charger. Thanks for doing this video.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

The smart batteries aren't horribly expensive... and this charger DOES HAVE nice specs for charging watts...but it is so expensive to get the charger that I hesitate to start moving into the Smart Ecosystem... I also have my eye on a few different things, between an air radio, surface radio, and a handful of the packs they have made... For those not well versed in lipos, this is great tech...or for those who just want it simple to deal with... I may move into this someday.

[@mathiasconner292]

really awsome charger i think i might get it once i saw this charger i have a redcat volcano epx im enterying the hobby and this channel has really helped me out thx for this great reveiw

[@zonegamma8197]

I bought a S2100 for the ease and safety. I'll update it and buy G2 from now on

[@jknewb6276]

Wow I like the self storage after 3 days. That is cool

[@charlesfairris]

Awsome tech talk as always. I would have liked to see you charge an older non smart battery. Because I am new to this lipo stuff. Love smart batteries except the price and I really like seeing backward compatability. Thank you

[@AvidRCWorld]

Holy smokes!!! That is very awesome!! Love the new tech 😍

[@Zoyboy]

I'm just gettin in to the rc truck world and...yea, sounds easy enough to me!

[@RCKickschannel]

I hope we start to see the Gen 2 in the UK soon.

[@kgoward]

No wonder all the S2100 kits were on sale last month 🤦🏻‍♂️ but none the less I’m very happy with my S2100. Hope they continue to support the first gen of smart batteries. Also....didn’t traxxas do this with their chargers and batteries? Not the auto start, but combined leads?

[@bigandcoolrcschool294]

I think they did.

[@rcdriver]

Agreed, the S2100 is still a great charger and it’s pretty cool that it can be updated with the G2 tech.

[@kgoward]

@@rcdriver is that right? I have the cable on order to update the firmware....so it will support these new packs?

[@finniesworld419]

Yes the old chargers will support the new batteries. The menus will also change to match the new chargers menus just search how to update your Spektrum smart charger. I think someone posted a link above

[@rcdriver]

@@kgoward Yup, you’ll be able to update your first gen charger.

[@MRPB54]

I got a S2100 and its been great and its good to know that they will add G2 stuff to the G1 versions via firmware update Also I think they are gonna keep the G1 batteries alive filling out more battery types (hoping for more crawler oriented batteries from them)

[@jsracer20x]

thank you greg on the review, now that i watched the video i am transferring all my batteries to spektrum g2 and getting the charger as soon as its out

[@KnightCustoms]

Very cool, a good system just got even better.

[@whistlinlipo]

Dang it Greg! You’re killing my wallet

[@rcdriver]

😩 Sorry! lol

[@RCRoads]

That is so nice. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍 Great job as always. Love your channel.

[@monroethegreat7539]

So basically if your not using a smart battery this is just a ordinary Lipo charger?

[@boomerak4774]

Nice video and good charger but how does it perform with non spektrum lipo batteries? That would be a good video 👍🏾

[@carlwill5009]

Yep I like the new Gen 2 charger I just got rid of my 1800 in the process of buying the 2200

[@richardprice4587]

if your new to lipo batters this is so good coz you gust plug it in and off you go

[@Legodarkgamer]

Cool

[@bigandcoolrcschool294]

It’s very cool!

[@Legodarkgamer]

Thx Rc driver online i love jou and jou rc cars

[@christyson8213]

I just upgraded to Spektrum S2100 last year during covid-19 lock down now I have to upgrade again no more balance plug plus I like to switch to ic3 to ic5

[@brentpeavler5335]

This is awesome!!! Can't wait to get one of these. 👍👍

[@matthewchiu2313]

I love it... i cant wait till i get the losi lmt and this battery , charger setup...nkce vid!! :)

[@jknewb6276]

That will be a sick selection

[@HazardSports]

Exactly what I’m working on right now - LOL

[@randall4411]

I got two nice chargers and now I want another one is the only problem I have with it . Now we need a smart checker we can use at the field .

[@averynelson8474]

I really like the new spectrum chargers and batteries,I think this company has really stepped up the game. Great video

[@Amarnath2k2]

Is it better than Traxxas? (battery+charger).

[@Frogs77]

My only gripe. Is that you cant charge a g2 battery on a non spektrum charger.

[@shiftsgiggles962]

Looking for a new spektrum charger for planes. Any recommendations for 6s 7000mAh batteries? Hope to have some SMC 6s batts soon. Needing a new charger. Thanks. Great video.

[@bigdavesoutdoors9761]

I like it, but I ain't got the kind of money to upgrade a fleet yet. But push a button, yeah, thats for me👍

[@tobyhall8198]

Awesome video..helpful to see video with new tech

[@cheeseballs9726]

Sorry, I’m new to this hobby, how would I go about putting away the batteries for the day? Would I discharge it on the charger, would I press storage, (Yes, I overthink a lot of things).

[@CreateYourWorth]

They discharge by themselves in 3 days to correct levels.

[@fergsrcenjoyinglife352]

Will the new charger let you know when your battery is bad and should no longer be used, i think that would be a great feature if they could do it and it would make it safer .

[@cue03]

If you can upgrade the g1 charger to charge the G2 batteries then what are you really getting for the $100 cost delta between the s2100 and s2200?

[@frankm9504]

400 watt charger instead of 200

[@capt.barbossa3479]

I just got this charger along with 2/G2 6S lipos for it...just getn back into the boating hobby after like 25yrs...question; is there a on the go" car charger type plug to charge while at a lake/field...?

[@johannesb.1658]

👍👍

[@teroydias6370]

Any alternatives to charge the battery?

[@jeromedaniels3914]

Nice 👍🏾👍🏾

[@tapeweight]

Can you put it in storage mode and it does it automatically?

[@vsunshinejetermomoa344]

Hello, once it's charged, do you just unplug battery or is there a stop button? Didn't see a stop button or anything like it, so assuming you just unplug battery when done.

[@christophertoy2171]

Can you charge the older battery with this one i have some older ones and just got a few of the g2 batteries

[@PorkinsTheWhite]

So Traxxas does this and everyone complains. Spectrum does it and no one has an issue?

[@rcdriver]

I never complained. I did get a lot of hate comments for explaining reasons why it was done.

[@SZINNAPALM]

That is so amazing please tell me that this is a made in america product, is it?

[@jsracer20x]

do you know where i can get an adapter to fit the ic3 and ic5 plug to traxxas plug and i love your videos and how you narrate the items

[@malelonewolf80]

A bit unreleated question, but do not reviewers based in the USA have to disclose that they have been sent products for review, rather than purchasing it themselves and reviewing it? I am a European myself, so I am curious about the rules in the USA in regards to this. Though, in this reivew it was pretty obvious, but I have seen other reviews of this charger, where it was not mentioned that the charger was sent, not purchased, but sent, to them for review.

[@ECXTD]

Are the batteries waterproof?

[@tylerclub29]

I have a specktrum 2S LiPO with the S150 charger but I can no longer get my battery to charge. Any ideas?

[@MichaelGreco]

Can you use these with a Traxxas?

[@TimeForSomeFun2]

How does the noise compare to the S2100? They say it has a low noise fan. How quiet is it really compared to other LiPo charges.

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

Really awesome charger. The batteries are a little too fat for 5000mah I think. . .

[@Eric78360]

How do you store these batteries when there’s no balance plug? I have no storage mode on this spektrum charger.

[@johngrant1337]

It look great and I like not using a balance plug

[@bansheerider619]

I like the charger but Im avoiding the new G2 batteries as I already have a 1000w 30a charger.

[@brsrc759]

Do you know if I can charge these smart batteries with a regular balance charger?

[@joshengland5251]

What kind of adapter would u have to get to use a traxxas battery on that new charger?? Or is that even possible?? Love this channel!!!! #RC4LIFE

[@noahwilliams4733]

will they charge zee batteries

[@malATX]

Does the g2 4S 100c 5000mah battery really weigh 750g?! The g1 weighed a very competitive 498g. 750g is far far too heavy for a 5AH battery. Can you weigh a g2 vs a g1 in a video for us?

[@ALippy88]

I’m new to the rc world and looking to buy a traxxas erevo 2.0. Can I use these for traxxas? I’ve been looking at the connectors, help me please what connectors does the erevo 2.0 have?

[@Alohakoa59]

On mine the buttons are extremely hard to push, like they’re set too deep, how’s yours?

[@williamknight3772]

New to the hobby. Will this work with traxxas trx4 sport?

[@fergsrcenjoyinglife352]

With the new charger being 200w does it charge a little quicker?

[@AlbertHuth]

I put my smart battery into storage task but I don't see it discharging.

[@DennisGrimsley]

Thinking about getting this charger I have a hexfly 403 charger now and it charges thru the balance port. Can this battery charger do the same? Or do i need to get a adapter for the deans connector to charge that way? Sorry, just a newbie looking for help...

[@timpelletier1995]

When is this out for sale says pre order online

[@keithsmodelsandrcs6593]

Nice 👍

[@DonnieKluck]

Does the auto discharge feature on the G2 batteries work when it is only plugged into the charger or does it work when you have the battery of the charge and when the prescribe set time comes out will start to auto discharge to storage mode?

[@nolanthatguy5558]

Love the vids

[@bigandcoolrcschool294]

Everyone should!

[@rcdriver]

Thank you!!

[@anthonysmith5979]

Bummer your going to have to buy adapters for ec2 trax deans and heap of others, painful. Great if your Spektrum boffin, it looks like may be some day it will be standardized but at the moment?

[@mrk1075]

$250? lol, forget that!

[@johnnycash7803]

I'm with ya

[@johnnycash7803]

An the battery are not cheap. How hard is it to select balance charge an the amps you wanna charge it at. Take me a whole 10 seconds. Sorry but I don't need this tech. I could see kids or something like that where they could charge a lipo wrong. The only thing cool is the auto discharge after 3 days. That's pretty sweet.

[@troublew1]

I paid $30 for a lipo charger and $75 for the batteries

[@johnnycash7803]

@@troublew1 what charger an batteries that's pretty cheap.

[@troublew1]

@@johnnycash7803 horizon sport mini show as the charger and lectron pro batteries 3s

[@brucenellis2780]

Can you use that battery in a Traxxas, Arrma, is there a adapter??

[@DonnieKluck]

Greg is there any way to charge Traxxas ID batteries on the Spektrum G2 smart charger or not?

[@rhshel]

which of these batteries will fit and work with the DX18 tx?

[@fragu123]

If you plunk the battery in, it starts charging automatically- but you don’t want to charge but storage-charge instead. I guess that just works fine also, or?

[@jerzinho92]

It depends of what you have entered in the parameter

[@motor3head]

Do you need to plug in the balance conn for g1 spektrum batts?

[@MrChuck2583]

Could i charge g2 lipo battery with a Smart S1200 G2 AC Charger by adding a ic3 male to ic5 female adapter?

[@infinityblogs3548]

is there an adapter i can get so i dont have to waste 50 dollars to charge a 10 doller charger?

[@boomerak4774]

Will ec5 battery connect directly to this charger?

[@jerzinho92]

Yes. You have entries for ec3 ec5

[@aaronthered4126]

Remember when everyone was pissed at Traxxas for trying to corner the market with their patented battery connectors. This is no different.

[@SebastianLong]

You'll have that. Traxxas set a trend long before anyone else. I'm still not a fan of batteries without a balance plug, but on the other hand it is a nice feature to have. It's easier to keep tabs on your batteries life with a balance plug as well as having the ability to figure out which specific cell has died if you ever encountered that problem. Lot of good, and lots of bad can come without having a balance plug, but this is the route RC technology is heading.

[@mellomisfit]

Hey there I have a quick question, I have two 6s spectrum smart batteries and need to dispose of them. Currently they are in a salt bath water soaking right now but at the moment I'm not getting much reaction out of the batteries like I am with some other cheap batteries and I need to figure out how to get them low enough to dispose of. I can't find much to read on about whether or not how to dispose of them but it seems like they are some incredibly Good batteries if you're going to use them around water, because the leads are not even having much reaction almost little to none. but the cheap batteries are definitely discharging in the salt water solution. Thank you for any help!

[@jamesschaarschmidt7713]

Copy of Traxxas ID system 🤔

[@bigandcoolrcschool294]

Traxxas already did this, but this new charger is better.

[@JustinDDavis]

Wonder if Traxxas will take them to court? Hahaha..just playing. It probably is the future for batteries.

[@bigandcoolrcschool294]

@@JustinDDavis HAHA. Yah. I’m sure many companies are gonna follow.

[@jamesschaarschmidt7713]

@@bigandcoolrcschool294 I have Traxxas and Spektrum 2100 . The Traxxas is the simplest to operate and the 2100 acts strange sometimes. Difficult to get a charge going , if I play around with the menu for awhile the it starts . The Traxxas you plug in your id batteries, choose balance or fast or storage and ht the start button

[@SebastianLong]

Very similar, but far more complex. I've used Traxxas Lipos and chargers but there is a lot left to be desired. Spektrum will display voltage in each cell, temperature of battery, as well as other things (most of which I've forgot), Traxxas' doesn't do that.

[@STP-dh9gd]

Man that charger is crazy expensive! Do you think it is worth it? Lifetime warranty?

[@jerzinho92]

Yes its expensive, but it provides functionalities others dont have. Dont forget its 400w, double output and power supply included. Similar chargers with decent quality cost 150 minimum like ISDT chargers, but with less functionalities. For the moment....

[@duxk4rmdao549]

Can this charge a 6s 5200 battery for a typhon 6s or these only charge 5000

[@scottperry1239]

Its the future no balance lead quite expensive . You got to keep up with the times guys.

[@frankm9504]

Traxxas has had no balance lead packs for years already. (I own them and Gen 1 of these)