Performance Proven
TRIED • TESTED • TORTURED | BY THE RC CAR AC TION TEAM
QU
HITEC X4;80 MULTICHARGER
Price:
Part Number:
Battery Types:
LiP
Number of cells:
1-6
ce
Dimensions:
62
Weight:
I’m all about simplifying my pit area. ;e less I have to haul to and from the track, the better. Imagine my delight when I discovered Hitec’s X4-80 charger. ;is snazzy unit helps me eliminate up to four separate chargers by combining them all into one box. If
the X4-80 looks familiar, it’s with good reason. ;e X4-80 replaces its
predecessor, the similar-looking standard 200-watt X4, with a powerful 320-watt output across four outlets. ;at’s a whopping 80 watts
per outlet. Now we’re talking charging power!
FEATURES
It’s nearly impossible to list all of the X4-80’s features here without
making this a three-page article, so let’s inspect the major stu;. First,
what’s the fuss with 80 watts per output? Combined with a capable
power supply (Hitec recommends at least 20 amps; I tested with my
trusty Pro- Tek 40-amp unit), this charger can pump out enough current to charge four 11.1-volt batteries at 6 amps, or four 22.2-volt batteries at 3. 6 amps. Put more simply, the X4-80 is a monster for those who
own multiple packs. You can also charge four di;erent battery chem-istries at once, as each output has its own backlit LCD control panel
that you program for each battery. If you wanted, you could charge one
NiMH pack, one LiPo, one LiFe and one Ni-Cd pack at the same time.
;e X4-80 unit is large but not gigantic, considering its capabilities.
Packaged inside the box, you’ll find large alligator clips used to connect
to an automotive battery for field use, plus three balance boards (one
each in EH, TP/FP and XH styles), and five pre-made charging cables
(one alligator clip cable, one receiver-pack cable, one Tamiya plug cable,
and two “blank” cables upon which you can solder your own connectors). ;at’s a grip of accessories included in the box, but if you want to
balance charge four LiPos at the same time, you’ll need to pick up three
additional balance boards and charging cables (sold separately). ;ink
of the included accessories as a starter pack rather than an all-inclusive
assortment. Once connected, there’s virtually no battery the X4-80
can’t charge with its LiPo, LiFe, Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, NiMH and Pb compatibility.
Each ouput has its own dedicated temperature sensor input (sensors
not included), balance board input and banana plug inputs. Setting each
output is simple, with intuitive menus, up to 10 customizable presets,
and USB/PC link for in-depth charging analysis on your PC computer.
I’ve noticed more and more original X4 chargers popping up at club
races in So Cal, which is an excellent endorsement for any charger.
Hitec’s internal programming is spot on, and the charger’s functionality is di;cult to beat. ;e new X4-80’s increased charging power only
sweetens the deal. —Stephen Bess
SOURCES
Hitec hitecrcd.com
TESTING
Every time I test
a charger, I begin
the test wondering
whether I’ll have anything inter-
esting to say at the conclusion
of my testing. Did the charger
charge the batteries? Yep. Did
anything blow up or catch fire?
Nope. Ok, good talk!
On a more serious note, the
X4-80’s strengths are appar-
ent in its customizability and
charging power. What’s less
apparent is how useful this
charger is, given you have the
correct number of charging
leads and balance boards. Once
dialed in, the X4-80 is an RC’ers
dream come true—an all in one
charging station that requires
only one power supply input.
During my testing, I had each
of the four outputs set up for
di;erent batteries, with one for
my LiFe receiver
packs, one for my
