Product Test: Radient Ascend and Primal chargers

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Mike Garrison

0 Jan. 23, 2012, 4:59 a.m.

As an outsider looking to get involved in the sport of R/C, one of the most upsetting things can be the price. New enthusiasts often buy RTR vehicles which likely include basic wall-chargers to get them up and running. Most basic wall-chargers charge at .5 amps, which can take 10x as long as an aftermarket charger. The problem with many of the aftermarket chargers is that they can require power supplies (which are expensive), or they are too expensive for most beginners.  

HobbyTown USA has acquired an all-new exclusive lineup of chargers. These new chargers, known as the Radient Ascend and Radient Primal charger, are now available at HobbyTown USA stores around the country. These new chargers are designed to be a perfect upgrade for new R/C enthusiasts looking to upgrade from that pesky wall-charger but don’t want to worry about finding a power supply or the extra cash to buy a high-end model!

Radient Primal Charger Review

First up we decided to try out the Radient Primal charger. The Primal charger is the most affordable at only $40.00. Inside the box, the Primal charger comes pre-wired with a Tamiya style end for basic charging, as well as a Mini/Macro plug adapter to go with it. The AC input design allows you to plug it into any outlet and start charging! We assumed this charger would be designed for only one or two battery types but were pleasantly surprised when we discovered it can charge all of the following:

• Nickle Cadmium (NiCD) – 1-8 cells
• Nickle Metal –Hydride (NiMH) – 1-8 cells
• Lithium Polymer (LiPo) – 2-3 cells (7.4v – 11.1v)

LiPo Balancing Ports for 2S and 3S packs

While we are impatient racers looking for that instant, but not always thorough charge, the Primal’s 4amp charge limit had us waiting slightly longer than we were hoping. On the flip side, this charger wasn’t designed for impatient racers, but instead new racers and bashers looking for a safe and economical way to charge their batteries at a faster pace.

 Areas of Excellence:

• At $40.00, this charger offers more for the money than almost any charger available.
• The Safety Start feature and Delta Peak mode offers safe and quality charging.
• Charges NiCD, NiMH, and LiPo packs
• Small and compact size for transporting
• 90 day limited warranty

Room for Improvement:

• With no digital readout the lighting sequences can be confusing to follow
• A Traxxas or Dean’s adapter included instead of the Mini/Macro adapter
• Only charges up to 4amps

We give the Radient Primal Charger a
 
3 out 5 on the Beacon Rating.

 

 

Radient Ascend Charger Review

Next up for testing was the Radient Ascend charger. The higher priced of the two new Radient chargers; the Ascend carries a price tag of $60.00. The Ascend is an upgraded version of the Primal as they are very similar in size and design; however, the Ascend features several very cool upgraded features.

The Ascend’s list of batteries capable of charging is slightly larger than the Primal, as it will charge the following:

• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFe/LiFePO/A123) – 2-3 cells (6.6v-9.9v)
• Lithium Polymer (LiPo) – 2-3 cells (7.4v-11.1v)
• Nickle Cadmium (NiCd) – 1-8 cells
• Nickle Metal-Hydride (NiMh) – 1-8 cells

 Like the Primal, the Ascend comes equipped with a Tamiya end and Mini/Macro adapter is included.

The Test

First and foremost we were more than relieved to see a digital readout on the Ascend, eliminating our confusion attempting to follow blinking lights and flashing colors. Immediately we were also pleasantly surprised to see plug-ins making the charger AC/DC as opposed to AC only. Setting up the charger to charge requires hooking up the balance plug for LiPos to which enables the Safe Start mode (keeps you from charging a LiPo on the wrong charge mode). Using the easy to read screen we scrolled through the settings and set up everything just how we wanted it and began charging!

The Ascend charger features an internal power supply which allows you to simply plug into an outlet and charge; however, it limits the charge to only 4amps. External connectors allow you to plug into an outside 12v power supply which provides the charger with enough to charge up to 6amps. As we mentioned before, being the impatient type, we plugged in to our power supply and cranked it up!

The Radient Ascend is a great improvement for entry level drivers looking for a safe and faster way to charge, and also provides many of the features demanded from most serious racers.

Areas of Excellence:

• A price tag of only $60.00, yet offers the capabilities of chargers 3x that price.
• Charges LiFe, LiPo, NiMH, and NiCD
• Charges up to 4amps using AC power, and up to 6 amps using DC power (external power supply)
• Easy to read digital readout
• Small and compact size
• Alarm sounds when charge completes

Room for Improvement:

• A Traxxas or Dean’s adapter included instead of the Mini/Macro adapter

We give the Radient Ascend a

4 out of 5 on the Beacon Rating.