Ok my pre Christmas commitment to @HeliGod Father was a new charging station.
I set myself a rather ambitious task as a holiday project. It's basically complete.

Here is a link to a YouTube video of the station so far. I will list some pics of the process / build at the end of this post.

Concepts for this case were taken from others who have built similar cases, info from heli forums and YouTube. The key idea was a clean charging area with lots of accessories all of which could be switched on and off as desired.

Special thanks to Ian from CoolICE who supplied the IceMeter and answered countless emails to aid me in the wiring aspects. Thanks mate.

Components Used in the Build;
1. Meanwell RSP-2000-48 power supply
2. iCharger 4010 DUO with external display extension
3. SCA Safe Case 560x430x215mm
4. CoolICE IceMeter control module
5. Red/Green/Blue LED lights (controlled by IceMeter to visually indicate charging status)
6. 2 x ProgressiveRC modular boards
7. 12v LED dimmer control
8. White LED lights (connected to dimmer control for night charging)
9. ASUS Windows 8 tablet (runs Heli-x simulators, Flybarless and ESC control software and contains heli manuals etc)
10. AUX USB for connecting ESC and Flybarless components
11. USB charging points x 2
12. USB Hub to connect USB inputs to tablet and power
13. 2 x 48v Fans (thermostatically switch on at set temperature by IceMeter)
14 12v 60amp AUX power supply to power IceMeter, LEDs etc
15. 12v to 5v stepdown for USB hub power
16. 12v to 48v relay to allow IceMeter to switch Fans on
17. 3 x LED push button on off switchs for controlling all AUX power and LED functions
18. 2 x Master on off switches to turn PSUs On/Off (one not used)
19. 3m Retractable Cord Reel (like a vaccume cleaner cord retract mechanism)

To Do
20. Laser cut black perspec deck. Will allow higher visibility of charging indicator LEDs.
21. (Consideration) Bluetooth Speaker for Audio at the field from tablet or phone

 

That is one mighty flash charger you've built @Stuart! I think you've eclipsed all the others in one fell swoop, nice work.


Citizen #186

 

thanks it was certainly a project...

 

Mate,
that totally rocks, make me think I need to get my sh!t together, really like the charging setup. You can now fly all day (no excuses)
Simon

 

@Stuart that is an awesome piece of kit! I would be ashamed to pull my charger out next to your station - I would have charger envy! Well done, really really cool!!!

 

Thanks. It took way more effort than I planned so I'm glad it turned out so good. I gad a lot of frustration during the build as my soldering and electric skills leave a bit to be desired..l

 

Very nice

 

Hey Guys.

Thought I'd join this forum, so I can enter any discussions about my IceMeter or basic protection circuit.

Also, I thought I'd post some of my customer charge case builds featuring the IceMeter, some also show the wireless ability.

Another charge case with the basic PSU protection circuit fitted, same protection against PSU shuts downs for the iCharger DUO's but without the LCD and extra features.

My Raquel Bellot charge case build;

Ian Contessa

 

I want one!!! sent you a email...

 

Very nice, how much are the cool ice units, and can you provide a link to where we can get one, I am putting a case together soon and it looks like something I may put in my case. A vid on how to install them might be good also, remembering that I like to fly helis, and my electrical engineering skills are equal to, or slightly less than a goldfish.
I think you have made a great choice joining this forum, welcome aboard @coolice
Simon

 

Guys, link to Ian's site for the CoolICE IceMeter..

http://www.coolice.co.uk/cfs/icemeter.html

You can read about its features and get his email contact details from there.

I also have the electrical skills if a goldfish and with numerous email exchanges between Ian and myself got the unit working.. So happy to assist with questions for those easy to answer ones based on my experience...

Stu

 

Wow I know a few people with this charger! Well done, it looks like considerable work has gone into this design. Have you approached the manufacturers with an offer?

 

Yes I played E tag with Ian today, super helpful over the emails, I just have to lock in my decision on charger and PS then I will place an order!

 

+1 on Ian's support, he us second to none. Highly recommend his ICEMETER.

 

With I pod stereo, sub, night lights and tripod mounted.
Some would say a little excessive

 

More like impressive! Nice charger setup!

 

Nothing Exceeds Like Excess! I loved it. Work of art!