Overview
The Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger represents modern convenience in RC battery charging technology. This compact 20W charger brings Spektrum's renowned Smart Charging system to hobbyists who value simplicity, safety and intelligent automation. Whether you're new to the RC hobby or an experienced competitor, the S120 offers hassle-free charging from virtually any USB power source, making it an essential accessory for anyone running Spektrum Smart batteries in their RC cars, trucks, crawlers and aircraft. The charger's intelligent microchip technology communicates directly with your battery to determine the optimal charging parameters automatically, eliminating guesswork and ensuring your batteries are charged safely every time.
Built specifically for the modern hobbyist, the S120 USB-C Smart Charger features USB-C connectivity for fast, convenient power delivery. This makes it compatible with smartphone chargers, portable power banks, and USB power supplies found in nearly every UK home. Unlike traditional RC chargers that require complicated programming and manual settings, the S120 automatically detects your Smart battery's specifications—including cell count, capacity, condition and history—and begins charging immediately with no user input required. This plug-and-play approach means even complete beginners to the RC hobby can confidently charge their batteries without fear of damage or overcharging.
Perfect for RC enthusiasts who want a reliable, portable charging solution for their 2-3 cell LiPo or 6-7 cell NiMH Smart batteries, the S120 combines Spektrum's proven Smart Charging technology with the universal convenience of USB power. The charger's status LED provides clear visual feedback throughout the charging process, displaying purple or yellow light during charging and turning green when complete. With built-in thermal protection, reverse polarity protection, and Spektrum's advanced charge protection circuitry, your batteries are safeguarded against common charging hazards whilst you enjoy the simplicity of automated, intelligent charging technology.
Key Features
- Spektrum Smart Charging Technology — The integrated microchip in each Smart battery communicates with the S120 to automatically determine optimal charging settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration and making charging as simple as connecting your battery and waiting for the green LED.
- USB-C Power Input — Uses modern USB-C connectivity to accept power from virtually any USB charger, making this ideal for UK homes where USB power supplies are universally available, and enabling charging from smartphone chargers, portable power banks, and computer ports.
- Compact and Portable Design — With dimensions of just 2 inches by 2 inches by 0.55 inches, the S120 is small enough to fit in your pit bag, toolbox or backpack, making it perfect for field use, competitions, and travel throughout the UK.
- Automatic Battery Detection — When you connect a compatible Spektrum Smart battery, the charger instantly recognises the battery's specifications and automatically begins charging with zero setup required, saving you time and reducing the risk of charging errors.
- Multi-Chemistry Compatibility — Charges both 2-3 cell Smart LiPo batteries and 6-7 cell Smart NiMH batteries, providing versatility for different battery chemistries used in various RC applications and model types.
- IC3 Connector with Balance Port — Uses the popular IC3 connector standard that's widely used across Spektrum and compatible RC models, with dedicated balance port connection to monitor individual cell health during charging.
- Comprehensive Protection Features — Includes built-in thermal protection to prevent damage from excessive heat, reverse polarity protection to guard against incorrect connections, and advanced charge protection circuitry to safeguard your batteries from overcharging and other faults.
- Visual Status Indication — The LED status light provides intuitive feedback, displaying purple or yellow during active charging and transitioning to solid green when charging is complete, so you always know your battery status at a glance.
- Safe and Intuitive Operation — Spektrum Smart Charging is designed specifically to be safe and intuitive, allowing you to focus on enjoying your RC hobby rather than worrying about complex charger settings or battery maintenance procedures.
- Software Update Capable — The S120 supports software updates via your Spektrum account, ensuring the charger can receive improvements and new features throughout its lifetime without requiring hardware replacement.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger delivers impressive charging performance in an incredibly compact form factor. Rated at 20 watts of power output, the charger can deliver up to 2 amps of charging current depending on your USB power supply specifications and the battery being charged. The charger accepts input voltage between 5-12 volts DC via USB-C, making it compatible with standard USB chargers rated at these voltages—the power supply itself is not included, but most users will already have suitable USB power sources at home or available for purchase separately. The JST-XH balance connector enables the charger to monitor individual cell voltages during the charging process, which is essential for maintaining healthy LiPo battery cells and extending overall battery lifespan. With its single output port featuring the IC3 connector standard, the S120 charges one battery at a time, but its compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for field use, competitions and portable charging solutions across the UK RC community. The charger's engineering emphasises reliability and user safety, incorporating multiple protection systems that monitor charging temperature, voltage levels and current flow throughout the charging cycle. This intelligent approach means your valuable Spektrum Smart batteries receive optimised charging tailored to their specific condition, capacity and chemistry, whether you're charging fresh new batteries or well-used units that need careful management. The combination of Spektrum's proven Smart Charging microchip technology with the simplicity of modern USB-C power delivery makes the S120 an excellent upgrade for anyone currently using basic chargers or older charging technology.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger (1x20W)
- USB-C to USB Cable
- Product Manual
What You Need to Complete
- USB Power Source (5-12V USB charger, power supply not included)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Spektrum Smart Charging and why is it better than traditional RC chargers? — Spektrum Smart Charging uses a microchip integrated into each Smart battery that communicates with the charger to automatically determine the best charging settings. Unlike traditional chargers that require you to manually select cell count, capacity and charge rate, the S120 recognises your battery instantly and begins charging with zero setup. This eliminates charging errors, makes the process safer for your batteries, and saves you time every single charge. Advanced users can also access unique battery data including cycle count, temperature history, and health status through their Spektrum account.
- Is the Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger suitable for beginners? — Yes, the S120 is particularly well-suited for beginners because it removes all the complexity from charging. Beginners don't need to understand cell counts, charge rates, or charging algorithms—simply connect your Spektrum Smart battery and the charger handles everything automatically. The LED status indication makes it immediately obvious when charging is complete. This makes the S120 one of the easiest and safest chargers available for anyone new to RC hobbies.
- What batteries work with the Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger? — The S120 charges 2-3 cell Spektrum Smart LiPo, LiFe and LiHV batteries, and 6-7 cell Spektrum Smart NiMH batteries. The charger only works with Spektrum SMART batteries—it will not charge standard non-smart batteries or other brands' batteries. Your battery must have an integrated microchip for the Smart Charging system to function. Both the main connector and balance lead must be connected for LiPo batteries during charging.
- Do I need a special power supply for the Spektrum S120? — No special power supply is required—the S120 accepts standard 5-12V USB power. You can use virtually any USB charger you already own, including smartphone chargers, laptop chargers, or dedicated USB power supplies. The charger includes a USB-C to USB cable, so if your power source has an older USB-A port, simply use the included cable. The only requirement is that your USB power source provides adequate current; higher capacity power supplies will charge your battery faster.
- What is the charging speed of the S120? — The S120 can deliver up to 2 amps of charging current, depending on your USB power supply and the battery being charged. At 2 amps, a typical 1300mAh 3S LiPo battery would charge in approximately 40 minutes to one hour. Charging speed is limited by both the charger's 20-watt maximum power output and the capabilities of your USB power supply, so using a higher-capacity USB power source will generally result in faster charging times.
- How do I know when my battery is fully charged? — The S120 provides clear LED status indication: a blinking purple or yellow light indicates active charging, whilst a solid green LED indicates charging is complete. Once the LED turns green, your battery is fully charged and ready to use. You can safely leave your battery connected to the charger after charging is complete without risk of overcharging, thanks to the intelligent Smart Charging system.
- Does the S120 work with my existing RC batteries? — The S120 only works with Spektrum SMART batteries that have an integrated microchip. If your batteries don't have the Spektrum Smart system, they won't be compatible. However, if you're considering upgrading your battery setup or purchasing new batteries, Spektrum Smart batteries are available in various capacities and cell counts to suit different RC applications from small indoor drones to larger crawlers and trucks.
- Is the Spektrum S120 waterproof or weather-resistant? — The charger itself is not waterproof, so you should keep it dry during use and storage. However, the compact design makes it easy to keep in your pit bag or toolbox where it stays protected. When charging at the field or track, simply place it on a dry surface away from moisture.
- Can I charge multiple batteries at once with the S120? — No, the S120 has a single output port and can only charge one battery at a time. However, its compact size and portable USB-C design make it easy to carry to the field and charge your batteries sequentially throughout the day.
- What protection features does the S120 include? — The S120 incorporates thermal protection to prevent damage from excessive heat during charging, reverse polarity protection in case you accidentally connect a battery incorrectly, and advanced charge protection circuitry that monitors the charging process throughout the cycle. These multiple safety systems work together to ensure your batteries charge safely and reliably every time.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the SPM Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger, 1x20W O-SPMXC1020 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
