Overview
The Spektrum S100 1x100W USB-C Smart Charger represents a significant advancement in RC battery charging technology, bringing today's most sophisticated and user-friendly charging solutions to RC enthusiasts of all skill levels across the UK. Whether you're an experienced racer maintaining a fleet of LiPo batteries or a hobbyist just discovering the world of RC cars, drones and aircraft, the S100 delivers professional-grade charging performance in a compact, portable package that fits perfectly on your workbench, in your pit bag or in your field kit. This smart charger is specifically engineered for those who demand reliability, speed and simplicity without compromising on advanced features.
The S100 Smart USB-C Charger stands out in a crowded market of RC charging solutions because it combines powerful 100W charging capability with intelligent Auto Charge technology that recognises your battery's parameters automatically. Rather than fumbling with complicated menus and manual settings, simply connect a Smart battery and the charger handles the rest. For UK RC enthusiasts accustomed to quality, innovation and dependable performance, the S100 represents the next evolution in charging convenience, particularly when used with Spektrum Smart G2 batteries that eliminate the need for separate balance leads entirely.
Built on Spektrum's trusted legacy of advanced RC electronics, the S100 brings several generations of refinement to the charging experience. The charger features integrated IC3 and IC5 output ports so you can charge different Spektrum Smart batteries without carrying around multiple adapters. A colour LED screen with intuitive three-button interface makes checking battery status and adjusting settings straightforward, whilst thermal protection, short-circuit protection and low input voltage protection ensure your batteries and charger remain safe during every charging session.
Key Features
- Up to 100W Charging Power — The S100 is capable of delivering up to 100W of charging power when paired with a compatible high-wattage USB-C power supply and cable, allowing you to charge your RC batteries significantly faster than conventional chargers and get back to the field or track in record time.
- Auto Charge Technology — The charger automatically recognises your Smart battery's charging parameters including chemistry type and optimal charge rate, then begins safe, accurate charging immediately upon connection without requiring you to manually configure settings each time.
- One-Connection Smart Battery Charging and Balancing — With Smart G2 batteries, the S100 charges and balances your pack through a single IC3 or IC5 connection, eliminating the confusion and inconvenience of separate balance leads that characterise older charging technology.
- Dual IC3 and IC5 Output Ports — The integrated IC3 and IC5 charging ports allow you to charge different Spektrum Smart batteries without requiring separate adapters, saving you money and eliminating the clutter of multiple connector types on your charging bench.
- Broad Battery Compatibility — Beyond Smart batteries, the S100 charges virtually any hobby RC battery including 1S to 4S LiPo, LiFe, LiHV and LiIon packs, as well as 1C to 12C Smart NiMH batteries, making it an exceptionally versatile charging solution for multi-battery setups.
- USB-C Powered Design — The S100 accepts power through a standard USB-C connection, utilising modern USB Power Delivery technology to extract maximum charging power from your power supply, and includes a 60W USB-C to USB-C cable for immediate use.
- Colour LED Screen and Menu Interface — The bright colour display with three-button interface makes charging, checking battery status and adjusting charge rates simple and intuitive, providing instant visual feedback about your charging session.
- Wattage Display on Startup — Upon power-up, the S100 displays your USB power supply's available wattage, making it immediately obvious how much charging power you can achieve and helping you understand whether a more powerful supply would benefit your setup.
- Selectable Charge Rates — You can choose from 1A, 2A, 3A or 6A charge rates depending on your battery requirements and power supply capacity, giving you precise control over charging speed and the ability to balance fast charging with battery longevity.
- Battery Temperature Monitoring — Integrated temperature sensing protects your batteries by monitoring thermal conditions throughout the charging cycle and automatically stopping if temperatures exceed safe parameters.
- Firmware Update Capability — The S100 accepts firmware updates through its USB-C port, allowing Spektrum to add new features and improvements to your charger as technology evolves, ensuring your investment remains current and capable.
- Multiple Safety Protections — Over-current protection, short-circuit protection, low input voltage protection and thermal protection work together to safeguard your expensive batteries and RC equipment from damage.
- Compact, Portable Case Design — The sleek, sturdy case with rubber bottom grips fits comfortably on a workbench, in pit bags or field kits, whilst the detachable power cord makes transport convenient and ensures the charger remains stable during use.
- Peak Detection Technology — The charger includes peak detection to optimise charging cycles and ensure batteries are charged to their maximum safe capacity without overcharging.
- Internal Balancer with External Adapter Support — The S100 features an internal balancer for Smart batteries whilst also supporting external balancing adapters for enhanced flexibility with different battery types.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum S100 represents a sophisticated engineering achievement in portable RC battery charging technology. Measuring just 98mm in length, 72mm in width and 36mm in height, this compact charger delivers remarkable power output whilst maintaining a footprint small enough to fit in any pit bag or RC enthusiast's kit. The charger operates from DC input voltage between 5.0V and 20.0V via USB-C, utilising modern USB Power Delivery standards to intelligently scale its output power based on your connected power supply. With a minimum 10W USB-C power adapter, you'll achieve basic charging functionality, whilst upgrading to a 60W, 100W or higher-rated power supply progressively increases the S100's maximum output power up to its full 100W capability. The JST-XH balance connector provides reliable, low-resistance connections essential for accurate battery balancing. The charger supports multiple lithium chemistry types including LiPo at 3.7V per cell, LiFe at 3.3V per cell, LiHV at 3.8V per cell and LiIon at 3.3V per cell, whilst also accommodating NiMH Smart batteries at 1.2V per cell. The integrated internal balancer handles Smart battery balancing automatically, whilst the external balancer port provides compatibility with standard balancing adapters for maximum flexibility. Maximum charge rates reach 6A under optimal conditions, though you can dial this down to 3A, 2A or 1A depending on your battery requirements and power supply constraints. The charger includes an efficient, low-noise cooling fan to maintain safe operating temperatures during extended charging sessions, protecting both the charger's internal components and your batteries. PC connectivity via USB-C enables advanced configuration and data logging for detailed battery monitoring and analysis.
What's in the Box
- S100 1x100W USB-C Smart Charger
- 60W USB-C Cable to USB-C Cable
- Product Instruction Manual
What You Need to Complete
- 10W minimum USB-C power supply adapter (higher wattage supply recommended for maximum 100W output)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the S100 Smart Charger charge all my RC batteries? — The S100 is exceptionally versatile and can charge virtually any RC hobby battery from 1S to 4S LiPo, LiFe, LiHV and LiIon batteries, as well as 1C to 12C Smart NiMH batteries. However, it will not charge non-Smart NiMH brand batteries, so check your battery's specifications. For maximum functionality including one-connection charging and balancing without separate balance leads, use Spektrum Smart G2 batteries which communicate directly with the charger's Auto Charge system.
- Is the S100 suitable for beginners to RC? — Yes, absolutely. The S100's Auto Charge feature makes it particularly beginner-friendly because it automatically recognises your Smart battery's parameters and begins safe charging without any manual configuration. The colour LED screen and three-button interface provide clear feedback, and the comprehensive safety protections including thermal monitoring, short-circuit protection and low input voltage detection mean you can charge with confidence even if you're new to RC.
- What USB power supply do I need for the S100? — The S100 requires a minimum 10W USB-C power supply to operate, but will only deliver 10W output power with that minimum specification. To unlock the charger's full capabilities, invest in a 60W, 100W or even higher-rated USB-C power supply, which will progressively increase the S100's maximum output power up to 100W. The charger displays your power supply's available wattage on startup so you instantly know how much power you have available. Most modern smartphone and laptop USB-C power adapters will work, though dedicated high-wattage supplies deliver maximum performance.
- Does the S100 require a separate balance lead? — With Spektrum Smart G2 batteries, you don't need a separate balance lead at all. The S100 charges and balances Smart G2 packs through the same single IC3 or IC5 connection used for charging, simplifying your setup and eliminating confusion over multiple leads. Standard non-Smart batteries can also be charged and balanced, though some may require external balancing adapters depending on their connector type.
- How fast does the S100 charge compared to standard chargers? — With its 100W maximum power output, the S100 is significantly faster than conventional RC chargers, particularly when paired with a high-wattage USB-C power supply. You can select charge rates of 1A, 2A, 3A or 6A depending on your battery specifications and power supply capacity. Faster charge rates mean less downtime between flying or driving sessions, essential for competitive UK RC pilots and drivers.
- Can I use the S100 to charge other devices like phones or laptops? — No, the S100 is specifically designed as an RC battery charger and should only be used with RC batteries. Attempting to charge other devices could damage both the charger and the device.
- Does the S100 have safety protections for my expensive batteries? — Yes, the S100 includes comprehensive safety features: thermal protection monitors battery temperature and stops charging if temperatures become unsafe, over-current protection prevents excessive current draw, short-circuit protection guards against accidental connections, and low input voltage protection ensures stable charging even with marginal power supplies. Battery temperature monitoring throughout the charging cycle gives you confidence your investment is protected.
- Can I update the S100's firmware? — Yes, the S100 accepts firmware updates through its USB-C port, allowing Spektrum to add new features and optimisations. This ensures your charger remains current and gains new capabilities as RC technology evolves, protecting your investment long-term.
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 S100 1x100W USB-C Smart Charger O-SPMXC2090 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.
