Overview
The Spektrum S250 Smart G2 AC Charger 2x50W Dual-Port with IC3/IC5 Output is a revolutionary charging solution designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand simplicity, performance and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned RC car UK competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC hobby charging, this advanced smart charger brings professional-grade technology to your workbench at a price that fits any budget. The S250 represents the new "Generation 2" of Spektrum Smart electronics, combining cutting-edge charging innovation with user-friendly design that makes battery management effortless.
This dual-port AC charger delivers up to 2x50W of simultaneous charging power, or concentrates all 80W into a single channel for ultra-fast charging when you need it most. The integrated IC3® and IC5® charging ports eliminate the need for separate adapters, providing adapter-free convenience that saves time and reduces clutter on your pit bench or field setup. What sets the S250 apart in the crowded market of RC chargers is its revolutionary Smart G2 integration: you can now charge AND balance your Smart batteries through a single IC connection with no separate balance leads required—a genuinely game-changing feature for hassle-free RC operations.
Built with an intelligent colour LCD screen interface, intuitive menus, and real-time charge countdown clock, this charger transforms what used to be a confusing process into an intuitive, almost automatic experience. The Auto Charge feature recognises your Smart battery's chemistry type and charge parameters the moment you connect it, then begins proper charging automatically without any manual configuration needed. For anyone looking to upgrade their RC charging setup, the Spektrum S250 Smart G2 AC Charger represents the perfect balance of advanced technology and everyday usability.
Key Features
- Dual-Port 2x50W Simultaneous Charging — Charge two RC batteries at the same time, each receiving up to 50W of power, or combine both channels for a single 80W port to dramatically reduce overall charging time when you're preparing for racing or bashing sessions.
- Selectable IC3® and IC5® Output Ports — Built-in IC3® and IC5® connectors mean you never need to buy separate adapters again; simply use the convenient slider to select your preferred port and begin charging without additional purchases or compatibility worries.
- One-Connection Smart G2 Balancing — Charge and balance your Smart G2 batteries through a single IC connection with no separate balance lead required, simplifying your RC setup and reducing cable clutter significantly.
- Auto Charge Recognition Technology — The S250 automatically recognises your Smart battery's charging parameters including chemistry type and safe charge rate, then begins proper, optimised charging immediately upon connection without any manual input needed.
- Real-Time Charge Countdown Clock — A colour LCD display shows exactly how many minutes remain until your battery is fully charged and ready to use, eliminating guesswork and helping you plan your RC session perfectly.
- Colour LCD Screen with Intuitive Interface — Fresh menus, clear icons, and easy-to-use buttons create the most user-friendly charging experience available, providing Smart battery history and performance information that helps you make informed decisions about your RC equipment.
- Comprehensive Battery Chemistry Support — Charges 1-4S LiPo, LiFe, LiIon, and LiHV batteries plus 1-12S NiCd and Smart NiMH batteries, making the S250 compatible with virtually any RC battery chemistry you might own.
- Advanced Safety Features — Thermal protection, short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, and integrated charge protection circuitry keep your expensive RC batteries safe during every charge cycle.
- Efficient Low-Noise Cooling Fan — A dedicated cooling fan maintains optimal operating temperature during long charging sessions, allowing the charger to maintain maximum power output whilst staying whisper-quiet in your workshop or at the track.
- USB-C Firmware Updates — Keep your charger running the latest software with convenient USB-C input for firmware updates, ensuring you always have access to the newest features and safety enhancements.
- Portable Professional Design — The sleek case fits perfectly on your workbench, in your pit bag, or at the field; the detachable power cord makes transport genuinely convenient for club meetings, competitions and weekend bashing adventures.
- Backwards Compatible with EC3® and EC5® Connectors — The S250 works seamlessly with older Spektrum batteries and equipment, protecting your existing RC investment whilst giving you access to smart charging technology.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum S250 Smart G2 AC Charger represents engineering excellence in portable RC charging technology. Operating from standard UK household mains voltage (100-240V AC), the charger accepts input from any international power supply, making it suitable whether you're charging in your home workshop, at a local RC club, or travelling abroad. The dual-channel architecture delivers a maximum of 50W per channel with an 8A maximum charge rate, achieving industry-leading charging speed that significantly reduces downtime between RC sessions. When you need ultimate speed, consolidating power to a single channel provides up to 80W of concentrated charging energy—substantially faster than single-channel competitors. The charger features integrated internal balancing technology with internal adapter capability, eliminating external balance lead requirements that plague traditional chargers and reducing points of failure. Battery temperature monitoring continuously tracks pack heat during charging, engaging thermal protection automatically if any cell becomes dangerously warm, protecting your valuable LiPo batteries and extending their operational lifespan considerably. The comprehensive charge protection circuitry, reverse polarity protection, and safety timer prevent overcharging, over-discharge, and dangerous charging scenarios that could damage equipment or create safety hazards. A 1.5A maximum continuous discharge current supports charging monitoring and battery maintenance functions. The colour LCD display with intelligent menus provides real-time feedback about charging status, estimated completion time, and battery health metrics that inform your maintenance decisions. The unit measures 110mm (length) x 118mm (width) x 52mm (height) and weighs just 435 grams, making it genuinely portable for competitive racing, club events, and field operations across the UK RC scene.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum S250 2x50W AC Smart Charger unit
- AC Power Cord with detachable connector for easy transport
- S250 2x50W AC Smart Charger comprehensive instruction manual (English language)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Spektrum S250 Smart G2 Charger suitable for RC beginners? — Absolutely yes. The Auto Charge feature makes this charger remarkably beginner-friendly by automatically recognising your Smart battery and beginning safe charging without any manual configuration needed. The colour LCD screen displays intuitive icons and clear menus rather than confusing technical jargon, whilst the countdown clock removes any uncertainty about when your battery will be ready. Even for beginners without prior charger experience, the S250 handles the technical complexity automatically.
- What types of RC batteries can the S250 charge? — This charger supports an impressive range: 1-4S LiPo, LiFe, LiIon, and LiHV batteries plus 1-12S NiCd and NiMH Smart batteries. Whether you're running brushless RC cars, vintage NiMH equipment, high-voltage LiHV packs, or older lithium iron phosphate batteries, the S250 has you covered. The Smart technology brings maximum capability to Smart batteries specifically, but the charger also works with non-Smart chemistries.
- Do I need separate balance leads with the S250? — No, this is one of the S250's most innovative features. With Smart G2 batteries, you charge and balance through a single IC3® or IC5® connection—no separate balance lead required. This dramatically simplifies your setup, reduces cable clutter, and eliminates a common source of charging problems. Non-Smart batteries still require external balancing, but Smart G2 compatibility removes this complication entirely.
- Can I charge two batteries simultaneously with this charger? — Yes, the dual-port design allows simultaneous charging of two batteries with each receiving up to 50W of power. Alternatively, you can combine both channels into a single port for up to 80W of power if you want the fastest possible charge time for a single battery. This flexibility adapts to your specific usage pattern.
- Is the Spektrum S250 better than other dual-port chargers? — The S250 distinguishes itself through several key advantages: integrated IC3®/IC5® connectors eliminate adapter requirements, Smart G2 one-connection balancing simplifies your workflow, the Auto Charge feature recognises battery parameters automatically, and the real-time countdown clock provides precise time estimation. The intuitive colour LCD interface is significantly more user-friendly than traditional text displays found on competing models, and backwards compatibility with EC3®/EC5® connectors protects your existing equipment investment.
- What are the dimensions and weight of this charger? — The S250 measures 110mm in length, 118mm in width, and 52mm in height, with a total weight of just 435 grams. These compact dimensions and lightweight construction make the charger genuinely portable for transportation to clubs, competitions, and field locations without adding significant weight to your kit bag.
- Does the S250 have safety features for expensive lithium batteries? — Yes, the charger includes comprehensive safety systems: battery temperature monitoring with thermal protection, short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, integrated charge protection circuitry, and an automatic safety timer. These features work together to prevent overcharging, thermal runaway, and dangerous charging scenarios that could damage lithium batteries or create safety risks.
- Can I update the S250's firmware? — Yes, the USB-C input port allows firmware updates to keep your charger running the latest software with newest features and safety enhancements. This forward-compatibility ensures your charger remains current as Spektrum releases improvements and new Smart battery technology.
- Is the S250 compatible with non-Smart Spektrum batteries? — Yes, the charger is backwards compatible with EC3® and EC5® connector batteries from earlier Spektrum generations. Whilst you won't benefit from all the advanced Smart features like one-connection balancing, the charger can still safely charge these older batteries with full temperature monitoring and safety protection.
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 Spektrum S250 Smart G2 AC Charger 2x50W Dual-Port with IC3/IC5 Output – O-SPMXC2060I 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.
