Overview
The Radient Mistral LED LiPo-NiMH 5A Charger (RDNA0465) is a versatile, compact multi-chemistry AC/DC charger designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who need reliable battery charging solutions at home or in the field. Whether you're running LiPo, LiIon, or NiMH batteries in your RC car, drone, or other RC models, this intelligent charger delivers the perfect combination of user-friendly simplicity and smart programming to keep your batteries in peak condition. With both mains and portable DC power options, the Mistral is an essential tool for any serious RC hobbyist looking to maximise their battery lifespan and charging efficiency.
This 50-watt charger is engineered to handle 2–6 cell LiPo and LiIon packs alongside 1–15 cell NiMH batteries, making it one of the most flexible charging solutions available for UK RC car and RC aircraft users alike. The compact design measures just 145 × 78 × 47mm and weighs only 255g, making it perfect for transport to the track, field, or lakeside. A well-ventilated case design with built-in cooling ensures safe, efficient charging in all conditions, whilst clear LED status lights provide instant visual feedback on your charging progress.
The Mistral comes equipped with four different charger leads to cover the most popular battery connectors used in the RC hobby, including Deans, Tamiya, XT60, and Futaba receiver plugs. This means you can charge multiple battery types without searching for adapters, saving time and money. The intuitive interface allows you to adjust charge rates precisely between 0.1–5A, giving you complete control over how quickly your batteries charge based on their capacity and discharge rating. Whether you're a beginner stepping into the RC world or an experienced racer maintaining a fleet of batteries, the Radient Mistral is an excellent choice for reliable, convenient charging.
Key Features
- Dual AC/DC Power Input — This charger accepts both standard UK mains power (110–240V AC) and portable DC power supplies (11–18V), making it perfect for use at home, in the car, or at the RC track. You're never without a way to charge your batteries, whether you have access to electricity or are relying on a 12V battery system.
- Multi-Chemistry Support — Charge LiPo, LiIon, and NiMH batteries with a single intelligent device. The automatic cell detection means the charger recognises your battery type and voltage when connected, eliminating manual configuration and reducing the risk of damaging batteries through incorrect settings.
- Flexible Charge Rates (0.1–5A) — Adjust the charge current in precise increments from as low as 0.1A for small-capacity batteries up to the full 5A for larger packs. This flexibility means you can safely charge anything from micro-sized 1000mAh batteries to substantial 5000mAh+ packs, and you can select faster charging rates for bigger batteries or slower rates for battery conditioning.
- Extensive Connector Compatibility — Four included charge leads cover Deans, Tamiya, XT60, and Futaba receiver plugs, the most commonly used connectors in the RC hobby across the UK. This saves you from purchasing additional adapters and ensures you can charge virtually any battery you're likely to encounter.
- LED Status Indicators — Bright, clear LED lights provide real-time visual feedback, showing when charging is in progress and when your battery has reached full charge. The charger also produces audible beeps when charging starts and completes, so you'll always know the status of your batteries without having to check the screen.
- Compact and Portable Design — Measuring just 145 × 78 × 47mm and weighing a mere 255g, the Mistral is small enough to fit in a rucksack, tool bag, or car glove compartment. Its lightweight construction makes it ideal for RC enthusiasts who travel to multiple locations for bashing, racing, or flying.
- Well-Ventilated Case with Built-In Fan — The intelligent cooling system ensures safe thermal management during extended charging sessions. The ventilated design allows hot air to escape naturally, preventing the charger from overheating and extending its operational lifespan, even when running at maximum power output.
- 50W Total Power Output — With 50 watts of charging power available, the Mistral can charge batteries quickly without sacrificing safety. The power is intelligently distributed depending on your charge rate selection, ensuring efficient energy transfer to your batteries.
Technical Performance
The Radient Mistral LED 5A Charger represents a carefully engineered balance between performance, safety, and practicality for the UK RC market. The charger's 50-watt power delivery system is managed intelligently to prevent overcharging, which is critical for extending LiPo battery lifespan and maintaining optimal performance in your RC cars, trucks, buggies, and aircraft. The automatic chemistry detection technology means you simply connect your battery and the charger recognises whether you're using a LiPo, LiIon, or NiMH pack, applying the correct charging algorithm automatically. This intelligent approach removes guesswork and greatly reduces the risk of battery damage or safety issues that could result from incorrect manual settings. The wide DC input voltage range of 11–18V makes the charger compatible with standard 12V leisure batteries, vehicle auxiliary power, and dedicated DC power supplies, offering exceptional flexibility for field charging situations. The AC input capability (110–240V) covers all standard UK mains voltages plus international variants, making this charger suitable for use across Europe and beyond. Build quality is substantial, with a robust plastic housing that protects the internal circuitry whilst remaining lightweight for portability. The included alligator clips on the DC lead allow direct connection to battery terminals, whilst the included connector adapters cover the vast majority of modern RC battery connectors you'll encounter in the UK hobby scene. Temperature management is handled passively through the well-ventilated design and actively through the integrated fan, ensuring the charger remains cool during intensive charging cycles. The adjustable charge rate system, offering 0.1A increments from 0.1–5A, means you can optimise charging time based on the specific capacity and safe charge rating (C-rating) of each battery in your collection, from small 1000mAh micro packs through to substantial 6000mAh+ batteries used in high-performance RC vehicles.
What's in the Box
- 1x Mistral multi-chemistry AC/DC charger
- 1x Figure 8 AC power lead
- 1x DC power lead with alligator clips
- 1x 4mm bullets to Deans male connector adapter
- 1x HCT-female to Tamiya-male connector adapter
- 1x HCT-female to XT60-male connector adapter
- 1x HCT-male to Futaba-female receiver plug adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the Radient Mistral charge a 3S LiPo battery, and what settings should I use? — Yes, the Mistral fully supports 2–6 cell LiPo batteries, so a 3S (11.1V) pack is well within its range. The appropriate charge rate depends on your battery's capacity—for example, a 3000mAh battery should be charged at approximately 3A (using the general rule of dividing mAh by 1000 to find the safe continuous charge amperage). Always check your battery's specifications to ensure you're not exceeding its safe charge rate.
- Will this charger work with my 6S LiPo battery, and how long will it take to charge? — Yes, the Mistral supports up to 6S LiPo batteries, so charging a 6S pack is possible. However, due to the charger's 50-watt power limit, charging larger 6S batteries (particularly high-capacity packs like 6000mAh) will take considerably longer than using a higher-wattage charger. For faster charging of larger 6S batteries, you may want to consider a more powerful dedicated LiPo charger, but the Mistral will safely charge your battery if you have the time available.
- Can I charge NiMH batteries with this charger? — Absolutely. The Mistral is a true multi-chemistry charger supporting NiMH batteries from 1–15 cells. To charge a NiMH pack, simply select the NiMH setting on the charger and set your current based on the battery's capacity. For example, a 3000mAh NiMH pack should be charged at 3A and will reach full charge in approximately 45–55 minutes.
- What is the difference between the Mistral and other budget chargers available in the UK? — The Mistral stands out through its genuine multi-chemistry support (handling LiPo, LiIon, and NiMH with a single device), its versatile AC/DC power input options, and the inclusion of four connector adapters covering all mainstream battery plugs. Many budget chargers offer far fewer connector options or support only a single chemistry, requiring you to purchase multiple devices. The Mistral's automatic battery detection, adjustable charge rates, and intelligent thermal management make it a genuinely capable alternative to much more expensive chargers.
- Is this charger suitable for beginners to the RC hobby? — Yes, the Mistral is an excellent choice for newcomers to RC. The automatic chemistry and voltage detection removes the complexity of manual configuration, and the intuitive LED display clearly shows charging status. The included connector adapters cover virtually all common battery types, and the adjustable charge rate ensures you can safely charge any battery in your collection. The age recommendation of 14+ and the straightforward operation make this charger very beginner-friendly.
- What power source should I use—AC mains or DC 12V? — Either option works perfectly depending on your situation. Use the AC mains lead (110–240V) when charging at home for convenience and reliability. Use the DC lead with alligator clips (11–18V) when you're at the RC track, field, or lakeside and want to charge from a 12V leisure battery, vehicle auxiliary power, or portable DC power supply. The dual input flexibility is one of the Mistral's greatest strengths.
- How quickly would the charger charge a 2000mAh NiMH 7.2V battery? — Set the charger to 2A and it will charge a 2000mAh NiMH battery in just under one hour. The Mistral's adjustable current means you can balance charging speed against battery care—faster rates charge quicker but generate more heat, whilst slower rates are gentler on battery chemistry.
- Does the charger have a storage charge mode for LiPo batteries? — No, the Mistral does not feature a dedicated storage charge mode for LiPo batteries. If you require storage charging functionality, you may want to consider an alternative charger with this feature. However, the Mistral excels at standard charging and is perfectly adequate if you don't require storage mode capability.
- Can I use this charger for parallel charging multiple batteries simultaneously? — Whilst parallel charging is theoretically possible using a parallel cable adapter (purchased separately), the manufacturer does not recommend this approach. Parallel charging introduces complexity and potential safety risks if batteries have slightly different voltages or capacities. For safety and simplicity, charge batteries individually.
- Does the charger have a balance connector input? — The Mistral charges via the main battery connector (Deans, Tamiya, XT60, Futaba, etc.) and does include a balance port function. However, if you have a battery with only a balance connector and no main discharge connector, you will not be able to charge it with this unit—you would need a dedicated balance-only charger instead.
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 Radient Mistral LED LiPo-NiMH 5A Charger (UK) RDNA0465 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.
- Brand: Radient
- Model Number: RDNA0465
- Charger Type: Multi-chemistry AC/DC LiPo/LiIon/NiMH charger
- Total Power Output: 50W
- Supported Battery Chemistry: LiPo, LiIon, NiMH
- LiPo Cell Count: 2–6 cells
- NiMH Cell Count: 1–15 cells
- Charge Rate Range: 0.1–5A (adjustable)
- AC Input Voltage: 110–240V
- DC Input Voltage: 11–18V
- Product Dimensions: 145 × 78 × 47mm (L × W × H)
- Product Weight: 255g (8.99oz)
- Shipping Weight: 0.48kg (1.05lbs)
- Case Design: Well-ventilated with built-in cooling fan
- LED Status Indicators: Yes, with audible beep alerts
- Automatic Battery Detection: Yes, detects voltage and chemistry automatically
- Included Connector Adapters: 4mm bullets to Deans male, HCT-female to Tamiya-male, HCT-female to XT60-male, HCT-male to Futaba-female
- Included Power Leads: Figure 8 AC power lead, DC power lead with alligator clips
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- Barcode: 841704100074
- Box Contents: 1x Mistral charger, 1x Figure 8 AC lead, 1x DC lead with alligator clips, 4x connector adapters
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