ET0208E

Overview

The Etronix Powerpal Peak Charger is a simple, compact and reliable entry-level charging solution for anyone serious about their RC hobby in the UK. Whether you're a beginner getting started with your first RC car or an experienced enthusiast looking for a dependable backup charger, this dual-input AC/DC charger delivers professional-grade performance at an accessible price point. The Powerpal Peak stands out because it offers genuine versatility — charge at home using standard UK mains power, or take it to the field and charge from your car's 12V lighter socket. This flexibility means your RC batteries are always ready when you are, whether you're at home, in the car, or out at the track.

The Powerpal Peak has earned its reputation as the go-to charger for RC enthusiasts running Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs. Its intelligent peak detection technology actively prevents the battery overcharging that can reduce pack lifespan and damage expensive RC equipment. Combined with an 8-bit microchip CPU controller and a range of selectable charge rates, this charger gives you complete control over how your batteries are charged, matching the charging profile to your specific battery capacity and chemistry. If you're investing in quality RC vehicles — whether that's an RC monster truck, RC buggy, RC off-road car or any other Ni-MH or Ni-Cd powered model — you need a charger you can trust.

The engineering inside the Powerpal Peak reflects Etronix's commitment to safety and reliability. Every unit features short-circuit protection circuitry to keep your batteries and charger safe, whilst the switching transfer design keeps heat dissipation low, meaning the charger stays cool even during extended charging sessions. LED indicators and an audible beeper provide clear visual and audio feedback throughout the entire charge cycle, so you always know exactly what's happening. The included 12V car lighter adaptor means you can charge on the move, making this charger perfect for competitive RC drivers, weekend bashers, or anyone who wants maximum charging flexibility.

Key Features

• Dual AC/DC Power Input — The charger accepts both standard UK 240V mains power and 12V DC from your car lighter socket, giving you the freedom to charge anywhere, anytime, whether you're at your RC workbench at home or out at the field or race track.
• Intelligent Peak Detection Technology — Built-in peak detection software automatically detects when your battery is fully charged and stops the charging process, completely eliminating the risk of damaging overcharge that degrades battery performance and shortens battery life.
• Multiple Selectable Charge Rates — Choose from 1 or 2 amp settings on AC input (4-8 cell batteries) or 1, 2, or 4 amp settings on DC input (4-7 cell batteries), allowing you to match the charging current precisely to your battery capacity and chemistry.
• 8-Bit Microchip CPU Control — Professional-grade microprocessor control ensures accurate charging behaviour, intelligent battery detection, and reliable peak detection across a wide range of battery types and capacities.
• Short-Circuit Protection Circuitry — Advanced protection circuitry prevents damage from accidental short circuits, protecting both your valuable batteries and the charger itself from electrical faults.
• Low Heat Dissipation Design — The switching transfer design minimises heat generation during charging, keeping the charger cool and reliable even during long charging sessions, which extends component lifespan and improves safety.
• Clear Charging Status Indication — Integrated LED light and audible beeper provide continuous feedback, letting you know the charging status at a glance or by sound, making it impossible to miss when your battery is fully charged.
• Re-Peak Function — The re-peak function allows you to top up batteries that have discharged slightly, ensuring they're always at maximum capacity when you need them.
• Portable 12V Car Lighter Adaptor — The included car lighter cable gives you genuine charging flexibility, meaning you can charge your RC batteries from any vehicle with a 12V lighter socket, perfect for long days at the track or field.
• Compact and Portable Design — The small footprint makes the charger easy to store, transport and use in any space, whether that's a dedicated RC workbench, garage, or motorhome.

Technical Performance

The Etronix Powerpal Peak Charger represents solid engineering at an entry-level price point. Its 8-bit microchip CPU controller manages charging with impressive accuracy, intelligently detecting the battery chemistry and capacity to deliver the right charge profile every time. The switching transfer design is particularly noteworthy — this technology converts electrical power with minimal loss, keeping heat generation low and allowing the charger to work efficiently whether you're using mains power or 12V DC input. The charger's output is protected by short-circuit protection circuitry, a critical safety feature that prevents catastrophic damage if battery leads are accidentally shorted together. On AC mains input, the charger handles 4-8 cell Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries at 1 or 2 amp rates. Switch to 12V DC input and you gain access to an additional 4 amp charge rate, making it practical to charge even larger capacity battery packs in 30-45 minutes. The peak detection algorithm continuously monitors charging progress and automatically terminates charging at peak voltage, preventing the overcharge condition that causes battery puffing, reduced run-time and premature failure. The re-peak function allows you to top up batteries after partial discharge, ensuring they're always at maximum capacity. Whether you're charging a small 1100mAh receiver pack for your RC plane, a 1800mAh stick pack for your RC car, or a larger 5000mAh battery for extended run-times, this charger adapts to suit your needs. The included Tamiya connector is the industry standard for RC cars and trucks across the UK, though optional adapter leads are available if your specific RC model uses alternative connectors such as deans or servo connectors.

What's in the Box

• Etronix Powerpal Peak Charger main unit with European plug
• 12V car lighter adaptor cable for portable DC charging
• Tamiya connector (standard RC car battery connector)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Etronix Powerpal Peak suitable for beginners to RC? — Absolutely. The Powerpal Peak is specifically designed as an entry-level charger, making it ideal for anyone just getting into RC hobbies. Its simple operation, clear LED and beeper indicators, and automatic peak detection mean you don't need technical expertise to charge safely. The multiple amp settings let you start with smaller batteries and progress to larger packs as your hobby grows.
• Can I use this charger at home and in the car? — Yes, this is one of the Powerpal Peak's greatest strengths. Plug it into UK 240V mains at home for convenient bench charging, or connect it to your car's 12V lighter socket using the included adaptor for charging at the field, track, or anywhere else with a vehicle. This dual-input design means you only need one charger for all your charging situations.
• What batteries does the Powerpal Peak charge? — The charger is designed for Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) and Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) battery packs only. It will not charge LiPo, LiHV, or other lithium-based batteries — you would need a dedicated LiPo charger for those chemistries. The Powerpal Peak handles 4-8 cell packs on AC mains and 4-7 cell packs on DC input.
• What amp setting should I use for my battery? — A general rule is to charge at a rate equal to or less than the battery's capacity in amp-hours. For example, a 1200mAh (1.2Ah) battery can safely charge at 1.2 amps maximum, so use the 1A setting. A 5000mAh (5Ah) battery can charge at up to 5 amps, so the 4A setting (available on DC) works well. When in doubt, use the lower amp setting — it's always safer and the battery will still charge fully, just slightly more slowly.
• How long does it take to charge a battery? — Charging time depends on the battery capacity and the amp setting you choose. As a rough guide, divide the battery capacity in mAh by the charge rate in amps to estimate charge time. For example, a 3500mAh battery charged at 4 amps would take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Always use the peak detection feature — the charger will automatically stop when the battery is fully charged.
• Do I need an adapter to use this charger with my RC battery? — The Powerpal Peak comes with a standard Tamiya connector, which is the industry standard for most RC cars and trucks in the UK. If your RC model uses a different connector type — such as deans, servo connectors, or mini Tamiya — you'll need a compatible adapter lead, but these are inexpensive and widely available from RC retailers like RC Model Shop.
• Is the Powerpal Peak safe to leave unattended? — The peak detection system automatically stops charging when the battery reaches full charge, and short-circuit protection prevents damage from electrical faults. However, as with any charging device, it's sensible to supervise the charging process, especially with larger battery packs or if it's your first time charging a particular battery type. Never leave batteries charging overnight or for extended periods beyond when they reach full charge.
• Can I charge multiple batteries at once? — The Powerpal Peak is a single-channel charger designed to charge one battery at a time. If you need to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, you would need multiple chargers or a dedicated multi-channel charging station.

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 ETRONIX POWERPAL PEAK CHARGER AC/DC 1/2/4 AMP (European Plug) ET0208E 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.