Overview
The Etronix Balance Charger and Mains Power Lead (UK) ET0227 is a simple yet effective solution for charging 2S and 3S LiPo batteries, making it the ideal replacement for the basic chargers often supplied with ready to run RC aircraft, helicopters and cars. Whether you're new to the RC hobby or an experienced enthusiast looking to upgrade your charging setup, this mains-powered charger offers reliable performance and convenience at an affordable price point. Its compact design means you can keep it at home or take it to the field, ensuring your LiPo batteries are always ready for action.
This UK-spec balance charger is particularly popular amongst RC car UK enthusiasts and pilots who fly ready to run RC aircraft and heliconters. It accepts the widely-used XH balance plugs found on most modern LiPo battery packs, and its straightforward operation makes it accessible to RC hobbyists of all skill levels. The charger's universal mains input voltage (100-240V AC) means it works anywhere in the UK, whether you're charging at home or at the RC field, and it's also compatible with international power supplies if you travel abroad with your RC models.
Built with user-friendliness in mind, the Etronix Balance Charger combines practical engineering with clear status indicators so you always know what's happening with your battery charge. At just 120 grams and measuring only 95 x 60 x 32mm, this charger takes up minimal space in your RC toolkit whilst delivering the charging power you need to keep your models running all day long.
Key Features
- XH Balance Plug Compatibility — This charger accepts the popular XH balance plugs found on most modern LiPo battery packs, ensuring broad compatibility with batteries from multiple manufacturers and eliminating the need to source adapters or replacement plugs.
- 2S and 3S LiPo Support — The charger is specifically designed to handle both 2S (7.4V) and 3S (11.1V) LiPo batteries, covering the most common cell counts used in RTF/RTR aircraft, helicopters and RC cars across the UK hobby market.
- UK Mains Power Lead Included — Supplied complete with a UK-specification three-pin mains power lead, you can start charging immediately without purchasing additional cables or adapters, making this a true plug-and-play solution.
- Universal Mains Input Voltage — The charger accepts 100-240V AC 50/60Hz input, meaning it works reliably with UK mains electricity and is equally suitable for use abroad, providing flexibility for RC enthusiasts who travel with their models.
- Dual LED Status Display — Two LED indicators provide clear visual feedback throughout the charging process: a green power LED confirms the charger is connected and ready, a red charging status LED shows when current is flowing to the battery, and when both LEDs turn green, your battery is fully charged and ready to use.
- Balanced Charging Technology — The 300mA balance current ensures that all cells within your LiPo battery pack charge evenly, extending battery life and maintaining optimal performance by preventing cell imbalance, which is critical for reliable operation of your RC car, helicopter or aircraft.
- 12W Charge Power Output — This charging capacity delivers up to 1.0A on 2S batteries (7.4V) and 0.79A on 3S batteries (11.1V), providing efficient charging times without stressing your LiPo packs or requiring excessive charging time.
- Compact and Lightweight Design — Weighing just 120 grams and measuring only 95 x 60 x 32mm, this charger is portable enough to slip into your RC toolkit, range bag or backpack, making it perfect for use at the RC field, in the garage or anywhere you need convenient battery charging.
- Replacement Charger Solution — Purpose-designed as a direct replacement for the basic stock chargers supplied with most RTF/RTR RC models, this charger offers significantly improved charging control and battery protection compared to entry-level alternatives.
Technical Performance
The Etronix Balance Charger represents solid engineering for recreational RC users who need dependable battery charging without unnecessary complexity. Its 12W power output and dual-mode charging capability (1.0A for 2S packs and 0.79A for 3S packs) deliver efficient charging cycles that keep your LiPo batteries in peak condition. The balanced charging system with 300mA balance current actively monitors and equalises voltage across individual cells, a critical feature for maintaining battery health and performance in your RC models. Build quality is straightforward and functional — the compact plastic housing protects internal circuitry whilst remaining lightweight enough for portable use. The dual LED system is deliberately simple yet effective: the green power LED provides instant confirmation of mains connection and unit functionality, whilst the red charging LED and dual-green full-charge indicator give users complete transparency without complex displays or confusing menus. This charger is engineered for the typical RC car UK owner or aircraft pilot who flies ready to run models and needs reliable, fuss-free charging between sessions. The universal 100-240V AC input stage ensures compatibility across UK mains standards (50Hz) and beyond, whilst the XH balance plug connector has become an industry standard due to its reliability and safety features. Materials throughout are chosen for durability and electrical safety, with proper insulation and strain relief on the mains lead ensuring years of reliable service in a hobby environment.
What's in the Box
- Etronix Balance Charger unit
- UK mains power lead with three-pin plug
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Etronix Balance Charger ET0227 suitable for RC beginners? — Absolutely. This charger is specifically designed as a replacement for the basic chargers supplied with ready to run RC aircraft, helicopters and cars, making it perfect for beginners who want better battery management without dealing with complex charging protocols. The simple two-LED status display makes it immediately obvious when charging is in progress and when your battery is fully charged.
- What types of LiPo batteries can I charge with this charger? — This charger is specifically designed for 2S and 3S LiPo batteries (representing 7.4V and 11.1V respectively), which are the most common battery types found in RTF/RTR RC models. The XH balance plug compatibility covers the vast majority of modern LiPo packs available in the UK RC market.
- How long does it take to charge a battery with this charger? — Charge times depend on battery capacity and which output level is being used. On 2S batteries, the charger delivers up to 1.0A, whilst on 3S batteries it delivers up to 0.79A. A typical 1000-1500mAh 2S or 3S LiPo battery would charge in approximately 1-2 hours, making this ideal for between-session charging or overnight top-ups.
- Can I use this charger outside the UK? — Yes, the universal 100-240V AC 50/60Hz input means this charger will work with mains electricity anywhere in the world. However, you may need a travel adapter plug to connect the UK three-pin lead to foreign socket types. The charger itself requires no modification and will operate normally with international power supplies.
- What does the LED status display tell me? — The charger uses two LED indicators to communicate its status: a green power LED shows the charger is connected to mains and ready to operate, a red charging status LED illuminates when current is flowing into the battery, and when the battery is fully charged, both LEDs turn green. This simple system means you always know exactly what's happening without consulting a manual or display screen.
- Is this charger suitable for LiPo batteries with other balance plug types? — This charger is designed to work with XH balance plugs, which is the most common standard in modern RC batteries. If your LiPo batteries use JST or other balance connectors, you would need an adapter cable, though XH plugs are the industry standard for new batteries.
- What safety features does the Etronix Balance Charger include? — The balanced charging system actively monitors and equalises voltage across individual cells, protecting your battery from dangerous charge imbalances that can cause premature failure or safety issues. The fixed 300mA balance current and output limits (1.0A for 2S, 0.79A for 3S) prevent overcharging, and the LED status system ensures you never leave a battery charging unattended without knowing its status.
- Can I charge multiple batteries at the same time? — This charger is designed to charge one battery at a time via its single XH balance plug socket. If you need to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, you would need multiple chargers or a multi-bay 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 BALANCE CHARGER AND MAINS POWER LEAD (UK) ET0227 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.
- Model Number: ET0227
- Brand: Etronix
- Product Type: Balance Charger with Mains Power Lead
- Power Input: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz
- Input Current Rating: 0.3A
- Battery Compatibility: 2S and 3S LiPo
- Output 2S: 7.4V at 1.0A
- Output 3S: 11.1V at 0.79A
- Balance Current: 300mA
- Charge Power: 12W
- Balance Plug Type: XH
- Status Display: 2 x LED indicators
- Power LED Indicator: Green
- Charging Status LED Indicator: Red
- Fully Charged LED Indicator: Both LEDs Green
- Weight: 120g (approx)
- Dimensions: 95 x 60 x 32mm
- Included Accessories: UK mains power lead with three-pin plug
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.