ET0208

Overview

The eTronix PowerPal Peak Charger (ET0208) is a simple, compact and reliable entry-level charging solution for NiMH and NiCd battery packs, making it one of the most popular choices for RC enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're a seasoned RC car competitor, a weekend basher with your RC truck or buggy, or just discovering the exciting world of RC for the first time, this versatile charger delivers the performance and flexibility you need. With both AC mains and 12V DC input options, it's equally at home on the workbench at home, in your car at the track, or at the field during RC racing events, providing genuine convenience for hobbyists who demand portable charging solutions.

What sets the PowerPal Peak apart is its intelligent peak detection technology, which automatically recognises when your battery pack is fully charged and stops the charging cycle to prevent damaging overcharging. This means you can charge with confidence, knowing your valuable NiMH battery packs—whether they're for your RC buggy, RC monster truck, or compact RC car—are being looked after properly. The charger combines switching transfer design for low heat dissipation with 8-bit microchip CPU control, creating a robust platform that's built to last and performs reliably year after year.

The eTronix PowerPal Peak is the ideal entry-level charger for anyone building their first RC car setup or expanding their charging capabilities. It's compact enough to throw in your RC bag, tough enough to handle regular use, and feature-rich enough to charge a wide range of battery capacities and cell counts, making it a genuine investment piece for your RC hobby.

Key Features

• Selectable charge rates (1A, 2A and 4A) — The charger offers flexible charging amperage settings that allow you to match the charge rate to your specific battery capacity and type. When using AC mains power, you can select 1A or 2A charging rates, whilst the DC 12V input provides 1A, 2A and 4A options, giving you genuine flexibility whether you're charging a small receiver pack or a larger capacity main battery for your RC model.
• AC mains (240V) and 12V DC input options — This dual-input design means the PowerPal Peak works anywhere: plug it into a standard UK wall socket at home for bench charging, or use the included 12V car lighter adaptor to charge on the move at the track, field or during RC events, making it perfect for portable RC charging wherever your hobby takes you.
• Wide charging range (4–8 cells AC, 4–7 cells DC) — The charger accommodates NiMH and NiCd packs ranging from 4-cell packs right up to 8-cell configurations when using AC power (or 7-cell with DC input), covering virtually all standard RC battery pack voltages you'll encounter in RC cars, buggies, trucks and other models.
• Peak detection with re-peak function — The intelligent 8-bit microchip CPU monitors your battery pack throughout the charge cycle and automatically cuts off when peak charge is reached, eliminating the risk of overcharging. The re-peak function allows for additional topping up if needed, providing extra protection for your NiMH battery investment.
• Switching transfer design for low heat dissipation — Rather than using traditional linear charging technology that generates excessive heat, the PowerPal Peak employs switching transfer design to keep the charger cool during extended charging sessions, improving reliability and extending the life of internal components.
• Short-circuit protection — Output circuitry includes built-in short-circuit protection, which prevents damage to the charger if you accidentally reverse polarity or create a short circuit, providing essential safety for your equipment and peace of mind during charging.
• LED indicators and audible beeper — Clear status lights and an audible beeper keep you informed throughout the entire charge cycle, letting you know at a glance whether the charger is actively charging, has reached full capacity, or if there's an issue that needs attention—ideal when you're managing multiple chargers or charging in noisy environments.
• Tamiya connector compatibility — The charger comes fitted with a standard Tamiya connector, making it compatible with the vast majority of RC batteries used in popular RC cars and buggies across the UK and worldwide. Optional adapter leads are available (such as the ET0800, ET0817 and ET0821) if your specific battery pack uses alternative connectors.
• Portable 12V car lighter adaptor included — The bundled 12V DC adaptor plugs straight into your car's cigarette lighter or 12V accessory socket, transforming any vehicle into a mobile charging station for your RC battery packs during track days, club events or weekend RC adventures.

Technical Performance

The eTronix PowerPal Peak represents a genuine step forward in entry-level RC charger design, combining proven charging technology with practical UK user requirements. The 8-bit microchip CPU controller continuously monitors battery voltage and resistance throughout the charge cycle, using sophisticated peak detection algorithms to identify the exact moment your NiMH or NiCd pack reaches full charge. This prevents the common problem of overcharging, which can permanently damage battery chemistry and reduce capacity over time. The switching transfer design is a critical engineering choice—it operates at a high switching frequency to convert power efficiently, producing far less heat than traditional linear designs, which means the charger stays cooler and more reliable even during consecutive charging sessions. With dual input options (240V AC mains for UK homes and offices, plus 12V DC for vehicles), this charger adapts to wherever you need it. AC power can charge 4-8 cell packs at selectable 1A or 2A rates, whilst DC input can charge 4-7 cell packs at 1A, 2A or 4A settings. The 4A DC setting is particularly valuable for larger capacity battery packs used in high-performance RC buggies and RC trucks, cutting charge times significantly without compromising battery safety. Short-circuit protection on the output stage safeguards against accidental damage, whilst the LED indicators and beeper provide real-time feedback so you always know your charge status. This is a solidly engineered charger that delivers genuine value for RC enthusiasts across the UK.

What's in the Box

• eTronix PowerPal Peak Charger main unit (ET0208)
• 12V DC car lighter adaptor for portable charging
• UK mains power cord (240V)
• Tamiya connector charging lead

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the PowerPal Peak charger work with my NiMH battery pack? — Yes, the PowerPal Peak is specifically designed for NiMH and NiCd battery packs across a wide range of capacities and cell counts. It will charge 4-8 cell NiMH packs using AC mains power, or 4-7 cell packs via the included 12V DC car adaptor. If your battery has a standard Tamiya connector, no additional adapters are needed. However, this charger is not suitable for LiPo batteries, which require a dedicated LiPo charger.
• Can I use this charger for my RC car or RC buggy? — Absolutely. The PowerPal Peak is ideal for most standard RC cars, buggies and trucks that use NiMH battery packs. Whether you're charging a receiver pack (smaller capacity, typically 4-6 cells) or a main motor battery (larger capacity, up to 8 cells with AC power), this charger has the right amp setting for safe, efficient charging. Real users report excellent results with popular RC models across the UK hobby scene.
• What charge rate should I use for my battery? — A general rule for safe battery charging is to charge at a rate no higher than the battery's capacity in amp-hours. For example, a 1200mAh battery should charge at a maximum of 1.2A, whilst a 4700mAh battery can safely charge at 4A. The PowerPal Peak gives you three DC options (1A, 2A, 4A) to match different battery sizes, ensuring you're always charging safely without unnecessary charge times.
• Does the battery need to be fully discharged before charging? — No. The PowerPal Peak will charge a partially charged pack with no issue whatsoever. The intelligent peak detection automatically recognises the current charge state and continues charging until full capacity is reached, at which point it cuts off automatically. This means you can top up your battery packs between races or practice sessions without waiting for them to drain completely.
• How long does it take to charge a typical battery? — Charge time depends on the battery capacity and the amp setting you select. For example, a 1200mAh battery charged at 1A takes approximately one hour, whilst a 4700mAh battery charged at the 4A setting takes around 45 minutes. Using higher amp settings reduces charge time significantly, but you should never exceed a safe charge rate for your specific battery pack.
• Will this work in my car? — Yes. The included 12V DC car lighter adaptor plugs directly into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket or 12V accessory outlet. This lets you charge your NiMH packs whilst you're at the track, field or during RC club events, making it perfect for keeping your batteries topped up between races and practice runs.
• What adapters might I need? — The charger comes with a standard Tamiya connector, which is the most common connector used in UK RC hobby. However, if your battery pack uses a different connector type (such as Deans, servo connector or mini Tamiya), you can purchase optional adapter leads separately. Popular adapters include the ET0800 (converts to servo connector), ET0817 (Deans connector) and ET0821 (mini Tamiya). Contact RC Model Shop if you're unsure which adapter suits your specific battery.
• Is the PowerPal Peak suitable for beginners? — Yes, this is an excellent charger for beginners. The simple interface with just three controls (power switch, cell selector and amp selector) makes it straightforward to use, whilst the intelligent peak detection means you don't need deep technical knowledge to charge safely. The LED indicators and beeper give clear feedback throughout the process. Many RC newcomers to the hobby choose this charger as their first dedicated unit because it's affordable, reliable and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• Can I charge multiple batteries at the same time? — No, the PowerPal Peak charges one battery pack at a time. If you need to charge multiple packs simultaneously, you would need additional chargers. However, the fast charge times (particularly with the 4A DC setting) mean you can charge several packs sequentially quite quickly.
• What's the difference between the AC and DC charging options? — AC charging uses your home's 240V mains power and supports up to 8-cell packs at 1A or 2A settings, ideal for home bench charging. DC charging via the 12V car adaptor supports up to 7-cell packs but offers higher amp rates including the useful 4A setting, perfect for rapid charging at the track or field. Both provide the same intelligent peak detection and safety features.

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 (UK Plug) ET0208 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.