Overview
The eTronix PowerPal 4.0 is a professional-grade 200-watt AC/DC charger and discharger designed for serious RC enthusiasts in the UK who demand reliability, speed and precision. Whether you're charging LiPo batteries for your electric RC car, drone or aircraft, this powerhouse delivers the performance needed for modern high-capacity battery packs. The PowerPal 4.0 represents the most advanced model in the PowerPal range, combining cutting-edge microprocessor technology with user-friendly controls to make battery management faster and more efficient than ever before.
If you're running a fleet of RC vehicles or participating in competitive RC racing, the 200W charge power rating and up to 10-amp charge current mean you can get back to racing, bashing or flying in minutes rather than hours. This charger is equally suited to experienced RC hobbyists in the UK looking for a dependable charging solution, as well as racing teams who need to manage multiple battery packs quickly between heats. The combination of universal balancing capability, PC connectivity and USB charging socket makes this one of the most versatile chargers on the market for RC car UK, RC drone and RC aircraft applications.
Unlike basic budget chargers, the PowerPal 4.0 offers individual cell monitoring across supported chemistries, giving you complete peace of mind that every cell in your battery pack is being charged or discharged with precision. The large LCD screen provides clear, real-time feedback throughout the charging process, whilst the contactless key switch with LED indicator gives intuitive control without mechanical wear or failure risk.
Key Features
- 200-Watt Charge Power — With a maximum charge power output of 200W, the PowerPal 4.0 delivers significantly faster charging times compared to lower-rated chargers, meaning you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your RC vehicles.
- 10-Amp Maximum Charge Current — The ability to deliver up to 10 amps of charge current makes this charger ideal for larger electric flight battery capacities and high cell count RC car batteries, providing turnaround times that serious RC enthusiasts demand.
- Universal Balancing Port (2.54mm Pitch) — The direct-plug universal balancing connector means you can balance charge LiPo and other compatible battery chemistries without needing separate balancing boards, simplifying your charging setup.
- Large LCD Display with Clear Readouts — The bright, easy-to-read LCD screen displays all important charging information in real-time, including charge current, voltage, cell balance status and estimated time remaining, so you always know exactly what's happening with your battery.
- Contactless Key Switch with LED Indicator — Instead of a traditional mechanical button, the contactless key switch uses electronic activation with a visual LED indicator, offering superior reliability and durability for frequent use in busy RC workshops or pit areas.
- Microprocessor Controlled with Individual Cell Monitoring — Advanced microprocessor management automatically monitors each cell in your battery pack individually, ensuring perfectly balanced and safe charging every single time, protecting your valuable batteries from damage.
- PC Link Socket for Advanced Configuration — Connect the PowerPal 4.0 to a PC using the integrated PC link socket to access advanced programming options and detailed charging logs, ideal for competitive RC drivers and those running multiple battery management systems.
- USB Power Supply Socket — The built-in USB charging socket allows you to charge your mobile phone, RC radio receiver or other USB devices whilst your batteries charge, making the PowerPal 4.0 multifunctional for the modern RC pit area.
- Multi-Chemistry Support — Supporting LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH and lead-acid batteries with cell count ranges from 1-6 cells (Li-ion/LiFe/Polymer) to 1-18 cells (NiCd/NiMH) and 1-10 cells (lead-acid 2-24V), this charger handles virtually any battery type you're likely to encounter in the RC hobby.
- Discharge Capability — The 25-watt discharge function allows you to safely discharge batteries before storage, maintenance or repair, with a maximum discharge current of 5.0 amps, extending battery lifespan and improving safety.
Technical Performance
The eTronix PowerPal 4.0 is engineered for reliability and precision in demanding RC environments. Operating from an input voltage range of DC 11-18V, it accepts power from standard UK mains supplies via external power adapters or direct 12V/18V power sources. The charger's maximum charge power of 200W combined with a charge current range of 0.1-10.0A provides exceptional flexibility whether you're slow-charging a single small battery at 0.1A or rapidly charging large-capacity 6S LiPo packs at 10A for ready-to-run RC cars. The discharge function offers a more modest but still useful 25W maximum discharge power with currents from 0.1-5.0A, perfect for safe battery storage procedures. For balance charging LiPo, Li-ion and LiFe batteries, the charger delivers 200mA per cell, ensuring every cell reaches identical voltage levels. The compact physical design measuring 150 x 116.5 x 53mm with a net weight of just 607 grams makes this charger portable enough for the RC track, field or pitch, yet substantial enough to feel robust and well-engineered. The inclusion of 4mm banana socket connectors and XH LiPo balancer ports means you'll have compatibility with the majority of battery types used in modern ready-to-run RC vehicles across the UK market.
What's in the Box
- eTronix PowerPal 4.0 charger unit
- 4mm banana socket power connectors
- XH LiPo balancer connectors
- USB power cable
- User instruction manual
What You Need to Complete
- External AC/DC power supply (11-18V DC input) or compatible 12V/18V power source
- LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH or lead-acid batteries to charge
- Optional: PC with USB connection for advanced configuration (not required for basic operation)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the eTronix PowerPal 4.0 suitable for beginners in the RC hobby? — Yes, absolutely. Whilst the PowerPal 4.0 offers advanced features like individual cell monitoring and PC connectivity that appeal to experienced RC enthusiasts, the large LCD display, intuitive contactless key switch and automatic microprocessor management make it extremely easy for beginners to charge their batteries safely. Simply select your battery chemistry, cell count and desired charge current, and the charger does the rest.
- What charge current should I use for my LiPo battery? — Most LiPo batteries charge safely at a rate between 0.5-1.0C (where C = battery capacity in amps). For example, a 5000mAh battery charges safely at 2.5-5.0 amps. The PowerPal 4.0's range of 0.1-10.0A accommodates everything from small 1S batteries in RC aircraft to large capacity packs in high-performance RC cars. Always consult your battery manufacturer's recommendations for the specific charge rate.
- Can I use this charger for different battery types? — The eTronix PowerPal 4.0 supports multiple battery chemistries including LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH and lead-acid batteries, making it a genuinely universal charger. You can switch between chemistry types using the LCD menu, and the microprocessor automatically applies the correct charging profile for each battery type.
- How does the balancing function work on this charger? — The universal balancing port (2.54mm pitch) connects directly to your LiPo, Li-ion or LiFe battery's balance connector. During charging, the PowerPal 4.0 monitors each cell individually and delivers 200mA per cell to ensure all cells reach exactly the same voltage. This keeps your battery pack healthy, improves runtime and prevents the overcharging that can damage expensive battery packs.
- What's the difference between the PowerPal 4.0 and older PowerPal models? — The PowerPal 4.0 is the most powerful model in the range, with 200W maximum charge power and 10A maximum charge current, compared to lower-wattage models in the PowerPal series. This means faster charging times, especially for larger battery capacities and higher cell counts commonly used in modern RC cars and electric aircraft in the UK market.
- Do I need a PC to use this charger? — No, the PC link socket is entirely optional. The PowerPal 4.0 works perfectly as a standalone charger using just the LCD display and contactless key switch. The PC connection is for advanced users who want to access detailed charging logs, set up custom profiles or integrate the charger with more complex battery management systems.
- Can I charge my mobile phone whilst charging my RC batteries? — Yes, the built-in USB power socket provides convenient charging for phones, tablets and other USB devices. This is particularly useful at the RC track or field where you're managing multiple batteries and devices simultaneously.
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 4.0 AC/DC Performance Charger/Discharger 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: eTronix
- Model Number: ET0206
- Product Name: PowerPal 4.0 AC/DC Performance Charger/Discharger
- Maximum Charge Power: 200W
- Maximum Discharge Power: 25W
- Charge Current Range: 0.1-10.0A
- Discharge Current Range: 0.1-5.0A
- Operating Input Voltage: DC 11-18V
- Li-Po/Li-ion/LiFe Cell Count: 1-6 cells
- NiCd/NiMH Cell Count: 1-18 cells
- Lead-Acid Battery Voltage: 2-24V (1-10 cells)
- Balance Charging Current (Li-Po/Li-ion/LiFe): 200mA per cell
- Balancing Port Type: Universal (2.54mm pitch)
- Display: Large LCD screen
- Control Interface: Contactless key switch with LED indicator
- Connectivity: PC link socket
- USB Power Socket: Yes (for charging external devices)
- Microprocessor Controlled: Yes
- Individual Cell Monitoring: Yes
- Supported Battery Chemistries: LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH, Lead-acid
- Included Connectors: 4mm banana sockets, XH LiPo balancer connectors
- Dimensions: 150 x 116.5 x 53mm
- Weight: 607g
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