Overview
The eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 AC4A LiPo/NiMH Balance Charger (ET0222) is a versatile and straightforward charging solution designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who need reliable battery management without unnecessary complexity. Whether you're running electric RC cars, RC trucks, or any hobby-grade RC vehicle, this multi-function charger delivers the essential charging capabilities that serious hobbyists demand. Built by eTronix, a recognised name in RC power management, this charger combines AC/DC powered flexibility with intelligent balance charging technology to keep your battery packs in peak condition.
This is an essential piece of kit for anyone serious about their RC hobby in the UK. Rather than juggling multiple chargers for different battery types, the Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 consolidates your charging needs into one compact unit. It supports LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries, NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) packs, and comes equipped with balance charging functionality to ensure every cell within your battery pack charges evenly and safely. The AC4A charging profile means you get consistent, controlled charging at 4-amp rates, which is ideal for safely charging mid-range RC batteries without rushing the process or risking battery damage.
For RC car UK enthusiasts, RC buggy pilots, and anyone running electric-powered RC models, this charger represents genuine peace of mind. The balance charging feature automatically monitors each individual cell in your LiPo battery pack, preventing the dangerous cell imbalance that can lead to premature battery failure or safety hazards. This level of intelligence in a compact, affordable charger makes the Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 an outstanding choice for beginners stepping into the hobby and experienced racers maintaining their fleet of ready to run RC vehicles.
Key Features
- AC/DC Powered Versatility — This charger works from both AC mains power at home and DC power sources at the field or workshop, giving you complete flexibility about where and when you charge your batteries. Whether you're preparing your RC monster truck for a weekend bash session or maintaining your RC buggy between races, you can charge anywhere with the appropriate power source available.
- LiPo Balance Charging — The intelligent balance charging system monitors and equalises the voltage across all cells in your LiPo battery pack during charging, ensuring each cell charges to the optimal level. This protects your expensive RC batteries from the dangers of cell imbalance, which can cause reduced performance, shortened lifespan, or even safety hazards during use.
- NiMH Compatibility — In addition to modern LiPo packs, this charger fully supports traditional NiMH batteries, making it compatible with older RC vehicles and receiver packs that still use this chemistry. This backward compatibility means your charger investment covers your entire battery inventory, past and present.
- 4-Amp Charging Profile — The AC4A designation indicates a 4-amp charging current, which delivers a measured, safe charging speed suitable for the majority of mid-range hobby RC batteries. This charging rate balances charging time with battery safety, preventing the rapid degradation that can occur with overly aggressive charging protocols.
- Compact, Portable Design — The Pocket Plus 2 name reflects the charger's genuinely portable form factor, meaning it easily fits into your RC pit bag, toolbox, or workshop drawer without taking up valuable space. Despite its small footprint, it delivers full-featured charging capabilities that rival much larger desktop chargers.
- Straightforward Operation — This charger prioritises simplicity and reliability over complicated menu systems and confusing programming modes. For RC hobbyists who want to charge their batteries and get on with their hobby, the intuitive operation of the Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 is perfectly pitched.
Technical Performance
The eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 represents intelligent engineering focused on battery longevity and user safety. The AC4A charging specification delivers a consistent 4-amp charging current, carefully calibrated to charge LiPo and NiMH packs efficiently without the risk of thermal stress or cell degradation. The balance charging circuitry continuously monitors individual cell voltages throughout the charge cycle, automatically adjusting charge distribution to ensure perfect balance across all cells. This is particularly crucial for LiPo batteries, where cell imbalance is one of the leading causes of premature battery failure in the RC hobby. The dual AC/DC power input design reflects professional-grade thinking: home users can plug into standard UK mains power via the AC input, whilst field users and workshop technicians can utilise DC power from batteries or auxiliary power supplies. The build quality emphasises reliability and safety, with proper thermal management to ensure the charger doesn't overheat during extended charging sessions. Whether you're charging small receiver packs for your RC car UK setup or mid-size packs for your brushless RC truck, the Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 delivers the consistent, intelligent charging these modern battery chemistries demand.
What's in the Box
- eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 AC4A LiPo/NiMH Balance Charger main unit
- AC power cable for mains charging
- DC connector cable for field and alternate power source charging
- Balance charging connector for LiPo battery packs
- Standard charging connectors for NiMH batteries
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 suitable for beginners new to RC hobbies? — Absolutely. This charger is ideal for anyone entering the RC hobby for the first time. The straightforward operation means you don't need to understand complex programming or multiple charging modes. Simply connect your LiPo or NiMH battery using the appropriate connector, select your battery type if needed, and the charger handles the intelligent charging automatically. The balance charging feature actually makes this charger safer for beginners, as it prevents the cell imbalance issues that could damage expensive batteries through user error.
- What batteries can I charge with this unit? — The eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 charges both LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries and NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries. LiPo batteries are the modern standard for brushless RC cars, RC trucks, and high-performance electric RC vehicles across the UK. NiMH batteries are the older chemistry, still found in receiver packs, some vintage RC models, and budget-friendly entry-level vehicles. This dual compatibility means the charger works with virtually any RC battery you're likely to encounter in the hobby.
- Can I use this charger at the RC track or racing venue? — Yes. The AC4A charger features both AC and DC power inputs, making it genuinely portable for field use. Whilst the AC input requires mains power (suitable for home workshops and some venues with power availability), the DC input allows charging from auxiliary batteries, field power supplies, or other DC sources commonly found at RC racing events and bash venues across the UK. This flexibility makes the Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 perfect for competitive RC enthusiasts who need to maintain and recharge batteries between races.
- How long does it take to charge a typical LiPo battery? — Charge time depends on your specific battery capacity and the current state of charge. The 4-amp charging current (AC4A) delivers measured, safe charging rather than aggressive fast-charging, which means charge times are typically 1-3 hours depending on battery size. This speed is perfectly appropriate for hobby use, where you're not trying to race against the clock but rather maintain your batteries safely and extend their operational lifespan.
- Is balance charging important for my LiPo batteries? — Balance charging is genuinely important for LiPo battery health and safety. Modern LiPo packs consist of multiple cells (2S, 3S, 4S configurations are common in RC vehicles). If one cell charges to a higher voltage than its neighbours, you risk reduced performance, reduced battery lifespan, or in extreme cases, safety hazards. The eTronix Powerpal Pocket Plus 2's intelligent balance charging system continuously monitors and corrects cell voltage imbalance during charging, meaning your expensive LiPo packs maintain peak performance and longevity. This is one of the key features that makes this charger excellent value for money.
- What connectors does this charger use? — The Powerpal Pocket Plus 2 features standard balance charging connectors for LiPo packs and conventional charging connectors for NiMH batteries. Most modern RC batteries use industry-standard connectors, so compatibility is excellent. The charger includes all necessary connector leads in the box, meaning you can start charging immediately without purchasing additional accessories.
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 POCKET PLUS 2 AC4A LIPO/NiMH BALANCE CHARGER (UK) ET0222 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: ET0222
- Product Type: AC/DC Balance Charger
- Battery Chemistry Support: LiPo (Lithium Polymer) and NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
- Charging Current: 4 amps (AC4A specification)
- Power Input: Dual AC/DC powered
- Balance Charging: Yes, with intelligent cell monitoring and equalisation
- Portability: Compact pocket-sized design
- Connector Types: Standard balance charging connectors for LiPo, conventional connectors for NiMH
- Field Use: Compatible with portable DC power sources
- Home Use: Compatible with standard UK mains AC power
- Safety Features: Thermal management, cell balance protection, overcharge prevention
- Included Accessories: AC power cable, DC connector cable, balance charging connector, standard charging connectors
- Barcode: 5056135795705
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