I first discovered the P-Squared Quadcharger for the Phantom series last year at InterDrone when I met the developers in the Startup Pavilion. I tested several variations of the Phantom 2 and 3 Quadchargers and knew they were really on to something, so I shared my results in a review last November. Well, they’ve done it again with a brilliant design for the DJI Inspire 1 and Matrice 600 LiPo batteries with the Quadcharger Pro.
P-Squared Quadcharger Pro
The form and design of the Quadcharger Pro may seem a bit unconventional when you think about intelligent LiPo chargers – until you actually use it. Everything is self-contained and no need for anything else other than a 110AC power source. They’ve even built in a charging cable for the DJI remote controller so you’re completely portable with this one device.
Since the Quadcharger Pro utilizes four independent charging circuits, you can safely charge 4 batteries in the time it normally takes to just charge one on the OEM charger. This will do a full charge of up to 4 Inspire 1 TB47 batteries in about an hour, and only about 10 minutes more for the TB48s. It will also charge up to 4 DJI Matrice 600 batteries in about the same time.
Actual benchmarks provided by the manufacturer have provided these numbers:
1. All batteries were discharged down to between 25% and 30% for the start of each test.
2. The amount of time from the start of each test until all 4 lights were blinking on each battery was on average, 31 minutes.
3. The amount of time from the start of each test until all 4 batteries reached between 95% and 97% charged was on average, 48 minutes.
4. The amount of time from the start of each test until all 4 batteries reached between 99% and 100% charged – battery turn off – was on average, 64 minutes (DJI requires a very slow “top off”).
My experience has been about the same, regardless if I’m charging only a couple batteries or all four at the same time with varying amounts of charge remaining.
I’ve even had the opportunity to use the Quadcharger Pro out in the field and while shooting remotely with other hardware tests and the charger works fine on my Totyota FJ’s OEM 400W inverter. This is a huge benefit for me as we tend to burn through batteries quickly and one could easily cycle through 8 batteries in a non-stop production all day.
While folks may balk at the MSRP of $479 for the Quadcharger Pro, the professionals will make that back in the first job they can do without having to take 12+ batteries with them on a gig – especially if they’re flying and can only carry a limited number of LiPos on-board with them. The Quadcharger Pro is easy to carry-on and holds 4 batteries as well and fits easily under the seat in front of you, leaving room for your feet (I’ve done this!).
“The Beast” for larger professional applications
For those who require even more charging capabilities – especially Matrice 600 owners who must run all 6 batteries per flight, P-Squared has developed an 8-unit charger they’ve code-named “The Beast”. Charge times are identical to the Quadcharger Pro, but no further details or pricing is being released and this will only be available through P-Squared dealers on special order.
All of the P-Squared Quadchargers are available though Multicopter Warehouse.
