Today’s video will discuss the various types of smart chargers available from ASG. I will use simplified terms to explain how they work. For a guide on batteries, watch last week’s video.
Smart chargers, by design, stop charging when they detect your battery is full after a certain voltage. Some entry-level airsoft guns might come with some generic wall charger or an unmarked one, and these often do not have that feature. Having it stop precisely when it has two is important for two reasons: Leaving a battery charging nonstop and unattended is hazardous. Reason #2: the other reason is that you can do all the math to calculate how long it takes to charge on a cheap charger, but you will never know if it is truly complete or if you have a partially used-up battery, you don’t truly know how much you used. Overcharging will reduce the battery's overall lifespan.
ASG A680: Best for Lipo and NimH
The most basic smart chargers we offer can be available separately or with your purchase of a gun from us as an add-on. These simply charge NiMH batteries, and there is an indicator to let you know when they are fully charged, cutting off additional power or switching to trickle mode. The chargers might look different from time to time, but the general function is the same. For a simple Lipo charger, you will get 2 or 3 LED indicators that tell you the individual charge of each cell.
If you are a serious airsoft player with a lot of batteries and want to take the very best care of them, we now offer a high-quality charging solution, which comes to us from ASG.
The first option is the model A450, which is the middle option when it comes to battery chargers in this lineup. This charger can charge Nimh, Nicad, Lipo, and Life batteries. It can charge at different amps, which will reduce charge times compared to a lower-end charger. You must read the provided manual carefully to select the correct amperage to charge the batteries properly. Using too many amps will greatly reduce the lifespan of your battery.
This charger is simple in operation. If you have a Nimh battery, choose your desired settings, then plug in the Nimh plug. This can do small Tamiya or deans plugged batteries. Whether you're charging a NiMH battery or any other type, the process involves selecting the correct settings and connecting the battery using either the small Tamiya or Dean plug. This simplicity, combined with its broad compatibility, positions the A450 as a reliable airsoft battery charger that enhances the charging process without compromising performance or safety.
For Lipos, switch to Lipo mode and choose your preferred charge settings. For this particular charger, use the balance plug as well as the other plug on the battery pack.
It's very simple. The lights flash continuously during charging. When the light turns solid, it's ready to go.
Now, this is the top-tier option: the ASG A680. It offers all the charging capabilities but also has advanced options such as settings to balance Lipo battery cells, storage mode, and more.
Holding the start button begins the cycle, and when it is finished, you will hear an obnoxious tone that lets you know it did its job.
Balancing your lipo cells once in a while when the numbers are too varied will help keep your Lipos performing well for a long time. Also, storing your lips at a safe voltage will also keep them longer. Putting your lipo batteries away at a practically full charge actually lowers their lifespan by a small amount for each day; they are not lowered to a voltage suited for storage.
You can also select to discharge NiMH batteries so they are not stored at their maximum charge.
This type of charger is not unlike what you can find online, but what makes this one significant is that a legitimate airsoft company is offering it. When you buy one of these products as opposed to one from, say, Amazon or eBay, you are putting your money into an airsoft business which potentially comes back into the sport. Amazon won’t put a field in your backyard at the end of the day, and it won’t help create work for knowledgeable airsoft people to help you with your airsoft needs. Shopping locally isn’t just some slogan to repeat; it is putting the money where your mouth is and supporting good companies that will support you and your sport.
