Product Review: ISDT/URUAV PD60

Here's  a new product that may be of some interest for specific purposes. It's a charger for your flight packs, a "smart charger" , the PD60 Smart Charger from ISDT/URUAV.  It handles up to 60 watts. which is something I wanted to check out.  I don't have high demands, but I do have some minimal needs. 

Specification:

Model No.:PD60

Input voltage: DC 5V-20V

Output voltage: DC 1.0V-20V

Max Input Current: 3A

Charging Current: 1A/2A/3A/6A

Max Charging Power: 60W

Balance Current: 0.5A/Cell Max

Support Quick-Charge: PD2.0/3.0,QC 2.0/3.0

                                       (Not supported 5V/1A power supply input)

Support Battery Types and Cell Count: LiFe/LiHV,LiPo 1-4S

                                                                    NIMH/Cd 1-12S

Abnormal Voltage Alarm: Support

Incorrect Cell Count Setting Alarm: Support

Working temperature: 0-40°C

Storage temperature: -20-60°C

Dimension: 56x85x21mm

Weight: 87g

Test:  I use 3S 2200mAh 3S batteries quite a bit.  Without buying  new equipment, can I charge these 3S batteries?

Background:  The charger requires another charger to use it, such as the charger you use to charge your cell phones.   It requires USB C input to charge and then will output up to 4S batteries using XT60 connectors.   I have learned that with this hobby I  need  all  a Mini ISB for FrSky transmitters, micro USB for flight controllers and now USB C.    In other words, have a bunch of different cables or adapters handy.

USB Chargers, read the fine print- To get the full benefit of this charger, you'll need a charger that can output 3 Amps on your USB C charging cable.  This isn't that common.   Two amps and under is what is common.  The output can also drop if you're charging more than one device.  If you're looking to buy a new USB charger check out the total output per port, and what it drops down to when more than one device is attached.  This may affect the way the larger 4S batteries are charged

My thinking is that if you're going to be charging the larger 4S batteries and perhaps 3S batteries you probably will reach the limits on this charger.

Three practical applications for this charger

#1. Charging in your car-  Bring enough batteries you can keep charging as you fly so that  the fun lasts a bit longer.  This charger is small enough to keep in the glove compartment for those random charging needs.

#2. Overnight charging-  Sometimes, I can't get to charging until I get home. With this little unit, I can have two batteries charging at the same time.  When I am not using the charger, it doesn't take up a lot of space or has wires hanging out of it.

#3. Vacation charging- Every guy knows what I am talking about.  You're planning a family vacation by car and you've got it narrowed down to five of your most favorite larger planes to take along.  Then the wife packs the car and you're lucky to bring along your FPV gear and a Dart 250G.  Space is always a premium. But, the phone charger always goes along for the trip.  Things that charge that are small are appreciated.


The results:  It did do a full charge, but very slowly.  I may have to buy a better phone charger. Overall, this is a nice little charger. It's a good value for the money.  To get the most out of this product you may need a better USB charger.  

Overall: If you are in need of a small charger and don't mind slower charging times this product is great.   I am going to use it as an overnight charger.  Not a bad little tool for not a lot of money.