HelicopterJohn
Key Veteran
Location: Seffner, Florida (Just East of Tampa, Florida)
| Alpha 4 ChargerThe Alpha 4 Website is: http://home.att.net/~LitcoSys/indx.htm
I have one on order and I am not sure if I want to keep it as it would be my second one. If I want it I need to pay by February 26, 2002 and it should be delivered by March 26, 2002. If not, they will sell it to someone on the waiting list that is prepaid.
They are currently accepting orders on April 11, 2002. You have to be ready to send them an E-Mail immediately at a certain time or you will miss the next batch. It usually takes about (6) six months to get one after you order it.
Just a couple of notes on the unit. You can go to their website and download the entire manual.
1. You can charge and or cycle (4) four items at once with a maximum of (1) amp. This means you can charge one item at up to (1) one amp or you can charge a maximum of (4) four items at one time at a maximum of 250 milliamps each.
2. You can charge/cycle at home with the transformer provided or you can charge/cycle at the field or while driving your automobile and or parked at the flying field.
3. The one I own is very particular about the D/C operating voltage. I am unable to utilize in my vehicle as the voltage is not at least 12.6 volts. I called Litco while it was under warranty and they offered to check it out, but I was too busy using it to bother sending it back. However, I am able to utilize my 12 volt gel cell which charges up in excess of 13 volts for field use, so I have put up that minor inconvenience.
4. Field charging is not as fast as some of the other field chargers. Solution: After you have flown two or three flights put the Chopper/Airplane on charge after each flight and you can fly all day. Remember the more ports that are programed the less the milliamp charge rate/Maximum 1 amp (divided by) the number of ports programmed.
5. The unit also has a built in voltmeter which gives you (2) two readings. One without load and one with a realistic load.
6. If you decide to order an Alpha 4 be sure to order plenty of the Adapters, especially the C1 Adapters. They have heavy duty ends on them which are not available at Radio Shack or other electronic stores in my area.
7. You can also charge gel cells, your one cell starting battery, and your portable 14.4 volt starter and many other items.
8. I own a Futaba 8 channel PCM and had to bypass the diode in the transmitter in order to utilized this unit. Some may not agree with this, but you will have to do this in order to cycle your batteries. I have information on this task as it is listed on the Web. I will be glad to look it up if anyone has any issues. I am not sure about the Futaba 9Z radios. I believe you have to remove the batteries from the transmitter to cycle or charge them. Maybe someone else can help you with that situation that owns that particular radio and utilizes this great unit.
I love my Alpha 4 and use it every day. It is the only charger I use, unless I am taking the entire fleet to the field.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Helicopter John - Florida Helicopter Association
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