TreeTop Electronics: TTE100

Model Airplane News, Sep 2003 by Aberle, Bob

Peak-detect charger with computer control

This peak-detect charger is capable of charging 4 to 8 Ni-Cd or NiMH cells at an adjustable current of from 120 up to 100OmA (1 amp). You'll notice that in the photo, the TTE1OO has a current-adjust knob but no meter. That's because this unit was designed to be used with a PC! The provided interface cable plugs into the parallel (printer) port on the back of your PC, and the provided CD contains the software required to operate it. The charger is powered by a wall unit that delivers 18 volts at approximately 1 amp.

The unique software created by TreeTop Electronics allows you to keep track of individual battery packs by file name as well as to store battery-pack history. You set the current levels using the PC. You can even customize the peak-detect voltage for each pack. The TTE1OO doesn't have discharge capabilities, and that would have been a nice feature to use with a computer interface.

To use the TTE1OO, you'll need a PC with an Intel Pentium processor or equivalent; Windows 98, NT, 2000, or XP operating system; a parallel port; and 1OMB of hard-drive space. The entire package of charger, software disc, computer-interface cable and the 12OV wall-plug power supply sells for just under $100.

For those modelers who enjoy using a PC and like to keep track of their various battery packs, this could prove to be a helpful organizing tool.