Folomov A4 Charger

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Ryedan

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My first decent charger (bought back in 2013 I think) was an xtar WP2 (0.5A max) and after a couple of years I bought a WP2s (1A max). I had been using the WP2S since I bought it and was happy with it, knowing the old trusty WP2 was available as backup. Earlier this year I needed to charge more than two batteries at a time so out came the WP2, and one bay didn't work properly. I figured out it was the slider mechanism, tried to fix it but couldn't get it to work consistently. Time for a new charger :cool:

I thought over what I wanted in a new one. My preferences were, four bays, real time voltage readout, higher charging rates and safety. IMR batteries had (and still has) the Folomov A4 for $25. Details:

Specifications:
•Input – DC 12V 3A
•Output (MAX) – Selectable .25A, .5A, 1A, 2A in all channels. 3A in channel 1 & 4!

Features:
•4 independent charging slots
•Compatible with most sizes of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries ranging from 10340 to 26650 as well as Ni-MH and Ni-Cd (AA, AAA, AAAA, C) and LiFePO4 rechargeable batteries
• Automatically detects battery power status and selects the appropriate voltage and charge mode
•LED indicators show the charging process for each battery
•Automatically stops when charging is complete and prevents batteries from being over-charged
•Features reverse polarity protection if you accidentally insert a battery the wrong way

What’s in the box:
•FOLOMOV A4 battery charger
•Standard USA power plug
•User Manual

Thought that was pretty neat, but I had never heard of Folomov before and there are not many reviews out there on them. Of the few user reviews I read there were some issues with the readouts loosing segments. Otherwise everyone seemed happy with them.

So I hit up lygte-info.dk for a complete technical review. After reading that I decided at $25 I would take the chance.

I've had it for about two months now. It's been flawless and the features have worked out well for me. The power supply is an external brick which has the advantage of keeping that heat away from the charger and the batteries. Sliders are smooth and do their job well. Battery voltage after charging is between 4.18-4.20 depending on the age of the batteries. The same battery always comes out at the same voltage. Screens are still working fine.

One thing I was a bit worried about from the review above was the issue with not having much time after inserting a battery to set the charge rate and also that it is a bit tricky to change the charge rates once it starts charging. I figured out how that works and both are easy to do. They may have changed something since the review or the reviewer might have missed something, but mine is just fine.

99% of the time I charge at 1A, but most of my batteries are rated 3000 mAh so 3A is 1C which is fine. It's nice to have the option to quick charge when desired, and battery capacities are increasing so 2A may well be considered a 'slow' charge for some soon.

I'm really happy with this puppy so far :). If anything changes I'll update this thread.
 
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Ryedan

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Nice write up Ryedan. Never heard of this company either, my Luc6 is just over a year old so hopefully won't need another for a while.

Thank you Letitia :). I've always thought the Luc chargers were great and still do. They certainly have way more of a track record than Folomov. Here's to both of our chargers working for many years to come :thumbs:
 
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Ryedan

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Just got back from a lovely vdw.

:thumbs:

The pooch and I got out yesterday for a few miles. It was hot up here, about 90 deg. I take water for her, I'm OK for that long but sometimes I take a drink from hers and she doesn't mind. We both slept well last night :)
 
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