Spektrum Smart Charger Problems: Solve in the Smartest Ways!

Your smart charger ain’t acting smart, eh? I know you’re cursing Spektrum right now just like I did a few years ago. 

But not all problems are too serious, trust me. You can solve them quite easily. 

For example, if the battery isn’t charging at all, you have to jumpstart it with another charger. Again, when you see an abnormal battery condition, you have to replace the charger. 

And if you maintain some safety precautions, you can avoid serious damage. Keep reading the whole article to get a full overview of the Spektrum Smart Charger problems.    

Quick View of the Problems & Solutions

PROBLEM 1: Abnormal Battery Connection

Now, there’s another problem that is related to the battery charging issue. Even after using the charger for a few hours, you might get an error message, popping on the screen. 

It says “Abnormal Battery Connection”. This leaves an indication that either you have faulty hardware or the software is glitching. 

Reasons:

So, the possible reasons for this problem are listed below:

• The balance extension leads are not working.
• You haven’t updated the firmware. If you have an old one, surely your charger won’t function at one point.
• The charger is completely damaged and you need a replacement.

The reasons are pretty fair and simple in this case. And so are their solutions. 

Solutions:

Let’s start fixing it, shall we? 

The first thing you have to do is to check the balance lead extensions. Try it with the balance leads and without the balance leads. You’ll understand where the problem is. And then you can face the trouble.

But sometimes you might see that the balance lead extensions are not the headache. They are working completely fine. 

The next thing you have to check is the firmware. Are you using an updated version? If you’re not, chances are this is the sole reason you’re having this issue.

So, you must update the firmware to its latest version. And voila! You’ll notice how instantly this problem gets solved!

But it did not. You’re not happy. If this is the case, it’s time to declare a hardware problem in your charger.

Yes, your charger is faulty and you need to seek help from customer service. Take it to an RC store and they will do the replacement for you. 

That’s how you can solve this problem in the easiest way.

Safety Precaution:

To avoid this type of problem, you must always stay updated on the firmware. As soon as there is an update, don’t delay. Or else, you’ll face similar issues with your smart charger. 

PROBLEM 2: Unbalanced Cell Voltage

Sometimes you might see that the battery is showing different voltages when charged. Even when you are balancing the voltages, it shows a fully charged battery. 

Now, as you can’t charge the battery at all, it is definitely a severe problem. 

Reasons:

The main reason your charger is producing an unbalanced charge is incompatibility. The smart charger you are using is not compatible with the battery.

Usually, it happens when the battery you’re using needs more current. For example, your charger is producing 1A. But your battery needs 2.5A or more to hit 4.2 volts per cell. Then, your Spektrum smart charger won’t work.    

Solutions:

There’s a simple fix to this problem. 

First, you have to disconnect everything. Give your charger a rest for 30 minutes.

Then, check the battery voltage to detect any errors. If the voltage shows below, start charging at 1A. 

If you see it’s not working, then you must replace your charger. It’s because your charger is incapable of producing the amperage the battery requires. You can use the Spektrum Smart S150 charger as a replacement. 

Warning: Never Do These with Your Spektrum Smart Charger!

As severe as charger problems can be, one misstep can set your charger in fire! Yes, you thought chargers only have connecting or voltage issues? 

Well, they can also explode and cause massive damage! That’s why you must follow some safety protocols as soon as you buy one. 

In this segment, I’ll give you a heads-up on all the actions you must avoid. It’s only if you want to use your smart charger safely. 

So, let’s dive into the list! 

• Do not use batteries while charging.
• Never keep the batteries charging overnight.
• If the battery gets damaged or wet, don’t try to charge them. The same goes for dead batteries.
• Always avoid extremely hot or cold places for charging batteries. 
• Don’t let your 14-year-old or less than 14-year-old child charge batteries.
• If the power cable is pinched or short, leave it as it is. Never take an attempt to charge it.
• Always avoid attaching your charger to AC and DC power sources at the same time.
• Similarly, don’t connect a DC input to an AC power.

At any cost, you must make sure you’re maintaining these safety protocols. Or else, you’ll have to face severe consequences.    

What to Do When You See Charger Errors?

Lastly, I’d like to give you a small tip regarding charger errors. If you see the error in the display, follow the steps below:

• First, you have to follow the on-screen prompts.
• If it still doesn’t work, disconnect the battery. Disconnect it from both the output and balance ports.
• Then, you have to disconnect the power supply.
• Lastly, restart the charger and see if it’s working.

Hopefully, this will solve your charger problem. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you charge other batteries with a Spektrum charger?

Yes, you can charge other batteries with a Spektrum charger. The G1 and G2 charger is capable of charging any type of battery listed in the manual. With these Spektrum chargers, you can charge the following batteries: LiFe/LiIon/LiPo/LiHv (1–6S), NiMH/Cd (1–16S), and Pb (1–12S).  

Does the Spektrum S150 discharge?

No, the Spektrum S150 does not discharge. Unlike the other models, it does not have storage or discharge functionality. So, you can only charge with the Spektrum S150. 

How much does it cost to fix a charger port?

It costs nearly around $2 to $30 to fix a charger port. However, it depends on the model of your charger. Also, you’ll have to pay more or less depending on the severity of the damage. So, the cost can actually vary from person to person. 

Final Verdict

Hopefully, this article solved all the Spektrum Smart charger problems for you. Try to be careful when you’re dealing with chargers and batteries. Always remember to follow the safety protocols first. I hope you’ll be able to sort it out. 

Good luck!