stawel/cheali-charger
Freecheap lipo charger
FreeFree tier
About stawel/cheali-charger
cheali-charger is an open-source alternative firmware designed for a variety of LiPo chargers, supporting Li-ion, LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH, NiZn, and Pb battery chemistries. It provides extensive charging, discharging, and balancing modes, with features such as internal resistance display, temperature monitoring, overcharge/overdischarge protection, and storage cycling. The firmware includes calibration routines for accuracy and supports memory for up to 30 battery profiles. It is compatible only with chargers using Atmel atmega32 or Nuvoton M0517LBN CPUs. The project is community-driven and hosted on GitHub under an open-source license.
Key Features
Supports Li-ion, LiPo (including 4.30V and 4.35V variants), LiFe, NiCd, NiMH, NiZn, and Pb battery chemistries
Multiple modes: charging, fast charging, discharging, balancing, storage, cycling (for NiCd/NiMH)
Charging terminates when current drops to 10% (or 20% for fast charging) of set current (adjustable)
Internal resistance display for single cells, whole battery, and battery leads
Internal and external temperature monitoring
Overcharge and overdischarge monitoring
Input voltage monitoring
Memory for 30 battery profiles with custom naming
LogView support for data logging
Calibration routine required for accurate operation
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-source and free, with active community support via Google Group
- Supports a wide range of battery chemistries and charging modes
- Provides detailed monitoring (resistance, temperature, voltage) for safer charging
- Calibration ensures accurate current and voltage measurement
- Configurable parameters (e.g., charge termination current) for different battery needs
Cons
- Not all features are fully implemented (e.g., Pb charging not well tested)
- Only compatible with chargers using specific CPUs (atmega32 or M0517LBN), excluding many newer models
- Requires manual calibration and hardware flashing, which may be complex for non-technical users
- Safety warnings emphasize the need for external temperature probe and proper connection sequence
- Limited documentation beyond the GitHub README and community forum
Best For
Replacing stock firmware on supported LiPo chargers (e.g., IMAX B6, Turnigy Accucel-6, G.T. Power A6-10)Hobbyists needing advanced charging control and monitoring for RC batteriesDIY battery maintenance and analysis with internal resistance and temperature trackingEducational projects in embedded firmware development and battery management
FAQ
Which chargers are supported?
Only chargers with Atmel atmega32 or Nuvoton M0517LBN CPUs. Examples include IMAX B6, Turnigy Accucel-6, G.T. Power A6-10, and Thunder T610. Check the hardware list on GitHub.
Do I need to calibrate the charger after flashing?
Yes, calibration is required before use. The firmware has a calibration routine that must be run to ensure accurate voltage and current measurements.
Is cheali-charger safe to use?
The firmware includes safety features like overcharge/discharge monitoring and temperature monitoring, but the developers warn to always use an external temperature probe, connect power supply first, and disconnect battery first. Use at your own risk.
What battery types are supported?
Li-ion, LiPo (including 4.30V and 4.35V), LiFe, NiCd, NiMH, NiZn, and Pb (lead-acid, not well tested).
How do I get help or report issues?
Community support is available via the Google Group at groups.google.com/group/cheali-charger and through GitHub issues.