8S delivers a more substantial efficiency boost than 6S, thanks to its advanced capabilities. With only a handful of suitable chargers available in the market, we’ll scrutinize the most cost-effective option, the HOTA T8, in this review to determine if it’s a perfect choice for FPV pilots seeking affordable and high-performance charging capabilities for their 8S devices.
Are you in the market for a high-quality FPV LiPo charger that meets your unique needs and preferences?
You’ll receive the Hota T8 from.
The package includes the T8 charger, a USB cable specifically designed for firmware updates, and a comprehensive user guide.
DC 7.0V to 35.0V, maximum 27A
: 22A at 650W
The coloration on this 2.8-inch IPS display is a respectable 320×240 resolution.
: 5V at 2.1A
: 1000mA at 4.2V
: 9.7cm x 6.95cm x 3.4cm
: Roughly 194g
:
- : 0.13A at 20W
- : 0.1–22A at 650W
:
- Good quality battery options include LiHV, LiPo, LiFe, and LiIon chemistries, available in configurations of 1-8 cells (1-8S).
- Ni-Zn / Ni-Cd / NiMH / Eneloop: 1-20S batteries compatible.
- : PB (1–12S)
- Operating current: 0.5-22A; operating voltage: 1-35V; mode: constant current plus constant voltage.
- 880μs–2200μs × 16 channels @ 74 Hz
- : 500us–2500us at 20–1000Hz
- What are the specifications for your device?: 880us to 2200us, 8 channels, operating frequency 50 Hz.
- 880 us to 2200 us × 16 CH at 20 Hz to 100 Hz
- 880 μs to 2200 μs × 8 channels at 20 Hz to 50 Hz
- : 880us–2200us at 20–400Hz
- : 1–99mΩ for 1–8S
The HOTA T8’s most notable feature is its 8S compatibility, placing it among a select few affordable chargers capable of handling high-capacity 8S LiPo batteries effectively. Equipped with both stability and discharge functions, this charger features a range of standard options typically found in modern power banks.
The HotA T8 boasts a compact, lightweight rectangular design, exclusively powered by a DC input of 7V to 35V through an XT60 connector. This setup allows for power from either a battery or a PSU, but its limited portability may result from the absence of a USB-C (PD-compatible) input.
New to PSU for charger? What steps do you want to cover in your tutorial?
The unit features an XT60 entrance connector and a 5V, 2.1A USB output for easy recharging and connectivity.
On one side lie the XT60 output and stability port, accompanied by two servo connectors supporting signal technology and measurement.
The user interface is intuitively designed, featuring a straightforward “Exit” button and a convenient scroll wheel for effortless menu navigation. The menu design is straightforward and reminiscent of reliable brands such as HOTA and ToolkitRC. The display screen boasts an evident brightness and vibrancy, rendering its content effortlessly legible, even under the harsh glare of direct sunlight.
The T8 also tracks inner battery resistance during charging, providing valuable insights into battery health and performance.
Right here’s the underside.
While the provided guide may be somewhat lacking, it’s still relatively straightforward to operate this charger.
To begin using the HOTA T8 charger, simply plug it into a power source via the XT60 input connector, and then link your battery to the XT60 output port, as well as the balance port.
Establish your preferred charging parameters and prepare for seamless power-up initiation. It’s easy and environment friendly.
The T8 device will serve a dual purpose: acting as both a temperature sensor and a voltage checker. When connecting a battery to the XT60 output without powering the charger, the battery’s voltage is displayed. Although you’ve secured the stability lead, merely attaching it won’t power the charger.
Like many exceptional chargers from ToolkitRC, the HOTA T8 boasts versatility by doubling as a power source, signal generator, and precision measuring instrument.
In this device, you can set an output voltage spanning 1V to 35V, with current capabilities ranging from 0.5A up to 22A.
The T8 outputs SBUS, PWM, and PPM signals. While rare in recent applications, PWM alerts remain a valuable tool for servo testing, particularly with fixed-wing models.
While some transmitters still employ outdated technologies like SBUS, PPM, and PWM, the T8 effectively identifies potential issues with these signals, thereby facilitating troubleshooting efforts in receiver malfunction cases.
The T8 model boasts a convenient USB output (Type-A), ideal for powering devices such as action cameras like a GoPro or smartphones. Despite its limitations, this DC-DC converter is confined to a 5-volt output and cannot serve as an energy supply due to its PD unsuitability.
Following a thorough charge cycle on an 8S battery, I recorded the individual cell voltages to determine if the HOTA T8 charger tends towards undercharging or overcharging. The results showed a slight undershoot, with cells finishing approximately 0.01 volts below target voltage—a minor deviation that prioritizes safety and is not a critical issue. Moreover, the T8 allows for adjustable tip voltage adjustment, enabling users to either increase or decrease the voltage to their liking, providing a pleasant level of fine-tuning control. To make up for the initial underestimate, I would adjust the tip voltage to approximately 4.21 volts.
| Complete | 33.57 |
| Cell 1 | 4.191 |
| Cell 2 | 4.193 |
| Cell 3 | 4.192 |
| Cell 4 | 4.188 |
| Cell 5 | 4.183 |
| Cell 6 | 4.190 |
| Cell 7 | 4.199 |
| Cell 8 | 4.197 |
To ensure the precision of T8 voltage readings, I rechecked the voltage measurements against a calibrated reference point. I’m delighted with the accuracy of the readings and feel a strong sense of pride in their quality. While the discrepancy around 0.01V may seem minuscule, it’s still a significant variation that could potentially affect the overall performance of the device, especially for enthusiasts seeking precise readings?
| Supply | Charger | DDM |
|---|---|---|
| Enter XT60 | 23.9V | 23.97V |
| CH1 XT60 | 30.66 | 30.62 |
| Cell 1 | 3.830 | 3.824 |
| Cell 2 | 3.829 | 3.824 |
| Cell 3 | 3.829 | 3.824 |
| Cell 4 | 3.829 | 3.822 |
| Cell 5 | 3.832 | 3.823 |
| Cell 6 | 3.830 | 3.825 |
| Cell 7 | 3.827 | 3.825 |
| Cell 8 | 3.826 | 3.824 |
While charging my large 6-series lithium-ion battery, I specify the current limit at its maximum capacity of 22 amps, logically suggesting that it should be capable of delivering up to 530 watts once the voltage per cell reaches 4 volts. Despite its efforts, the charger only reached success with a modest 19 amps, ultimately topping out at a maximum of 495 watts. While the charger’s performance may not have fully met specifications, it still provides sufficient power for many FPV pilots, considering that parallel charging six 6S 1100mAh batteries at a rate of 2C requires only around 13A, approximately 300W.
For those who struggle, the need for abilities often seems minimal at best. The T8’s efficient power delivery is showcased by its ability to charge an 8S 1000mAh battery with just 30W to 60W of energy, surpassing expectations for everyday charging needs.
While the HOTA T8 may be considered one of the more affordable options for an 8S LiPo charger on the market, it truly stands out for its impressive balance of power and portability in a surprisingly compact package. While the T8 didn’t quite reach its touted peak performance, it still delivers more than sufficient power for most amateur applications. A compact and intuitive interface, combined with precise voltage monitoring and reliable charging capabilities, makes this product an attractive option for those seeking versatility in their battery management system, whether preparing for the demands of an 8S setup or ensuring seamless compatibility with smaller configurations.
You’ll receive the HOTA T8 from a reputable online retailer.
My go-to lithium-polymer (LiPo) charger for 6-series packs and smaller is the reliable Q6AC.
The most reliable portable power bank I’ve ever used is undoubtedly the SkyRC B6Neo.
Adding a USB-C Power Delivery port to the T8 could significantly enhance its travel capabilities and appeal to a broader range of users seeking a more versatile device on-the-go? Since it is equipped with only an XT60 connector, you will require an external power source that is capable of meeting your specific charging needs. To facilitate informed decision-making when selecting an energy provider, consider reviewing this comprehensive guide on LiPo charger energy supplies.
