ETRONIX POWERPAL MINI AC 6A 60W BALANCE CHARGER/DISCHARGER (UK Plug) ET0204

Overview

The Etronix PowerPal Mini AC 6A 60W Balance Charger/Discharger (ET0204) is a compact, lightweight solution designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand reliable, versatile battery charging for their RC cars, trucks, buggies and other models. With an integrated power unit and UK mains plug, this charger delivers professional-grade functionality in a portable package that you can use anywhere – whether you're at the track, in your garage, or out at the field. The PowerPal Mini is an excellent choice for RC car UK hobbyists who need a single charger capable of handling multiple battery chemistries without the bulk and expense of larger, stationary units.

What sets the PowerPal Mini apart from standard chargers is its sophisticated Delta peak charge software technology, which automatically detects and adapts to all popular battery types used in modern RC modelling. This intelligent system means you're not locked into one type of battery chemistry – you can confidently charge NiMH sticks for vintage builds, LiPo packs for high-performance RC cars, and even lead-acid batteries for larger scale models, all with the same charger. The intuitive touch-button menu with scrolling display makes adjusting settings straightforward, whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or new to the hobby.

The included XT60 and Deans connectors provide immediate compatibility with thousands of popular ready-to-run RC vehicles sold across the UK market today. For those building custom packs or using alternative connectors, the built-in XH balance ports on the front of the charger offer flexible balancing options without requiring additional accessories. At just 302 grams in weight and measuring a compact 115 x 112 x 55mm, the PowerPal Mini represents genuine portability without compromising on power delivery or features.

Key Features

• Integrated AC Power Unit — Unlike chargers requiring separate power supplies, the PowerPal Mini includes a complete mains power unit with UK plug integrated into the unit itself, eliminating cable clutter and making it immediately ready to use from any standard UK household or workshop socket.
• Delta Peak Charge Software — This advanced charging algorithm automatically detects battery chemistry and adjusts charging parameters in real-time, protecting your valuable batteries from overcharging and extending their lifespan significantly compared to fixed-parameter chargers.
• Multi-Chemistry Support — Charge NiMH and NiCd batteries up to 8S, LiPo, LiPo, LiHV and LiLon batteries from 2-4S, and lead-acid batteries from 6-12V all with a single charger, making the PowerPal Mini an exceptionally versatile addition to any RC toolkit.
• Intuitive Touch-Button Menu — The simple menu system scrolls through clearly labelled options for cell type selection, charging mode, discharging, balancing and storage settings, ensuring you can confidently operate the charger without consulting the manual repeatedly.
• Charging and Discharging Capability — Beyond charging, the PowerPal Mini can safely discharge batteries when needed, useful for storage preparation or battery cycling to maintain optimal health and longevity.
• Cycling Function — The automatic cycling mode performs repeated charge-discharge cycles on your batteries, a valuable feature for conditioning new packs or rejuvenating aged batteries that have lost capacity over time.
• Fast and Storage Modes — Select between fast charging when you need to get back on the track quickly, or storage mode which charges batteries to an optimal voltage level for long-term safe storage, preventing degradation.
• Balancing Function with Built-In Ports — The charger features integrated XH balance ports on the front panel that allow simultaneous cell balancing during the charging process, with a 300mAh balance current per cell ensuring safe, controlled balancing across all cells in your pack.
• High Charge Current Rating — With a maximum charge current of 6A, the PowerPal Mini can deliver substantial charging power; a 3000mAh 3S LiPo battery would charge in approximately one hour at 3A current, providing excellent charging speed for regular modelling applications.
• Dual Connector Compatibility — The included XT60 and Deans cables provide immediate compatibility with the vast majority of ready-to-run RC cars and aftermarket batteries found in the UK RC market, with optional adapters available for EC3, Tamiya and other connector types.
• Compact, Portable Design — Weighing just 302 grams and measuring 115 x 112 x 55mm, the PowerPal Mini is small enough to fit in a backpack or toolbox, yet robust enough for regular workshop use without vibration concerns or stability issues.

Technical Performance

The PowerPal Mini delivers impressive technical performance within its class, combining a 60-watt charge power output with a 10-watt discharge capability that covers the vast majority of RC hobby applications. The charge current range of 0.1 to 6 amperes provides granular control, allowing you to charge anything from small sub-100mAh cells used in micro RC quadcopters right up to substantial 6000mAh+ packs used in larger RC cars and trucks. The separate discharge current range of 0.1 to 2 amperes ensures safe, controlled energy removal from batteries without excessive heat generation or connector strain. The engineering approach prioritises safety throughout – the Delta peak charge software monitors battery condition continuously, automatically terminating charge cycles when complete to prevent dangerous overcharging. For LiPo and lithium-based batteries, which require careful cell-by-cell voltage management, the built-in 300mAh balance function per cell ensures that all cells in your pack remain within safe voltage windows, extending pack lifespan considerably. The balance capability is particularly valuable for users of 3S and 4S LiPo packs, which have become industry-standard power sources for brushless RC cars and high-performance models across the UK.

What's in the Box

• Etronix PowerPal Mini AC 6A 60W Balance Charger/Discharger unit with integrated UK mains power supply
• XT60 connector cable
• Deans connector cable
• UK mains power lead
• Built-in XH balance ports (integrated into charger front panel)

What You Need to Complete

• Optional: XT60 to XT90 adapter if your battery uses XT90 connectors (such as Gens Ace batteries)
• Optional: Deans to Tamiya adapter if you have Tamiya-plug batteries from vintage RC cars
• Optional: EC3 to Deans adapter for compatibility with EC3-equipped batteries
• LiPo or NiMH battery pack for charging (the charger is a charging solution; you must provide the battery to charge)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Etronix PowerPal Mini suitable for charging my brushless RC car batteries? — Yes, absolutely. The PowerPal Mini is fully compatible with LiPo batteries used in modern brushless RC cars throughout the UK. It supports 2S, 3S and 4S LiPo packs with its advanced Delta peak charge software, and includes XT60 connectors which are standard on most brushless-ready vehicles. The 60-watt charge power is more than sufficient for rapid charging of typical 3S 5000mAh packs used in high-performance RC cars and buggies.
• Can I balance charge my 3S LiPo battery with this charger? — Yes. The PowerPal Mini includes built-in XH balance ports on the front of the charger, allowing you to balance charge 2S, 3S and 4S LiPo packs without requiring a separate balance board or adapter. Simply connect the balance cable to the corresponding XH port and the charger will automatically manage individual cell voltages during charging, ensuring all cells reach the same voltage level for optimal performance and longevity.
• How long does it take to charge a 3000mAh 3S LiPo battery? — Charging time depends on the current you select. If you charge at the maximum 3-amp rate, a 3000mAh battery should complete charging in approximately one hour. The PowerPal Mini allows you to adjust the charge current from 0.1A to 6A, so you can choose faster charging when you're in a hurry or slower charging for maximum battery care if charging overnight.
• Does this charger come with a UK power supply? — Yes. The PowerPal Mini features an integrated AC power unit with a UK mains power lead included in the box. Simply plug it directly into any UK household or workshop socket – there are no separate power supply units to source or manage.
• What connector types are included with the PowerPal Mini? — The charger includes both XT60 and Deans connector cables, covering the vast majority of RC vehicles sold in the UK today. If your battery uses XT90, Tamiya, EC3 or other connector types, you can purchase optional adapter cables to achieve compatibility without replacing your batteries.
• Can I charge NiMH batteries with this charger? — Yes. The PowerPal Mini supports NiMH and NiCd batteries up to 8S configuration. The Delta peak charge software automatically detects NiMH chemistry and adjusts charging parameters accordingly. This makes the PowerPal Mini an excellent choice for users with older RC cars using traditional NiMH battery packs.
• Is the PowerPal Mini good for beginners? — Yes, this is an excellent charger for beginners and experienced users alike. The intuitive touch-button menu makes operation straightforward, and the intelligent Delta peak charge software means you don't need extensive knowledge of battery chemistry to use it safely. The inclusion of both charging and discharging functions, plus automatic balance charging, provides professional-grade functionality in an easy-to-use package.
• Can I discharge batteries with this charger? — Yes. The PowerPal Mini includes a dedicated discharge function with current settings from 0.1A to 2A. This is useful for preparing batteries for storage (the charger has a specific storage mode that charges to an optimal safe voltage) or for conditioning and cycling batteries to maintain peak performance.
• What is the difference between the PowerPal Mini and larger chargers? — The key difference is portability and integrated power. The PowerPal Mini's compact 115 x 112 x 55mm size and 302-gram weight make it genuinely portable, whilst its integrated UK mains power eliminates the need for separate power supplies. Larger chargers typically offer higher power output suitable for larger-scale models, but the PowerPal Mini's 60W charging power is more than adequate for standard 1/10 and 1/8 scale RC cars used throughout the UK hobby.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ETRONIX POWERPAL MINI AC 6A 60W BALANCE CHARGER/DISCHARGER (UK Plug) ET0204 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.