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HTRC S680 is an 80 W / 6 A RC charger for 1–6S LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion, and 1–15S NiMH
The HTRC S680 is a compact, universal RC charger for multiple battery types. It supports 1–6S LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion, and 1–15S NiMH, with a stated maximum of 80 W and 6 A. The package usually includes an external 15 V / 6 A adapter.
HTRC S680 is a compact, universal RC charger for multiple battery types. It supports 1–6S LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion, and 1–15S NiMH, with a stated maximum of 80 W and 6 A. The package usually includes an external 15 V / 6 A adapter.
Real user experiences are easier to find for this model than detailed laboratory testing. For example, one user reports that in LiPo mode, the S680 consistently balanced the cells to approximately 4.20 V per cell.
1–6S covers most RC LiPo batteries
The 1–6S range means it can be used with everything from small micro models to powerful 6S FPV or RC systems.
2S–4S is completely typical for an everyday RC car, crawler or drone.
Supported chemistries are not interchangeable
The S680 supports LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion. Each chemistry has a different target voltage.
Typically:
- LiPo approximately 4.20 V/cell,
- LiHV approximately 4.35 V,
- LiFe approximately 3.60–3.65 V,
- Li-ion typically 4.20 V, depending on the specific cell.
Using the wrong program can be dangerous.
Balance charging
For 2S–6S LiPo, the balance connector is also connected. The charger then monitors individual cells and balances their voltage.
The user report of 4.20 V/cell suggests that basic balancing worked consistently on that particular unit.
80 W and 6 A are two separate limits
At low voltage, you can use 6 A. At higher voltage, the power limit starts to apply.
Example at 6S LiPo and 25.2 V:
80 W / 25.2 V ≈ 3.17 A.
So a 6S pack cannot be charged at 6 A when at full voltage, because that would exceed 80 W.
15 V / 6 A adapter
The external power supply theoretically provides 90 W. This leaves a reasonable margin for the charger’s 80 W output and conversion losses.
1–15S NiMH
The S680 also supports NiMH packs. This is useful for older RC models, transmitters and receiver batteries.
NiMH uses a different charging algorithm than LiPo, so selecting the correct mode is essential.
Setting the charging current
For LiPo, 1C is a common conservative starting point.
Example:
- 2200 mAh → approximately 2.2 A,
- 5000 mAh → approximately 5 A.
If the battery manufacturer allows more, a higher value can be used. However, you don’t need to use the charger’s maximum output every time to ensure battery life and safety.
Storage mode
A LiPo battery should not be left fully charged for weeks. Storage mode typically sets it to approximately 3.8 V/cell, depending on the chemistry.
This is one of the most practical features of a universal RC charger.
Check cables and adapters
One user noted that the XT60/Tamiya adapter combination did not work for them—specifically, the orientation/gender of the connectors.
When charging RC batteries, always check the polarity before connecting, and never force connectors together.
Parallel charging is not for beginners
A parallel board can be convenient, but it requires the same number of cells, similar pack voltages and a properly rated total current.
Beginners should charge batteries individually.
LiPo safety
Charge:
- on a non-flammable surface,
- under supervision,
- away from flammable materials,
- only batteries that are undamaged.
It is not advisable to try to “revive” a swollen or punctured pack with a higher current.
Main specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. power | 80 W |
| Max. current | 6 A |
| LiPo | 1–6S |
| LiHV | 1–6S |
| LiFe | 1–6S |
| Li-ion | 1–6S |
| NiMH | 1–15S |
| Balance | yes |
| Adapter | approx. 15 V / 6 A |
| User experience | LiPo balance approx. 4.20 V/cell |
Is the HTRC S680 worth it?
As an inexpensive universal RC charger, it looks good. 80 W is enough for most 2S–4S hobby packs, and it can handle 6S at a lower current.
The most important things are choosing the correct program, setting the right charging current and handling LiPo batteries safely. The charger itself cannot compensate for poor user practices.