Getting Started - Battery Charger Comparison Guide

Every competitor needs their own Battery Charger to allow their robot to compete during competitions, as well as testing and storing batteries between events.  Battery chargers are available in a range of price points with different features including battery chemistries (LiPo, LiHv, Cell-Count, and more).  We've asked the SCAR community of builders what they use and recommend, and have included some of their favorite picks below. 

Battery Charger Comparison Guide

Every competitor needs a charger for testing, events, and safe storage. Use the quick picks below, then compare specs.

Portable for small packs Dual-channel to charge two packs High power for faster charge rates AC vs DC determines if you need a separate PSU

Quick picks

Common “best fit” choices based on portability, channels, and power.

ISDT PD60

Most portable: ISDT PD60 (USB-C)

USB-C input 2–4S 60W

Good when you value compact size and convenience over raw power.

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HOTA T6 DC

Single-pack power: HOTA T6 DC

1–6S 300W 15A

Solid “one charger to grow with” option if you’re on DC/PD power.

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ToolkitRC M8P

Highest ceiling (8S): ToolKitRC M8P

1–8S 600W 20A

Best when you explicitly need 8S capability and lots of DC power.

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HOTA D6 Pro

Dual-channel (AC/DC): HOTA D6 Pro

Dual channel AC + DC 1–6S

Great for events: two packs charging at once, with built-in AC support.

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HOTA S6

Dual-channel (strong AC): HOTA S6

Dual channel AC + DC 1–6S

Similar “two packs at once” workflow, with higher AC charging power.

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Compare specs

Swipe left/right on mobile. “AC/DC” tells you whether you can plug into the wall without a separate power supply.

Model Cells Channels Power Input Notes
ISDT PD60
USB-C DC charger
 2–4S 1 60W USB-C / DC Ultra portable; convenient for small packs.
HOTA T6 DC
DC/PD charger
 1–6S 1 Up to 300W DC / PD Strong single-channel power for growth.
ToolKitRC M8P
High-power DC
 1–8S 1 600W DC Best if you need 8S support.
HOTA D6 Pro
Dual channel
 1–6S 2 DC 650W total / AC 200W AC + DC Event-friendly: charge two packs simultaneously.
HOTA S6
Dual channel
 1–6S 2 DC 650W total / AC 400W AC + DC Similar to D6 Pro, higher AC charging power.

Buyer checklist

Pick based on (1) your typical cell count, (2) whether you want to charge 2 packs at once, and (3) whether you need AC wall-plug convenience.

Decision rules

• If you want “plug into the wall” simplicity: prioritize AC + DC models.
• If you want shorter turnaround at events: prioritize dual-channel.
• If you need 8S capability: prioritize 1–8S support.

Common terms (tap to expand)
  • S = cell count in series (e.g., 4S).
  • W (watts) = charge power headroom (more W = faster charge potential).
  • AC vs DC: AC plugs into wall; DC typically needs an external power supply/battery source.

ISDT PD60S

"Great for Plastic Ants, Antweights, and Fairyweights." 2-4 Cell Lithium Polymer batteries. Requires external power supply. More information available at PyroDrone.

HOTA T6 DC

1-6 Cell Lithium Polymer Batteries. Requires external power supply. More information available at PyroDrone.

ToolKit RC M8P

1-8 Cell Lithium Polymer batteries. Requires external power supply. More information available on PyroDrone.

HOTA D6 Pro

1-6 Cell Lithium Polymer batteries. Can charge two batteries at once with integrated power supply. More information on PyroDrone.

HOTA S6 400W

1-6 Cell Lithium Polymer batteries. Can charge two batteries at once with integrated power supply. More information on PyroDrone.