SkyRC B6AC V2 Charger Review: The Classic iMAX B6AC, Modernized

The original iMAX B6AC earned a reputation as one of the most dependable entry-level RC chargers ever sold, and the SkyRC B6AC V2 is the modern AC/DC dual-power update to that classic. If you learned to charge LiPo packs on an old B6AC a decade ago, this is the direct spiritual successor.

Key Specs

• Max charge current: 6A
• Max charge power: 50W
• Power input: AC 100-240V or 12V DC
• Max discharge power: 5W
• Charge current range: 0.1-5.0A
• Discharge current range: 0.1-1.0A
• Chemistries: NiMH/NiCd 1-15S, Li-ion/LiPo 1-6S, Pb 2-20V
• Dimensions: 135 x 144 x 36mm
• Weight: 632g
• PC-connectable for firmware upgrades and PC control

AC/DC Dual Power: The Main Upgrade

The single biggest reason to pick the B6AC V2 over a plain DC-only charger is flexibility. Plug straight into a wall outlet with the built-in AC input, or run it off a 12V DC source (car battery, DC power supply, whatever is available) when you are away from mains power. That single feature covers both a home workshop setup and field charging without needing a separate AC adapter brick cluttering up your bag.

• At home: plug directly into an AC wall outlet, no adapter needed
• At the field or in a vehicle: run off any 12V DC source
• One charger replaces what used to require a charger plus a separate AC-to-DC power supply

Classic Re-Peak Mode for NiMH

SkyRC kept one of the most useful legacy features from the original B6AC lineup: re-peak mode for NiMH/NiCd packs. Rather than stopping the moment the charger detects peak voltage, re-peak mode continues cycling brief charge pulses to top off cells that would otherwise be left slightly under capacity, squeezing meaningfully more usable runtime out of older NiMH packs.

1. Select NiMH or NiCd chemistry and your desired charge current
2. Enable re-peak mode in the charge settings
3. The charger detects the initial peak, then continues topping off in short bursts
4. Charging halts automatically once no further capacity gain is detected

Doubling as a Battery Meter

Beyond straightforward charging and discharging, the B6AC V2 also functions as a lithium battery voltage and internal-resistance meter — genuinely handy for quickly checking whether an older pack is starting to degrade before you trust it on a flight or a long drive session. Internal resistance climbing noticeably compared to a pack’s baseline reading is usually the first warning sign of a battery nearing the end of its useful life.

I keep an aging set of 3S packs specifically for slow-flying trainer planes, and running a quick internal-resistance check on the B6AC V2 before each flying session has caught two packs that were quietly degrading well before they would have caused a mid-flight voltage sag.

PC Connectivity

A USB port on the back allows firmware updates and PC-based control, letting more advanced users log charge data or automate charge profiles from a computer rather than being limited purely to the onboard buttons and screen. Casual users can safely ignore this entirely and just use the physical interface, which remains simple enough for beginners.

“Grew up on the original iMAX B6AC and the V2 feels immediately familiar but noticeably more capable. Re-peak mode alone extended the life of a box of old NiMH packs I almost threw out.” — Harold G., trainer-plane hobbyist, posting on RCUniverse

Setting Up Your First Charge

1. Choose AC or 12V DC input depending on your location
2. Connect the battery’s main lead and, for lithium packs, the balance lead as well
3. Select the correct chemistry (NiMH, NiCd, Li-ion/LiPo, or Pb) from the menu
4. Set charge current — the manual and most cell manufacturers recommend charging at 1C or less for longevity unless you specifically need a faster charge
5. Confirm cell count is detected correctly before starting, especially on packs without clearly marked cell counts

The interface will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has used an iMAX-style charger before, which is by design — SkyRC clearly did not want to alienate long-time users with an unfamiliar menu structure on what is meant to be a direct successor.

Who This Charger Suits Best

• Hobbyists upgrading from an aging original B6AC who want familiar operation with modern dual power input
• Anyone maintaining a mixed fleet of lithium and NiMH/NiCd packs who wants one charger for both
• Budget-conscious buyers who do not need the absolute highest charge currents of premium chargers like the MC5000 or B6 Neo 2
• Trainer-plane and slow-flying hobbyists who often keep older NiMH packs in rotation longer than typical

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the B6AC V2 an upgrade to the original iMAX B6AC?

Yes, it is the modern AC/DC successor to the classic B6AC, keeping familiar features like re-peak mode while adding dual power input and a more capable display.

Can it run off a car battery?

Yes, the 12V DC input accepts a car battery or any similar 12V DC source in addition to the built-in AC input.

Does it support 6S LiPo batteries?

Yes, lithium chemistries are supported up to 6S, with charge current adjustable from 0.1A to 5.0A.

Can I check battery health without doing a full charge cycle?

Yes, the built-in voltage and internal-resistance meter function lets you quickly assess a lithium pack’s condition without running a complete charge or discharge cycle.

Longevity and Care

• Keep the unit’s cooling vents clear of dust, especially if it lives in a workshop with a lot of ambient dust from sanding or grinding nearby projects
• Periodically check the AC cord and DC input leads for wear if the charger travels often between home and field use
• Run a firmware check occasionally via the PC connection, since SkyRC has historically pushed refinements to charge algorithms after initial release
• Store lithium packs at storage voltage between sessions rather than leaving them at full charge for extended periods, using the charger’s Storage-equivalent function where available

Conclusion

The SkyRC B6AC V2 takes a genuinely beloved classic charger and modernizes it without losing what made the original popular in the first place. Dual AC/DC input plus a built-in battery health meter make it a strong all-around pick for hobbyists who want one charger to cover home and field charging alike.