In the rapidly evolving world of portable charger, the ISDT 608PD emerges as a noteworthy contender. This compact USB-C capable LiPo charger, though small in size, packs a powerful punch, capable of charging 6S LiPo batteries up to 200W. In this review, I’ll delve into the 608PD’s impressive specs and design, while also highlighting some limitations to consider before making your purchase decision.
For those new to FPV, I recommend checking out my comprehensive guide on LiPo chargers for FPV drones: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can find the ISDT 608PD at these retailers:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-21ch
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEGhGch
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/423YGRy
Unboxing the ISDT 608PD, you’ll find it in a straightforward package accompanied by an instruction manual, with no additional accessories included.
Specifications
- Maximum Input Current: 10A on DC, 5A on USB-C
- Input Voltage Range: DC 5-30V, USB-C 5-28V
- Output Voltage Range: DC 3.0~30V (ideal for up to 6S LiPo/Li-ion)
- Charging Current: 0.5-10.0A
- Maximum Charging Power: 240W on DC, 140W on USB-C
- Maximum Discharge Power: USB-C 100W/5A
- Supported Battery Types and Series: LiFe, LiPo, LiHv (4.35V~4.50V) 1-6S, Pb 1-12S, NiMH 1-16S
- Balance Current: 0.8A/Cell Max
- Operating Temperature: 0~40℃
- Storage Temperature: -20~60℃
- Dimensions: 72.5×60×26.6mm
- Weight: 85g
Design
Upon first handling the ISDT 608PD, its robust build quality is immediately apparent. Designed for convenience, it fits comfortably in your hand, being only slightly larger than other portable chargers like the ToolkitRC M4 Pro (on the left), and the SkyRC B6 Neo (on the right).
The device features a sizeable color screen and three buttons for navigating through menus. The screen boasts a high-contrast IPS display, ensuring clear visibility even in direct sunlight, with adjustable brightness to suit various lighting conditions.
Additionally, the 608PD is equipped with an internal fan flanked by venting on either side, which keeps the unit cool during operation. The fan noise, even at full speed, remains within an acceptable range.
Connectors
The ISDT 608PD features XT60 and USB-C connectors for power input, accommodating a range of power sources.
On the output side, there’s an XT60 and a 6S compatible balance port, allowing you to charge LiPo batteries ranging from 1S to 6S. However, the absence of an XT30 connector is noticeable. If you frequently charge smaller batteries, you might need to invest in an adapter, which is a slight inconvenience.
User Interface
Navigating the 608PD’s menu is quite a breeze. The screen is clear and readable, and the menu layout is intuitive and user-friendly. I appreciate iSDT’s decision to use physical buttons for navigation, which simplifies the process. Although the menu operation and parameter adjustments differ from other smart chargers, requiring some time to get used to, this isn’t a major obstacle. Later in this review, I’ll talk more about how to operate this charger in greater detail.
The charger can store up to five profiles for various charging settings. This feature is particularly handy if you regularly charge different types and sizes of batteries.
Additionally, while charging, it displays individual cell voltages and internal resistance, just like the full-size smart chargers.
ISDT Link APP
A standout feature of the 608PD is the ISDT Link App, accessible via smartphones. This app enables remote monitoring and control of the charger through Bluetooth. You can view individual cell voltages, stop and start charging, and modify settings like battery chemistry, cell count, and charge range.
It provides a more convenient way to configure charger profiles compared to doing it directly on the charger. Features like adjusting screen brightness and beeping are exclusive to the app and not available in the charger’s menu.
The app also allows for voltage calibration.
USB-C Output Feature
An innovative aspect of the 608PD is its ability to transform a connected LiPo battery into a USB-C power source. This functionality effectively turns the charger into a portable power bank – perfect for charging devices like phones, tablets and GoPros in the field.
How does it work?
Connect a LiPo battery to the Output XT60 and balance port. Hold down the center button to activate USB Out mode. You will be prompted to set the lowest cell voltage to avoid over-discharging – a commendable safety feature.
Then Plug in the device you wish to charge in the USB-C Port. You can monitor the charge current, and mah charged on screen.
Voltage Checker
The 608PD doubles as a voltage checker. Simply plug in the balance lead, and it displays the cell voltages.
Downsides and Limitations
It’s important to note that the iSDT 608PD lacks discharge and storage capabilities. Depending on your charging needs, this could be a significant drawback.
Testing
Voltage Accuracy
I tested the charger’s accuracy with a calibrated multimeter. The results were satisfactory, showing great consistency between the charger’s readings and the digital multimeter.
| Source | Charger Report | DDM |
|---|---|---|
| Input XT60 | 23.2 | 23.17 |
| Output XT60 | 23.2 | 23.17 |
| Cell 1 | 3.86 | 3.862 |
| Cell 2 | 3.86 | 3.861 |
| Cell 3 | 3.85 | 3.855 |
| Cell 4 | 3.85 | 3.861 |
| Cell 5 | 3.86 | 3.860 |
| Cell 6 | 3.85 | 3.860 |
Power
When powered via DC through the XT60, the charger successfully delivered over 200W of charging power.
Using a 65W USB-C adapter, the charger pulled around 60W. While I couldn’t test its 100W claim due to a lack of a more powerful adapter, for me personally it’s more than enough as a travel charger.
The temperature-controlled cooling system is efficient, with the fan activating at around 60°C. Although slightly loud at full speed, it effectively reduces the temperature and quiets down as the charger cools, eventually the fan turning off at 40°C.
How to Use?
Here’s the provided manual. Let me guide you through the process of using the ISDT 608PD Charger.
Firstly, power up the charger. You’ll be prompted to set a low voltage limit, this is to avoid over-discharging if you are using a battery as power source. You can either select a value manually or wait a few seconds for the dialog to disappear, which will then select the default value displayed on the screen.
Next, connect the battery you wish to charge to both the XT60 and balance port.
To select a charger profile, simply press the center button. You can then browse through different profiles using the left and right buttons.
If you want to modify parameters within the current profile, hold down the center button, and use the left/right buttons to choose a new value. Press the center button again to change the next parameter. Once you’re done adjusting, hold down the center button to exit the profile adjustment mode.
When you’re ready to start charging, press the center button.
During charging, you can press the left/right buttons to view the individual cell voltages and internal resistance (IR).
To adjust the charge current while charging, hold down the center button.
To stop charging, quickly double-press the center button.
How to Calibrate Voltage
To calibrate the balance port voltages, use the ISDT Link Smartphone APP. Start by checking the individual cell voltages of a 6S battery with a calibrated multimeter. Then, connect the battery to the 608PD charger. Enter the voltages you noted earlier in the app under “Voltage Calibration.”
Conclusion
Priced at around $30, the ISDT 608PD Charger is a compelling buy. Its user-friendly interface, compact design, and ISDT Link App make it an attractive option for many users. However, the lack of storage and discharge modes, as well as the absense of an XT30 output connector, could be deal breaker for some.
You can purchase the ISDT 608PD charger from the following vendors:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-21ch
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEGhGch
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/423YGRy
So, do I recommend the iSDT 608PD? If you never use storage/discharge functions, then the 608PD is an excellent choice. However, if these features are essential, consider the SkyRC B6 Neo instead. For those who primarily charge 4S or smaller LiPo batteries, the ToolkitRC M4 Pocket is another great option, offering both XT30 and XT60 connectors.
10 comments
Thanks Oscar, great article as always.
1) For storage discharge could you plug in your lipo from the bottom, set 3.8V minimum voltage per cell then use PD to charge your phone or anything else? Will this keep the lipo balanced when discharging?
2) For storage charging can you just set the end voltage to 3.8V and use the regular charging mode? Also does this keep the lipo balanced?
Keen to get this charger since my ToolkitRC M6 died.
1) it doesn’t monitor voltage per cell at the input, but yea you can discharge your LiPo by using it as the power source for the charger, and set a minimum voltage at input.
2) you can’t set end voltage so low as 3.8V, I think the lowest it allowed me to set was 4.15V per cell.
I don’t know why you’d prefer this charger, but I think the SkyRC B6neo is a good replacement: https://oscarliang.com/skyrc-b6neo-lipo-charger/
There was a firmware update announced a while back, they actually can now set the end voltage as low as 3.7, specifically intended as an approximation of “storage” mode
So, I was interested until I saw that there was no storage fucntion… any news on this ? New firmware ?
I think ISDT will add the storage/discharge functions via firmware update. Gonna wait with buy until that happens.
I dont get the issue with missing storage and discharge feature …
storage: just select 3.8V as cut off voltage wile charging
discharge: just use USB C out to power your gadgedts or notebook until battary is low
🤷
As of now you cannot choose 3.8v as a terminal voltage when charging. This should be an easy fix with an update. There will be no internal discharge and maybe that’s the best with such a small body. I will keep my eye on this one.
No storage charge? wow, that’s useless
That could be workarounded by setting lower charging voltage (e.g. 3.8V for LiPO).
if the voltage is higher than 3.8V it doesn’t discharge though.