ISDT 608PD charger: Tiny but Mighty

When I started this hobby, I remember that LIPO chargers were big, heavy, and had a max power of 30-50W. Instead, the ISDT 608PD fits inside your pocket, weighs just 85 grams, and has a charging power of up to 240W. Furthermore, it can be monitored and controlled via a mobile app.

Priced for only $29.99, it is ISDT’s cheapest LIPO charger, which makes it understandable that it has some limitations, like the lack of a built-in discharge circuit. The ISDT 608PD can’t be used as a desk charger that can be plugged into an AC outlet; it requires a PD USB charger or AC/DC adapter with an XT60 plug. You can use a portable power station or high-capacity LI-ION battery on the field to charge your small batteries.

The ISDT 608PD multi-chemistry charger is compatible with most commonly used rechargeables, such as LiPo, LiHv, LiFe, NiMH, and Pb. FPV drones are powered mainly by LiPo (4.20V) and LiHv (4.35V) batteries, which are supported up to 6S by this charger (S – represents the number of cells connected serially).

ISDT 608PD review

Disclosure: I received this pocket battery charger for a product review collaboration with RadioMaster. Product specs and quality may vary according to the manufacturer’s reliability, so I cannot guarantee that you will get a charger that performs precisely the same as seen in my review.

Last month, along with some own-brand products (ELRS TX and RX modules), RadioMaster sent me this DC charger from Shenzen ISD Technology (ISDT), an innovative company dedicated to charging and power solution technology.

The ISDT 608PD charger comes in a small box with a tiny, barely readable quick-start guide. No USB or other cables are included. Measuring 72.5×60×26.6mm, it is slightly bigger than a matchbox. It has a minimalist design with only three buttons on the front panel under the 2.4-inch IPS screen. To allow perfect visibility, even in direct sunlight, the display has automatic brightness adjustment and a viewing angle of 178°.

It has an XT60 and USB Type-C port on the input side, respectively, and an XT60 and 6S balance port on the output end.

Its bi-directional USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can also charge most handheld devices, including smartphones, at top speed. With a maximum charging power of 100W, it can also be used with high-performance laptops. I charged my laptop twice (from 10 to 100%) using a 6S/6000mAh LIION battery pack. DJI, Autel, FIMI, and other consumer drone pilots can charge their flight batteries and remote controllers through the 608PD.

Maybe due to the Type-C cable’s quality (power rating), even though my PD brick can deliver 100W/channel, they negotiated only a 60W transfer (20V x 3A).

Despite having only three buttons, operating the ISDT 608PD isn’t as straightforward and intuitive as expected. Of course, you can get used to the operation in a few minutes, but I wouldn’t say I liked it.

You can select from 4.1 to 4.25v for LIPO batteries and from 4.1 to 4.5V for LIHV packs. Charging current can be selected up to 5A for PD input or 10A for XT60. Discharge mode is available only if a USB consumer is connected.

The charger cannot detect the battery’s chemistry, so be very careful when choosing the type of battery selected for the charging program. If you do it wrong, the battery can be damaged or even explode!

ISDLink: Simple Mobile APP for managing (monitoring and control) the charger

Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the 608PD DC charger can be monitored and controlled from your smartphone using the ISDLink APP (available for Android and iOS).

From the ISDLink APP, you can run one of the three preset charing tasks or customize one according to your needs. You can change Battery chemistry, Number of Cells, End voltage, and Charge current. On the top ribbon is a charging progress bar. The Input voltage, Charge Power, Individual Cell voltage, and Internal resistance (IR) are monitored during the charging process. From the APP, you can also perform voltage calibration.

Pricing and availability

The ISDT 608PD DC charger can be ordered from RadioMaster for only $29.99. You will need a PD charger (100-140W) and an X60 to XT30 adapter for smaller batteries to complete the charger.

Technical parameters

ISDT 608PD alternatives

In the size of 608PD, there are only a few options available. One is the SKYRC B6neo, reviewed here on FirstQuadcopter last year. The B6neo is $10 more expensive, but I think the price difference is justified for the built-in 24W discharge circuit and the more friendly user interface.

The TookitRC M4 Pocket for $32.99 is also a great DC charger, but it is limited to up to 4S batteries. I like that it comes with XT30 and XT60 battery ports, so you don’t need an additional converter.

If you are most interested in charging power, the 608PD has 240W, the B6neo 200W, and the M4 Pocket has only 80W.