The ISDT P20 is a compact high-power DC battery balance charger built around two independent charging channels, up to 500W and 20A per channel, and support for standard LiPo batteries from 1S through 8S. It is designed for RC users who need substantially more charging performance than a typical 6S hobby charger while still keeping the charger itself relatively small.
Powered from a suitable 10–34V external DC source, the P20 can operate as a dual-channel LiPo charger with up to 500W available on each channel. For one larger charging task, its Parallel Task can combine the channels for up to 800W / 35A.
Support for 8S LiPo, LiFe and Li-ion batteries, 1.5A/cell balancing, storage and discharge functions, a CH1 adjustable DC power-supply mode, BattGo support and USB-C firmware updating makes the P20 particularly useful for larger RC airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, FPV systems and other high-power battery applications.
Quick Fit Check:
• Charger type: DC smart dual-channel battery balance charger / discharger
• DC input: 10–34V
• Charging power: Up to 500W ×2
• Charging current: 0.2–20A ×2
• Parallel Task: Up to 800W / 35A
• Discharge power: Up to 15W ×2
• Discharge current: 0.2–1.5A ×2
• Balance current: Up to 1.5A/cell
• LiPo / LiFe / Li-ion: 1–8S
• LiHV: 1–7S
• Pb: 1–12S
• NiMH / NiCd: 1–16S
• Adjustable DC power supply: CH1, 2–30V / 1–5A
• AC input: No — an external DC power source is required
ISDT P20 Specifications
| Brand |
ISDT |
| Model |
P20 |
| Product Type |
DC Dual-Channel Smart Battery Balance Charger / Discharger |
| Input Voltage |
DC 10–34V |
| Output Voltage |
DC 1–34V |
| Maximum Input Current |
35A |
| Charging Current |
0.2–20A ×2 |
| Maximum Charging Power |
500W ×2 |
| Discharge Current |
0.2–1.5A ×2 |
| Maximum Discharge Power |
15W ×2 |
| Maximum Balance Current |
1.5A/cell |
| LiPo Support |
1–8S |
| LiFe / Li-ion Support |
1–8S |
| LiHV Support |
1–7S |
| Pb Support |
1–12S |
| NiMH / NiCd Support |
1–16S |
| Parallel Charging |
Up to 800W / 35A |
| Parallel Discharging |
Up to 30W / 3A |
| CH1 DC Power Supply |
2–30V / 1–5A |
| Abnormal Voltage Alarm |
Supported |
| Incorrect Cell Count Alarm |
Supported |
| Operating Temperature |
0–40°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-20–60°C |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) |
105 × 105 × 47mm |
| Weight |
Approx. 350g |
| Stock Number |
ISDTP201000DUDC |
500W ×2 Independent Dual-Channel Charging
The P20 is built around two independently controlled battery channels. Each channel can deliver up to 500W charging power and 20A charging current when the external DC power source and connected battery allow it.
This makes the P20 substantially more capable than many compact hobby chargers, especially for users who routinely prepare two higher-capacity 4S, 6S or 8S battery packs.
Both channels can be operated independently, so the batteries do not have to use the same chemistry, cell count or charging current during normal two-channel operation.
500W ×2 explained:
The P20 has two independent outputs rated up to 500W each. Achieving these figures requires a sufficiently powerful external DC supply and does not mean that every battery should be charged at maximum power.
An 8S LiPo Battery Balance Charger, Not Just a 6S Charger
One of the P20's most important advantages is support for standard LiPo batteries from 1S through 8S. Many mainstream RC chargers stop at 6S, so the P20 is particularly relevant to users running larger 8S RC power systems.
LiFe and Li-ion batteries are also supported through 8S. LiHV uses a different supported range and is limited to 1–7S.
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LiPo: 1–8S
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LiFe: 1–8S
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Li-ion: 1–8S
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LiHV: 1–7S
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Pb: 1–12S
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NiMH / NiCd: 1–16S
Important: The P20's 8S rating applies to standard LiPo, LiFe and Li-ion batteries. LiHV is officially supported up to 7S.
1.5A/Cell Balance Charging
The P20 provides up to 1.5A balance current per cell for supported lithium battery packs.
When charging a multi-cell LiPo, LiHV, Li-ion or LiFe battery, the balance connection allows the charger to monitor individual cell voltages and help keep the pack correctly balanced during the charging process.
The official manual recommends using the balance connection when charging LiPo batteries and provides individual cell-voltage and internal-resistance information during balancing operation.
800W / 35A Parallel Task for One Battery
The P20 includes a dedicated Parallel Task that combines the two charger channels for a single battery.
In this mode, the official specification lists a maximum parallel charging capability of 800W / 35A. Parallel discharge capability is up to 30W / 3A.
Parallel Task is not the same as parallel battery charging:
The P20 Parallel Task combines both charger outputs to charge one battery at higher power. It should not be confused with connecting multiple batteries together on a conventional parallel charging board.
Dual Task for Matching Battery Operations
The P20 can also operate both channels together using the same charge, discharge or storage parameters.
This is useful when preparing two suitable matching battery packs that require the same task settings, while normal dual-channel operation remains available when the packs need different parameters.
20A ×2 Charging: Check Battery and Input Power Limits
Each P20 channel offers an adjustable charging-current range of 0.2–20A.
That 20A figure is the charger-side current limit, not a recommendation to charge every battery at 20A. The correct current must be selected according to the battery manufacturer's maximum permitted charge rate.
Actual available current is also limited by battery voltage, charger wattage and the capability of the external DC source. High-current charging of larger 6S or 8S batteries requires significantly more input wattage than charging a lower-voltage pack at the same current.
DC Input: External Power Supply Required
The P20 is a DC-only RC battery charger. It does not contain an internal AC power supply.
Input voltage is DC 10–34V, with maximum input current rated at 35A. Users therefore need an appropriate external DC power source for operation.
For higher charging outputs, the DC supply, connectors and wiring must all be capable of safely supplying the required current and total wattage.
Before buying: The package does not include a mains AC power supply. The P20 requires a suitable 10–34V DC source.
CH1 Adjustable DC Power Supply Mode
Channel 1 can also be switched from battery charging duty to an adjustable DC power-supply function.
The P20 manual specifies an adjustable output range of:
-
Voltage: 2–30V
-
Current: 1–5A
This gives the P20 additional bench utility for suitable low-voltage hobby equipment and electronics.
Dark Mode and Split-Screen Charging Display
The P20 uses ISDT's scOS interface and includes selectable bright and dark display themes. Dark mode can be useful when charging in a lower-light workshop, pit area or indoor setup.
The charger also provides a split-screen interface that can display information from both charging channels, making it easier to monitor two battery tasks at the same time.
USB-C Firmware Updating
The P20 includes a dedicated USB-C upgrading port. It can be connected to a compatible computer for supported firmware updates.
Firmware support allows ISDT to maintain or update charger functions over the life of the product. Refer to the latest ISDT software and firmware instructions before starting an update.
BattGo Battery Information Support
The P20 supports ISDT BattGo battery information functions with compatible BattGo hardware.
When the appropriate BattGo battery is connected, supported battery type, cell count and task parameters can be identified and used by the charger. BattGo information can also be viewed through the charging interface.
BattGo note: BattGo data functions require compatible smart-battery hardware. A conventional battery does not gain BattGo communication simply because the main connector can be physically connected.
Charge, Storage, Discharge and Destroy Tasks
The P20 supports the main battery-management tasks needed by RC users:
-
Charge for normal battery charging.
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Storage for supported batteries that will not be used immediately.
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Discharge with up to 1.5A and 15W per channel.
-
Destroy for permanently decommissioning a battery intended for disposal.
The Destroy function is intended to discharge a battery intended to be scrapped toward 0V and must not be used for ordinary storage.
Destroy mode is permanent: Never use this function on a battery you intend to recharge or use again.
LiPo, LiFe, Li-ion and LiHV Charge Voltages
The P20 provides separate battery-chemistry programs with different charging and storage voltages.
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LiFe: Full charge 3.65V/cell
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Li-ion: Full charge 4.10V/cell
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LiPo: Full charge 4.20V/cell
-
LiHV: Full charge 4.35V/cell
Always select the program that matches the actual battery chemistry. Never charge a standard LiPo battery using the LiHV setting.
LiHV compatibility notice: A model being described as 6S or 7S does not automatically mean its ESC or electronics support the higher fully charged voltage of a LiHV pack. Check the model's maximum permitted input voltage before using a higher-voltage LiHV charge mode.
Input Protection and Charger Settings
The P20 allows the minimum input-voltage protection level to be configured between 10V and 31V. This can help protect a battery or other DC source being used to power the charger from excessive discharge.
The maximum input-power setting can also be adjusted to suit the capability of the connected DC power source.
Other system options include display theme, split-screen behavior, self-test and voltage calibration.
ISDT P20 Manual
For complete operating instructions, charging programs, Parallel Task, Dual Task, DC power-supply mode, system settings and safety information, view the ISDT P20 User Manual.
Who Is the ISDT P20 Best Suited To?
- RC users looking specifically for an 8S LiPo battery balance charger.
- Pilots and drivers who regularly charge two batteries at the same time.
- Users who already have a powerful external DC charging supply.
- RC airplane, helicopter, car, boat and FPV users running high-capacity 4S, 6S or 8S packs.
- Users who need up to 500W and 20A per charging channel.
- Users who may benefit from the 800W / 35A single-battery Parallel Task.
- Users who want an additional adjustable DC bench-power function.
Compare More ISDT and RC Battery Chargers
Compare the P20 with other ISDT AC/DC, DC-only, dual-channel and high-power charging systems in the ISDT chargers, dischargers and battery tools collection.
To compare this P20 with chargers from other brands or find a different power level, supported cell count or input type, explore the LiPo battery chargers collection.
What to Check Before Buying
- The P20 is a DC-only charger and requires a separate 10–34V DC power source.
- Confirm that your battery chemistry and cell count are supported.
- Standard LiPo, LiFe and Li-ion batteries are supported up to 8S.
- LiHV batteries are officially supported up to 7S.
- Confirm that your external DC source can safely supply the voltage, current and total wattage needed for your desired charging power.
- Do not assume 20A is appropriate for every battery; follow the battery manufacturer's maximum charge rate.
- Connect the appropriate balance lead when balance charging multi-cell lithium batteries.
- If using Parallel Task, follow the wiring and setup instructions in the official manual.
FAQ
Is the ISDT P20 an 8S LiPo charger?
Yes. The P20 officially supports standard LiPo batteries from 1S through 8S.
Can the P20 charge two batteries at once?
Yes. It has two independent charging channels, each rated for up to 500W and 20A under suitable operating conditions.
Does the ISDT P20 plug directly into AC mains power?
No. The P20 is a DC-only charger and requires an external 10–34V DC power source.
What is the maximum charging power?
Normal dual-channel operation supports up to 500W per channel. Parallel Task can provide up to 800W / 35A to one battery.
What is the maximum charging current?
Each channel supports settings from 0.2A to 20A. Actual current is limited by available wattage, input-source capability, battery voltage and the battery's permitted charge rate.
Can the P20 charge 8S LiHV batteries?
No. LiHV batteries are officially supported from 1S through 7S. The 8S specification applies to standard LiPo, LiFe and Li-ion batteries.
Does the P20 have a DC power-supply function?
Yes. Channel 1 can provide an adjustable DC output from 2–30V and 1–5A.
Can the P20 firmware be updated?
Yes. The charger includes a USB-C upgrading port for supported firmware updates through a compatible computer.
Where can I find the ISDT P20 manual?
View the ISDT P20 User Manual for detailed charger operation and safety instructions.
Package Includes
- 1 × ISDT P20 Smart Dual DC Charger
Note: External DC power supply and mains power cord are not included.
Charging Safety Notice
Always confirm battery chemistry, cell count, polarity and permitted charge rate before starting a charging task. Use the correct chemistry program and connect the appropriate balance lead when balance charging lithium battery packs.
Standard LiPo batteries must not be charged above 4.20V per cell. LiHV batteries require the dedicated LiHV mode and must only be charged to 4.35V per cell when the battery is specifically designed for LiHV charging.
Operate the charger on a heat-resistant, non-flammable and electrically insulating surface with sufficient airflow around the cooling vents. Never charge damaged, swollen or otherwise compromised batteries, and never leave batteries unattended while charging or discharging.
