Cayote 2-Force X5: Patrick Beck breaks down the dual-channel charger in Power Lab Vol.1

Photo: Cayote (source)

Cayote is opening a new educational chapter: the brand has just launched Power Lab, a video series devoted to its charging equipment, whose first episode is entirely dedicated to the Cayote 2-Force X5 charger. German driver Patrick Beck, a regular on the European touring scene, takes the floor to detail the unit’s basic specifications and functions based on his own race use.

Power Lab Vol.1: the Cayote 2-Force X5 charger explained by a driver

The format chosen by Cayote is the one that has been gaining ground among equipment makers over the past year: rather than yet another spec sheet, a hands-on walkthrough by someone who lives with the product in the pits. Patrick Beck goes back over the basic settings, navigation through the interface and the operating modes, explaining which ones genuinely help between two heats and which belong to end-of-day maintenance.

Two independent channels and 55A in synchronised mode

The 2-Force X5 is a dual-channel charger built for the race pit. Each channel works independently, which makes it possible to handle two packs at the same time, with a claimed 500W on mains power and 700W per channel on DC input, for 1,400W total in DC. Maximum current reaches 40A per channel in normal operation and climbs to 55A in synchronised mode, when both channels are combined on a single pack.

Reading is handled by a 3.5-inch IPS screen that stays legible in direct sunlight, paired with a four-button interface. The gloss-coated polymer case measures 172 x 130 x 101mm for 1.5kg, with large ventilation openings and a managed cooling system.

Auxiliary outputs and safety features

• LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, NiMH and Li-Ion compatibility;
• multifunction 12V DC output to power tyre warmers, a soldering iron or pit accessories;
• dedicated servo test port;
• USB-C port for firmware updates;
• external discharge, two-in-one charging and regulated power supply modes;
• over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit, reverse polarity and over-temperature shutdown protections.

Worth noting: when the 12V DC output is in use, available mains power is brought down to 400W. The 2-Force X5 is distributed in Europe and North America under part numbers CYEG1021 (EU version) and CYEG1022, supplied with XT90 charge leads.