Enter the characters you see belowSorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. Show Type the characters you see in this image:Try different image Conditions of Use Privacy Policy © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Batteries make everything go in RC, even in nitro-powered models — sure, the engine burns fuel, but you aren’t going anywhere without a battery on board to power the receiver and servos. As with so many aspects of our amazing hobby/sport, you can go super-deep into battery tech if it really interests you — but it’s hardly a requirement for making an informed battery choice and understanding the types of batteries we use in radio control. Here’s everything you really need to know… NiMH & LiPo NiMH NiMH packs are constructed with cylindrical cells (usually 6-8 of them) like those we’ve been dropping into flashlights and TV remotes for years. LiPo LiPo batteries are assembled with flat slab-like cells. Most LiPos used in RC cars are 2- or 3-cell configurations. CAPACITY & VOLTAGE Capacity You’ll find two important numbers on any battery: capacity (here, 5250mAh) and voltage (7.4V for this MaxAmps pack). Voltage It’s different with LiPos. The principle is the same, but since a single LiPo cell delivers 3.7 volts, LiPo packs have fewer cells for a given voltage. The most common configurations are 2-cell, 7.4-volt packs (2 x 3.7 = 7.4) and 3-cell, 11.1V packs. Depending on your model and how much voltage it can handle, you may even be able to use 4, 5, or 6-cell packs—again, check those power-system specs! What About “S”? With its covering removed, we can see the two stacked cells of this “2S” LiPo. The cells have been tinted so you can easily distinguish them. When cells are connected in series, their voltages are combined. This illustration shows a “2S” pack: two 3.7 volt cells in series. The cells are connected by their positive (+) and negative (-) tabs to deliver 7.4 volts at the connector. CHARGING
ESSENTIALS Whether you’re shopping for an inexpensive charger to keep your packs juiced up on the cheap, or you’re going for a fully-adjustable pro model (like this Hyperion EOS0840i), you’ll find plenty of options at the hobby store. How Many Amps? NiMH packs are more tolerant of higher-amp charging, but selecting a rate of 1-1.5C is good practice for maximum pack life. Occasionally charging at a higher rate when you need to save time won’t hurt anything, but do most of your charging at a lower rate whenever you can. CHARGING SAFETY RULE NO. 1: Never Leave Batteries Unattended While Charging RULE NO. 2: Use the Right Charger RULE NO. 3: Use the Right Connectors For extra safety, a flame-retardant charging bag (such as this one from MaxAmps) is a good idea. LiPo Balancing: what It Is And Why You Should Do It Depending on your charger, there may be a built-in balance plug port, or an external “balance board.” The small white connector you’ll find on most LiPo packs is the “balance plug.” It’s wired so the charger can read each cell’s voltage individually and charge accordingly. Caring
for LiPo Batteries Use low-Voltage Detection Set low-Voltage Detection for 3.3 Volts Per Cell Keep Your Packs Clean Store LiPos 50% Charged Depending on your model’s speed control, the low voltage detection system may switch on automatically when a LiPo is connected, or you may need to activate the feature yourself. Check the manual! Keep your packs clean and inspect them for damage after each driving session. How long do you charge RC batteries?The safest way to charge a lipo battery and the one that puts the least amount of strain on your battery is to charge at a rate of "1C" or 1 times capacity. A 1C charge rate means that the current will charge the entire battery in 1 hour ( assuming you are starting with a fully discharged battery around 3.2v ).
Why do RC batteries take so long to charge?If you've been running the lipo in between the short charges that aren't long enough to fully charge, you may have you the lipo down and caused a cell imbalance - usually when charger takes a longer than normal time its voltage imbalance between cells.
Can you overcharge remote control car battery?Alkaline batteries commonly used to power transmitters are quite hardy, but we always recommend removing them from your controller if you do not intend to use the device for a long period. NiMh batteries are also robust but can be damaged by overcharging so investing in a quality monitoring charger is wise.
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