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Old 12-25-2016, 09:39 AM
  #1  
kat.hayes
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Default Newb battery and charger advice

Just got a Slash 4x4 and need a battery and charger. I am not going to get into competitive racing, and will not be using the Slash every day. Safety is also a concern, I already ordered a Lipo charging/storage bag.

1. What is the main difference between the Nimh batteries and Lipos? Speed? Charge capacity? For a casual user, should I just consider Nimh instead of Lipo?

2. Is Nimh safer than Lipo? Are Nimh batteries also prone to explode if damaged?

3. Are 2S Lipos safer than 3S, 4S, etc. or are they all prone to explode if damaged?

Based on any responses/info received, I will ask about specific battery/charger advice.

Thanks!
Old 12-25-2016, 11:31 AM
  #2  
RustyUs
 
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One of the best places, IMO, that will inform a person to the use of LiPo batteries....http://www.rogershobbycenter.com/lipoguide/
http://www.mrpositive.co.nz/understa...ipo-batteries/
RC Resources for the beginner [Read this first]

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-lipo-batteries.html
Old 12-25-2016, 05:53 PM
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krokodyl
 
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1:Nimh batteries are much heavier for lipo, and don't offer nearly as much performance. Most people will not go back to nimh once they tried lipo.

2: MOST people say nimh are safer than lipo. They can explode, but very rarely. It is also rare for a lipo to burn if not damaged.

3: A 2s lipo fire would be smaller than a 3s or 4s, assuming that they were all equually charged.

The links that RustyUs gave will anwser all your questions in depth...

Hubert
Old 12-29-2016, 11:52 PM
  #4  
kat.hayes
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Thanks for the info and links!!! It was EXTREMELY helpful, though I am still a bit confused by all of the technical specs. I’m trying to narrow down options for the charger and lipos based on the following criteria for how I will be using it:


- need a charger and some Lipos for my Slash Platinum 4x4
- I will not be racing, just bashing, and it will mostly be used on flat paved surface, and occasionally on some dirt/grass
- I’m not going to be using it all the time, possibly only once a week? Though who knows...
Batteries:
- 2S
- don't want to take any chances with larger capacity batteries that will run longer (one of the articles mentioned that the motor could overheat, not sure how likely that is though?)
- SAFE as possible


Charger:
- like to stay around $150 or less if possible, though will pay more if needed
- SAFE as possible
- Safety features such as over/under voltage protection, time out feature, temperature probe for over heat protection, cell count confirmation/protection
- adequate cooling fans and heat sinks
- balance charging to ensure each cell is properly charged - Shows all cell voltages when balancing
- ability to charge 2 batteries at a time would be nice
- auto shut off for safety reasons
- ability to storage charging
- charges different chemical battery makeups
- Can measure the Internal Resistance of each cell & the entire pack
- accurately tell me my battery condition by showing how much charge goes into them
- accept a 12-14 VDC input

Chargers I’m looking at:
Kinexsis KX80: 80W AC/DC Charger
https://www.amazon.com/Kinexsis-KX80-80W-AC-Charger/dp/B01095RAH6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483050211&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=kinexsis+k80


Junsi 206B iCharger
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LWL141&P=ML



iCharger 106B+
https://www.amazon.com/ProgressiveRC-PRC-106B-iCharger-106B/dp/B007X45ERK


iCharger 1010B+
https://www.amazon.com/ProgressiveRC-na-iCharger-1010B/dp/B005X0470G

iCharger PRC-306B 30 Amps Synchronous LiPo Balance Battery Charger
https://www.amazon.com/iCharger-Synchronous-Balance-Charger-Discharger/dp/B007X4E9X0


Lipos I’m looking at:

Turnigy 2200mAh 3S 20C Lipo Pack
https://www.amazon.com/Turnigy-2200mAh-20C-Lipo-Pack/dp/B0072AEY5I/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483083174&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=obbyKing%27s+Turnigy


Gens ace LiPo Battery Pack 5000mAh 50C 2S 7.4V HardCase 21
https://www.amazon.com/Gens-ace-Battery-HardCase-Approved/dp/B00WOAWHUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483083202&sr=8-1&keywords=Zippy+LiPo+batteries


Thank you for any info!!!!!
Old 12-30-2016, 04:59 AM
  #5  
flyinwalenda
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The Kinexis charger is a good charger for the price.

I would stay away from the turnigy and gensace lipos. Look at a Venom LiPo as they have a much better warranty and the company is easy to deal with.

Here is some good reading if you want to learn about electric operation. It's written for aircraft but most everything crosses-over to surface.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/elec...ic-flight.html
Old 12-30-2016, 07:37 PM
  #6  
jester_s1
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I run Gens Ace batteries in my RC10T and SC10. They don't perform as well as Venom or a few other brands would, but they are fine for bashing and priced right. Get yourself a 2 cell hardcase lipo in the highest capacity that will fit your truck since that 4wd sucks the power. I think Gens Ace makes a 6500 that will go in there. Get 2 while you are at it.

An 80 watt charger will be fine for your purposes. As long as it's lipo compatible, it will work fine. You don't need to measure resistance for bashing.

Overheating is the result of drawing too many amps, caused by having your gear ratio too high. Follow the manual and you'll be fine.
Old 01-06-2017, 12:41 AM
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WhuteverMichael
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can anyone direct me or help me i got my rc truck "Midnight Pumpkin"just a few monnths ago after my father passed, he built it and been holdin out on me for years nehoo he was a battery pack horder lol so my question/problem is i got the truck the battery pack collection and anifty lil trickle charger a Five Star 5501 Champion 7.2/8.4 nicad ac/dc charger ok finally to the point, there was no instructions I just want to make sure Im doin this right. when I 1st got the truck and accessories I THOUGHT i charged all the battery packs then someone told me ai neededto update the esc and remote. Im gettin ready too thought Id try to play with it well ALL my baateery packs aredead
Old 01-06-2017, 04:07 AM
  #8  
RustyUs
 
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The only reason to "update" is if the components are not in working order. Batteries do self discharge when sitting for long periods of time. Depending on age and condition of batteries, you might find some that will hold a charge.

Is that charger a peak charger, or one with a timer knob?
Old 01-06-2017, 08:54 PM
  #9  
jester_s1
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Batteries have a shelf life. Their internal components break down over time.

For future use, it's very helpful to take a minute and review your posts for grammar and spelling. I know some consider it picky to speak up about it, but when you use good writing people can understand you better. We can't help you if we can't make sense out of your post.

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