Mad Mad Max

Being new to electrics (I'm been flying glow for many years), I have a question on batteries. My club is going to start a pylon race using slow sticks to keep it sample and fun. My question is which type of 3S Li Po would be best: a 1,800mAh 30C, a 1,800mAh 40C, a 2,200mAh 30C or a 2,200mAh 40C? The rules require the same motor and prop size on all planes. More generic questions would be, what is the advantage, if any, of (1) higher mAh capacity and the advantage, if any, of higher C discharge ratings?

Thanks!!

Iceman67

Great questions. Glad to hear that your club is starting an electric racing circuit.

You will find that electrics is simple math. For example:

1800 mAh = 1.8 Ah. 1.8 X 30C=54 amps. @ nominal voltage of 11.1v x 54amps =599.4 watts.
1800 mAh = 1.8 Ah. 1.8 X 40C=72 amps. @ nominal voltage of 11.1v x 72amps =799.2 watts.
2200 mAh = 2.2 Ah. 2.2 X 30C=66 amps. @ nominal voltage of 11.1v x 66amps =732.6 watts.
2200 mAh = 2.2 Ah. 2.2 X 40C=88 amps. @ nominal voltage of 11.1v x 88amps =976.8 watts.

You can see the effect of performance with capacity and "C" rating. Most batteries will maintain nominal voltage under "C" rating current. Cost can also come into play here as well to see what you are paying per mAh, or per weight unit, or per watt available. You will also need to consider what your motor and ESC are capable of. This all plays into the equation.

Look forward to hearing how this goes for you.

Archie Adamisin
Muncie, IN