Extending Battery Leads
10-21-2018, 11:31 AM
#1
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Extending Battery Leads
As I have indicated in a post a week or so ago, I have an Apprentice S 15e. I am new to LiPo batteries but learning fast. My question here is this. The battery that I have for it is a 3S 11.1V 3200mAh. When I put it in the bay on the bottom of the plane and run the leads up through a hole to connect with the connector at top end, there is very little of the leads from the battery exposed to work with. It can be done but tight. Is it possible to add an extension lead to the battery leads and extend them say another 4 or 5 inches without any reduction in power or other problems? Do they even sell something like that? Thank you in advanced for any help in this regard.
Poppy2
Poppy2
10-21-2018, 01:07 PM
#2
certainly, I prefer to solder extensions on rather than trust plug-in connections. just get the right (same) size wire, snip the existing lead in two and solder the extension wires in between. I like to use marine grade heat shrink tubing for the insulation. it has a hot melt adhesive inside the tube and forms a better seal with the wire casing than regular shrink tubing.. unless the extension is ridiculously long, the power won't suffer and plug-in connections rob power, so you'll be eliminating that loss.
10-21-2018, 01:09 PM
#3
Adding just a few inches is not an issue. I have a couple airplanes that run dual 5s 5000 mah packs. I use a Y adapter to hook the batteries in series that adds about 4" to the length. This power system generates roughly 2,700 watts so yours should be just fine. I would suggest making up an extension that just plugs into place.
10-22-2018, 05:28 AM
#4
Yes it is safe to use extensions or solder in appropriate wire extension. When I got into the hobby I decide to go with life batteries. They have a very short balance lead that you use for charging. A pain to reach in the airplane. So I make extension leads that stay in the airplane. I also made a longer lead to connect the extension to my charger.
This is is a crashed battery, ground use only, you can see the short balance lead. The plug in extension on upper left side. The battery finally failed and I save all the connections.
This is is a crashed battery, ground use only, you can see the short balance lead. The plug in extension on upper left side. The battery finally failed and I save all the connections.
10-22-2018, 10:17 AM
#6
Last edited by speedracerntrixie; 10-22-2018 at 10:27 AM.
10-22-2018, 01:51 PM
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Went to the local hobby shop here in Huntsville, Al this morning and the fellow there put together a 4 inch exertion for me. Identical wire, same size and identical connectors. I will be very careful it does not interfere in any way with the servos. Thank you for all your insights and help. I can not thank you all enough.
Poppy2
Poppy2
