RE: Do I really need a power panel and battery?
Yes, I used it on a Sullivan starter - didn't like it.
Finally converted to the Sullivan battery pack and NiCads - a lot happier.
It was under powered and I didn't have a proper charger for the lead acid battery.
This is not to say it wasn't properly charged, I had to watch it carefully to prevent overcharging.
Burned up two batteries by not being carefull enough.
If you have a Hobbico starter it may work better than it did with the Sullivan starter.
There motor is a 5 volt motor with 12+ volts from the battery.
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