I am building a plane that is going to required a 11.1v Lipo/4000mAh capacity.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of using one large pack (4000mAh) or 2 smaller packs (abouot 2000mAh) in parallel?

Thanks![sm=tongue_smile.gif]

Advantage: You have two 2000mAh batteries which might suit an other smaller plane. Which means you have more flexibility!
And it MIGHT be easier to install, or the opposite...

Disadvantage: more to think of when it comes to charging... But as soon as they both are charged and then connected together they can be charged in parallell too. But now and then they should be separated and balanced on their own.

Hi,

Also, if one huge pack goes bad, you are stuck. Having your own parallel packs that you setup are a better way to go if you have the room. It makes a world of difference to me as I fly mostly glow to electric conversions, so flexibility matters.

Best of luck with your model and Happy Year!

Edd

Ditto going with multiple packs vs one big one. My big birds all use the same packs in various combos, 90" P38 uses 8 3S3700's wired in series/parrallel configs to give me a 6s2p set up in each boom, The Hanger 9 Camel uses 2 of the packs for a 6S1P set up, same with my P40, my Hanger 9 Cub uses just one of them. All may smaller birds use combos of 3s2100 packs to motivate them.

Makes it so much easier to only deal with 2 types of packs vs a seperate pack for each bird.

Thanks to all that have replied!!
I am grateful that experienced RC'ers are always willing to help out!
Maybe I'll be knowledgeable enough someday to help out others as well!
I am definitely going with the smaller packs in parallel.
Ken

I don't see a disadvantage to the smaller packs, but I would advise you to ensure that you use a balance charger to ensure the packs are virtually identical when you start your flights.

The main advantage of using 2 packs parallel instead of one, is that you can use the smaller batteries in other applications.
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Joshua Gordon
Common Sense RC
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