Tech Help, Batteries

There are two main advantages to hard wiring (as it is called) over using plugs. First soldered connectors have less material and normally are shorter leads so you have less resistance for more efficiency. The other main advantage is they cannot come unplugged. Other than this I have found no real advantages no matter what everyone seems to claim.

5 I've been told I should dead-short my battery to equalize and condition the cells in my stick pack battery.

I do not suggest doing that type of discharge method. What I use is a simple set of 8 light bulbs that has a voltage regulator on it that shuts it off when the battery's voltage falls to a certain level.

6 Can you explain the advantage to running matched packs? Is there really that much difference compared to running unmatched cells?

Matched packs give you excellent and more consistent power than unmatched packs.

7 When charging RC2000 batteries what amperage do you recommend for a least a 20 minute charge? I race in the stock class and need to know how I can make my motor put out more torque and go faster. I have a 30* motor. Does putting different tensions springs on both sides make it better?

Recommend 4 to 4.5 amp charge rate. Increase spring tension to 180 degrees for more punch (more torque, less rpm)

8 What brushes and springs are best for the Sonic 11x2?

A #768 brush with a #742 copper spring is recommended for off-road use.

9 Is there a difference between pre-soldered and pre-assembled cells?

There would be no difference between individual cells and pre-assembled cells as long as the capacity and voltage are the same.

10 I have just decided to directly solder my batteries (matched) to my speed control. When you are charging them with the alligator clips how do you get them to stay on?

To get the alligator clips to clip onto the batteries, simply take the two extra battery bars, bend them at 90 degrees, then solder those onto the positive and negative poles. This will allow you to clip your alligator clips to these and start charging. It's also great to solder your speed control wires to the bars too, instead of soldering directly to the cell, which could damage it.

11 I would like to know if Reedy R3K batteries could be charged by a traditional ni-cad battery charger.

Our testing shows that these cells can only handle a voltage drop off of 20 millivolts or less. We recommend that the drop off adjustment be set between 10 and 20 millivolts. What we have found is that the temperature curve increases rapidly as the 3000 cell reaches full charge and the cell will then vent. The only charges we can safely say for sure will work are the models where you can adjust the drop off voltage on the charger. Most of the older models allow a 100 millivolt drop off voltage which would destroy the cells because they would vent.
In other words, yes you can use a NiCad charger, BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THEM BY USING A VOLT METER. Do not let them get HOT and once the voltage starts to drop, take them off--they should be done. BUT YOU HAVE TO WATCH THEM CLOSELY!

12 What is the difference between NiMH and NiCD batteries?

NiMH cells power will stay more consistent over the discharge cycle. NiCd cells tend to fall off quicker.

13 What is used most in racing, NiMH or NiCD batteries?

NiMH are used for racing because NiCd cells have been banned because they are dangerous to the environment.

14 I have Reedy X-Cells batteries, I haven't used them in 5 months but now they never charge fully.

By allowing the batteries to sit around for that length of time you have probably lost some capacity. You cannot let today’s batteries sit in a discharged state for an extended period of time.

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