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How many batteries do I need?
- Thread starter RCDad
- Start date
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You'll need 8 AA batts for the transmitter and 4 AA batts for the receiver. Best bet is to use rechargeables because these systems go through batteries like water. One other nice option is a 5-cell rechargeable receiver pack. If you by regular rechargeable AA batteries, you'll find they only operate at a peak voltage of 1.2 v per cell. Whereas a typical alkaline is 1.5 v per cell. In your receiver, if you use 4 AA rechargeables, you're only supplying 4.8 total volts. A receiver is used to running on 6 volts. So jumping to 5 cells on the receiver pack will get you that 6.0 volts that you really need. In the transmitter, it usually runs on 12v. With rechargeables it's only 9.6 volts, but it doesn't seem to make that big of a difference for these applications....
If you are using AAs 4 is the proper number. 1.2v x 4 = 4.8v.
Rechargeable are a good idea. You will find that a set will last for a good day of bashing and more. For safety and protection of your investment having a fully charged set of batteries when you go out for the day is the only way to go.
For better performance out of your servos you nay want to look into getting a pre-made rechargeable battery pack. They have 5 cells rather then 4 and will give you more speed and torque from your servos. The cost as compared to AA rechargeables and a charger isn't to much more.
Rechargeable are a good idea. You will find that a set will last for a good day of bashing and more. For safety and protection of your investment having a fully charged set of batteries when you go out for the day is the only way to go.
For better performance out of your servos you nay want to look into getting a pre-made rechargeable battery pack. They have 5 cells rather then 4 and will give you more speed and torque from your servos. The cost as compared to AA rechargeables and a charger isn't to much more.
Yes every reciever I have seen takes 4. They dont need to be rechargeable. I would upgrade to a rechargeable Rx pack when possibile. The 4 AA's sometimes vibrate loose in offroad conditions. Then you have a runaway w/o a failsafe.
LOL,i'm slow you 2 posted while I was typeing!!!!
LOL,i'm slow you 2 posted while I was typeing!!!!
WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!! 3 of the exact same answers all within minutes of each other! You so gotta love this site! Although I think my answer was much more eloquent....
I have thrown my double A's while racing. I will not use anything but a receiver pack now. That stays in the car and is ziptied to the radio tray. Just plug it in to the wall with the charger and let it charge over night or get a feild charger and peak charge it. THe Superbrain 969 is good for this and can also do your glow ignitor. Great for when you forget to charge your ignitor and don't have a drycell backup system.
- Thread starter
- #7
So with rechargeables running on only 1.2 v what does that mean exactly as far as performance? The car is likely to loose the signal?
BTW, how far can you operate a car safely away? I'm used to the off the shelf battery operated RC's that seem like 100' or less and they quit responding.
BTW, how far can you operate a car safely away? I'm used to the off the shelf battery operated RC's that seem like 100' or less and they quit responding.
Some say you could get up to a quarter mile range. But frankly by that time you'll lose sight of the car. Even with 9.6 v in the transmitter your range should be acceptable for typical surface use. The big issue is in the receiver pack. If you run at 4.8 volts, you'll notice the servos move slower and you run the risk of the pack running down sooner. It will still run well. There will just be a few concessions. TIP: Run a failsafe. That way if your batteries dump or you somehow run out of range the failsafe will kick in and stop the car.
See....the Search is your friend... Good job...
So they lied!RCDad said:
An old dog CAN learn a new trick.
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No such luck. These toys are major money pits.
I recommend the 5 cell NiMh hump pack for the Rx. I used to go through 4 Alkaline batts a day, and now with the hump pack, I only have to recharge it after 5 days of running. It paid for itself long time ago, in what I'm saving by not using Alkalines any more.
I recommend the 5 cell NiMh hump pack for the Rx. I used to go through 4 Alkaline batts a day, and now with the hump pack, I only have to recharge it after 5 days of running. It paid for itself long time ago, in what I'm saving by not using Alkalines any more.
They will work,but keep in mind they can vibtare loose,zip ties and elec. tape could be your friends. My Storm would only run a hot lap or so then it was WOT into a wall then thankfully upside down. Suckers will/can vibrate loose quick.
