How should I convert to rechargable batteries?

[SpikeTop]

I have a toy RC 18 wheeler that uses 4, AA batteries and I want to convert it to a battery pack that I can recharge often. I haven't been able to find a 6v battery pack (4.8v & 7.2v is all) and thot I'd ask over here? You guys are pretty helpful most of the time. Ni-Cads or what?

Thanks,
Spike

 

[BobP]

go to RCPLANET and look up receiver batteries ,they have 26 sizes to choose from.

 

[hamz9561]

Most receiver packs are NiMH and put out nominally 4.8v. This should be fine for your use.

 

[BobP]

they also have 6 volt batteries for recievers . just looked

 

[olds97_lss]

There are many variations of 6V receiver packs. Most use 2/3A NiMH cells, which tend to be better at current transfer than AA's due to the larger platter diameter. They can charge faster and discharge more current without damage. Many can be found with a charger tap on them as well so they can be charged while still attached to the vehicle.

If the device can take it, a 2S lipo puts out 8.4V when fully charged and you get more power per size/weight than NiMH. Only downside is you have to judge when it's low so you don't over discharge. NiMH cells aren't as fussy about that.

Probably best to stick with NiMH packs. However, if it's built for 4AA's, it likely won't allow for 5 rechargeable AA's which put out 1.2V vs the 1.5V alkalines put out. Doesn't mean you can't take a dremel to it and fit 5 NiMH AA's in it though.

2/3A NiMH flat pack:
https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-1600...words=6v+receiver+pack&qid=1576616348&sr=8-10

2/3A NiMH "hump" pack:
https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-1600...words=6v+receiver+pack&qid=1576616348&sr=8-13

AA Sized:
https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Rech...ywords=6v+receiver+pack&qid=1576616348&sr=8-3

Can get creative and put an inline switch with a charge jack as well:
https://www.amazon.com/Apex-RC-Prod...=receiver+charge+switch&qid=1576616464&sr=8-3

Simple charger would work ok, a bit high for the AA style pack though, would stick to a 1A input for those, but should be ok for 2/3A style packs:
https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-100-240...ywords=6v+nimh+charger&qid=1576616567&sr=8-10

Would be better off in the long run with a charger you can adjust though as typically, you don't ant to charge 2/3A packs at more than 1C (1600mah pack charge at 1.6A, 1200mah pack at 1.2A, etc.):
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Char...ywords=6v+nimh+charger&qid=1576616567&sr=8-50

 

[tntpoof]

id make the change to a Life battery 2 cell so 6.6v... you will also need a charger and a battery lead from rc to connect battery to......

 

[SpikeTop]

Many thanks, guys.

Most receiver packs are NiMH and put out nominally 4.8v. This should be fine for your use.

How will the lower voltage affect the unit as a hole if I convert over to a 4.8v battery pack instead of 6v? (A 4.8v is cheaper for my budget and will fit in the truck.) Will I lose power? Will the lights be dimmer? Will the truck run slower?

I found this. Pros and Cons from you guys, please.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6V-700mAh-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[D3MON]

Many thanks, guys.


How will the lower voltage affect the unit as a hole if I convert over to a 4.8v battery pack instead of 6v? (A 4.8v is cheaper for my budget and will fit in the truck.) Will I lose power? Will the lights be dimmer? Will the truck run slower?

I found this. Pros and Cons from you guys, please.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6V-700mAh-Ni-Cd-AA-Rechargeable-Battery-Pack-for-Amphibious-Off-Road-RC-Cars/113717996147?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

if possible dont go with NiCD batteries, NiMh are quite a bit better, not as temperamental, and will last you longer.
here is a possible substitution vs your link.
https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Conn...ords=4.8v+battery+pack&qid=1576651841&sr=8-10

as far as reduced voltage, i dont know if it will be dimmer enough to see until the battery starts getting drained. will be a bit slower.
i would recommend going with a 5 cell hump pack
something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Venom-1600mAh-5-Cell-Receiver-Battery/dp/B000RRQPKA
i have this exact pack in my nitro truck, fits right where the old 4 AA battery holder went.

 

[tntpoof]

Dont run a 5 cell NiXX anything pack the fully charged voltage is to high..id stick with a life pack ..so are we going to tell this guy all the things he will need to know about a Nimh pack like conditioning it so it will last ???
Spike nominal voltage is not fully charged voltage...you better do some research on what a batterys fully voltages are!

 

[hamz9561]

Dont run a 5 cell NiXX anything pack the fully charged voltage is to high..id stick with a life pack ..so are we going to tell this guy all the things he will need to know about a Nimh pack like conditioning it so it will last ???
Spike nominal voltage is not fully charged voltage...you better do some research on what a batterys fully voltages are!

Incorrect. A fully charged AA NiMH battery is only 1.35v typically whereas a LiFE cell is closer to 3.65v. A LiFE cell also needs a low voltage cutoff to prevent damaging it where the NiMH pack does not.

 

[SpikeTop]

Dont run a 5 cell NiXX anything pack the fully charged voltage is to high..id stick with a life pack ..so are we going to tell this guy all the things he will need to know about a Nimh pack like conditioning it so it will last ???
Spike nominal voltage is not fully charged voltage...you better do some research on what a batterys fully voltages are!

I'm doing my best, really I am.

 

[tntpoof]

heres some I like..

http://www.tjinguytech.com/charging-how-tos
http://learningrc.com/lipo-battery/
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/

 

[machinehed]

Hey ,what's up,guess who.
NiMH,5 cell,very common ,made to replace 4 aa cells.i use one for my truck,tmaxx.conditioning is important,as well as how you charge the pack.leave the charging input connector where you can access it from outside the truck and solder another one inline to circuit.never have to open truck to charge,shut off at switch and plug it in?

 

[Rolex]

5 cell hump pack would be your best bet. 1.2V per cell, do the math.

 

[Rolex]

I just noticed that @olds97_lss added a link to that hump pack in his post above. This is what you're looking for. You might want to look around on ebay, also. Just remember, the higher the mAH the longer the run time.