Traxxas Battery Options/Education

[slw2206]

I'm looking for battery options for my Traxxas XRT and in the process I'll be searching for a little education (or confirmation that my thinking is correct).

I currently have Traxxas 4s 6700mah packs and their Id chargers for our XRTs. 2 chargers, 8 packs so we're pretty well invested there.

My understanding is that there are lots of aftermarket LiPO options out there that may offer better performance than the Traxxas packs, so Id like recommendations on what I should be looking at.

My 2nd understanding is that the way Traxxas packs are wired to work with the ID charger means other manufacturers batteries may not work with my ID charger. As I research that point I see that my Traxxas chargers have a little plastic faceplate next to the main charger with 3 pin connectors (balance leads?). Does this mean that I can use other manufacturers packs with my ID charger? I just need to plug in 2 connectors per pack when charging?

Not sure if what I stated above is correct so looking for confirmation.

In summary:

1) What aftermarket LiPOs should I look at for maximum capacity + performance?
2) Is my understanding of the connectors correct? Can I use my ID chargers for other manufacturers packs knowing that I have the pin connectors next to the main terminal?

 

[9x19]

Yes, if there is a connector under the little face plate, that is the balance connector.

Along with the main power leads, you would need to connect the balance lead from a generic Lipo pack to that when charging. Be sure you have the connection on the right pins as the balance connector on a 4S battery will be shorter (5 pins) than the connector on the 6S capable charger (7 pins). It can be helpful to use a balance port extender such as this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQJDVB1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

 

[xjtorc]

My 2nd understanding is that the way Traxxas packs are wired to work with the ID charger means other manufacturers batteries may not work with my ID charger. As I research that point I see that my Traxxas chargers have a little plastic faceplate next to the main charger with 3 pin connectors (balance leads?). Does this mean that I can use other manufacturers packs with my ID charger? I just need to plug in 2 connectors per pack when charging?

You are correct. You can also consult the manual of your specific charger model which will have a section titled "Charging Traxxas Batteries without iD in Advanced Mode" describing how to do it.

As far as a battery recommendation, I use Amazon lipos in everything I run. I figure out the dimension of my battery tray then go searching for batteries with the highest mAh and C rating that will fit that dimension, then send it.

 

[slw2206]

You are correct. You can also consult the manual of your specific charger model which will have a section titled "Charging Traxxas Batteries without iD in Advanced Mode" describing how to do it.

As far as a battery recommendation, I use Amazon lipos in everything I run. I figure out the dimension of my battery tray then go searching for batteries with the highest mAh and C rating that will fit that dimension, then send it.

Consult the manual? ...but I'm a man!

/sarcasm