Traxxas E-Maxx batteries

[dion3173]

Questiion.

Hi, I just got an old Traxxas E-Maxx 3906 that needs new batteries. I already have the charger for the NiMH 7.2v with Tamiya connectors. So what should I get ? And how many amps ? Many thanks

 

[GotNoRice]

Current Traxxas 7.2v NiMH packs should work, although they come with Traxxas connectors now, so you'll need to get Traxxas to Tamiya adapters. I would get at least 3000mAh packs.

https://traxxas.com/products/parts/batteries/idpowercellbatteries/nimh/2922X-6C-flat-SubC-3000mAh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294030365656

Alternatively, you could use 2S LiPo packs in-place of the 7.2v NiMH packs. The voltage should be close enough. But I'm almost certain that the older E-Maxx Speed Control doesn't have a LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) which is necessary to prevent a LiPo from discharging too far (you will ruin them if you fully discharge them). A workaround is to attach a LVA (Low Voltage Alarm) to each battery which will beep loudly when the LiPo battery voltage dips too low:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275511072684 (connects to the standard balance connector found on most non-Traxxas LiPo batteries)

 

[Chubaka]

Current Traxxas 7.2v NiMH packs should work, although they come with Traxxas connectors now, so you'll need to get Traxxas to Tamiya adapters. I would get at least 3000mAh packs.

https://traxxas.com/products/parts/batteries/idpowercellbatteries/nimh/2922X-6C-flat-SubC-3000mAh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294030365656

Alternatively, you could use 2S LiPo packs in-place of the 7.2v NiMH packs. The voltage should be close enough. But I'm almost certain that the older E-Maxx Speed Control doesn't have a LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) which is necessary to prevent a LiPo from discharging too far (you will ruin them if you fully discharge them). A workaround is to attach a LVA (Low Voltage Alarm) to each battery which will beep loudly when the LiPo battery voltage dips too low:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275511072684 (connects to the standard balance connector found on most non-Traxxas LiPo batteries)

I would go the 2s route mentioned above. Should be more runtime. Regardless ig go to a high current connector. I've melted tamiys plugs and heat is wasted energy.

 

[WickedFog]

I would HIGHLY advise you cut those Tamiya connectors off there and solder on something like XT60's or IC5's. Those Tamiya connectors are notorious for melting. Adding an adaptor is only going to make that worse.

I would look for something that is at least 5000mAh, 2S, and at least 50c. Buy them as a matched pair and keep them that way. Never run them individually in another RC.

SMC makes really good batteries. I think these should fit, but you'll have to measure your battery trays and make sure. And they're cheap!
https://www.smc-racing.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=67_97&product_id=813

You will need to select the correct connector before you order them, which you will need to sort that out first. If you can't solder, I would also suggest you learn to do so. This hobby requires the use of a soldering iron at times, and it's a common problem amoung guys just starting out that they can't solder. But you can also take the truck to your local jobby shop, and they can likely do that for you. Don't let them talk you into Traxxas batteries, unless you just want to buy some Nimh packs.

 

[9x19]

If you are staying with the NiMH batteries, and the connectors you have, then these look like a good deal... 20% off coupon too,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KXYY53G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A646DVGSXYMNH&psc=1

 

[tudordewolf]

If you are staying with the NiMH batteries, and the connectors you have, then these look like a good deal... 20% off coupon too,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KXYY53G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A646DVGSXYMNH&psc=1

I've capacity tested those and they really do deliver 4200mah, pretty amazing considering 1800-2200mah used to be high-end for sub-c packs and 1200mah was typical.

Zeee has an ebay store, its a lot cheaper there, presumably because amazon takes a big cut: https://www.ebay.com/itm/374107760088