Help with my batteries and chargers

[Nobbi1977]

I got all my bits free with my Hornet package so I did not do any research or planning.

I am very new to RC so am not sure what to do or when.

I have 3 packs (one with a bust plug)

A conditioner ( of real use or a scam?)

And three chargers

When do I need to charge and discharge batteries? Do I store them flat or full?

What other kit do I need? I think I will need more batteries when my garage gets larger than my amount of batteries.

Is it worth looking in to world of LiPo for the occasional runner?

Many thanks in advance.

[SteveU30]

Section D of this guide is one of the best on the Internet, should tell you everything you need to know.

http://www.msuk-forum.co.uk/topic/15730-electric-guide/

[bromvw]

Section D of this guide is one of the best on the Internet, should tell you everything you need to know.

http://www.msuk-forum.co.uk/topic/15730-electric-guide/

Great guide for any newbie

[Gruntfuggly]

I have one of those "conditioner"s, but it's just a discharger - works fine. It generates heat so make sure it's well ventilated. Use it if you finish running with a half used pack.

I would chuck the chargers in the bin - there is no need for slow chargers these days. There are loads of fast chargers available now for reasonable prices which will get the best out of your old packs or allow you to update to newer LiPo packs...

As one of your plugs is broken, you could take the opportunity to change them all to a decent connector, like Deans or PowerPoles (my favourites). The standard Tamiya connector is low quality and tends to get corroded (and can't be cleaned off easily).

[bromvw]

i'd go a step further , bin the lot and start over . decent fast charger and 3 packs will cost about £60

[Nobbi1977]

Section D of this guide is one of the best on the Internet, should tell you everything you need to know.

http://www.msuk-forum.co.uk/topic/15730-electric-guide/

Many thanks. I will read and come back with more questions :-)

[Nobbi1977]

i'd go a step further , bin the lot and start over .  decent fast charger  and  3 packs  will cost about £60 

Any recommendations on what constitutes a decent charger and packs? And where is the best / cheapest / most reputable to go?

[bromvw]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Original-SKYRC-IMAX-B6-Li-po-Ni-MH-Battery-Charger-12V-5A-AC-Adapter-/360591383680?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item53f4ebdc80

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSP-RC-Electric-Model-7-2v-1800mah-Ni-CD-Rechargeable-Battery-Pack-Tamiya-x-3-/331094974378?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item4d16cc5faa

Just as examples . Charger is a good one for sure - had one for 2 years now .

[waterbok]

Forget cheapest and try best for value ;-)

Vapatex has good batteries, just check which one gets you most mAH per £/€. Charger you have to decide if you want one with external or internal power supply. I myself don't like lipo for cars and even prefer my NiCDs out of safety reasons.

[bromvw]

Forget cheapest and try best for value ;-)

Vapatex has good batteries, just check which one gets you most mAH per £/€. Charger you have to decide if you want one with external or internal power supply. I myself don't like lipo for cars and even prefer my NiCDs out of safety reasons.

that charger will do all battery types so if you do decide to go lipo at some point your sorted

[Yonez]

i'd go a step further , bin the lot and start over . decent fast charger and 3 packs will cost about £60

Those Orion RocketPacks should be top notch if they haven't been mistreated. I'd go with a new charger and see how the packs hold up.

[bromvw]

Those Orion RocketPacks should be top notch if they haven't been mistreated. I'd go with a new charger and see how the packs hold up.

Well worth a try . they might hold a charge .

[Nobbi1977]

 

Those Orion RocketPacks should be top notch if they haven't been mistreated. I'd go with a new charger and see how the packs hold up.

One holds a charge well the other is not great. The plug is broken but it just plugs into banana plugs further down the cable