Considering starting racing.....help!!!!

[Chrislong]

Originally Posted by AlisdairO

Hi mate,

Battery-wise I'd strongly recommend the 3700 (7.2v) Vapex NIMH packs. At 15 quid each you really can't go wrong, and they'll provide you with all the power you need for a long time to come.

http://www.vapextech.co.uk/acatalog/...Batteries.html

My judgement of these cells.

Pro's:
Cheap
Cheap
Cheap



Con's:
You'll need several packs to attend a race meeting, as they will need to be cooled before recharging (realistically get 2 uses per pack per day)

The life of a NIMH pack is far shorter than Lipo

NIMH packs deteriorate in performance very quickly from new and seem average for a few months before dieing.

NIMH packs need to be balance discharged (can't do this to a pre-assembled stick pack - so life is even shorter)

High spec NIMH packs come loose, need to be assembled - PITA

Run time on NIMH is less than LIPO for equivalent MAH, as NIMH's self discharge much quicker.

NIMH cells require careful use to keep them healthy.

Have been known to go 'bang' like a firework - most people have seen/witnessed this.



LIPO
Pro's:
Only need 1 pack, as can be re-used over and over in 1 day.

No need to discharge (or buy a discharger)

Hold charge for long period - can be charged days/weeks before next use

No need to balance regular

No 'voodoo' to make them perform - reliably high performance

A cheap charger is as good as an expensive.

Light weight


Con's:
More expensive per pack.

Rumour has it they can set on fire, but I have never seen or heard of any which have.

Must not be discharged, as they will die... (won't happen in a 5 minute race anyway)