NiMH batteries and R/C models.

May 23, 2022 Last reply: 4 years ago 13 Replies

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David Paste 4 years ago

When I was a child I had 2 model boats which used an oblong pack of 6 not-quite C sized NiCad cells, 7.2 volts, and about 1200mA or so.

I have dug them out with a view to entertaining the nephews. The NiCads went years ago.

One boat has a 540 sized motor (just a "normal" one, not a more powerful competition tuned one), and the other has a "normal" 380 sized motor.

As they are boats, and space isn't at a premium, is there any reason not to:

Use common C sized NiMH cells in their place?

Use common AA sized NiMH cells?

Both would offer an increase in capacity, and in the case of the AA cells, are cheaply available from IKEA.

Thanks in advance.

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The Natural Philosopher 4 years ago

use proper sub C packs.

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David Paste 4 years ago

Thanks, but is there any reason not to use the AA or C sized cells?

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Dave Plowman (News 4 years ago

Convert to a Li-Ion pack? Cells are 3.7v so two gives 7.4v.

Way more reliable than NiCad.

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williamwright 4 years ago

They won't be interested!

Bill

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The Natural Philosopher 4 years ago

yes, they don't make car packs in that size. Sub C is THE nickel cell size.

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Vir Campestris 4 years ago

While space may not be at a premium changing the weight of the battery pack may upset the balance of the boat. In extremis small planing boats can flip end over end.

Andy

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soup 4 years ago

One caveat with LiPo s is they must not be fully discharged. Use a simple (and cheap) LiPo alarm attached to the balance plug which gives an audible tone when the battery is (the LiPo version) of fully discharged.

Are they planing boats or displacement ones?

If displacement why not try a lead acid battery, power and ballast in one, win-win as they say.

If planing try to keep the weight as low as possible. Solder the cells together rather than use a cell holder.

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David Paste 4 years ago

I've not got a Li-Ion charger, so that'd be more to buy. I have NiMH cells and a charger, which would help to add to the much cheapness very good aspect.

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