Batteries

Last update, November 24, 2007

Parts:

6 volt five-cell flat pack, 3

9.6 volt eight-cell flat pack, 2

A fast charger

A small meter for your toolbox, Radio Shack

Sources:

Batteryspace. com

All-battery.com

Only Battery

Note: After exhaustive search and study since we lost Apak I like Only Battery. I know some of you shop price totally but Only has a nice easy site to work on with all the choices and specifications plainly stated and even shows you the fitting plugs so you can get it right.

Some of you are using the Span FCM1-C fast charging manager. This charger requires a 10 ohm thermister and three lead wires out of the battery to your connector of choice. The charger and power wall plug transformer is available at Span Inc. If you see that Lithium may be in your future look at the FCM1-XC unit.

Conversation with Only requests that they be emailed if a battery is desired with this thermister to insure they have it in stock. When you find the battery you want, note the part number and what lead plug you want and email them.

So, those that have the Apak set up can replace batteries for the charger.

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Batteries for our boats have become a simpler choice, longer lasting, cheaper and faster charging. You can even build your own battery packs if you like. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are what you want. The packs are of 1.2 volt AA batteries and if added up tell you the voltage of a pack. Modern radio transmitters operate on 9.6v and the receiver and servos on 6v. The winch is a servo.

You will want packs with 1600ma or more of stored capacity. Most are getting around 2000-2300ma packs. You should only need two of the larger ones for a full day at the lake in a regatta. The third is for "you know what," Murphy. One battery will carry your transmitter through the day. The absolute dumbest things that can happen to your score is to loose power on the course. Check your voltage to make sure or like many top competitors, just time change them during the day.

There are a zillion places to get these so just a couple will be named here for assembled packs and supplies to make your own. The shop here is standardized to Futaba and Hitec connectors on the batteries and chargers. These are interchangeable. So, you will want to make sure to order packs with the correct tabs. Choose a fast charger for you set up and if you have questions on this, call them for their advice.

So, this is all you need these days. Vern slipped in the 4.8 for his old Dumas with a Bang-Bang winch. You do not want to go there.  Span chargers are not available now through Apak. They require a three-wire system because there is a thermister in the battery to assist the charging management. (See the note above for the latest update.)