Battery:

   

    The main battery pack used in the RC car provides power for the motor, ESC and receiver.  Standard size is 6 cells although 7 cell batteries are available.  If using 7 cell batteries, the motor and ESC must support it.  I use 6 cell.  The primary choice is Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH).  I prefer the NiMH.  NiCd batteries typically have a rating of 1800 milliamphours (mAh) and have severe memory effects requiring total discharging prior to a recharge.  The NiMH batteries have 3000 mAh and have greatly reduced memory effects eliminating the need to completely discharge the battery before recharge.  The downside of NiMH batteries is that they are heat sensitive.  The number of and speed of recharges for NiMH batteries must be reduced to avoid heat damage.

Battery Charger:



    The battery charger you select depends on whether you are using NiMH or NiCd.  NiMH batteries require special charging techniques for peak performance.  This charger (DuraTrax Intellipeak AC/DC Digital Pulse Charger) handles both NiCd and NiMH.  It peak charges batteries using two specialized peak charging technologies, plus discharging and cycling features not commonly found in other chargers.  "Negative Delta V" peak detection for NiCds, plus advanced "Zero Delta V" peak detection technology specifically for NiMHs, providing full charges without overcharging.  Built-in Artificial Intelligence to eliminate false peaks.  Multi-function LCD, with selectable switch for viewing charge amps, charge voltage, or battery capacity in milliamps.  Auto-selects peak detection method by identifying cell chemistry.  Auto-identifies the quantity of cells being charged.  Computerized control, 8-bit 4MHz CPU with 8K ROM, 1K RAM, 1-channel 16-bit analog-to-digital converter. High efficiency P-Channel MOSFET drive transistors.  It has an 11-15V DC input and comes with DC clamps for connecting to your car battery for charging in the field.  It has a small detachable, 12 volt 7 amp AC power supply with built-in cooling fan for charging at home.  It can charge 4-7 cell batteries on DC and 4-8 cell batteries on AC.  Infinitely Adjustable fast charge current from 0.5-6.5 amps.  It has a pulsed fast charge, with 8-bit pulse width modulated current control output.  100mA trickle charge.  Discharge voltage cutoff: 2.6volts 10 and 2 amp fixed discharge rates, selectable by switch.  Fixed 2.6V discharge cutoff voltage.  Not designed for discharging A or AA size (and smaller) cells.  Cycle functions: Select a single discharge/charge cycle for periodic pack conditioning, or continuous "auto-repeat" cycles for reviving batteries that have developed a memory, or for breaking in a new pack.  Four multi-function, high intensity LED indicators.  Status light glows during charge and flashes when nearing peak.  Audible mode select tone signals for easy set-up.  Twin built-in miniature fans keep the charger cool, increasing efficiency and lifespan.  Reverse polarity and overload protection.  Designed to charge sub-C battery packs. And it comes with a one year warranty!  The only problem I have with this charger is that the LCD resets to zero after it reaches 2000mAh.  Other than that, I REALLY like this charger.

OH friend i wonder that most of the people are burning heads by wandering behind costly things...all we know a particular circuit will drops a particular amps to perform.but most of the time we know we are wasting ample of power in the form of wheelspin,propslipage,and yealding in water.you can simply overcome this all problems with a simple digital multimeter, and a power transitor, BD 679 for less around 3 amps, and TIP 3055 x2 for higher ratings up to 30 amps..you can simply charge any battery pack, with the aid of a multi meter.only one thing is to remeber that the current setting, voltage setting, and yes dont get a power failiure while charging..will make memmory effects.i was making all models from my age of 8, and even now i am making all models from aircrafts to tugs...i do not have any expensive stuffs with me..but still i am doing a lots...so you need only a little knowledge in electronics...and some interests in mechanics...its amazing..fun..

I have the Duratex Onyx 200 fast charger. i bought it from US which works on 110 V. For India i have bought a converter but for some reason it does not work properly. After connecting the Onyx 200 to power using the converter, after a few minutes the charger is giving the error code (fourth + top LED). Am i using the wrong converter? What type of converter should i buy to use the Onyx 200 in India? Also the converter must be a portable one which i can carry around with me.