battery recommendations...

[Scott Harless]

I'm currently running a 2WD buggy (27T motor) and a 4WD
touring car (15T motor). In the future, I might also want
to run a hot modified motor in the 2WD buggy or a 2WD
truck... I'd like any and all opinions on the following
batteries:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMZ5&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMB7&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCZV9&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCUL6&P=7

I have an MRC Super Brain 959 charger which has a max
charge rate of 4.5A and adjustable peak detection (10-40mv),
but does not have a discharger. I am currently using SMC
Enduro 3000 NiMH packs (unmatched) in the 2WD buggy but am
not impressed w/ their low-end "punch" or the run time. I
have a "cheapie" Duratrax Streak in the 2WD buggy and was
wondering if it could be the source of my problems. I don't
know its specs (max cont. amps) but it is rated for 4-10 cells
and a 12T motor. It seems a 27T motor running on 6 cells would
not be limited in any way by this ESC, right?
I'd really appreciate comments and suggestions! E-mail
address is valid...

Thanks,
Scott

[Paradox]

"Scott Harless" <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e054cd1.1596619@news.mw.net...
> I'm currently running a 2WD buggy (27T motor) and a 4WD
> touring car (15T motor). In the future, I might also want
> to run a hot modified motor in the 2WD buggy or a 2WD
> truck... I'd like any and all opinions on the following
> batteries:
>
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMZ5&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMB7&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCZV9&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCUL6&P=7
>
> I have an MRC Super Brain 959 charger which has a max
> charge rate of 4.5A and adjustable peak detection (10-40mv),
> but does not have a discharger. I am currently using SMC
> Enduro 3000 NiMH packs (unmatched) in the 2WD buggy but am
> not impressed w/ their low-end "punch" or the run time. I
> have a "cheapie" Duratrax Streak in the 2WD buggy and was
> wondering if it could be the source of my problems. I don't
> know its specs (max cont. amps) but it is rated for 4-10 cells
> and a 12T motor. It seems a 27T motor running on 6 cells would
> not be limited in any way by this ESC, right?
> I'd really appreciate comments and suggestions! E-mail
> address is valid...
>
> Thanks,
> Scott

I've had the best luck with Trinity 3300 NiMH packs, they are about $60, I
have 2 of them and I have enough time on race nights to charge the one I use
on the first race to be ready for the A Main.

I have a Black Widow pro peak detector charger, which takes all the
guesswork out of charging these guys up, its got a 1-4 amp selectable
charging rate, normally I have it start at 3 amps, then once it peaks there,
if I have time I'll throw it on 2 amps, and then 1 amp, to squeeze as much
power as possible into the cells.

I heard that using a discharger with NiMH is a BAD idea, only nicad's have
memory issues and should be fully discharged.

I have a TC3 running a 26/69 gearing with a Reedy Fury 11TMW, car's top
speed is 40 mph, and does donuts easily. Since I got these new cells and the
BW charger, I've never finished a race low on power. the packs tend to last
about 15 minutes or so before loosing power, possibly 20 minutes.

[Mat W.]

in situations like this, ask the guys you run with. either they can help u
save a little cash, reccommend a good / popular brand at that track, or even
sell u some of theirs. I bought 5 packs off one of the top local drivers as
he was buying new ones for the 2nd half of the season, and for $30 a pack
they were a steal.

i'm one of those firm believers that there's no need to buy top notch till
you have the perfectly tuned car and have driven nearly flawless w/
consistency. Go for "good stuff" instead. Hell, this summer one of my
fastest dirt runs ever was on an ancient Trinity 1700 "pushed" pack... thing
has to be 4+ years old. The car was a little less "punchy" and I think it
really helped w/ the track conditions that day.

Unfortunately, batteries are one of the more expensive components to "going
fast", so I tend to do everything possible in other areas first. Alright, i
better stop now before I get accused of preaching too much. Good luck.

"Scott Harless" <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e054cd1.1596619@news.mw.net...
> I'm currently running a 2WD buggy (27T motor) and a 4WD
> touring car (15T motor). In the future, I might also want
> to run a hot modified motor in the 2WD buggy or a 2WD
> truck... I'd like any and all opinions on the following
> batteries:
>
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMZ5&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCMB7&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCZV9&P=7
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCUL6&P=7
>
> I have an MRC Super Brain 959 charger which has a max
> charge rate of 4.5A and adjustable peak detection (10-40mv),
> but does not have a discharger. I am currently using SMC
> Enduro 3000 NiMH packs (unmatched) in the 2WD buggy but am
> not impressed w/ their low-end "punch" or the run time. I
> have a "cheapie" Duratrax Streak in the 2WD buggy and was
> wondering if it could be the source of my problems. I don't
> know its specs (max cont. amps) but it is rated for 4-10 cells
> and a 12T motor. It seems a 27T motor running on 6 cells would
> not be limited in any way by this ESC, right?
> I'd really appreciate comments and suggestions! E-mail
> address is valid...
>
> Thanks,
> Scott

[Scott Harless]

>I've had the best luck with Trinity 3300 NiMH packs, they
>are about $60, I have 2 of them and I have enough time on
>race nights to charge the one I use on the first race to
>be ready for the A Main.

First, thanks for taking the time to reply to my
original article.
Could you give me the stock/part number of your battery
packs? Trinity offers a few different kinds. I saw a
reasonably-priced assembled pack (Trinity #: GN3307,
Tower Hobbies #: LXCUL8) but am unsure if this pack is
"good".
Also, I did try charging one of my 3000 unmatched
packs like you mentioned in your post. I started w/
4.5 amps until it peaked, then charged at 3 amps until
I could feel slight warmth in the pack. It lasted about
TWICE as long as a 4.5A peak charge... I suspect my
cheapie MRC Superbrain 959 doesn't properly charge 3000+
NiMH packs.

Later,
Scott

[MikeF]

did you adjust the threshold voltage? the 959 defaults to 40mv unless you
tell it otherwise. IIRC, your supposed to peak NiMH at like 10mv or
something. Somebody correct me if im wrong.



Scott Harless <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e0a325d.54790949@news.mw.net...
> >I've had the best luck with Trinity 3300 NiMH packs, they
> >are about $60, I have 2 of them and I have enough time on
> >race nights to charge the one I use on the first race to
> >be ready for the A Main.
>
> First, thanks for taking the time to reply to my
> original article.
> Could you give me the stock/part number of your battery
> packs? Trinity offers a few different kinds. I saw a
> reasonably-priced assembled pack (Trinity #: GN3307,
> Tower Hobbies #: LXCUL8) but am unsure if this pack is
> "good".
> Also, I did try charging one of my 3000 unmatched
> packs like you mentioned in your post. I started w/
> 4.5 amps until it peaked, then charged at 3 amps until
> I could feel slight warmth in the pack. It lasted about
> TWICE as long as a 4.5A peak charge... I suspect my
> cheapie MRC Superbrain 959 doesn't properly charge 3000+
> NiMH packs.
>
> Later,
> Scott

[Helilt2]

Got this info from the SMC web site........ I use Trinity GP NiMH 3300
stick packs and charge them just as the following says.............have had
100% success :)

Tower Hobbies part # LXCUL8 $43.99 per pack :)

Lenny

From SMC web site.........................

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Charge:

We have been using a linear 6 amp charge rate with very good results. For
maximum performance try to get your pack peak just before your race. If it
has been sitting for awhile repeak with the same setup as the initial
charge. If it's been sitting for 5 minutes or less repeak it with a .01( 10
mv ) peak detect.

Peak detect ( voltage threshold ):
-We use a .05 ( 50 mv ) for 6 cell packs.
-We use a .03 ( 30mv ) for 4 cell packs.

Discharge & Storage:

After the race discharge the pack down to .90 volts per cell. This equals to
5.40 ( 6 cell ) or 3.60 ( 4 cell ). Let the pack rest until the next time
you plan on using them. Don't put them on a tray.

Cycling:

We are under the conclusion that cycling these cells brings no benefit other
then determining if your pack has fallen off."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hope this helps :)
"MikeF" <vanning@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:XqScnUZF758Q25ejXTWc3A@comcast.com...
> did you adjust the threshold voltage? the 959 defaults to 40mv unless you
> tell it otherwise. IIRC, your supposed to peak NiMH at like 10mv or
> something. Somebody correct me if im wrong.
>
>
>
> Scott Harless <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
> news:3e0a325d.54790949@news.mw.net...
> > >I've had the best luck with Trinity 3300 NiMH packs, they
> > >are about $60, I have 2 of them and I have enough time on
> > >race nights to charge the one I use on the first race to
> > >be ready for the A Main.
> >
> > First, thanks for taking the time to reply to my
> > original article.
> > Could you give me the stock/part number of your battery
> > packs? Trinity offers a few different kinds. I saw a
> > reasonably-priced assembled pack (Trinity #: GN3307,
> > Tower Hobbies #: LXCUL8) but am unsure if this pack is
> > "good".
> > Also, I did try charging one of my 3000 unmatched
> > packs like you mentioned in your post. I started w/
> > 4.5 amps until it peaked, then charged at 3 amps until
> > I could feel slight warmth in the pack. It lasted about
> > TWICE as long as a 4.5A peak charge... I suspect my
> > cheapie MRC Superbrain 959 doesn't properly charge 3000+
> > NiMH packs.
> >
> > Later,
> > Scott
>
>

[Paradox]

"Scott Harless" <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e0a325d.54790949@news.mw.net...
> >I've had the best luck with Trinity 3300 NiMH packs, they
> >are about $60, I have 2 of them and I have enough time on
> >race nights to charge the one I use on the first race to
> >be ready for the A Main.
>
> First, thanks for taking the time to reply to my
> original article.
> Could you give me the stock/part number of your battery
> packs? Trinity offers a few different kinds. I saw a
> reasonably-priced assembled pack (Trinity #: GN3307,
> Tower Hobbies #: LXCUL8) but am unsure if this pack is
> "good".
> Also, I did try charging one of my 3000 unmatched
> packs like you mentioned in your post. I started w/
> 4.5 amps until it peaked, then charged at 3 amps until
> I could feel slight warmth in the pack. It lasted about
> TWICE as long as a 4.5A peak charge... I suspect my
> cheapie MRC Superbrain 959 doesn't properly charge 3000+
> NiMH packs.
>
> Later,
> Scott

It doesn't give me a part #, but the complete name on the label is

TRINITY
VIS Powered!
WORLD CHAMPION BATTERIES

hope that helps, on the pack it says to charge between 4 and 5 amps.

Yeah I had one of those superbrains, it was a pain in the ass and I got rid
of it, could never charge the 3300's right.

[Scott Harless]

> Got this info from the SMC web site........ I use Trinity GP
>NiMH 3300 stick packs and charge them just as the following says.
>............have had 100% success :)
>
>Tower Hobbies part # LXCUL8 $43.99 per pack :)

NOTE: This is for Helilt2 AND Paradox...

Thanks for the info, guys. That is one of the packs
I was considering (Trinity #GN3307). After hearing two
recommendations, I'll definitely order some packs and
hope for the best.<G>
I do have a couple more questions:
1) What is the approx. voltage of these packs as they peak?
2) Helilt2: What charger do you use and does it peak the
packs correctly during 1 charge?

Thanks,
Scott

[Helilt2]

I currently use the LRP Pulsar Competition charger. It works awesome. Worth
the money for me anyway. Only draw back for some may be the
voltage........runs off 12V.

I was using the MRC 959 and had pretty good luck with it. MRC really needs
to put a cooling fan in the charger.......it gets VERY hot. I also had to
keep an eye on it because it false peaked every once in awhile. I still have
it and charge my other batteries with it.

Lenny


"Scott Harless" <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e0b93e7.145310089@news.mw.net...
> > Got this info from the SMC web site........ I use Trinity GP
> >NiMH 3300 stick packs and charge them just as the following says.
> >............have had 100% success :)
> >
> >Tower Hobbies part # LXCUL8 $43.99 per pack :)
>
> NOTE: This is for Helilt2 AND Paradox...
>
> Thanks for the info, guys. That is one of the packs
> I was considering (Trinity #GN3307). After hearing two
> recommendations, I'll definitely order some packs and
> hope for the best.<G>
> I do have a couple more questions:
> 1) What is the approx. voltage of these packs as they peak?
> 2) Helilt2: What charger do you use and does it peak the
> packs correctly during 1 charge?
>
> Thanks,
> Scott

[Paradox]

"Scott Harless" <scotth@mw.net> wrote in message
news:3e0b93e7.145310089@news.mw.net...
> > Got this info from the SMC web site........ I use Trinity GP
> >NiMH 3300 stick packs and charge them just as the following says.
> >............have had 100% success :)
> >
> >Tower Hobbies part # LXCUL8 $43.99 per pack :)
>
> NOTE: This is for Helilt2 AND Paradox...
>
> Thanks for the info, guys. That is one of the packs
> I was considering (Trinity #GN3307). After hearing two
> recommendations, I'll definitely order some packs and
> hope for the best.<G>
> I do have a couple more questions:
> 1) What is the approx. voltage of these packs as they peak?
> 2) Helilt2: What charger do you use and does it peak the
> packs correctly during 1 charge?
>
> Thanks,
> Scott

8 volts.