2X6 cells or 1x12 cells

[freeomega]

Here comes another battery thread.

I am having a MM5700 setup and I am wondering if I should :

1- use 2 x 6 cells in parallel, so that I am getting more runtime and more AMP drop to the motor;
2- use 2 x 6 cell in series (can be seen as a 12 cells battery pack), so that I am getting more voltage drop to the motor.

I gave rebuilt 4200 mah Tenergy batteries with Probars.

Anyone tried these setups already? Someone tried more AMP VS voltage comparison?

Thanks guys!

[mrkavanagh]

dang how much do 12 cells weight, i would love to know..

[snellemin]

more amps equals to cooler batteries after you are done playing. Also gives you more gearing options.

more voltage equals higher speeds and hot batteries.

[mzs_biteme]

Basically you get what you said... Parallel setup will give you at least 50% more runtime, as well as more power because you're splitting the load between two packs... NiMH packs ar fine for Mamba setup, but lack the load carrying capabilities of LiPOs... With an average 40~50A MAX load of NiMH packs, as opposed to 80~100A (min) for LiPO's, adding another pack in parallel, will definitely make MM much happier... The main penalty for that though, is added weight of a second pack...
Now series connection (12cell) will be a monster, but will make your packs "dump" much quicker.... It will most likely make them run much hotter too...
Bottom line:

2x6 parallel = noticeable power increase over single pack, longer run times, less stress on individual cells...

2x6 series = insane power coming from higher V's, same or less runtime than a single pack, more stress (heat) on individual cells...

The best thing to do would be make two packs, and make (or buy) two connectors for them: parallel and serial... That way you can change them "on the fly".... Also, you'd probably see the best results out of charging them (2 6cell packs) in series (12 cells) if your charger is capable of that...
Parallel charging is not recommended...

Good luck.

[Tonys rustler]

I posted the same exact thread yesterday night. I was basically going to do what mzs said i will be making two packs from gp4300s i got from team integy and i bought both types of deans connects from tower yesterday so i can see what setup works best and is safest on batteries.

[Cajun]

dang how much do 12 cells weight, i would love to know..

1lb 10.25 ounces

Each cell weighs about 2.2 ounces.

[InIdaho]

Just make 6 cell packs - and make a parallel and a series pigtail for each of them.. it is also much easer to charge a 6 cell most chargers only go up to a 10 cell limit

[Cajun]

Just make 6 cell packs - and make a parallel and a series pigtail for each of them.. it is also much easer to charge a 6 cell most chargers only go up to a 10 cell limit

Yep, that's why I've stuck to 6 or 7 cell packs, it's easy to find a good charger. It's simple to make the harness you need from some wire and a couple of Deans or Power Poles. Here's what I did for my BL Revo, it's a series harness by the way.

The (2) male ends go to the batteries and the open female to my MM, then you can see the UBEC curcuit and the fan curcuit.

[Unsullied_Spy]

Series: Less amps, but the extra voltage makes up for the performance loss.

Parallel: I'd say you'll get about 40% better run times, and better performance than just 6 cells. The reason for the added performance and decreased (less than double) run time is you'll be able to pull many more amps.

[stumblin]

If you are buying all these cells and buying all these adapters invest in a lipo and you will net a gain anyway.. a 5000mah 3cell lipo will get you more run time than the two 6cells would and at the same time you would have the wicked speed (more than the 12cell pack) and be able to off road to (can't offroad w/ 12cells, too much weight). If you have the cash go with the 8000mah 3cell lipo and have the extreme run time and extreme speed in one shot as well. The 8000 pack does require a velcro hold down where the 5000mah pack is a drop in the stock location (for the most part). People kill me.. also note you will get 2x as many cycles from the lipo's (or more) than you would be getting from your nimh batteries if you treat them proper (under 145 degrees or so) I know my 8000mah 3cell lipo runs ambiant temp even when I'm pushing my rusty to the max. So you can consider the one 5000mah 3cell lipo the as better and cheaper than 4 of the best nimh 6cell packs you can buy.

[Unsullied_Spy]

Stumblin is right. A 3 cell lipo will give you more power than you will get by going to series, better runtime than parallelled 6 cell packs, and considerably less weight. You have to blow $150 on a good charger and balancer, but you'll save that in replacing batteries and you'll have more fun with it.

[stumblin]

That wire mess above just gave me a great idea.. I have a 2000mah 2cell lipo for my rc18t that I no longer use.. and it's tiny.. bet that would make a great accessory power supply.. fan or light kit if I add one.. hmm got me thinking

[Cajun]

That wire mess above just gave me a great idea.. I have a 2000mah 2cell lipo for my rc18t that I no longer use.. and it's tiny.. bet that would make a great accessory power supply.. fan or light kit if I add one.. hmm got me thinking

Wire mess huh? Show me your BL Revo harness.....

Here it is installed.

[snellemin]

Sweet setup Cajun. What motor are you hiding underneath the Monster heatsink?

[Cajun]

Sweet setup Cajun. What motor are you hiding underneath the Monster heatsink?

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. It's a Wanderer 9XL, geared to 18/38, running the stock tranny locked in 2nd.

[stumblin]

I don't have a revo, but I do have a Rustler mambized.. soon will have a dark impact mambized too but can't talk about that

Here is my two 6000mah packs in parallel (12000mah)




Here is my 3cell 8000mah

[snellemin]

Hey Stumblin, with all that power on tap, you should try different motors now.

[Cajun]

Cool, I'm finishing up a Mamba Rustler too, they're really light comparatively and SOOO much faster than my MTs. I can't wait to get it dialed in.