Starter box battery.?

[one4stevo]

I got a starter box for my buggy. sice i put in a new engine, my battery only last about 8 starts and go flat. I got two old 7.2 1400 mah battery. i was woundering what battery should i get now. They have to power up two 540w motors. should i get something like 3000mah 7.2 volt NIMH or the same as what i had.? PS: remember its only to start buggys :rolleyes: so i dont really wana spend too much.. Thanks Guys :cool:

[Budman_222]

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL370&P=7

[one4stevo]

Thanx Budman but i would like to keep running two 7.2 v batterys. i managed to find an old battery which is a Venom 1800 NICD and mate got me a 3000 NIMH is it ok to run two different type cells together to run a starter box.? Thanks Guys

[rocknbil]

Hmm I think two differing capacities - one might burn out the other.

But for two similar cells -
Yes it is, hook them up in series (http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/ht_starterbox.asp).

However.

As one of many who has gone this way, you are going to find the gel cell (also known as SLA, sealed lead acid) will hold a charge longer and is FAR easier to maintain than dual packs. I haven't had to take the gel cell out of my S.B.'s for over a year.

Additionally, if you get a float charger - found at battery stores, hobby shops, RV accessory centers, and eBay for $35 or under - you can hook it up when it's not in use and just LEAVE IT. It won't overcharge and it will always be ready when you need it.

You should go with the gel cell. :D

[one4stevo]

Thanks Rocknbill
That info on bullet prof your S B was great thanks I think im going to have to rewire my starter box, the wires are in poor shape atm. I know the gel cell would be the best way to go about it.. But i dont really wana get a battery THEN a charger.. i already got 3 chargers for the stick batterys.. so yer..... So you think you cant mix the two Nicd and Nimh together?

[rocknbil]

Honestly - don't know.

Logically - an 1800 pack is an 1800 pack for a reason, that is it's capacity. Connect it in series with a 3000 pack (which is really the only way to do a S.B., parallel won't be enough voltage) the current from the larger pack now has to pass through and work with the current of the 1800 pack. I would **think** this would burn out the 1800 pack or slow down the 3000 one.

So I don't know, but would keep all cells the same capacity and chemistry.

[Piggy89373]

Bill, close but not quite, that's its Amp-Hour rating, capacitance is something completely different....but, I digress.

Both of their voltages would be 7.2 each, running fully charged in series of course you're looking at 14.4 V. Now, here's where things go wonky: you starting your car/buggy/truck running around, cooling off, starting up, etc. (you get the picture) and the first battery to run down is the lower of the two. Because of it's drop in voltage, it'll put more pressure on the other battery to pick up the slack. Needless to say, end result is two very hot batteries that didn't last long.

You're best bet, not to join the choir, but....drop the 26 bucks for a battery and float charger. Hobbico batts are great and a good float charger from Harbor Freight for 8 bucks (or similar discount/wholesale store) is great. I know you don't want another charger, but this is one that definitely looks much different than other chargers.

[microrcdude]

if you get the money, invest in some venom 3300's or 3000's. They are MUCH better than the 1400's

[one4stevo]

I think microrcdude im going to do what you said get a venom 3000... only cuz i dont wana bite the bullet and get another charger lol... Ill probably be kicking myself in another 2 months or so.. O WELL.. Guess were all stubin in some way or another. Thanks eveyone for the info :)

[rcguy2477]

Why not just get the gel battery and charger and be done with it? They are much easier to maintain and will last longer. Plus, they are cheaper. For the battery and charger on tower its less than $30.