What's up with batteries?

[AnimeKing]

Hey. Here's something I've been wondering. Whenever I read about battery packs, I see 2000, 2400, and 3000. I read about these and know what these are. I have 1500s though.

In most peoples opinions, should I be using 2400s?

Also, I have a Hobico Auto-Chager 900. When I charge my 1500s, I've just been plugging them in turning the dial to 15, letting it charge, when that 15 is up, i turn it again and let it go another 15 for a total charge of 30 minutes. Is this correct or am I screwing up my batteries or not getting full potential.

And, my charger doesn't have any guages on it, just a light that says "Trickle" what the heck is trickle?

Thanks...I love this board.

[DJ BlendeR]

Animeking, first off, ANIME RULES!

Ok, now on to your post... I charge my 1500 for about 17 min and I get a full charge to my knowledge, it all depends on how many amps your charging at, I charge at 5amps. And I also heard you should run 2400s, but thats only if you race. Otherwise for backyard bashing any decent battery pack will do. And trickle charging is when you have a serious race coming up and you want to have your battery charged to the extreme, meaning it's charged as much as it can be charged... the catch? it takes like 12-18 hours or something. And if I am completely off my rocker please correct me someone.

[Grizzbob]

Well, it's not anything to worry that much about, if you're not racing. However, when using those timer chargers(the ones with the 15 minute dial), you need to monitor the battery pack's voltage to know when it's fully charged. When the voltage of the pack rises to a point, then starts to drop, it has "peaked", & it needs to be removed from the charger. If it isn't, you run a risk of damaging it from overcharging(you'll know it if the pack gets really hot, it should only just be getting warm). Now, as for 2400's, if you're racing, then yes, I think they're the best cell right now, they have as much voltage & low resistance as any others & plenty of capacity to handle serious modified motors, plus they'll behave like any other NiCd's, so they'll still be in good shape for a good long time(NiMh's, can deteriorate, sometimes end up dead within a year, though the newer Stock Metal Hydrides might fare better. It's too early to tell), but if you're just playing, then I wouldn't worry about them, your current packs should be just fine..... http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Grizzbob]

Oh, & I agree, I'm something of an anime fan too(was raised on Robotech, now I love Evangelion, BGC Tokyo2040, Martian Successor Nadesico, Gasaraki, etc.)...... http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif