Remote control (RC) toys have brought endless joy to hobbyists of all ages, whether they're racing RC cars, soaring through the skies with RC airplanes, navigating the waters with RC boats, or performing thrilling stunts with RC helicopters. Behind the exhilarating experience of controlling these miniature machines lies a crucial component: the battery. Here, we will go over some essential things to consider when buying a battery.
Battery Chemistry
Batteries are available in many different chemistry types. This different chemistry will dictate battery features like power-to-weight ratio, discharge capacity, size, durability, and more.
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
NiMH batteries are known for their affordability and ease of use. They offer moderate power output and are suitable for beginners or less demanding applications. However, they have a lower power-to-weight ratio and are not well suited for high voltage or demanding applications. These batteries are also durable as each cell is encased in a metal can and can typically be brought back to life even if left discharged for years.
These are typically found in:
- Rock crawlers due to their low power demand
- Beginner-level brushed RC cars & trucks
- Some boats
LiPo (Lithium-Polymer)
LiPo batteries are popular due to their high energy density and lightweight design. They can provide very high-power output and a high power-to-weight ratio making them the best choice for aircraft and larger or higher-power RC’s.
These are typically found in:
- All brushless RC cars & trucks
- Higher power brushed RC cars & trucks
- Airplanes & helicopters
- Some small-scale RCs (ex. 18 or 24 scale) because the battery packs can offer higher voltage in smaller sizes than NiMH
Li-Ion (Lithium Ion)
Lithium-ion batteries are less common in the RC world but are still used in some drones, tanks, heavy equipment, and trucks.
NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium)
NiCd batteries are less common nowadays due to environmental concerns and the rise of more advanced chemistries. They have a higher self-discharge rate and memory effect compared to other options. These are typically not sold anymore as NiMH batteries are better in almost every way and are a direct replacement for them.
LiFe
Compared to Li-Po batteries, LiFe batteries are safer and have a longer lifetime. These are not very common and typically found in radio packs.
Voltage and Cell Count
Cell count is used for NiMH and Lithium batteries to describe their makeup and voltage.
NiMH battery cells are each 1.2 so a 6-cell battery would be 7.4v. these batteries come in 5 to 8 cells.
Lithium batteries are typically 3.7 per cell and are available in 1 to 6 cells, which would result in 3.7v all the way up to 22.2 batteries.
A higher cell count generally results in increased power, speed, and performance. However, it's crucial to match the battery's voltage with your RC toy's specifications to prevent damage.
mAh (Milliamp Hours)
mAh indicates the capacity of the battery to store energy. Higher mAh values translate to longer runtime for your RC. Consider your runtime needs and the weight implications when choosing a battery with the appropriate mAh rating. RC batteries can come in mAH ratings from 150mAH all the way up to 15,000 mAH or more.
C-Rating
The C-rating refers to the battery's discharge rate capability. A higher C-rating means the battery can deliver more current to the motor, resulting in improved acceleration and overall performance. For high-speed RC cars and power-hungry aircraft, a higher C-rating is desirable.
Battery Connector
Battery connectors are the bridge between the battery and the RC. There are various connector types, including Tamiya, Deans, XT60, and EC3, and more. Ensure that the battery connector matches the one on your RC or be prepared to use an adapter/replace one of the connectors.
Battery Size and Weight
Battery size and weight play a crucial role in the balance and handling of your RC. Many RCs will require the battery to sit inside a battery tray that will restrict the size. A battery that is too heavy can negatively impact performance, balance, and maneuverability. It's essential to choose a battery that fits comfortably within the designated compartment and maintains the desired weight distribution.
Common batteries configuration types
NIMH flat/stick
Flat/stick packs will lay all the batteries flat, and the thickness of the back will be the thickness of one cell.
NIMH hump pack
Hump packs will start off with a flat/stick pack and then add 1 or 2 cells on top of it in a pyramid shape making it much thicker but shorter.
Lithium Hard Case
Hard case batteries encase the battery cells in a hard plastic shell to protect them from impacts. These are typically used in RC Cars
Lithium Soft Case
Soft case batteries have the battery cells shrink-wrapped in plastic and have much less protection against impacts. This makes them lighter and a tiny bit smaller which makes them great for airplanes, boats, and drones.
Conclusion
In the world of remote-control cars, trucks, airplanes, and more, understanding the nuances of batteries is important to getting the most of your RC. Whether you're tearing up the track with an RC car, performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers with an RC airplane, or sailing the open waters with an RC boat, the right battery choice can make all the difference. If you are unsure about what battery you need, check to see what the manufacturer of the RC recommends or contact us here at Hobby Wholesale to confirm.