hankster
11-02-2005, 01:10 AM
What the heck is a Bump Box anyways?
It's a portable charger that you take to the starting line with you so you can "peak (or bump)" your batteries one last time before you start your race.
But why would anyone want to do that?
Because tests have shown that you can get higher voltages and longer runtimes during your race by doing it.
Does it really make a difference?
http://www.hobbytalk.com/images/articles/bump01.gifIt sure does! Our tests have shown that when using Panasonic 3000 cells (or any NiMH cell) that you can increase your runtime by up to 15 seconds and your average voltage throughout the run by as much as .15 volts.
Those are huge amounts and can make a noticeable difference on the track.
You can get the full story on the affects that using a Bump Box can have on your performance by visiting the Discharge Delay area of the Battery Care Center.
But I use NiCad batteries, does it still help?
The affects are not as great, but tests have shown that during the first and last parts of your run, your voltage will be higher and you will also gain a few seconds of run time.
How do I make a bump box?
It's pretty easy and you can do it a couple ways. The easiest is to assemble an 10 or 12 cell battery pack using some of your old/practice battery packs. Use this pack to power a small peak charger (a Tekin BC110L or other small charger is ideal).
http://www.hobbytalk.com/images/articles/bumpb.jpgThen all you need to do is hook the charger assembly to your car a minute or two before the race starts, start the charging and when done unhook it and race. The closer you can charge to the time you start the race, the better it is.
In my example shown here, I used three 4 cell Spec/Legends packs to power the Bump Box. I just have to make sure I recharge the 4 cell packs every couple times that I use the Bump Box.
You can also use a 12 volt "gel cell" to power the charger. The advantages of this is that a gel cell will be able to power the Bump Box all day without worrying about it going dead just at the time you need it most.
Using a Bump Box has more affect in oval & touring car then in other types of racing, but it can't hurt anywhere. Above all, use the same care in using the Bump Box that you would when using any charger.
Once you've had a chance to give it a try, let us know how it worked for you.
It's a portable charger that you take to the starting line with you so you can "peak (or bump)" your batteries one last time before you start your race.
But why would anyone want to do that?
Because tests have shown that you can get higher voltages and longer runtimes during your race by doing it.
Does it really make a difference?
http://www.hobbytalk.com/images/articles/bump01.gifIt sure does! Our tests have shown that when using Panasonic 3000 cells (or any NiMH cell) that you can increase your runtime by up to 15 seconds and your average voltage throughout the run by as much as .15 volts.
Those are huge amounts and can make a noticeable difference on the track.
You can get the full story on the affects that using a Bump Box can have on your performance by visiting the Discharge Delay area of the Battery Care Center.
But I use NiCad batteries, does it still help?
The affects are not as great, but tests have shown that during the first and last parts of your run, your voltage will be higher and you will also gain a few seconds of run time.
How do I make a bump box?
It's pretty easy and you can do it a couple ways. The easiest is to assemble an 10 or 12 cell battery pack using some of your old/practice battery packs. Use this pack to power a small peak charger (a Tekin BC110L or other small charger is ideal).
http://www.hobbytalk.com/images/articles/bumpb.jpgThen all you need to do is hook the charger assembly to your car a minute or two before the race starts, start the charging and when done unhook it and race. The closer you can charge to the time you start the race, the better it is.
In my example shown here, I used three 4 cell Spec/Legends packs to power the Bump Box. I just have to make sure I recharge the 4 cell packs every couple times that I use the Bump Box.
You can also use a 12 volt "gel cell" to power the charger. The advantages of this is that a gel cell will be able to power the Bump Box all day without worrying about it going dead just at the time you need it most.
Using a Bump Box has more affect in oval & touring car then in other types of racing, but it can't hurt anywhere. Above all, use the same care in using the Bump Box that you would when using any charger.
Once you've had a chance to give it a try, let us know how it worked for you.