More time charging, less time racing?

Outlaw 44 · #1 05-20-2006, 01:22 PM

With the battery packs giving more and more run time, inevitably packs take more and more time to reach their peak voltage during charging. As if the 3800mah cells didn't give us enough run time, now we're pushing towards 4200mah, and then what?

I have no problem with a cell that gives me a steadier output on the track from start to finish, but I'm starting to wonder how my charger will keep up with the night's racing schedule. With the 4200's it will surely take at least 50 minutes charge time. Time between qualifying rounds will just have to be longer, or the racer won't have a choice but to have 2 chargers on deck if he or she doesn't want to charge at 8 or 9 amps to cut charge time!

The RC companies are going to work to find an economical solution to this. It's already starting to be a concern, now just imagine just 2 or 3 years down the road ( I can hear the Nitro guys chuckling in the background).

Unless we do away with three 4 minute qualifiers and go with two 8 minute qualifiers instead, then go to a 10 minute main. We can already do this in 4 cell stock with the 3800 mah packs! If someone is fast enough, he could have time to overcome a mishap that costs him a lap during a race. We would inevitably see more lead changes in one race! Concentration and a consistent setup would become an even bigger factor in the race's outcome.

What do you all think about this?

tommckay · #2 05-20-2006, 02:45 PM

That would be great if you can get the majority to change their mindset about 3 qualifiers and a main. That's the biggest drawback to increasing time to 6, 7, or 8 minutes is a days race time, 15-20 heats at 5 minutes is already a FULL race day. You have to get tha racers to agree 2 longer qualifiers are enough.

patcollins · #3 05-20-2006, 04:15 PM

If you dont discharge your batts all the way you still only use an x amount of millamps in the race.

I find that with my 3300's I am only using 1500 mAh of the charge cause I use them twice in a race day.

Manning · #4 05-20-2006, 06:57 PM

If you want to save some time charging, charge on the way to the track. I use a couple of Electrifly Peak 400 chargers. Only 2.5 amps, but if you have to drive more than an hour to get to the track, the batteries will be charged by the time you get there. Best part is that the chargers are only $30 each. These chargers work just fine with GP3300's, GP3700's and IB3800's. And 18T batteries, and transmitter packs, and......

I also do not discharge the batteries except at the end of the day. The batteries only take about 20 minutes to repeak (at 5-6 amps) if used for one 4 or 5 minute race. Discharging between heats is just wasting energy, and wearing out the batteries at the same time.

LittleR/CGuy · #5 05-23-2006, 10:10 PM

you've got a point outlaw44. it sucks charging for 50, 45, and even 30 minutes! i think someone should find out if its better to use less mah batteries since it takes less time to charge. if someone tries that, let me know.

***hankster*** · #6 05-23-2006, 10:42 PM

Tried that 15 years ago with 1200mAh cells

At an 8 amp charge rate it would take about 15 minutes to charge. Of course you could only run 4 minutes before the battery was dead.

You don't get somethin' for nothin'! It's all relative, if you want more run time it will take you longer to charge.

Manning · #7 05-23-2006, 11:01 PM

If you are just bashing, get some Sanyo 1900 packs and charge at 7 amps. Less than 20 minutes and they are ready. I abused some at 8 amps when they were new. No problems. They get pretty warm at 8 amps now that they are 3 years old........

If you are racing, then to be competitive, you're pretty much stuck with the latest 3800+ batteries and nearly hour charge times.......

Kids now days and their need for instant gratification......sheesh...

RPM · #8 05-24-2006, 09:42 AM

Todays batteries.....3800,4200, etc..

This is where the future of batteries and motors is moving towards Lipos
and brushless systems.

No more matching batteries.
Less cells lighter weight, longer run times..

WAAAAY faster motors then brushed motors!
Why are people trying to hold on to the PAST??

Forgot to mention that Lipo and brushless systems are out there TODAY!

hock · #9 05-24-2006, 09:51 AM

I get the feeling that all the new technology is making racing boring.

NO motor work.
NO Battery work.
Car comes RTR

Might as well by a Radio Shack car

CDW35 · #10 05-24-2006, 10:22 AM

I havent been into rc racing for a to long of time, but I enjoy trying to build a fast motor, trying to find batteries and the challange of putting a car together and getting it to go fast, I agree with what hock says if we all go to brushless, lipos and RTR there would be no time into anything and what would be the fun in that!!!
Just a thought,

d4man · #11 05-25-2006, 04:03 PM

To charge my batteries on the way to the track (promatch IB3800's), I bought one of these from Radio Shack. My LRP Pulsar 2 plugs right into it. I dont have a problem charging 2 batteries (for me and a friend) as long as you keep the car moving along the highway. Sometimes, I run into a problem when you're sitting in traffic.

Manning · #12 05-25-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4man

To charge my batteries on the way to the track (promatch IB3800's), I bought one of these from Radio Shack. My LRP Pulsar 2 plugs right into it. I dont have a problem charging 2 batteries (for me and a friend) as long as you keep the car moving along the highway. Sometimes, I run into a problem when you're sitting in traffic.

Exactly what I did.......I did put some spade terminals on it for additional spots for alligator clips.

CDW35 · #13 05-25-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4man

To charge my batteries on the way to the track (promatch IB3800's), I bought one of these from Radio Shack. My LRP Pulsar 2 plugs right into it. I dont have a problem charging 2 batteries (for me and a friend) as long as you keep the car moving along the highway. Sometimes, I run into a problem when you're sitting in traffic.

I mite have to check into getting one of them, Thanks d4man

Outlaw 44 · #14 05-28-2006, 10:48 PM

I charge my 1st practice pack on the way to the track as well. If I didn't do that I would never get ahead on my charging schedule.

rctazmanmc · #15 06-02-2006, 01:22 PM

One thing that can help is to get more people racing at your track so you have more time to charge and do whatever.

I am running 2 classes and it is almost mandatory to have 2 chargers to keep up. I also start with a fresh trayed battery when I charge so I know what you are talking about when it comes to the time it takes to charge. Pre-charging my packs gives them crappy output. I even charge my practice packs that way - 2 for each vehicle so I am charging a crap load each time I race.

I am reluctant on lipo and brushless for the fact stated above by someone - I get enjoyment tweaking a motor, adjusting springs/brushes and getting the most out of my batteries. Your are more involved with the vehicle and get more appreciation out of making good on something you changed.

If we all go to lipo and brushless then it boils down to the driver that makes the difference - since I see little other than changing gearing and maybe program profile for any changes on the car compared to brushed. Granted I am not the greatest driver but the batteries, motors and equipment helps me stay competitive since I have good stuff.

Just something to chew on. I think the industry will be going that way but it will take a good amount of time to get everyone on board.

see ya,

mike