charging batteries while camping

[junoh]

I'm finally ready to purchase my first rc crawler (deadbolt ax-10), I do a lot of camping and plan on taking it all over the place this summer. I have a small camper with two 12v batteries, no traditional plug.

Everyone seems to recommend lipo batteries, but I can only seem to find chargers that will work for nimh with the proper connectors/allegator clips.

Sorry for the noob question, just want my ducks in a row.

Thanks

[Soldat Vaillant]

A lot of AC/DC chargers include the DC charge cord with small alligator clips, just read the description of the chargers you're interested. If a charger you want doesn't have the DC cord you can usually buy one pretty cheap.

These two from Hitec include the AC and DC cords.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBJBY&P=7

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDAKL&P=7

[Bmxreeves]

I have a hitec X11 Ac plus and love it. Had no problems what so ever.


__________________________
1.9 Ibex tuber - The Merica ibex.

R.I.P Dave Mirra

[junoh]

thank you! I guess i also need help with the internet and learning how to search. Now i need to read up on lipo safety.

[RiggZola]

I worried a lot about lipo safety. Definitely read up on how to treat them. Basically don't discharge them below around 3.4v per cell (many will say higher, some lower. Make sure you store them at around 3.7v per cell as well. Many chargers will have a storage function too. I use the X11 and have been happy with it. I store mine in a lipo bag inside an old army ammo can (drilled some holes for ventilation. Just respect them and you'll be fine. I rarely come across anyone who says they've blown up a battery. I've not had a problem in the 6+ months I've been running them.

[mikebecher]

I use an ammo can with the charger perched inside and a hole drilled through for the DC power. I can use either my AC/DC \m/ converter or the cig lighter adapter I found. This way I can charge while driving and stay safe by keeping it all in the sealed can. I have not had any issues with heat or overloading the cig lighter.

[Natedog]

That's a nice setup Mike!

[mikebecher]

Thanks Natedog. I got it put together just before a camping trip last week and it worked out great. It's awesome at home too - no more babysitting my batteries while they charge.

[junoh]

thanks for the replies guys, went with the Hitec X1+, and 2 duratrax Onyx 2s lipo bateriers.

How long does it take to charge a battery on the 12v? and how much stress does this put on the battery?

[mikebecher]

The time to charge on 12v DC will be the same as if you were using an AC/DC \m/ adapter.

Your car battery is at least 1000 watt hours and R/C LiPos max out at about 50 so there's plenty of capacity.

Your charger will draw less than 5 amps for a single LiPo so the load on the car battery is also minimal.

I've had zero issues with my setup but my 1:1 truck has a big battery and I've not charged LiPos back-to-back without starting it up, just to make sure.

[junoh]

Originally Posted by mikebecher

The time to charge on 12v DC will be the same as if you were using an AC/DC \m/ adapter.

Your car battery is at least 1000 watt hours and R/C LiPos max out at about 50 so there's plenty of capacity.

Your charger will draw less than 5 amps for a single LiPo so the load on the car battery is also minimal.

I've had zero issues with my setup but my 1:1 truck has a big battery and I've not charged LiPos back-to-back without starting it up, just to make sure.

thanks thats just what i wanted to know, my 1:1 rig has a yellow top, so i also should be good to go