Newbie Alert... Battery Power and Connections..

[themissingelf]

Hi,

New here with the usual basic questions...

I'm seriously considering the Vaterra Ascender K5 Blazer RTR but planning to run it on Ni-MH batteries (installed transverse on the chassis).

I already own a Traxxas Slash, also running on a Ni-MH battery, so would like to buy a second Ni-MH battery I can use on both cars (and charge using the same charger).

The Ascender seems to come RTR on Lipo batteries so I am wondering whether an 8.4v 5000 MaH (hump) is OK to use? I'm assuming I will need to change something on the ESC?

Also... The connector on the Ascender seems to be EC3 so, I assume, I need a femaie(?) EC3 to male(?) Traxxas connector?

Grateful for any help!

Thanks

 

[allanon1965]

Lipo batteries are cheap now...value hobby.com has lipos that are nicely priced and good quality. Why not get a charger capable of lipo charging and move to lipo. You get much longer runtimes ....

 

[themissingelf]

I drive on a very occasional basis and usually with a limited amount of time so runtimes from Ni-MH are usually adequate for me. I know Lipo are safer these days but as I don't need the benefit I'm happier to stick with Ni-MH for the moment.

 

[TheRockRanger]

Yes, Nimh will work, the voltage can be up to 11.1 volts. This is the ESC that comes with the Vaterra Ascender. Click on the link and look under key features, It says NIMH compatible. WP 60A FWD/REV Brushed ESC | HorizonHobby

 

[lukejr77]

the esc uses jumpers to change from lipo to Nimh right at the esc so you don't need a programming card or any weird button pushing.

 

[Lordtuna]

If your soldering skills are not the best i recommend you visit your local hobby shop, take all your gear (trucks, battery, charger) with you and have matching connectors put on everything. It will be safer and probably cheaper than trying to run an adapter. I like XT-60 or EC-3 connectors, both of them are just bullet connectors inside a plastic housing.

 

[themissingelf]

Thanks for all the input. All really helpful. With regard to replacing all connectors... I can solder so quite open to this suggestion. I keep seeing reference to Deans connectors but not entirely clear why they are so popular?

 

[snapon boy]

Most people use traxxas connections or dean's connections. Which ever you choose they both are good. Kinda Chevrolet vs ford.