RubiconX
RC Newbie
Hey guys,
Some of you might have already read that I've engaged in an electric buggy build after a few year absence from the hobby. This is my first experience venturing out to electric, previously I only built and ran nitro.
One of the things that enticed me about electric is the simplicity of running with little after maintenance. However, after picking up my RC8.2e kit last night I started doing some research and mapping all the things I'll need to run this thing and lipos were on the list. Having no previous experience with these batteries I was very discouraged to see so many videos online of RC vehicles catching fire when landing wrong or flipping while being powered by these batteries. I also saw countless videos of some guy blowing up his bedroom while trying to charge these packs. OK OK, I get it, likely user error and if precautions are taken 99% of these instances can be avoided, however, after doing some more reading on these batteries, I also learned that they behave differently than the rechargeable batteries I'm used to. For example, I need to monitor the voltage of the battery when in storage mode. I need to recharge and discharge the battery every couple of months of storage. I need to be attending the battery at all times when charging to watch for swelling or potential issues. I need to monitor even cell power distribution. I need to store, charge and transport these batteries in safety packs and metal boxes in case they swell up and go off. I've even read of instances when these batteries blew up or caught smoke after sitting in storage for a month.
The issue I have is that I will need to store and charge these batteries inside my house, likely I'll do this in the basement. Unfortunately for me, I am also one of these overly cautious and often too paranoid individuals so at the back of my mind I will always be thinking if one of these batteries has swollen and just maybe tonight is the night I'll be woken up to smoke coming from the basement.
Another thing that bothers me is that I'm the kind of basher that I may not run my RC vehicle for a month but then I'll want to take it out for a good full day of basing somewhere out of the City. If my run time per battery is 15-20 minutes and I want to bash on and off for 3-4 hours, I will either need around 12 battery packs (all of which I need to transport safely in pouches and boxes, not to mention maintain in storage), or do what the guy at the hobby shop recommended, and just buy 2-3 and as I run two, keep charging one in my car. Problem is if I'm charing the battery in my car which is often infused with heat from the sun, I'm leaving the battery unattended which is a problem.
I know this thread is just a long runt but I'm hoping some of you more experienced folks can give me some tips on these batteries and hopefully convince me that I'm just being overly paranoid.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
M
Some of you might have already read that I've engaged in an electric buggy build after a few year absence from the hobby. This is my first experience venturing out to electric, previously I only built and ran nitro.
One of the things that enticed me about electric is the simplicity of running with little after maintenance. However, after picking up my RC8.2e kit last night I started doing some research and mapping all the things I'll need to run this thing and lipos were on the list. Having no previous experience with these batteries I was very discouraged to see so many videos online of RC vehicles catching fire when landing wrong or flipping while being powered by these batteries. I also saw countless videos of some guy blowing up his bedroom while trying to charge these packs. OK OK, I get it, likely user error and if precautions are taken 99% of these instances can be avoided, however, after doing some more reading on these batteries, I also learned that they behave differently than the rechargeable batteries I'm used to. For example, I need to monitor the voltage of the battery when in storage mode. I need to recharge and discharge the battery every couple of months of storage. I need to be attending the battery at all times when charging to watch for swelling or potential issues. I need to monitor even cell power distribution. I need to store, charge and transport these batteries in safety packs and metal boxes in case they swell up and go off. I've even read of instances when these batteries blew up or caught smoke after sitting in storage for a month.
The issue I have is that I will need to store and charge these batteries inside my house, likely I'll do this in the basement. Unfortunately for me, I am also one of these overly cautious and often too paranoid individuals so at the back of my mind I will always be thinking if one of these batteries has swollen and just maybe tonight is the night I'll be woken up to smoke coming from the basement.
Another thing that bothers me is that I'm the kind of basher that I may not run my RC vehicle for a month but then I'll want to take it out for a good full day of basing somewhere out of the City. If my run time per battery is 15-20 minutes and I want to bash on and off for 3-4 hours, I will either need around 12 battery packs (all of which I need to transport safely in pouches and boxes, not to mention maintain in storage), or do what the guy at the hobby shop recommended, and just buy 2-3 and as I run two, keep charging one in my car. Problem is if I'm charing the battery in my car which is often infused with heat from the sun, I'm leaving the battery unattended which is a problem.
I know this thread is just a long runt but I'm hoping some of you more experienced folks can give me some tips on these batteries and hopefully convince me that I'm just being overly paranoid.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
M