Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Modelling tools => Topic started by: Andrew-R on May 27, 2025, 12:26:52 pm
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Hello everyone.
Just asking for some information on this. How do you all charge your batteries. I used to use,leisure battery 85ah and 2 chargers for nice 5 hour until battery dies. Is there better modern way lithium battery.
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You really need to use what is known as a smart charger. Overlander Batteries do some good ones that aren't too expensive. They charge safely (essential with Lithium batteries), balance the cells, will apply a storage voltage if required and other features. They will charge all the common battery types.
I've got a Turnigy which is very good but unfortunately they don't make it anymore.
Chris
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Sounds like a very large model if you are fitting an 85 AH battery. That is car battery size.
Colin
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Missed that part!
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As the model seems to use a large current it would be best to have a lot more detail before giving a safe and meaningfull answer.
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I use an Oxford smart charger
https://amzn.eu/d/hFFouNP
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If you read the OP carefully he makes no reference to model boats or any other form of model for that matter. He states that his only experience has been with a 85 ah leisure battery, which is big even for a vehicle. If that then ran for five hours he had a load in the region of 17amps, so pretty substantial. It looks to me like he only has experience charging up his caravan or camping battery and he is now asking what is available today.
Whether he wants it for leisure purposes or model boats remains to be seen if he makes a second post. Meanwhile he hasn't really given enough information.
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I mean as a 12volt source to power my chargers. I used to use a 12v 85ah leisure battery. To charge my nimh batteries. Just wondering if there are more efficient lighter ways rather than heavy leisure battery
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If you use NiMh batteries, then the Vapex Smart charger, it charges from 4 - 10 cells batteries. Runs from mains or 12 volt i/p.
There are 2 versions one is 500ma and the other 3 amps. I have 2 of each and I have found them excellent and recommend them as I have used them for ages.
If the battery on charge is dodgy then it flashes all 4 green LEDs alternate with red ones. If the battery is really flat then a direct DC charge can 'wake them up'.
Best of luck,
Roy
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Ah, the mist clears a little. I presume you're wanting to charge your model batteries whilst you're out at the pond or wherever. If so just google li ion leisure batteries, there's plenty of choice with a range of ah capacities. If you're charging at home then obviously you'd use a power adapter or get a charger that runs off the mains electricity.
For a better answer you need to provide more facts, i.e. Battery type, capacity and main usage.
I'm pretty typical, i have a main battery for a model and a couple of spares, i charge at home with a modern smart charger plugged into the mains before sailing. When i return i plug the batteries back into the charger to put them at storage voltage.
I hope that helps a bit.
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If you buy a charger such as this:
https://www.componentshop.co.uk/giant-power-intelligent-balance-charger-g6ac-12-220v-1.html
You can simultaneously charge four batteries of varying types from either a mains or a 11.0 to 18.0V DC supply, i.e. your car battery. You can then power this charger either from your cars cigarette lighter socket or, if you don't have one, directly from the car battery via a pair of crocodile clips.
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Ah, the mist clears a little. I presume you're wanting to charge your model batteries whilst you're out at the pond or wherever. If so just google li ion leisure batteries, there's plenty of choice with a range of ah capacities. If you're charging at home then obviously you'd use a power adapter or get a charger that runs off the mains electricity.
For a better answer you need to provide more facts, i.e. Battery type, capacity and main usage.
I'm pretty typical, i have a main battery for a model and a couple of spares, i charge at home with a modern smart charger plugged into the mains before sailing. When i return i plug the batteries back into the charger to put them at storage voltage.
I hope that helps a bit.
That's what I wanted to know li ion battery. The batterys I charge are 7.2 nimh fro. 2000 to 4200 mah I have 2 chargers attached to battery run models then charge. Thanks for info