Battery + Charger

Battery technology for model boats and RC modelling

The right battery technology is crucial for the reliable and high-performance operation of your RC model. Whether you need a propulsion battery for a model ship, a receiver battery, a high-performance LiPo for a brushless motor or a suitable charger – we stock batteries and accessories for a wide range of applications in model shipbuilding and RC modelling.

Our range includes LiPo, LiFe, NiMH, Li-ion and lead-acid batteries, as well as chargers, charging cables, connector systems, adaptors, silicone cables, voltage regulators and other accessories for your model’s power supply.

Model-making batteries for different requirements

Which battery is suitable for a model boat depends primarily on the motor, speed controller, required voltage, current draw, desired running time, as well as the available space and weight within the model.

In our range you’ll find, amongst other things:

• LiPo batteries
• LiFe batteries
• NiMH battery packs
• Lead-acid batteries
• Li-ion batteries
• Receiver and transmitter batteries
• Chargers and balancers
• Charging cables and adaptors
• XT30, XT60, Tamiya, Deans and BEC connector systems
• Gold contacts
• Silicone cables
• BEC systems and voltage regulators
• Measuring and electronic accessories

This enables you to build everything from classic displacement models to high-performance, fast model boats and fully equipped functional models, all with a suitable power supply.

LiPo batteries for high-performance RC power systems

LiPo batteries – lithium-polymer batteries – are characterised by high energy density and a high potential current output despite their comparatively low weight. They are therefore particularly commonly used in high-performance electric and brushless motors.

We stock LiPo batteries in various voltages, capacities, dimensions and load ratings. These include, amongst others:

• 2S LiPo at 7.4 V
• 3S LiPo at 11.1 V
• 4S LiPo at 14.8 V
• 5S LiPo at 18.5 V
• 6S LiPo at 22.2 V

The specification S refers to the number of cells connected in series. The more cells used, the higher the nominal voltage of the battery pack.

When selecting a battery, care must be taken to ensure that the motor and speed controller are rated for the number of cells used.

What does the C-rate mean for a LiPo battery?

In addition to voltage and capacity, the so-called C-rate is important for LiPo batteries. It indicates the current at which the battery can be discharged.

A battery with a high C-rate can deliver correspondingly high currents and is therefore particularly suitable for high-performance model propulsion systems.

For many classic model ships, however, the maximum possible current output is not the decisive factor. In such cases, greater capacity, suitable dimensions and the longest possible running time may be more important.

LiFe batteries – a robust alternative in model making

LiFe or LiFePO4 batteries are also an interesting power source for RC models. They have a nominal voltage of around 3.3 V per cell.

This results, for example, in:

• 2S LiFe: 6.6 V
• 3S LiFe: 9.9 V

In our range, you will find LiFe batteries with different capacities for various applications in model-making.

LiFe batteries can, for example, be used as propulsion, receiver or power supply batteries, provided that the voltage and electrical requirements of the components used are compatible.

NiMH battery packs – tried-and-tested battery technology for model boats

NiMH batteries – nickel-metal hydride batteries – remain among the tried-and-tested battery types in model-making.

7.2 V NiMH battery packs are particularly common; these consist of six cells, each with a nominal voltage of 1.2 V. Our range includes various capacities, allowing you to choose between a compact design and a longer running time.

NiMH batteries are suitable, amongst other things, for classic brushed motors, older RC systems and models where a straightforward power supply is required.

Modern NiMH batteries do not generally need to be fully discharged before recharging. Unnecessary deep discharge should be avoided.

Lead-acid batteries for displacement models and larger model ships

Lead-acid batteries remain popular in model shipbuilding. In larger displacement models in particular, their comparatively high weight can even be an advantage if ballast is required anyway.

We stock lead-acid batteries in 6 V and 12 V, amongst other voltages, and with various capacities.

Typical applications include:

• Tugs
• Cargo ships
• Workboats
• Historical motor vessels
• Larger functional models
• Models requiring a high amount of ballast

Lead-acid batteries offer a robust and comparatively cost-effective power supply, but are significantly heavier than modern lithium batteries.

Battery capacity in mAh and Ah

The capacity of a battery is specified in milliampere-hours (mAh) or ampere-hours (Ah).

In principle, a higher capacity means that more electrical energy is available, which can allow for a longer running time. However, the actual running time depends heavily on the motor, propeller, model weight, driving style and current draw.

A larger battery is also usually heavier and takes up more space. In model boat building, therefore, a sensible compromise between capacity, weight and dimensions should always be sought.

Chargers for LiPo, LiFe, NiMH and lead-acid batteries

For safe and reliable battery technology, the right model-making charger is just as important as the battery itself.

In our range, you will find simple chargers as well as programmable multi-function chargers for various battery chemistries.

Depending on the charger, the following battery types may be supported, for example:

• LiPo
• LiHV
• LiIon
• LiFe
• NiMH
• NiCd
• Pb/lead-acid battery

Depending on the model, modern chargers offer functions such as a balancer connection, adjustable charging current, discharge programmes or memory programmes for different batteries.

Balancers for LiPo and LiFe batteries

Multi-cell lithium batteries usually have a balancer connection in addition to the main power connection.

During charging, the charger uses this to monitor the voltages of the individual cells and equalise them. This prevents individual cells within the battery pack from being charged to different levels.

A suitable charger with the appropriate balancer function should therefore be used to charge multi-cell LiPo and LiFe batteries.

Connectors, cables and adaptors for model-making batteries

Suitable connectors and cables are essential for a reliable power supply.

Our range includes, amongst other things:

• XT30 plugs and sockets
• XT60 plugs and sockets
• Tamiya connector systems
• Deans T-Plug
• BEC plugs and sockets
• Gold contacts
• Motor plugs
• Flat connectors
• Charging adaptors
• Charging cables
• Silicone cables in various cross-sections

With the appropriate adaptors, different connector systems can also be connected between the battery, charger and model.

Silicone cables and cable cross-section

High currents flow between the battery and the speed controller, particularly with high-power motors. Therefore, the cable cross-section must also be suitable for the electrical load.

Silicone cables are particularly popular in model-making as they are flexible and can therefore be routed easily even in tight model fuselages.

For higher currents, a correspondingly larger cable cross-section should be chosen to avoid unnecessary voltage drops and overheating.

BEC and voltage regulators

The field of battery technology also includes BEC systems and voltage regulators.

They step down the voltage of the power battery to a lower voltage required, for example, by receivers, servos, lighting or other electronics.

This allows different electrical components of a functional model to be powered from a single power supply.

Which battery is suitable for my model boat?

When selecting a battery for a model boat, you should pay particular attention to the following points:

• Battery type
• Number of cells
• Voltage
• Capacity
• Maximum current capacity
• Dimensions
• Weight
• Connector system
• Motor and speed controller
• Existing charger

The battery’s voltage must be compatible with the speed controller and motor being used. At the same time, the current capacity should be sufficiently high and the battery must be able to be securely housed within the model.

For classic displacement-type models, for example, NiMH, LiFe or lead-acid batteries can be a good choice. For high-performance brushless drives, on the other hand, LiPo batteries are frequently used.

Charging and storing batteries safely

Batteries should only ever be charged using a charger suitable for the specific battery chemistry. Damaged, swollen or unusually hot batteries should not be used any further.

In the case of lithium batteries, the battery and charger manufacturers’ specifications regarding charging current, cell voltage and storage must also be observed. For LiPo batteries, it is also recommended to use a suitable fire-retardant LiPo protective bag during charging and storage.

Battery technology for reliable RC models

From classic NiMH battery packs and lead-acid batteries through to modern LiPo and LiFe batteries, right through to chargers, connector systems and silicone cables, you’ll find the right battery technology for your model here.

Put together a power supply, charger and connection components to suit your model boat, thereby laying the foundation for reliable electronics, long running times and a high-performance RC drive system.