Which battery type is the best for Receivers ? to read the number [721] Published:2015-12-30 15:09:19
RC equipment mounted in Radio Control airplane, car or boat needs an on-board battery to power the receiver and servos. While most servos only require 4.8 volts to operate, some can use 6 volts and will deliver more torque at higher speeds with the higher voltage.
The below 3 types of Batteries are the most commonly used:
Nickel Cadmium Batteries
NiCad batteries have been used in RC Hobby for many years.
These batteries come in different size just like alkaline batteries.
NiCads are rated at 1.2 volts per cell, a pack of 4 or 5 can be used providing either 4.8 or 6 volts.
Not all servos can handle 6 volts, so check their ratings before deciding on the size pack to use.
NiCads can be recharged 100s of times and make an excellent choice for RC receiver packs.
One downside is that NiCad packs are heavier than other batteries.
Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
NiMh batteries are very similar to NiCads. They are rated at 1.2 volts and are rechargeable 100s of times.
NiMh cells tend to be lighter then NiCad and deliver the same power.
Don't allow a NiMh pack to get too hot while charging,
This will damage cells and reduce the life of the pack.Use a temperature probe while charging, if possible.
Lithium Polymer Batteries
LiPo batteries are lightweight, powerful and rechargeable.
Each LiPo cell is rated at 3.7 volts, so a 2-cell pack would be needed to power a receiver and servos.
To use a LiPo pack for a RC receiver
You need to put a voltage regulator in line to reduce the voltage to 4.8 or 6 volts.
LiPo cells can be recharged up to 500 times. A special charger is needed for LiPo batteries