Batteries

[Tom Miller]

Hello,
I am building a Panzer lll ausf L. I am purchasing a Spektrum DX8G2 based on what I read on this forum. Now I need batteries. I read the other posts on the subject. I need to decide between regular lead acid batteries and the newer LIFE batteries. Can anyone give me a manufacturer and part number for both types of batteries that will fit in my model?
Thanks,
Tom

[Brian Ostlind]

You will have to arrange the components inside your tank and take custom measurements then look for batteries specs that fit your needs. every set up is different. look at smart batteries for life[po4] https://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/ i would go with life batteries.

[Gerhard Michel]

In my Panzer IV I use also Lifes. You may use either 2 blocks of 4 cells (2 x 12 volts) or 8 single cells for 24 volts. The blocks have a built-in battery management system (BMS), which gives fully protection against deep discharge and overcharging when using a simple lead acid charger with over-voltage protection (28.8 volts max). The single cells need to be balanced individual when loading, and they also need a deep discharge protection unit for each cell. So 2 blocks are much easier to charge and discharge than 8 single cells, but the blocks need similar space as lead acid batteries, the single cells however may be positioned freely in the hull. This can be a big benefit when the available space is low. Furthermore single cells can be some higher charged and deeper discharged using a fine tuned discharge protection and a balancing loader, allowing a longer driving session with one charging. BMS also have an over-current protection which is good an bad at the same time (bad when some more current is allowed at charging or needed at some critical driving moments).

In short words: blocks are the simple solution when enough storage space is available an an easy-to-use life battery ist wanted. Single cells are the solution in all other cases......

[Scott Boyd]

You will have to arrange the components inside your tank and take custom measurements then look for batteries specs that fit your needs. every set up is different. look at smart batteries for life[po4] https://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/ i would go with life batteries.

Which ah battery if going for the 2 12v?

[Adrian Harris]

Most tanks will take two 22Ah batteries.

Larger tanks such as the King Tiger and Centurion should be able to take two 30Ah.

Adrian.

[Tom Miller]

Thanks for all the info guys. Very helpful. The Smartbatteries web site is great Brian. Looks like I will have to wait for the new option packs to arrive before deciding which batteries will fit. I suspect 2ea 12v 20ah batteries will do the job in series.
I will need to purchase a charger too. Smartbatteries has a bunch of chargers made specificly for these battereis. How many amp. charger is sufficient? 12 or 24 volt?
Thanks,
Tom

[Brian Ostlind]

I have a Megaboost charger that will charge 12 or 24. I got it at Baterries plus.

There are some options for 24v batteries too...

https://www.fuelzero.com/category-s/139.htm

[Gerhard Michel]

My Charger is a Junsi 4010 Duo combining the capability to charge (and balance) all types of batteries (lead acid, LiFePO4, LiIon, LiPo, NiCD, NiMH and so on) with currents up to 2 x 40 amps (or 70 amps combined) at voltages up to 30 volts (10 LiFe cells). Please note: the charger is designed for use with a car (12 V / 24 V DC); for home charging it needs a mains adapter giving DC with 9 to 50 volts and currents up to 65 amps. An empty LiFe battery with 40 Ah can be loaded and balanced in less than one hour (e.g. at lunch hour )