Rookie Battery Question

[Ramrod]

Hi guys, my kid has a toy RC boat called a supervee and it came with a 1800mAh 7.2V 6-cell battery.

My question is can I use a more powerful battery in this thing or will I cook the motor?

Thanks!

[Meniscus]

Welcome to the forum.

Most of us are very familiar with the Supervee boats. Just to be sure though, could you post a picture or describe the boat in more detail? I'd hate to have someone give you advice and it not be the same boat or setup.

Does your boat look like this: http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...prod=dh-AQUB23

If it is, then running a single 7.2 battery means you're only giving the electronics half of what they are designed for. These boats are designed for 14.4 Volts or two 7.2 batteries wired in series. If there's any question about the wiring, this link may help: http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/wiring.php

Hope this helps!

[Ramrod]

Sorry buddy, I apologize. The boat I meant is a Venom Killer Vee boat which is like a toy boat basically. My boy drives this one.

However, I do have an Aquacraft SuperVee27R and your right, it runs 2 - 7.2V 5000mAh batterries.

I have a question about those also if you can help. When I recharge the 5000mAh batteries, the readout on my onyx230 charger usually says about 3800 when complete. Isn't it supposed to reach 5000mAh?

I am a rookie at this stuff so this forum is great for me to learn.

Thanks!!

[jac4412]

It's this boat... http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...800#reviewsTab

I'm having a hard time finding info on it since it is like you said a toy and it is also discontinued.

Simply put yeah, the stock setup that should be all it can handle. You might be able to sneak another nimh cell in there but can't be sure unless we get the ESC specs. It might take a, 8.4 but again... no idea without an electrical picture

If youre looking for a cheap method for speed.. you might consider putting in a higher brushed motor or a brushless system in it with a cheap ESC. I'm not sure what your motives are (whether or not you want to upgrade him to a faster boat but not have him break it... etc).

[Ramrod]

Thanks bud! My motives are to just have a longer lasting battery. I think I am due for a new 7.2V battery for the toy boat.

[785boats]

Ramrod.
In answer to your question about the batteries in your SV27R...No.
It is widely accepted to leave about 20% capacity in the battery after a run. That's about 1000mah for your 5000mah packs.
The 3800mah you are putting pack in means that there is still 1200mah left in the pack, or just over 20%. Your packs will love you for treating them so kindly. And they will last longer if you continue to do so. So will your ESC because it won't have to deal with the sagging voltage & the ripple currents that this produces.
Just curious though. Does the LVC in the ESC cut the power at that level or do you time the runs to that level of discharge?
Sheers.
Paul.

[Ramrod]

Thanks Paul! My level of discharge being where you said is only by dumb luck. I just run the thing till it starts getting slower (and less fun) and then pack it up.

That definately answers my question because I am so new to this I wasn't sure I was charging these batteries right.

I think my next bet would be to buy a 2nd set to have a longer run time. Although, it seems like everyone has switched to Lipos but I am not sure I want my house to burn down if one of those batteries lets loose.

-Brady

[Meniscus]

Well, I'm glad I didn't just answer with 14.4 Volts!!!

[785boats]

Yeah. Sorry Ramrod I thought you were talking about Lipo's for the SV27R.
My mistake.
But it's solid info if you ever do switch to Lipo's
But good call with the metals. When they start to loose power bring them in.
Cheers.
Paul.

[Alexgar]

Killer vee is a venom boat That's all I know hope that helps