R/C model car guys out there? Question

[BE911SC]

Bought this neat-o Tamiya 1/10 RSR from Japan, batteries not included. It's from 2007, built by the Tamiya factory, was mint in sealed box. BUT, I can't get the specified 7.2V-500mAh battery pack anymore. Many other packs are available though and I am wondering if another 7.2V pack with a higher-amp capacity will work--provided I get one with the correct connector. For example, there is a Tamiya 7.2V-4200mAh on eBay. Will that work?

Yes, I checked for several hours on the 'net already but thought I'd ask the brain trust here before any more searching. TIA!

[Ayles]

When I was building and racing rc cars I soldered up my own battery packs and my preference for connecters. If you can use a soldering iron you should be able to whip up a custom pack with the number of cells you need. Granted... this was well before the latest and greatest battery technology.

[aschen]

Higher mah batteries are absolutely no problem if you can find a place to put them. You will get a very long run time but that battery will be much larger physically than a 500 man one. 2007 mean likely nickel metal batteries. 500 man will be approximately as sized and 4 ah will be at least sub c sized cells

[aschen]

Actually show me a pic of the bat compartment and connector and I'll find you the right battery with 39 seconds of work

[David McLaughlin]

The great thing with hobby quality RC is thst you can tinker and improve. The stock electronics may not be able to handle higher voltage but higher MAH is fine. If you rrally want to get into it, change the speed control to handle a brushless motor and LiPo batteries. You may even be able to drop in a LiPo pack now but without a low voltage cut off you need to stop yourself before the battery is drained.

[aschen]

I think that thing is too pretty and scale to put a brush less motor and lithium polymer bat. They tend to get banged up a bit when going 40 mph.

[David McLaughlin]

40? Who wants to go 40 when 60+ is available.

[aschen]

Definatly but I don't think the op car is the right tool for that job.



Aschen has been an rc fanatic since mid 80s

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by aschen

Actually show me a pic of the bat compartment and connector and I'll find you the right battery with 39 seconds of work

Opening is 4 inches by 1 1/4 inches.

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by aschen

I think that thing is too pretty and scale to put a brush less motor and lithium polymer bat. They tend to get banged up a bit when going 40 mph.

Understood. This is for careful playing-with, not trashing! I hope.

[aschen]

OK I'll find something for you when I get to a computer

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by aschen

OK I'll find something for you when I get to a computer

Great, good luck!

[HardDrive]

Not seeing that exact battery, but there are lots of similar batteries that will fit in that space.

[aschen]

So here is the direct bat but will find a much cheaper option in a sec hopefully
Amazon.com : Battery charger TamTech Gear 7.2V500mAh battery and charger 55091 : Everything Else

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by David McLaughlin

40? Who wants to go 40 when 60+ is available.

My son has a brushless 1/16 scale Traxxas Ken Block Fiesta, I bought him two new batteries and a dual battery connector for Christmas. Anything past 1/4 throttle spins the wheels, but with easy application it will freaking FLY.

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by aschen

So here is the direct bat but will find a much cheaper option in a sec hopefully
Amazon.com : Battery charger TamTech Gear 7.2V500mAh battery and charger 55091 : Everything Else

Guess what? I found this same seller on Amazon, ordered the battery-charger combo, then got a refund a few days later when they said that they did not in fact have it in stock. That's when I came here and asked.

Thanks though!

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

cheap batteries for rc car, Lipo battery and charger, airplane battery - CheapBatteryPacks.com will have what you need. More mAh is good for longer run time.

I'll check this out, thanks!

[bell]

Be aware that lipo (lithium polymer) batteries can ignite when the voltage is depleted, store them in fire proof bags, also be sure to usea low voltage cutoff if you run lipo....

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by bell

Be aware that lipo (lithium polymer) batteries can ignite when the voltage is depleted, store them in fire proof bags, also be sure to usea low voltage cutoff if you run lipo....

Yup, an older speed controller likely won't be Lipo ready. I've stuck with NiMh because I don't trust my 9 year old with Lipos.

[aschen]

Can use something like this to charge with a connector change
TowerHobbies.com | Traxxas A/C Overnight Wall Charger 1/16 VXL

Battery prob no connector
7.2 volt Elite 1500 2/3A Flat Pack - CheapBatteryPacks.com

Connector set
TowerHobbies.com | Tamiya Battery Connector Set