Quick Start: Motor Run; Learning About Cells And Packs For R/C Racing; Types Of Cells Used In R/C Racing; Rc Racing Is Different From Other Battery Applications - Competition Electronics Turbo35-GFX User Manual

5. Press "Start".

Quick Start: Motor Run

1. Navigate to the "mot mode" screen. There are no specific factory cycles for motor
run, although values are saved and included in all setups.
2. Using the "Page" button, go to the "1 of 1" motor parameter screen and select the
motor voltage and run time.
3. Connect Power and Sense leads to the motor.
4. Press "Start".
After you get up and running, be sure to read the rest of the manual. Do it while your
charging those high capacity NimH packs; you'll be glad you did.

Learning about Cells and Packs for R/C Racing

One of the hurdles for beginning R/C racers is gaining a basic understanding of these
power sources we call cells. It turns out that the cells we use, and how we treat them has
a huge effect on racing performance. The objective of this section is to give you that
basic understanding.
The technology that makes R/C racing possible is the advent of rechargeable cell types
that are capable of sustained high rates of discharge. It is probable that R/C racing as we
know it could not exist if this technology had not been discovered.

Types of Cells Used in R/C Racing

There are two main types of cells used in R/C racing today.
NiCd: NiCd stands for Nickel-Cadmium. Until the last few years, NiCd was the most
popular cell used for R/C racing.
NiCd cells have a typical cell voltage of 1.2 volts. Among their disadvantages is the fact
that they have a "memory" and if they are not routinely discharged completely and
recharged fully, their capacity diminishes considerably.
Another disadvantage of NiCd chemistry is that they require special disposal procedures
because of their cadmium content.
They are a bit more durable than NimH cells and can stand a bit more abuse, but their
mAHr capacity is considerably lower than NimH types. They are more consistent in their
charge/discharge characteristics from cycle to cycle.
NimH: NimH stands for Nickel-metal-Hydride. NimH is by far the predominant cell in
use today for R/C racing. NimH chemistry does not suffer from any of the disadvantages
of NiCd. It is less toxic, does not have a memory, and now comes in higher mAHr
capacity than the NiCd types.
Today's NimH cell voltage after "zapping" (we will discuss zapping a little later) have
significantly higher average voltages.
NimH cells should still be recycled at the end of their useful life.

RC Racing is different from other battery applications

If you talk to a cell manufacturer about the way R/C racers charge and discharge their
cells, he or she may tell you that you are abusing these cells. The fact is, to a certain
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