Questions Regarding Battery Connectors

nougat · 08-05-2009, 11:35 AM

For all my Lipos, including my SMC lipos, I currently use Deans connectors, as do most others at my track.

Doesn't a Deans connector, which is only rated at 50A, limit some of these higher C rating SMC batteries that are out now?

For example, I have 2 SMC C-Max 40C 5200mah lipos that are rated at 208A continuous. How can we ever expect to get all of that power through a connector that is rated at 50A?

I noticed Zippy and Turnigy are shipping their batteries with 4mm bullet adapters that are rated at 95A (much better than Deans, but still not enough for their battery C ratings).

Is it worth it to upgrade connectors on all my batteries (and ESCs) to 4mm or even 6mm bullet adapters that are rated at higher current? Or will I still limited by the 12AWG wire SMC uses for the batteries?

Brushlessboy · 08-07-2009, 07:33 AM

As a racer, and not a battery expert, the first question is. What are you running it in?
If you're just running 40c batteries in a 1/10 application then you'll never pull that amperage anyway, so your Deans will be fine.
If you're running 1/8 then it gets difficult.
2 2s in series will see the Deans get warm yes, but not hot, and I didnt feel any power blockage affecting the setup.
I did change over to the Castle 6.5mm Gold Bullets, but have since changed them back, simply because they work too good, and are a pain in the rear to get apart.....

nougat · 08-07-2009, 02:23 PM

I use these SMCs in series for my 1/8 scale buggy and truggy. I agree that it wouldn't make much difference for 1/10 scale because motors don't draw that much power.

Has anybody had good luck with the E-Flight or Losi EC-5 connectors? I can't find any reviews of them, but they are rated at 120A continuous!

littlejohn · 08-13-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nougat

I use these SMCs in series for my 1/8 scale buggy and truggy. I agree that it wouldn't make much difference for 1/10 scale because motors don't draw that much power.

Has anybody had good luck with the E-Flight or Losi EC-5 connectors? I can't find any reviews of them, but they are rated at 120A continuous!

I use the EC5 on all my devices and Batts. They work great, but my main gripes are;
1. Pretty pricey compared to other solutions. eg Traxxas TRX
2. Single use only. ie. you can't dismantle and reuse.
3. not everyone stocks them

If I have to buy more, I think I'm goign to switch over to the Traxxas connectors. You can buy them in bulk from Tower and save a bundle..

FYI. I run mainly 1/8-E