That Little Bit More?
#1

I race sedan oval every week. I consistently quallify for the A main. I just cant seem to get that little bit of extra power to keep up with a couple of the real fast guys. i think its my Batteries and possibly charger. im looking for recomendations for a good charger that will give my batteries that extra little bit of punch. I am currently using a Triple pro due to multiple clases. But i will still use that for the others i just need one to charge my sedan batteries. Thanks
#2
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (1)

I've found that oval is the most expensive to race due to exactly your issue. We are all looking for that little bit extra. Much of the time, money can help oval racing a little bit. Examples of spending money to help:
I found a good power supply can help as well. Maybe due to the consistent power, I'm not sure. If you want the best, then you'll want the Alinco DM-330MV power supply:
Here is a review I did of it on a different forum:
Of course, track time and practicing will help more than all the above combined. But you can spend money to get that little extra edge.
- Usually, better batteries will give you more improvement than chargers. Seems like the most popular are the Competition Electronics Turbo 35 of the Duratrax ICE.
- Ceramic bearings can help a teeny bit, but not much. (caution on the non-stainless steel races, as they can rust).
- Aluminum screws, titanium screws to save weight.
- Small electronics to save weight.
- Personal transponder to save weight.
- True your tires nice and small, and replace often when chunked.
- Get a good battery equalizer, like the Trinity DPD.
I found a good power supply can help as well. Maybe due to the consistent power, I'm not sure. If you want the best, then you'll want the Alinco DM-330MV power supply:

Here is a review I did of it on a different forum:
Well, I got my Alinco 32A power supply in, and I love it! It's so much higher quality than the Samlex/Radio Shack ones. And the adjustable voltage makes this so much more useful to me. The clean voltage it provides is just amazing. You can literally unplug this for 2-4 seconds and it still provides steady power without blinking an eye. Even when you turn it off, it provides power for about 2-4 seconds. So far, the fan has only turned on once for me, and even so, it's a nice slow, auto-adjusting, variable speed running fan so it's not too loud. The front and back panel inputs are wonderful. 32A banana/screw connectors in the back, remote voltage control, preset voltage dial plus on/off switch options, noise control, lighted front voltage display, and the extra front output connectors are all a welcome bonus.
The size of this is not much bigger than the Samlex/Radio Shack power supplies, although the Alinco is heaver since it's made with metal (something that Radio shack does not believe in). This thing looks like it's made to last, and I bet I'll have this for 25+ years. In my opinion, the only reason you wouldn't want to get this ultimate power supply is if you are concerned about saving weight. In my opinion, it's worth spending $40 more than Samlex/Radio Shack power supplies. You get more continuous amps, features, durability, quality, and adjustability.
I bought mine at gigaparts.com for $139 shipped. They can be found on ebay too. The ICE sits on top of this power supply nicely, and they really compliment eachother. I use the adjustable voltage all the time, for things like motor lathes, tire truers, fans, etc.. After having adjustable voltage, it seems silly to ever go back. I like to give credit where credit is due, and this Alinco is awesome.
Two more pictures:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachme...hmentid=109784
http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachme...hmentid=109785
The size of this is not much bigger than the Samlex/Radio Shack power supplies, although the Alinco is heaver since it's made with metal (something that Radio shack does not believe in). This thing looks like it's made to last, and I bet I'll have this for 25+ years. In my opinion, the only reason you wouldn't want to get this ultimate power supply is if you are concerned about saving weight. In my opinion, it's worth spending $40 more than Samlex/Radio Shack power supplies. You get more continuous amps, features, durability, quality, and adjustability.
I bought mine at gigaparts.com for $139 shipped. They can be found on ebay too. The ICE sits on top of this power supply nicely, and they really compliment eachother. I use the adjustable voltage all the time, for things like motor lathes, tire truers, fans, etc.. After having adjustable voltage, it seems silly to ever go back. I like to give credit where credit is due, and this Alinco is awesome.
Two more pictures:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachme...hmentid=109784
http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachme...hmentid=109785
Last edited by James35; 03-18-2007 at 07:43 PM.
#3

Yea i hear ya on the expensive part. Everyone is always buying new stuff. I drive just as good as these guys. I Even have motors built by each of them. Thanks for the info. I guess ill have to break down and buy a new charger and some batteries. Any other recomendations are welcome Thanks again
#4

So if i get the Duratrax ICE i will also need to purchase a power supply, correct?
#5
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (1)

For the money, it's pretty well known that you really can't beat the Duratrax ICE. There is really only 2 downfalls to the ICE.
#1. Discharges only up to 10 amps (whereas going up to 30 amps can be desirable)
#2. No backlight. Although this can be conquered with a backlight kit off of ebay.
I'm looking forward to the Integy Indi Digital-90 equalizing tray when it comes out. On paper, it will be the best.
I think combo of the ICE with the Integy Indi Digital-90 will not be beatable. The Integy Indi Digital-90 will handle all of the discharging/equalizing you'll ever need, and the ICE offers the best charging you can have. Well, at least, until all-in-one units and individual cell chargers hit the market. (The Spintec ICC individual cell chargerscurrently has troubles and poor support)
#1. Discharges only up to 10 amps (whereas going up to 30 amps can be desirable)
#2. No backlight. Although this can be conquered with a backlight kit off of ebay.
I'm looking forward to the Integy Indi Digital-90 equalizing tray when it comes out. On paper, it will be the best.
I think combo of the ICE with the Integy Indi Digital-90 will not be beatable. The Integy Indi Digital-90 will handle all of the discharging/equalizing you'll ever need, and the ICE offers the best charging you can have. Well, at least, until all-in-one units and individual cell chargers hit the market. (The Spintec ICC individual cell chargerscurrently has troubles and poor support)
#6
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (1)

Yes, with all good chargers, you'll need a power supply, but it doesn't need to be as good as the Alinco.
Pyramid 20 Amp power supply (PSV200) is the best bang for the buck at $55.
The fan does not turn on unless needed (so far, mine rarely turns on), and the power switch is that big, red, illuminated push button. Easy to see to turn on and off.
Pyramid 20 Amp power supply (PSV200) is the best bang for the buck at $55.
The fan does not turn on unless needed (so far, mine rarely turns on), and the power switch is that big, red, illuminated push button. Easy to see to turn on and off.

#7

Thanks for all the information. I am def. going to have to pick up something soon
#8

Are you using an equillizing tray like the novak smart tray? If not then you are giveing the fast guys an advantage. Equillizing the batts after every charge/run/discharge is a must to get the batts to perform at their best.
Chris
Chris
#10

Yes i use the trinity equalizer tray and i also use the Dyna pro digital discharger. so i think im doin pretty good im just hopin the charger will do a little bit more for me. thanks again
#11
Tech Rookie

does a high end power supply really make a difference and how so (what does clean power have to do with it)? I've been told that the only reason high end chargers do not come with a built in AC/DC converter is that that is the part that tends to wear out the fastest.