DC to DC charging
 

Does anybody here use DC to DC charging as their primary trackday charging method? I'm using a couple of Etronix Powerpal Touch (the single and the duo) chargers for general AC to DC charging, but I've got a ToolkitRC M6D that's more modern and has better output, UX and is more compact. I'd like to avoid rigging up a 24Vdc PSU into a well-ventilated and finger-safe box. I do own one, it's just not my forte... I'm thinking about grabbing a couple of big 6S 10,000mAh (222Wh) packs and running the M6D off it. I should be able to charge 5x 4800 2S (41Wh) packs with just a single 6S 10,000mAh. The recycle function should let some of the unused race pack capacity back into the 6S, bumping up the capacity a little. Interested in feedback if others doing the same.

If you are looking to use alternative power source in the field, a AMG or other quality deep cycle battery imo is the best option.

with a decent setup a DC-DC charging station can sometimes prolong battery cycle lifetime.

Lots of people run off DC at the track. Buying those big Lipos is an expensive way to do it when a 12V leisure battery is much, much cheaper. You're also getting into the area of those domestic "power stations" if you are buying big Lipos and they probably have a wider range of uses.

Personally, I've yet to see anybody do that - but the tracks I've visited, all had plenty of AC outlets, so there never was any need to go that route (since everybody needs either an AC/DC charger or a PSU for his DC charger at least for back at home, anyways - and bringing that isn't any more hassle than lugging an extra big battery around - plus you're not limited in your charging at all).

So, yes, it's easily doable, but once a track has sufficient and easy AC access, I'd never even consider going that route. But YMMV.

i have done it before by using my ebike batteries and my milwaukee m18 12.0ah power tool batteries. I run a icharger 458 duo which has an dc input limit of 49volts. So this works great for 36 volt (10S) ebike batteries. I also got a few milwaukee m18 12.0ah batteries that can power my icharger and get me a day through a day of racing. a good and common ebike battey would be a 36v(10s) 20amp hour battery.

I have a couple spare car batteries that are older/not holding a great charge that I take with me to certain tracks that don’t have power. Day trips I only take 1, weekend trips I’ll take two. For practice sessions at the local park I’ll just recharge with my vehicle battery that I drove to the park.

It’s not my “primary” method but definitely a simple and effective way to get batteries charged. Alligator clips work just as good as plugging into a convenience outlet!

Just one more variable to consider on race day.