Originally Posted by jamescam
Size is another reason I scrapped my Turbo 35...
Here is what I would get if I were starting out, and as no one touched on batteries yet I included those in the budget.
1. ICE Charger $130 - For charging batteries and motor break in (later on to run your lathe).
2. Integy 0-30 Discharge Tray $50 - For discharging your batteries at 30 AMPs after you race. Remove batteries from tray when lights go out.
3. Novak Smart Tray $80 - For equalizing your cells to .9v per cell right BEFORE you charge them.
4. Pyramid 20 AMP Power Supply $50 - Great, low profile power supply that is strong enough to power 2 chargers.
5. IB3800's $60 to $70 per pack - Lots of good deals to be had lately on IB3800's, you need at least 3 packs. If you can afford 5 go ahead and get 5 (1 practice pack, 3 qualifying packs, and 1 main pack). If you have less than 5 be sure to let them cool completely (2 hours or so) between uses. Aim for 1.20+ volts at 35 amps.
Batteries will always be a big part of your budget so be sure to take good care of them.
seems good, but you don't want to use the 030 with IB3800 batts... The IBs DO NOT like to be drained completely like the 030 does... IBs seem to prefer .9v but some use the Tekin tray (.5v) with no apparent problems...
if you do go IBs, go for a Reactor 30 discharger...
so heres my list (modified yours):
1. ICE Charger $125 charging, motor run-in, lathe?
2. Integy Reactor 30 Discharger $37.99 - For discharging your batteries at 30 AMPs until 5.4v after race...
3. Novak Smart Tray $69.99 - For equalizing your cells to .9v per cell right BEFORE you charge them.
4. Pyramid 20 AMP Power Supply $50 - Great, low profile power supply that is strong enough to power 2 chargers.
5. IB3800's... really good deals here:
http://www.promatchracing.com/main.htm
they also have some great 3600s for practice packs or stock racing...