Batteries

Batteries to suit every application from Nitroflight Models

Lead - Acid

The oldest form of rechargeable battery and commonly used in cars and motorcycles where weight is not an issue. Heavy in weight and high in capacity are ideal for use in the flight box for powering the high-torque starters used for starting model aircraft and helicopters and being 'sealed', do not require maintenance of electrolyte levels (topping up). Guide price for a lead acid or gell-cell battery is around £15.00


Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are basically the 'throw-away' type batteries that you can use in your transmitter or receiver pack. Non-rechargeable, are used until flattened and then disposed of safely. The most common alkaline battery called for in the hobby is the 'AA' cell or 'penlight' battery which is 1.5v and sold in packs of 4.
There are many different manufacturers of alkaline batteries who produce batteries of varying quality. We stock the Ansmann alkaline batteries which have proved to be a very reliable, high capacity and cost effective brand.

Nickel Cadmiuim (NiCd)

NiCd's have been around for quite some considerable time now but technology moves on. They are still available but are increasingly being superceeded by the higher capacity Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMH batteries. The NiCd batteries suffered from the 'memory' effect which dependant on how they were charged and discharged tended to drop-off in power and performance as the battery aged.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

A NiMH battery can have two to three times the capacity of an equivalent size NiCd and the memory effect is not as significant. Appearance-wise, they look just the same as their NiCD counterpart but can tend to be heavier. Available in extremely high capacities, these batteries tend to be the battery of choice where standard cells are used.

Lithium Ion Polymer (Li-Poly or LiPo)

First available during the late 1990's are becoming increasingly popular for use in flying models. Due largely to their reduced size and weight and high capacities, lend themselves well to applications where weight is an issue. The reduction in weight is achieved by the use of a foil shell rather than a metal container found in standard alkaline, NiCd and NiMH batteries.
It should be noted that Lipo batteries require a dedicated Lipo charger should be used and you should not attempt to charge a Lipo with a non-Lipo compatible charger (ie standard NiCd or NiMH charger). Over-charging a Lipo battery can result in an explosion and or fire so stringent guidelines must be adhered to in their use.
Some useful information regarding Li-Poly batteries can be found here