Simplifying charging

[Roger De SilvaParticipant @rogerdesilva89927]

I have dexterity issues and find disconnecting a Tamiya connector located within a boat hull in order to recharge batteries quite difficult. I am now building a kit with 2 engines, ESCs and batteries so the problem is set to double.

On my car I can recharge my battery via the cigarette lighter socket, very convenient. It sparked the thought that maybe I could wire in simple DC sockets which would be easy and simple to plug a simple jack type socket for a jack plug on the charger.

I would anticipate needing isolating switches to kill the battery feed to the ESCs whilst charging, but I was expecting to fit those in any event.

Any recommendations would be appreciated, at this stage I am anticipating retaining the standard connectors on batteries and ESCs to avoid invalidating guarantees, and for subsequent interchangeability.

[Roger De SilvaParticipant @rogerdesilva89927]

Creating a readily available charging socket

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Roger the attached boat is fitted with a lead acid battery which is a real pain to access. Consequently it has been fitted with an easy charging system to make life more convenient.

The plug and socket are of the type fitted to a lot of domestic power supplies such as transformers for small electrical goods and are normally pre fitted to the cable. You can however buy the plugs and sockets separately and solder them to a cable yourself or simply cut the cable off an old unused transformer!

The on/off switch is a two pole two way switch and switches the model either on or off, at which point the charging socket is connected. All you do then is plug the cable in to charge the battery.

 

 

 

Edited By Richard Simpson on 14/05/2021 10:19:23

Edited By Richard Simpson on 14/05/2021 10:20:34

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

To work as required, a change-over switch is required between the battery and ESC. With two batteries and ESCs, this is either two switches or a "DPDT" switch. The important parameter is the current carrying ability of the switch, which needs to be high enough for the anticipated load.

There are equipment sockets that have a switch built in, but these are usually only intended for low currents, usually too low for the motor current, which is the important consideration.. Picking one to suit the 5mm plug section of a battery eliminator "spider" would probably be easiest to handle later. Such plugs are available, and can be fitted to the charger lead. Charging both from on socket would require a rectifier diode between the socket and each battery lead to avoid one battery trying to charge or discharge the other. Or two sockets, and two chargers. Or two sockets, one charger, and remember to actually plug in and charge both batteries.

A pair of battery extension leads with Tamiya male at one end and female at the other could be cut into to insert the switch and plug without any alterations to the batteries or ESCs.

Much like Richard said while I was typing.

Edited By Malcolm Frary on 14/05/2021 10:44:26

[Roger De SilvaParticipant @rogerdesilva89927]

Thanks for your prompt responses. I plan to keep both sets of batteries and ESCs separate, then use a mTronik servo mixer. With the reassurance you have given me I will then double up on the switches and charging points. The advice to cut into a standard extension lead (2) is good, in combination with a double pole switch and charging socket. Got the full layout in my head now.

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