How to Charge RC Car Battery Without Charger: 4 Alternatives
If you’re an RC car enthusiast, one of the main things you need to know is how to charge your RC car battery. Having a dead battery can quickly spoil your day of fun. Unfortunately, you may not always have access to your charger, especially if you’re out in the field. But worry not, because you can still recharge your battery without a charger. In this article, we’ll be discussing four methods you can use to charge an RC car battery without a charger, from using alligator clips and a DC power supply to turning to your laptop and USB cord. But before we dive in, it’s essential to understand the science behind RC car batteries to help you appreciate the methods better.
Using an Alligator Clip and a DC Power Supply
One of the easiest methods of charging an RC car battery without a charger and using simple materials is by using alligator clips and a DC power supply. The following are the steps to follow:
- Get alligator clips and a DC power supply.
- Connect the alligator clip with the RC car battery properly and securely.
- Connect the other end of the alligator clip with the DC power supply.
- Observe the polarity of the clips before attaching them.
- Use a voltage meter to observe the voltage level.
- Charge until the battery reaches the desired output voltage level.
Be sure to adhere to safety protocols when charging the battery using these materials to prevent accidents. If you’re looking for alligator clips and DC power supplies for this task, you can find them in electronic shops or online stores, such as Amazon or eBay.
How to make a battery pack for RC car?
To make a battery pack for your RC car, follow these steps:
- Choose the right type of battery: The most common type of battery used for RC cars is Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery. Choose the one that matches the required voltage and size.
- Get the right tools: Soldering iron, wire cutters, heat shrink wrap, and electrical tape are some of the tools and materials you’ll need.
- Connect the cells: Solder wires to each cell and connect them in series or parallel to match the required voltage and capacity.
- Wrap the battery pack: Cover the entire pack with heat shrink wrap and use electrical tape to secure the ends.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps, there are plenty of online tutorials and forums that can guide you through the process. You can also find pre-made battery packs for RC cars on websites such as Amazon or HobbyKing.
Using a USB Cord and a Laptop
Another easy method of charging an RC car battery without a charger is by using a USB cord and a laptop. Here are the steps to follow:
- Get a USB cord and plug it into your laptop.
- Connect the cord with the RC car battery appropriately.
- Ensure that the battery is at a lower voltage than the output voltage of the USB power supply.
- Monitor the voltage level of the battery and remove it once it attains the desired level.
It’s essential to ensure that the battery is compatible with the USB output voltage to avoid damaging the battery, USB cord, or your laptop. Using this method with incompatible devices can cause it to overheat, leading to a processor or battery failure. You can purchase a suitable USB power supply from electronic stores or online shops, such as Best Buy or Newegg.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Simple to use | May cause damage to your laptop or battery |
| Cost-effective | May take time to charge the battery fully |
| Readily available materials | Not ideal for a larger battery with higher voltage requirements |
Using a Car Battery Charger
If you can get your hands on a car battery charger, you can also use it to charge your RC car battery without a charger. Here’s how:
- Get a car battery charger.
- Ensure that the charger’s voltage and amperage are compatible with those of the battery.
- Connect the charger’s red cable to the positive terminal of the battery.
- Connect the charger’s black cable to the negative terminal of the battery.
- Set the amperage and voltage on the charger according to the battery’s requirements.
- Monitor the voltage level of the battery and remove it once it attains the desired level.
It’s crucial to ensure that the charger’s output matches the battery’s requirements to avoid damaging the battery or the charger. Using a car battery charger that doesn’t have the right amperage or voltage can cause the battery to overheat, leading to damage or explosion. You can buy suitable car battery chargers from online shops, such as Amazon or AutoZone, or physical stores that specialize in car care and maintenance.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Fast and efficient | Requires purchasing a charger |
| Can charge larger batteries | Can be expensive |
| Covers multiple batteries at once | Doesn’t have safety features that come with a dedicated RC car battery charger |
How do I charge my RC car battery?
To charge your RC car battery, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery from the car and place it in a suitable charger. You can use either a wall charger or a USB cable.
- Connect the charger to a power source and turn it on.
- Set the charger to the suitable charging rate for your battery. Usually, the suggested charging rate for a battery is printed on the battery label or user manual.
- Wait for the charger to complete the charging process. When the battery is fully charged, the charger will show a signal.
- Disconnect the charger and remove the battery.
- Reinstall the battery in your RC car and have some fun!
Note: Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before charging your battery, and never leave a charging battery unattended.
For a wide selection of RC car batteries and chargers, check out websites like amainhobbies.com or horizonhobby.com.
Using a Solar Panel
If you have access to a solar panel, you can use it to charge your RC car battery without a charger. Here’s how:
- Get a solar panel that produces enough power to charge the battery.
- Connect the solar panel to a charge controller to regulate the amount of power going to the battery.
- Connect the charge controller to the RC car battery.
- Make sure there’s enough solar energy to charge the battery.
- Monitor the battery voltage and disconnect the system once the voltage level is satisfactory.
Solar panels are a clean and renewable energy source, but they require direct sunlight to function optimally. The weather condition, time of the day, and location of the solar panel can affect its performance. Therefore, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before using a solar panel. You can get suitable solar panels and charge controllers from online shops, such as Amazon or Solarplicity, or physical stores that specialize in solar panels and renewable energy systems.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Clean and renewable energy source | Dependent on weather conditions |
| Low operating cost | Slow charging time |
| No risk of overcharging or overheating | Requires initial investment |
Can you connect a solar panel to a battery charger?
Yes, you can connect a solar panel to a battery charger. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the voltage of the solar panel output matches the voltage of the battery charger input.
- Use a solar charge controller to regulate the power output and protect the battery from overcharging.
- Choose a battery charger with a built-in solar panel input or use an adapter to connect the solar panel to the charger.
If you’re looking for a battery charger with a built-in solar panel input, check out products like the Nekteck Solar Charger or the RAVPower Solar Charger, available on Amazon.
Conclusion
Though it’s possible to charge an RC car battery without a charger, it’s important to note that the methods listed above come with inherent risks. Using the wrong approach can easily damage your battery or even start a fire. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the recommended safety precautions, as well as to monitor the battery voltage to avoid overcharging. That being said, investing in a charger offers a safe and convenient way to charge your battery as it will have the correct settings and amperage required for the specific battery model of your RC car. If you’re unable to use a charger, the methods mentioned such as using an alligator clip and a DC power supply, using a USB cord and a laptop, using a car battery charger, and using a solar panel, can come in handy in a pinch. Be sure to follow the recommended precautions for your safety and the longevity of your RC car battery.
