Evolution of G2R Race Truck

[MetalMan]

Does it have to be the FMA packs? You can get something cheaper with just as much that will work with other batteries besides the FMA ones (for future upgrades). The Hyperion and Polyquest batteries work well. I've picked out a setup for you to contemplate:
2x http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=2062
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1865
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1391 (can be gotten cheaper)
Then, you can modify this to be able to charge both packs at once:
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?products_id=1877
Total is $345. If your controller doesn't have a LVC, then you could buy one:
http://66.241.195.91/lithium/lithium.asp?path1=lithium
Total now is $370. For the power supply below, add $31.95, and you get $402.

Let's say you went with the FMA Scorpion (proprietary) packs instead.
2x http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKLK7&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKLK9&P=7
and the power supply, for a total of $337. Compared to the other setup I showed, this is what you would lose:
-Runtime
-Future non-Scorpion upgrades
In the long run, you could end up losing money by going the proprietary way if you ever wanted to switch to a different brand, or if bought enough Scorpion packs (they're expensive!). So, I laid another option out for you, and now you get to do the thinking :).

As for the power supply:
http://www.emtel.com/search/product_...t_id=EMV15012V
With this one (the same as FMA?), you only need to cut up a computer power cable and remove some of the shrink from the wires (like you would for RC) and then wrap them around the screw terminals. This is the power supply that I use, and that's how I hook it up. So far, I've only pulled about 107watts from it (assuming 85% charger efficiency), at which point the voltage dropped from 13v to 12.5*v (4s Lipo at 5.4amps).

[starscream]

The scorpians are the easiest choice but like Metal Man said, they don't currently have much upgrade capability.

If money is not an issue, I would go with FMA. You will be able to balance and charge your packs in 20 minutes. I don't know of any other systems out there that can boast that feature. I would recommend two chargers and two 12.5 amp power supplies for the fastest charging capability possible.

As far as proprietary concerns, the FMA Skyvolt packs have an adapter to charge with any other chargers. In my opinion, the scorpians are limiting due to the 2s only config. I would rather go with the BalancePro HV's and 6s chargers or cell pro pack's/6s adapter and 6s chargers. The FMA scorpians and chargers are the most proprietary equipment they sell but who knows, they may come out with adapters for those as well.

Personally, I will not use nihm cells again, unless I have no other choice :028: