Step 8a: B3RB battery specification

LiPo Battery Specification

Typically we use off-the-shelf LiPo battery pack similar to what is used in RC airplanes and Quadcopters.

The battery should have the following specifications:

• LiPo 3s (Three Cell) 12V nominal voltage (10-14V)

• 2000-3000mAh

• XT60 connector with balance leads

• Dimensions

  A) 75mm L x 34mm W x 26 H (short and stubby)

  B) 100-110mm L x 35mm W x 22-26mm H (longer format)

  • Other dimensions are possible. Ensure the battery chosen fits the compartment area,

A battery is NOT included with the kit. This can be purchased online or from a local hobby shop

Links to sample batteries

Below are links to some example batteries. THIS IS IN NO WAY an endorsement of these specific batteries, only a link so you can see more detail about the types of similar batteries that could be used:

You will find that "Stubby/Shorty" batteries such as listed below will give you more working space. However longer thinner batteries have also worked well

Example Stubby / Shorty type battery pack

Zeee 3S 2200mAh Lipo Battery 11.1V 50C Shorty Pack Battery with XT6...Zeee 3S 2200mAh Lipo Battery 11.1V 50C Shorty Pack Battery with XT60 Plug for RC Car Truck RC Vehicles Boat Drone RC Airplane Quadcopter Helicopter FPV Racing Hobby Models(2 Pack)

Zeee 3S Lipo Battery 2200mAh 11.1V 50C Shorty Pack Battery with XT60 Plug for RC Car Truck RC Vehicles Boat Drone RC Airplane Quadcopter Helicopter FPV Racing Hobby Models(2 Pack)Amazon.com

HOOVO 3S Lipo Battery 2200mAh 80C 11.1V Shorty Lipo Battery Pack So...HOOVO 3S Lipo Battery 2200mAh 80C 11.1V Shorty Lipo Battery Pack Softcase with XT60 Connector Compatible with Drone RC Airplane Helicopter Quadcopter FPV RC Car,2 Pack

Example Longer/larger format battery pack

LiPo Battery charger

You must use a LiPo battery charger to safely charge the battery. There are very inexpensive ones available that will charge using the cell termination connectors at the expense of them being quite slow to charge. Many other types of chargers exist. When choosing a charger consider that this is a safety issue and overcharging or improperly charging can be dangerous and result in a fire.

There are many excellent LiPo battery chargers available. ISDT makes several high-end charges like the following: (This is an example, and not a specific recommendation)

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07QDML2K2/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07QDML2K2&pd_rd_w=hq5Gd&content-id=amzn1.sym.1a5ede13-ac41-41fa-9f3a-776fb14b38e3&pf_rd_p=1a5ede13-ac41-41fa-9f3a-776fb14b38e3&pf_rd_r=M8HGEXYRP2Z80EBH2WXG&pd_rd_wg=yP7Nh&pd_rd_r=5299dfb0-8df2-4cfc-ab85-b13813ad1a74&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWMwww.amazon.de

Battery monitor usage

MR-B3RB units have a power monitor built into the PDB board. This will tell you the total pack voltage and individual cell voltage. It will alarm when the cell voltage goes too low. There is an optional RDDRONE-BMS772 BMS that can interface with the B3RB. It provides advanced battery monitoring capabilities.

Battery Alarm

LiPo batteries shoudl never be over-discharged. The PDB battery monitor will measure the battery voltage level, and properly running software and control software will alert the user if tbe battery is low. As an extra backup, a small battery alarm board is included, that can be attached to the battery CT leads directly. This is recommended and can save you from over discharging during development or when you may get distracted (i.e. at a tradeshow or seminar) The alarm is connected as shown in the attached photo. While it's usage is mostly self explanatory, you can learn more via YouTube tutorials such as this one: https://youtu.be/A0EjDtGSepw?si=PWPuZGCJoSq1ri9W