Recommended Battery specification
Introduction
There are two locations where on board batteries could be located, inside the "mezzanine" level of the frame and on the lower side opposite the motor side of the lower chassis.
Since any battery in the mezzanine level will be challenging to remove and likely could only be charged in place, we will only be referring to the removeable battery location on he lower chassis.
An alternative rotating swing out battery cable extension has been prepared and can be 3D printed. If you have access to a 3D printer, it is preferable to use this cable mount instead of the one provided.
Securing the battery
The exact method of securing the battery is dependent on the user preferences.
There is a battery strap included in the kit. This could also be used to strap to the upper/mezzanine level of the metal frame.
You may wish to remove the small plastic battery tray frame that is already installed in the kit in order to make more space.
A foam piece can be used to wedge between the underside of the battery and the lower chassis in order to prevent any movement. This wedges the battery "up" against the underside of the mezzanine level.
3D printed pieces may be designed also to hold the battery in a preferred way.
LiPo Battery Specification
Typically we are using an off-the-shelf LiPo battery pack similar to what is used in RC airplanes and Quadcopters. In addition to ensuring the battery chosen fits the compartment area, the battery should have the following specifications:
LiPo 3s (Three Cell) 12V nominal voltager (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)
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
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)
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
Longer 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)
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