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8. Charging Rechargeable Batteries
a) Charging the car's rechargeable battery pack
• A rechargeable battery pack is not included in the delivery and must be ordered separately. This allows you to
choose whether you want to use a low-cost beginner's rechargeable battery pack or a high-quality professional
battery pack which has a higher capacity.
You require a rechargeable battery back with 6 subC cells (NiMH rechargeable battery technology or NiCd) and an
output voltage of 7.2V. This type of rechargeable battery pack is often referred to as a “racing pack”.
Ensure that the shape and polarity of the connector plugs on the rechargeable battery pack and the drive control
match accordingly (red cable = '+' /plus, black cable = '-' /minus)
• The rechargeable battery pack is empty on delivery and must be charged.
• Before the rechargeable battery pack delivers its maximum power, several complete discharge and charge cycles
are necessary.
• Always drive the rechargeable battery pack empty, as recharging a "half-full" rechargeable battery pack repeatedly
can cause a so called memory effect. This means that the rechargeable battery pack loses its capacity, it no longer
releases all of its saved energy, drive time is decreased.
This effect is much slighter in rechargeable batteries with NiMH technology, and recharging partially discharged
rechargeable batteries is less problematic.
• High-quality rechargeable battery packs not only have a higher capacity, which allows you to drive your model car
much longer, but also deliver a higher output voltage for extreme situations. This gives the engine more power and
results in better acceleration and higher speed.
• If you are using several rechargeable battery packs or rechargeable batteries, purchasing a high-quality charger
may be worthwhile. This usually offers a quick charge option for rechargeable batteries and depending on the
charger may also offer a discharge function so that the memory effect (see above) is avoided.
• Rechargeable batteries heat up during charging/discharging (driving the vehicle). Wait until the rechargeable batteries
have reached room temperature before charging them. The same applies after the charging procedure. Do not use
the rechargeable battery in the vehicle until it has cooled down sufficiently after the charge process.
b) Charging batteries in the transmitter
• Rechargeable batteries in the transmitter may not be quick-charged, as this damages the transmitter and excessively
heats the cells inside the transmitter. Depending on the rechargeable batteries you use, we recommend a maximum
charge current of 200-300mA. Please note the label on the charging jack or the type label on the transmitter.
• We do not recommend you charge batteries directly in the transmitter, it is better to charge them outside the transmitter
(using a high-quality charger for individual cells). This also allows you to use higher charging currents (quick charging).
• Only use a charger designed for 8 AA/mignon cells and the corresponding rechargeable battery type (NiCd, NiMH).
