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One of the problems with Ni-Cds is their inherent
voltage stability; the voltage of a fully charged cell is not much
different from one that’s just about dead. For that reason
several indicators, along with some common sense, are
needed in order to get the most out of your battery. The
following is a list of indicators you can use to detect full charge.
SLOW CHARGE METHOD. Slow or “overnight”
charging is a method you are not likely to use often, but it is a
good way to bring the pack to absolutely full charge. However,
the output voltage of a slow charged pack is slightly lower.
The charging current must be between 0.05 and 0.12
amperes. If less current, the pack will never reach full charge;
any more and the pack will overheat. The time required to reach
full charge ranges from 15 to 40 hours, depending on the
current used. The charger can be left on for a much longer time
without harming the cells; however, the output voltage of the
pack will be temporarily lowered by an extremely long over-
charge. The voltage returns to normal after a discharge-charge
cycle.
These next two tips are for the benefit of serious
racers. If you’re just out having fun, don’t worry about them.
FULL DISCHARGE. Ni-Cd packs perform best if they
are COMPLETELY discharged before they are charged. If you
are involved in racing, you will have to do this if you expect to
win any races! Discharge for at least an hour (preferably
overnight with a clip-on resistor) before charging.
TOPPING-UP can give you a little extra voltage at
the beginning of a race, as long as you don’t overdo it. Put the
last minute or two of charge into your pack just before the
race starts.
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR RACING!
CAUTION
Ni-cad batteries are susceptible to damage when over-
charged at a high rate, and can release caustic chemicals if the
overcharge is severe.
Do not stall the motor under power. If the car stops
suddenly on the track, or fails to move forward when you at-
tempt to accelerate, push the throttle control on your transmit-
ter to the brake position immediately and attend to the car. A
small rock can stall the gears, and if the throttle is left in the on
position the result can be a burned out motor (or electronic
speed control unit).
If you run your car to the point where more than one
cell in the pack is completely discharged, it is possible to lose
radio control of the car before the drive motor stops completely.
For this reason you should not operate your car in an area where
it could be harmed or cause harm, such as near a busy road-
way or a pool of water. Usually radio control will be regained as
soon as you pick up the car and the motor is allowed to free-
run. If you still don't have control, then you should unplug the
motor.
When you stop running your car, turn off the radio at
the car first before turning off the transmitter.
A burned-out or shorted motor can make the car ap-
pear to have radio problems. If the car slows down suddenly
and the radio acts erratically even with a full battery charge,
then the cause is probably the motor. Check the range of the
radio with the motor unplugged. A shorted motor will draw ex-
tremely high current even under no-load conditions.
SAVE THIS BOOKLET!
ITS MORE THAN AN INSTRUCTION
MANUAL, IT'S ALSO A HANDY, PICTO-
RIAL SUPPLEMENT TO TEAM
ASSOCIATED'S 1:12 SCALE CATALOG.
REFER TO THIS MANUAL FOR
PART NUMBER AND NAME WHEN OR-
DERING.
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