by: Bobby Barr
For those that are new to the hobby, and even those of us that aren’t, deciding how best to power your chargers can be a bit overwhelming. With all of the options out there we here at the RCTS decided to put together a list to help steer you the right direction for your situation. So lets start with a brief overview of each with the pros and cons associated with power supplies, generators, deep cycle batteries and lipo batteries.
Power Supply Advantages:
- Clean power
- Can build very inexpensive
- Can purchase ready to use
Power Supply Disadvantages:
- Need a 120V source to power them.
- More to buy, build, and carry.
- Best if you have a decent way to transport
Generator Advantages:
- Self contained
- Portable
Generator Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive
- Can be noisy
- Possibly heavy depending on your size requirements
- Need to carry gas if you use longer than the tank will supply
- On most generators and chargers you will need a power supply to convert from AC to DC.
- Require maintenance
Deep Cycle Battery Advantages:
- Can hook some chargers directly to deep cycle batteries
- Relatively inexpensive compared to a generator
- Can leave in your vehicle and be charged by vehicle’s alternator
Deep Cycle Battery Disadvantages:
- Very heavy if you do not leave in your vehicle
- Limited charging by the size of your deep cycle battery
- Need to be replaced possibly every other year
- Would have to run in series to power 24 volt input chargers
Lipo Battery Advantages:
- Portable
- Relatively inexpensive
Lipo Battery Disadvantages:
- Have to be very careful about letting the voltage drop too far
- Need to be certain your batteries are charged
Summary:
Now that you know more about each option, click on our more detailed tech page on the ones you have narrowed it down to.
