Over volting RC unit?

[clarkdef]

Hey guys, I have been slowly building my hill climb RC car and I have pretty much built a simple car, just to see how all the parts perform. I am using the RC buggy unit and two buggy motors powered by 7.2v of rechargable batteries.

So far I am direct driving two smallish wheels off the slow outputs of the motors, even though I am using the slow outputs the car lacks torque uphill, speed on the flat is about right though. I want to gear it down for uphill but then I will lose speed.

So I was thinking of adding 3 more batteries taking the volts to 10.8v to get a bit more rpm. I was going to drill holes into the RC unit and thread wires through it, series wiring the 3 external batteries to the 6 internal.

Is this wise? Is there a better way?

Edited March 8, 2013 by clarkdef

[DLuders]

I would not drill into the RC unit, because you may ruin it and they're rare. I would just use new Alkaline AA batteries to get your full 9V of power, and see how it responds before doing anything permanent to the RC unit.

[clarkdef]

Very good idea, I did use 9volts on a previous test car. Compared to the rechargables they were faster, so yes I know it will go faster BUT I don't wana damage the circuits in the unit if I can help it, so if wise I could just add two more batteries instead of 3.

Haha don't worry I am good with custom work, it will look like a bought one!

[le60head]

I've also thought about finding a way to add 2 more batteries to the RC Buggy Unit. The reason being that I use rechargeable batteries.

The current idea i have is to add an additional 2-battery extension container and hook it to the RC Buggy unit.

Another idea i've had is to add a power-on LED light, so that i remember to switch it off every time :)

Good luck with your project! I'm looking forward to seeing your results!

[Saberwing40k]

I have got to say, no no no and no. Lego RC parts are freaking rare, and quite expensive. You'd honestly be better off buying a chap 9v RC toy, and modifying that. I found one with the requirements at goodwill for $6 USD. Since you are into modifications anyway, that would be a far better approach.

Edited March 8, 2013 by Saberwing40k

[clarkdef]

I've also thought about finding a way to add 2 more batteries to the RC Buggy Unit. The reason being that I use rechargeable batteries.

The current idea i have is to add an additional 2-battery extension container and hook it to the RC Buggy unit.

Another idea i've had is to add a power-on LED light, so that i remember to switch it off every time :)

Good luck with your project! I'm looking forward to seeing your results!

Thanks yes it will be interesting to see what sort of grunt can be obtained. I also like the LED idea, i'm always draining my batteries by leaving the unit on.

I have got to say, no no no and no. Lego RC parts are freaking rare, and quite expensive. You'd honestly be better off buying a chap 9v RC toy, and modifying that. I found one with the requirements at goodwill for $6 USD. Since you are into modifications anyway, that would be a far better approach.

I will take your fears into account. I will think about it.

[clarkdef]

Update on my plans, just want to run it past you guys.

My updated plan is to run two buggy units of one battery. Here's the battery I have chosen http://www.trademe.co.nz/toys-models/radio-control/parts-accessories/batteries/auction-569657843.htm

My knowledge is that a buggy motor draws about 3.5amps of current so four of them will drain 14amps. I calculate this battery of being able to exert 20amps, it is also very light at 110g. I will keep the battery external and wire it upto the units, the covers can stay off the units so no modding of the units will be needed, which I feel better about knowing that they are rare.

Well there's my tentative plan as it stands.

Here's my little car as it is.