Battery connection. Parallel vs Series

[Tankbear]

Thinking of putting two batteries into one of my tanks but want opinions on whether to connect in parallel or series with a voltage regulator.

I’m thinking series and regulating the voltage to 7.5v or 8v. As I’ve checked battery voltage and it ranges between just under 8v fully charged to just above 6v when discharged. I know parallel is easier wiring wise and doubles the current available but if you haven’t the voltage to push it through it doesn’t do much to help.

[JayBrd]

Parallel will double your MaH, series will double your voltage only. So for example you parallel a 3800Mah 7.2V you will have a 7600Mah 7.2V (more runtime), if you series those same 2 batts you would have a 14.4V 3800 set up, (more power but only 3800Mah runtime) that's even running a reg...your best bet is a parallel set up IMO..

[Tankbear]

But if you hold the voltage at a reduced value isn't the power consumption of the batteries reduced therefore don't run out as quickly?

[JayBrd]

nope, you are not gaining capacity (milliamps / MaH), that's what gives you your runtime... You would get a bit more thru a reg, but nothing that would be worth the effort really.

Keep in mind too, it's just wiring, give it a shot. You can always switch if it don't work out well too...

[blimp]

That twin battery set up is only worth considering if you are sticking with the standard HL pack / charger . You'd still have to charge them singly , so that'll take twice as long .

• Much better to get a larger capacity one to start with , i.e. a 3800 or 5000 mah . A decent 'smart' charger is worth getting too .

. . . Plus , 2 batteries take up twice as much space and the extra weight will reduce runtime too .

[Tankbear]

I just stick with one high capacity one then.

[dsvirus]

There are occasions when extra weight is useful. Also, two cheaper batteries may be just as good as one more expensive one. You can also charge the batteries at the same time if you have a decent charger.