Introduction
If you’re into RC planes, drones, or any DIY electronics projects, you’ve probably seen battery specs like mAh, C rating, and Wh. These numbers can seem confusing at first, but understanding them is key to picking the right battery for your project. Let’s break down what each term means in plain English.
What is mAh?
mAh stands for milliampere-hour, and it measures the battery’s capacity—basically, how much charge it can hold. Think of it like the size of a fuel tank for your RC model.
For example, a 2000mAh battery can supply 2000 milliamps (or 2 amps) of current for one hour before running out.
Higher mAh means longer run time, but usually also means a bigger, heavier battery.
What Does the C Rating Mean?
The C rating tells you how fast the battery can safely deliver power without damage. It’s a multiplier of the battery’s capacity.
For example, if you have a 1000mAh battery with a 20C rating, the maximum continuous current it can provide is:
20 × 1000mAh = 20,000mA = 20 amps
This means you shouldn’t draw more than 20 amps continuously from this battery.
A higher C rating means the battery can supply more current quickly, which is important for high-performance RC vehicles that need bursts of power.
Why Does C Rating Matter?
- Performance: High-drain devices like racing drones need batteries with higher C ratings.
- Safety: Drawing too much current from a low-C battery can cause overheating or damage.
- Longevity: Staying within the C rating helps extend battery life.
What is Wh (Watt-hour)?
Wh stands for watt-hour and measures the total energy stored in a battery. It combines voltage and capacity to give a fuller picture of how much work the battery can do.
The formula to calculate watt-hours is:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)
For example, a 2000mAh 11.1V battery has:
Wh = (2000 ÷ 1000) × 11.1 = 2 × 11.1 = 22.2 Wh
This helps compare batteries of different voltages more fairly.
Putting It All Together
When choosing a battery for your RC model or project, consider all three:
- mAh: How long you want to run your device.
- C rating: How much current your device needs safely.
- Wh: The total energy available, useful for comparing different voltage batteries.
Balancing these will help you get the best performance and safety from your battery.
Final Tips for UK Makers and RC Pilots
- Always check your device’s current draw to pick a battery with an appropriate C rating.
- Remember that bigger mAh means longer flight or run time but also more weight.
- Use watt-hours to compare batteries if you’re switching between different voltages (e.g., 3S vs 4S LiPo packs).
- Store and charge batteries safely, following manufacturer guidelines.
With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right batteries and keep your RC and maker projects running smoothly!
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