Understanding Battery Basics for RC and DIY Projects
If you’re into flying drones, building RC cars, or tinkering with electronics, you’ve probably come across battery specs like mAh, C rating, and Wh. These can seem confusing at first but knowing what they mean helps you pick the right battery for your project and get the best performance.
What is mAh?
mAh stands for milliampere-hour. It’s a measure of the battery’s capacity — in other words, how much charge it can hold. The bigger the mAh number, the longer your battery can power your device before needing a recharge.
For example, a 2000mAh battery can deliver 2000 milliamps (or 2 amps) for one hour, or 1000 milliamps for two hours.
In simple terms:
- Higher mAh = longer runtime
- Lower mAh = lighter battery, shorter runtime
What Does the C Rating Mean?
The C rating tells you how fast you can safely draw power from the battery. It’s a multiplier of the battery’s capacity.
For example, if you have a 2000mAh battery with a 20C rating, the maximum continuous current you can draw is:
20 (C rating) × 2 (capacity in Ah) = 40 amps
This means the battery can safely provide up to 40 amps without damage or overheating.
Why is this important? If you pull more current than the battery’s C rating, it might get damaged or even be dangerous.
Wh: What’s That About?
Wh stands for watt-hours and shows the total energy stored in the battery. It combines voltage and capacity into one number.
It’s calculated by multiplying the battery’s voltage (V) by its capacity in ampere-hours (Ah):
Wh = V × Ah
For example, a 3.7V 2000mAh (which is 2Ah) battery has:
3.7V × 2Ah = 7.4Wh
Wh is useful when comparing batteries of different voltages and sizes to understand how much total energy they store.
Putting It All Together
Here’s why these specs matter for your RC plane, drone, or DIY project:
- mAh tells you how long your battery will last before needing a recharge.
- C rating tells you how much current your battery can safely supply.
- Wh gives you the total energy available in the battery, combining voltage and capacity.
Choosing the right battery means balancing these factors. A high mAh battery gives longer flight time but may weigh more. A high C rating is crucial if your motors draw a lot of current. And Wh helps you compare total energy between different battery types.
Quick Tips for UK RC Hobbyists and Makers
- Always check the C rating if you plan to use high-power motors or devices.
- Remember that battery weight affects your craft’s performance and flight time.
- Don’t just pick the largest mAh battery — balance it with your project’s size and power needs.
- Use Wh to compare batteries when voltage ratings differ (for example, 3S vs 4S LiPo packs).
Understanding these battery terms will help you make smarter choices, keep your gear safe, and enjoy longer, more reliable sessions with your RC models or DIY electronics.
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