Ovonic 11.1 V (3S) LiPo Batteries

Ovonic 3S packs provide a noticeable performance bump over 2S—quicker launches, higher top speed, and a steadier feel under throttle—while staying light enough for responsive handling. They suit 1/10-scale cars and trucks, lightweight boats, park flyers, and FPV quads that are rated for 11.1 V.

What 3S Means

• Configuration: 3 cells in series (3S)
• Nominal voltage: 11.1 V (fully charged ~12.6 V)
• Common form factors: soft-pack (air/boats) and hard-case (surface vehicles)

When 3S Makes Sense

• 1/10 stadium or short-course trucks: clearer jumps, harder pull out of corners, stable lap-to-lap power.
• Light boats: faster planing and fewer low-voltage dips during throttle bursts (pair with the right prop).
• Park flyers and FPV quads: better climb and punch than 2S without the weight penalty of 4S.

How to Choose Your Ovonic 3S Pack

Capacity (mAh)

• Cars/Trucks: 4000–6000 mAh for bashing and club racing.
• FPV quads: 1300–2200 mAh depending on frame size and flight style.
• Park flyers: 1500–3000 mAh for typical 800–1200 mm wingspans.

C-Rating and Current

Estimate continuous current with Capacity (Ah) × C. Example: 2200 mAh (2.2 Ah) × 50C ≈ 110 A theoretical. For real-world reliability, plan around half to two-thirds of the printed C rating.

• Cars/Boats: 35C–50C for general use; 60C+ for high draw and speed runs.
• FPV quads: 45C–75C depending on motor KV and prop load.
• Park flyers: 25C–40C is typically sufficient.

Case, Connectors, and Fit

• Case type: Hard-case for impact-prone RC cars; soft-pack for weight-sensitive air/boat setups.
• Connectors: Match your ESC (XT60/XT90, Deans T‑Plug, EC3/EC5, XT30 for smaller models). Avoid adapters when possible to reduce resistance and heat.
• Dimensions/weight: Verify tray size and CG. Typical weights: ~180–200 g (3S 2200 mAh soft-pack), ~350–430 g (3S 5000 mAh hard-case).

Expected Runtime

Quick estimate: Runtime (minutes) ≈ (Capacity in Ah ÷ average current in A) × 60 × 0.8. The 0.8 factor reserves a safety buffer.

Use Case	Battery	Avg Current	Estimated Runtime
1/10 stadium truck (bashing)	3S 5000 mAh	20–25 A	16–12 minutes
5-inch FPV quad (freestyle)	3S 1500 mAh	18–22 A	6–5 minutes
Park flyer (sport)	3S 2200 mAh	10–12 A	10–9 minutes

Tuning Tips for 3S

• Gearing (cars/boats): Start with stock gearing; monitor temps. Gear down if motor exceeds ~195°F (90°C) or ESC ~175°F (80°C).
• Props (air/boats): Drop one size in pitch or diameter if temps rise or voltage sags.
• ESC setup: Use punch control and throttle curves to manage wheel spin or yaw dips.
• Low-voltage cutoff (LVC): Set around 3.4–3.5 V/cell for surface; 3.5–3.6 V/cell for air to maintain a safe buffer.

Charging and Care

• Balance charge at 1C unless the pack label approves a higher rate (e.g., 2200 mAh → 2.2 A).
• Charge and store in a fire-resistant LiPo bag on a nonflammable surface. Never charge unattended.
• Storage: 3.75–3.85 V per cell (about 40–60% charge) in a cool, dry place.
• Thermals: Keep battery under ~140°F (60°C). Allow full cool-down before recharging.
• Inspection: Do not use packs that are puffed, punctured, or have damaged leads. Recycle responsibly.

Compatibility Checklist

• ESC and motor are explicitly rated for 11.1 V (3S).
• Battery tray and straps fit the pack’s length, width, and height.
• Connector matches the ESC; polarity is correct.
• Receiver and servos receive proper BEC voltage from the ESC on 3S.

When to Consider Alternatives

• 2S: For tighter traction, longer runtimes, or if your system isn’t 3S-rated.
• 4S: When your platform supports it and you need more thrust/speed than 3S can supply (expect heavier packs and more heat).

FAQ

Will 3S damage my RTR?

No—provided the ESC and motor are rated for 3S. Confirm specs and watch temps on initial runs.

Do I need a hard-case pack for cars?

Hard-case is recommended for surface impacts and chassis protection. Soft-packs are fine for aircraft and boats with proper mounting and padding.

What connector should I choose?

Match your ESC plug (e.g., XT60, Deans, EC3/EC5). Avoid adapters to minimize resistance and heat.

How low can I discharge a 3S LiPo?

Avoid running below ~3.5 V per cell under load. Resting voltage after a run should be around 3.7–3.8 V per cell.

Can I alternate between 2S and 3S?

Yes, on compatible systems. Recheck gearing/props and ESC settings, as current and heat will change with voltage.