Know your connector? In his blog we will dive into the world of “Battery Connectors”!

Older NiCd and NiMh batteries originally had just one main charge connector, while the newer lipo batteries now have two main connectors, and sometimes a third connector (battery packs specifically designed for transmitters). The two main connectors are; main charge connector, which is used for high current use and/ or charging, and the balance connector, which is used predominantly during the charge process to balance each individual cell’s voltage equally.

Choosing the right connector is about personal preference and depends on the application you are using the battery for; whether it’s for smaller models and toys, or high performance engines that require a very high current burst (100-200amp).

If you are someone that prefers to solder your own connector, you will have a preference on the type you use. Some connectors look great and are very easy to use, but when it comes to changing them over and adding new ones, they can be very frustrating.

Know Your Connector: Balance Connectors

Balance connectors are available in 4 main variations. There are more, but we only focus on the main ones. The type of balance connector depends on the battery manufacturer. JST-XH is the most commonly used balance connector these days; nearly all batteries currently have standard JST-XH balance connectors.

Although the basic principles of all balance connectors are the same, some manufacturers use a slightly different sequence for their wiring of the balance connector. All gel blaster batteries seem to use the same wiring setup so no need to panic! There are adaptors readily available to convert one balance connector to another. But it is important to make sure you know what connector your batteries, chargers, balancers or lipo alarms use.

Know Your Connector: JST-XH Balance Connector

JST-XH is the most commonly used balance connector and is found in most batteries these days. 90% of lipo batteries are currently supplied as JST-XH and I have yet to see a Bel Blaster battery that isn’t the same standard. Although you can purchase balance boards and convertors for other types of balance connectors.

Know Your Connector: Main Power Connectors

There are several variations of main connectors available. Deciding on which one is right for you is a case of a combination of the application (subsequent current demands), size of the model and restrictions the physical pack and wiring may provide. Here are the most commonly used connectors with gel blasters!

Know Your Connector: SM/JST Battery Connector

This is a small power connector and is commonly found on small models, toys and small lipo packs. JST connectors carry low currents (5 amps) and are most commonly found in on-board electronics such as servos, gyros, receivers and receiver switches. Most stock low end gel blasters that are shipped with NiCad batteries come with a SM/JST style connector on the blaster and battery.

Know Your Connector: Deans Battery Connector

Deans or also know as T plugs, are very popular connectors and seem to be the most commonly used by gel blaster hobbyists. They are rated at 50 amps continuous load. When soldering, they require heat shrink to insulate the positive and negative terminals. Soldiering these connectors can sometimes be quite challenging. 

Know Your Connector: XT-30, 60 and 90 Battery Connector

XT-30 connectors are the smaller brother to the XT-60 plug. They have similar traits as its bigger brother. The XT-30 can handle currents up to 30amps.

XT-60 connectors are becoming more and more popular due to competitive pricing and overall performance. XT60 are one of the easier connectors to solder, providing opposing solder terminals with lots of space to work with. However, they still require heat shrink to insulate the negative and positive terminals. 

XT90 (Based on the original XT60 design) is a much larger connector. Designed for much higher currents as well as large gauge cable. The connector is very easy to solder and can handle currents up to 90amps.

Know Your Connector: Tamiya Connectors

These are lower amp connectors and were once very popular, especially with the electric RC car, truck, and boats. However, since higher amp Lipo’s have entered the scene, Tamiya plugs are used less and less. You will still find them on entry level RC hobby products. Most gel blasters released these days are mini (small) Tamiya connectors. They are are not really designed to take large currents and tend to get very hot, and in some extreme cases, melt/fuse together.

Know Your Connector: Conclusion

That wraps up this short blog about different types of battery connectors, in a future blog I will cover batteries, the importance of using a good charger for your batteries. I hope you found this information helpful! 🙂

Article by Dan – GH Armory

Updated 27/12/2022