Backwoods R/C's Since 2001

Once again there are several out there depending on your power handling requirements and own personal preference. Getting one type and sticking with it is the easiest way to go since all your connectors will be the same as will your charging plug/s.

Here are the 7 most common (there are certainly more):

JST Connector

This is a small power plug rated for up to 5 amps of continuous load. It is used on smaller battery packs (usually under 1500 mAh) for powering small park fliers and micro electric helis, or for powering on board electronics (receiver, servos, gyros, governors, etc.) in higher end models with dedicated RX packs.

Deans Ultra Connectors

These are a very popular connector type and are coming standard on many battery packs. They are rated for up to 50 amps of continuous load.

EC3 Connectors

EC3's are becoming very popular as they use true "bullet style" connection pins and are rated for up to 60 amps of continuous load. Most will agree bullet pins make for the best possible connection when dealing with high current applications due to a larger surface contact area.

EC5 Connectors

These are a longer version of the EC3 and because the bullet pins are longer and have an even greater surface area for contact, the EC5's are rated for up to 120 amps of continuous load. Perfect for large 1/4 scale electrics and 700 size electric helis.

Graupner or Schulze PP35 Connectors

These look similar to the EC3 in design, size, and current rating (60 amps), but they are not compatible. They too use bullet pins and are fairly easy to grip, just not very common.

Tamiya Connectors

These are lower amperage connectors once very popular, especially with the electric RC car, truck, and boat crowd, but since high amp LiPo's have entered the scene, Tamiya plugs are used less and less. You still will find them used for powering smaller models and some types of nitro starting systems.

Traxxas Connectors

As the name suggests, Traxxas battery connectors are used exclusively on electric Traxxas RC vehicles/boats but can be fit to any high current application up to about 100 amps. These are a nice connector that many say are one of the nicest to plug and unplug.

The two most common main power plugs you will come across (for average load applications in the RC aircraft realm) are the Deans Ultra's and the EC3's. I use both types and like the EC3 slightly better since the soldering connection is concealed within the connector making for a neat plug with no heat shrink issues and much less chance of shorting when soldering.

Deans Ultras on the other hand could short while soldering if you are not careful - it has happened to me a few times and the tip of my soldering iron vaporized with the huge current that arced across the pins. The other issue is if the heat is applied too long or at too high a temp, you will melt the actual plug or loosen the pins within the plug. I do however find EC3's & EC5's stiffer to connect and disconnect; that is where most people find the Deans Ultra's better, they couple and uncouple very easily for the most part but are still hard to grip.

In the end, it is personal preference and more dependent on what type of plug your ESC comes with or your current handling requirements so you purchase the correct plug or choose a battery that already comes with the right plug.

Many RC LiPo batteries actually don’t come with any plug type (just the two wire ends insulated with heat shrink). If you purchase a battery like that, make sure you purchase the correct main plug type and ensure your soldering skills are up to the task. Otherwise, better search for a battery that comes with the correct plug type already in place.Here’s an artical & video on how to solder an EC3 connector to get an idea of what’s involved. Soldering a Deans Ultra is very much the same, other than having to use heat shrink tubing to insulate the soldered tabs.

On a side note; if you are looking for a good little soldering station with adjustable heat control, check out the Weller 40 watt unit. I have had one myself for a number of years now and it is perfect for the hobbyist or electronics student.

I should also point out balancing and main power plugs come in "male" and "female" orientations. If you are purchasing plugs for your battery or ESC, make sure you get the correct "sex".