Receiver Packs

Wiring A Receiver Pack

After examining the facts a receiver pack is the preferred choice for many. So the question becomes how it should be wired into the truck for the easiest operation and charging. Most receiver packs will use a standard servo-style plug, while the stock plugs on the LST are two-position battery plugs. While you can change the ends on the battery, most of my packs use servo-style plugs, so I opted to change the plug on the cable going to the receiver box. If you chose to make the same change I did, you'll need a few additional items to help you accomplish the task at hand. They are as follows:

• Futaba J Extension (1)
• Shrink tubing, a few pieces slightly bigger in diameter than the receiver pack wires and a couple pieces that are about double that diameter
• Soldering iron or gun
• Solder

Important Notes

First of all, it's not necessary to actually use the "Futaba J" extensions, as you can use one designed for another servo. However many packs come with that type of plug as it prevents you from plugging the pack in backwards so it would be a wise idea to go that route if possible. If you wish, you could easily substitute the Futaba-style plug for a standard Hitec or Airtronics Z-style of plug. If you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about in relation to the different style of plugs, visit the servo wiring section of my site.

You may also notice that the extensions have three wires, while the receiver pack only has two. Since this extension is actually meant for a servo it also has the signal wire on it, which is the third wire. This wire is not used for what we are trying to accomplish here since we are just interested in carrying current from the battery to the receiver.

All you need to do is to snip the end off of the wire running to the receiver box, replacing it with the female end from the extension you had bought previously. Hang onto the part of the extension you didn’t use, as it may become useful as some other point in time. Some receiver packs have shorter leads than others, and the part you didn’t use would become useful in that situation.

Make sure you use the shrink tubing to protect all exposed wire at the splices. I use the smaller diameter tubing around each set of spliced wires, and then use a larger diameter piece of tubing around the two splices for even more protection and a cleaner look.

Below are a few pictures showing the connection used on a Losi LST.

If you are worried about cutting into the harness on the truck, you can also pick up some pre-made adapters for this as well. However, the downside to this is that once used there are two connections where there used to be one. This raises the possibility that a connection may come unplugged while jumping or driving off-road.

If you are looking for a something to charge your receiver pack back up the charger Traxxas includes with the Revo will work well for an inexpensive charger, and will charge a 1100MaH receiver pack in about an hour. You can also use several of the chargers found in my charger section. If you’re looking to get out cheap, you can try the OFNA 10214 NiMH Battery Charger. This will get you a charger for less than $10, although it’ll take several hours to top off a receiver pack.

One final note, if you’re running a first generation LST, is that you can use the receiver pack and charger that comes with the LST2. It’s Dynamite part number DYN1432, and is a direct drop in for the LST. So no adapters or cut wires will be necessary. If for some reason, you rather use the space under the fuel tank you can choose the hump pack option, which is Dynamite part number DYN1430.

Part One:	Introduction To The Receiver Pack
Part Two:	Wiring A Receiver Pack
Part Three:	Receiver Pack Care