MRC Super Brain Fix

The MRC Super Brain has built a reputation as a good inexpensive charger. However some of the earlier ones that shipped seem to start false peaking when charging battery packs. This problem consists of an electronic component inside of the Super Brain that fails after it's used several times.

One of the members of the Traxxas forums called MRC about this problem and they suggested the fix detailed below. However before you start, let me mention the fact that this does require opening the case and working on some of the internal electronics. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, seek someone more qualified in electronics than yourself. I would also encourage you to still contact MRC before you attempt this procedure. From what I understand this will not void your warranty. However it might save you a headache later, if you actually have the name of someone from the MRC Tech Support department authorizing you to make this repair. Also be aware that the walkthrough below is for illustration purposes. If you damage your Super Brain neither I, nor anyone else, am responsible for any damages that occur.

The first thing you need to do is to remove the 4 Torx screws on the underside of the Super Brain. The Torx driver needed is the variation that has a hole in the tip.

Remove the single screw shown here to release the board from the base of the Super Brain.

This is the piece you are going to remove. From the underside of the board, heat the solder up to free it. After it is removed take a small section of insulated wire and use it as a jumper between the two solder points you just heated up.

Here's a shot of the part removed. After you have installed your jumper, reassemble the Super Brain and you shouldn't have any more false-peaking related problems.

Another approach to this problem is to install a cooling fan on the Super Brain. The Super Brain seems to have less problems with false peaking when it's kept cool. You can find a walkthrough of how to install a cooling fan on this page.