Different Type of Batteries
When I first started reading, there were so many different sorts of batteries to choose from. The ease of availability, most prevalent cases, and pricing became the driving forces behind listing the batteries below.
The table below lists some of the most common hobby robotics batteries. The following parameters are "typical," and you should consult the manufacturer's datasheet for accurate figures:
| Battery Type | Voltage Rating of Single Cell | Current/Capacity Rating | Discharge Rating | Typical usage/Comments |
| Alkaline (Non-Rechargeable) | 1.5V | AA – Around 1000mAH | 0.1C – 1C | – Very small robots (1 or 2, 3V motors)- Very cheap – Readily available – Don’t last long |
| AAA – Less than 1000mAH | 0.1C – 1C | |||
| C – Around 2000-2500mAh | 0.1C – 1C | |||
| D – Over 2000mAH | 0.1C – 1C | |||
| 9V | Varies, 50-500mAh | 0.1C – 1C | Not good for any robotics motor driving application | |
| Ni-MSH (re-chargeable) | 1.2V | Varies. The ones available in local shops range from 750mAh to over 3300mAh | Around 1C | -Readily Available-Costly -Lasts long -High capacity -Easier to charge than LiPo Once you have tested with alkaline batteries, try these |
| SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) | I do not use it for hobby robotics. Too heavy for home-built robots. | |||
| Li-Ion Cellphone batteries | 3.7V | Varies. The ones available in local shops range from 750mAh to over 3000mAh (Look inside your cellphone) | 0.1C – 1C | -Readily available in cellphone shops-Very costly -Lasts long -High capacity -Easier to charge than LiPo -Very low weight (Lower than NiMH) Go for these when there is a special need (e.g. weight) |
| LiPo | 3.7V | Varies. range from 1500mAh to over 10000mAh | 1C – 30C | -Only available in specialty shops (dedicated to RC, robotics)-Costliest -Need another costly charger -High maintenance -A bit dangerous. Not for even intermediates -Very high capacity -Need special controllers called “ESC” to control BLDC motors. -Always used almost exclusively with BLDC (You can though use it with other motors) |
To summarize, you should begin with alkaline batteries (although many websites advise against using them, I disagree). They've made history in the field of robotics!) for motors of small to medium size.
You may like to read about LED:
Once you've gotten the hang of it, try working with NiMh. Only use LiPo batteries in extreme circumstances. You have earned experience if you can design your mobile platform with alkaline or NiMH batteries.
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