- Brand: Spektrum
- Model Number: SPMX40004S30
- Product Type: Smart LiPo Battery
- Battery Chemistry: LiPo (Lithium Polymer)
- Nominal Voltage: 14.8V
- Number of Cells: 4S (4 cells in series)
- Voltage per Cell: 3.7V
- Capacity: 4000mAh
- Total Energy: 59.2Wh (watt-hours)
- Continuous Discharge Rate: 30C
- Maximum Continuous Discharge Current: 120A (4.0A × 30C)
- Maximum Burst Discharge Rate: 30C
- Normal/Standard Charge Rate: 1C
- Normal/Standard Charge Current: 4A
- Maximum Charge Rate: 5C
- Maximum Charge Current: 20A
- Connector Type: IC3 (with IC5 compatibility)
- Balance Connector: JST_XH
- Balance Lead Length: 1.37 inches (35mm)
- Discharge Lead Length: 2.36 inches (60mm)
- Wire Gauge: 12 AWG
- Charge Protection Circuitry: Yes
- Product Length: 5.5 inches (140mm)
- Product Width: 1.69 inches (43mm)
- Product Height: 1.18 inches (30mm)
- Product Weight: 13.2oz (375g)
- Outer Casing: Metal alloy protective sheet
- Hard Case: No
- Technology: Smart Battery with integrated microchip
- Stored Data: Battery brand, type, capacity, C rating, cell voltage, battery temperature, charge/discharge cycles, internal resistance
- Error Logging: Tracks over-heat, over-discharge, and over-charge incidents
- Smart Discharge: Automatic discharge to predetermined storage voltage (12-240 hour selectable period) when used with Spektrum Smart Charger
- Connector Compatibility: IC3, IC5, EC3, EC5 (backwards compatible)
- Application: Aircraft
- Battery Type: LiPo (3.7V per cell)
Overview
The Spektrum SPM 4000mAh 4S 14.8V Smart LiPo Battery 30C represents a significant advancement in RC battery technology, combining intelligent charging capabilities with reliable performance for demanding applications. Whether you're flying high-performance RC aircraft, powering a competitive race drone, or seeking the best RC battery UK enthusiasts trust, this Smart LiPo delivers exceptional power and convenience. The 4000mAh capacity at 14.8V (4S configuration) provides substantial energy reserves, whilst the 30C continuous discharge rate ensures plenty of punch for high-performance models and power systems that demand responsive acceleration and sustained power delivery.
What sets this battery apart in the crowded RC battery market is Spektrum's proprietary Smart Battery technology. Unlike conventional LiPo batteries that require manual configuration on your charger each time, the integrated microchip embedded within this battery automatically communicates with Spektrum Smart Chargers, uploading stored parameters and battery health information. This means you spend less time fiddling with settings and more time enjoying your RC hobbies. The battery stores unique data about itself—including capacity, C rating, charge cycles, and temperature history—creating a personalised charging experience that adapts to your preferences and improves battery longevity. For RC enthusiasts in the UK seeking a premium battery solution that takes the guesswork out of LiPo management, this is an exceptional choice.
The protective outer metal alloy sheet casing isn't merely cosmetic; it actively helps dissipate heat generated during intense discharge cycles, maintains the battery's physical shape under stress, and significantly increases overall durability compared to standard plastic-wrapped alternatives. Combined with the innovative IC3 connector system and backwards compatibility with existing EC3 connectors found on many RC systems, this battery seamlessly integrates into both new and established setups. The no-soldering-required design means installation is straightforward—simply connect via the IC3 or IC5 connectors and you're ready to fly or drive.
Key Features
- Integrated Smart Microchip — Every battery contains a sophisticated memory chip that stores vital information such as battery brand, chemistry, cell count, capacity, C rating, battery temperature, and internal resistance, along with a complete error log tracking over-charge, over-discharge, and over-temperature incidents; this allows you to make fully informed decisions about battery health and suitability for specific applications.
- Automatic Smart Discharge Function — When programmed with a Spektrum Smart Charger, the battery will automatically discharge itself to your predetermined storage voltage after a time period you select (between 12 and 240 hours), preventing damage to Lithium Polymer cells caused by extended periods at full charge and directly extending your battery's lifespan and performance consistency.
- One-Button Charging Simplicity — Unique parameters and health information automatically upload from the battery's microchip to compatible Spektrum Smart Chargers, meaning you simply press the "Start" button every time you charge; the charger remembers your last preferred charge rate and automatically populates these settings, eliminating the need to manually reconfigure charging parameters for each session.
- Customisable Charge Rates — The battery's integrated microchip remembers your preferred charging rate, and the next time you connect it to a Smart Charger, these settings automatically populate, saving you time and allowing you to take full advantage of the battery's 5C maximum charge rate (20A maximum charge current) for faster turnaround between flights or drives.
- Next-Generation IC3 and IC5 Connectors — Featuring a data transfer wire integrated into the connector, these innovative connectors provide a more solid connection, higher heat resistance compared to older designs, and effortless installation, whilst remaining fully backwards compatible with the popular EC3 and EC5 connector standard so you can use this battery with existing systems without modification.
- Protective Metal Alloy Casing — The outer shell is constructed from metal alloy material specifically designed to dissipate heat generated during discharge cycles, maintain structural integrity under physical stress, and provide enhanced durability compared to standard plastic wrapping, extending the battery's service life in demanding applications.
- Charge Protection Circuitry — Built-in protective electronics prevent overcharging, over-discharge, and thermal runaway conditions, providing essential safety for your equipment and your flying field, giving you peace of mind during high-intensity use.
- High Continuous Discharge Rating — The 30C rating means this battery can safely deliver 120A of continuous current (4000mAh × 30C = 120A), making it suitable for high-performance aircraft, competitive drones, and power systems requiring responsive acceleration and sustained high-power output without voltage sag.
- Substantial 4000mAh Capacity — This 59.2 watt-hour capacity provides extended flight times or runtime compared to smaller capacity packs, allowing you to enjoy longer sessions between charges and get the most value from each battery investment.
Technical Performance
This Spektrum Smart LiPo battery delivers 14.8 volts nominal (4 cells × 3.7V per cell) with a robust 4000mAh capacity, providing 59.2 watt-hours of total energy storage—substantial enough for extended flight durations in RC aircraft applications. The 30C continuous discharge rating ensures the battery can deliver 120 amps of current under sustained load without dangerous voltage sag, making it ideal for high-performance models and competitive RC applications where responsive power delivery matters. Construction quality is evident throughout: the metal alloy protective casing isn't just for show, it actively manages heat dissipation during intense discharge cycles, maintains dimensional stability, and provides superior impact resistance compared to standard plastic-wrapped batteries. The 12 AWG wire gauge provides low-resistance connections to your aircraft's power system, minimising voltage drop and ensuring maximum power reaches your motor and electronics. At 375 grams (13.2 ounces), this is a substantial pack suitable for medium to large-scale aircraft and power systems; the physical dimensions of 140mm length × 43mm width × 30mm height make it compatible with most standard battery trays and compartments in RC aircraft. The 1.37-inch (35mm) balance lead length and 2.36-inch (60mm) discharge lead length provide practical connectivity options for various system configurations. With a maximum charge rate of 5C (20A maximum current) and normal charge rate of 1C (4A standard current), you can charge this battery from fully depleted to full capacity in approximately one hour at standard rates, or as quickly as 12 minutes at maximum charge rate if your charger and power supply support it. The JST_XH balance connector ensures compatibility with the vast majority of balance chargers available to RC enthusiasts in the UK and internationally.
What's in the Box
- 1 × SPM 4000mAh 4S 14.8V Smart LiPo Battery (30C continuous discharge rate)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Spektrum Smart Battery technology different from regular LiPo batteries? — Spektrum Smart Batteries contain an integrated microchip that stores comprehensive data about the battery including its capacity, C rating, charge history, temperature, and health status. When connected to a Spektrum Smart Charger, this information automatically uploads, and the charger remembers your preferred settings. This means you never have to manually configure charging parameters again—simply press Start and the battery handles the rest. Additionally, the battery can automatically discharge itself to a safe storage voltage after a period you choose, significantly extending its lifespan by preventing damage from prolonged full-charge storage.
- Is this 4S battery suitable for beginners or is it only for experienced flyers? — Whilst the intelligent features of Smart Battery technology are beneficial to any RC pilot regardless of experience level, the 4S voltage and 30C discharge rating indicate this is a performance-oriented pack designed for high-powered aircraft and demanding applications rather than entry-level models. Beginners should verify their aircraft's recommended voltage and capacity specifications before purchasing, as using an incompatible battery can damage flight controllers and motors. However, if your aircraft supports 4S operation, Smart Battery technology actually makes this pack easier to use than conventional LiPos because you don't need to remember charging settings.
- What is the difference between the 30C rating and what does this mean for my RC model? — The 30C rating indicates the maximum safe continuous discharge rate; multiplying the battery capacity (4000mAh or 4A) by 30 gives a maximum continuous discharge current of 120 amps. This high discharge rate is ideal for high-performance aircraft with powerful motors, competitive racing drones, and applications where rapid acceleration and sustained high power output are essential. If your aircraft has a more modest power system requiring only 30-40 amps, this battery will deliver that power with excellent efficiency and longevity. The higher the C rating, the better the battery performs under demanding conditions without voltage sag.
- Will this Spektrum Smart Battery work with my existing RC charger? — The IC3 connector is backwards compatible with the standard EC3 connector found on most RC systems and chargers. However, to access all the Smart Battery benefits—including automatic parameter upload, one-button charging, and automatic smart discharge—you must use a Spektrum Smart Charger. Without a Smart Charger, the battery functions as a conventional LiPo and you'll need to manually configure charge settings. The investment in a Spektrum Smart Charger is worthwhile if you plan to expand your Smart Battery collection, as all your batteries will communicate with the charger automatically.
- How long does this battery take to charge from completely empty? — At the standard 1C charge rate (4 amps for this 4000mAh pack), a full charge takes approximately one hour. The battery supports charges up to 5C maximum rate (20 amps), which could theoretically charge it in approximately 12 minutes, though your charger and power supply must be capable of delivering this current. Spektrum Smart Chargers allow you to set your preferred charge rate, and this preference is automatically remembered each time you connect the battery, so you can balance charging speed with battery longevity based on your needs.
- What happens if I leave this battery sitting unused for several months? — Standard LiPo batteries sitting at full charge can suffer chemical degradation of the cells, reducing capacity and lifespan. Spektrum Smart Batteries solve this problem through automatic smart discharge: programme your Smart Charger to discharge the battery to storage voltage after a period you choose (12 to 240 hours), and whenever the battery sits unused, it automatically discharges itself to a safe voltage that preserves cell health. This unique feature means you can store your battery for extended periods without worrying about damage, and it will be ready to use whenever you are.
- Is the metal alloy casing necessary and does it add significant weight? — The protective metal alloy outer casing serves three critical functions: it dissipates heat generated during intensive discharge cycles, maintains the battery's structural shape under stress, and provides superior impact resistance compared to standard plastic wrapping. The weight addition is minimal and worthwhile for the durability benefits, particularly in high-vibration applications like RC aircraft where battery cases can experience repeated impacts and thermal stress. The improved heat management also indirectly extends battery life by preventing thermal damage to the cells.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the SPM 4000mAh 4S 14.8V Smart LiPo Battery 30C; IC3 O-SPMX40004S30 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
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