Overview
The eTronix ParaBoard ET0289 is an essential accessory for RC enthusiasts who demand efficiency and convenience when managing multiple LiPo battery packs. Designed specifically for use with balance chargers, this parallel charging board allows you to simultaneously charge up to three lithium battery packs, dramatically reducing the overall charging time and making the most of your high-power charger investment. Whether you're a competitive RC racer preparing multiple packs for track day, a weekend basher keeping spare batteries ready for extended play sessions, or a serious RC hobbyist in the UK looking to optimise your charging workflow, the ParaBoard represents a smart investment that will transform how you manage your battery collection.
This innovative charging solution is particularly valuable for RC car UK enthusiasts and anyone operating multiple vehicle platforms or spare battery sets. By enabling parallel charging rather than sequential charging, you can charge three 2S to 6S lithium packs at the same time, making it possible to keep your RC activities running smoothly without long downtime between sessions. The ParaBoard's intelligent design combines professional-grade engineering with user-friendly simplicity, ensuring that whether you're experienced with balance charging technology or new to the RC hobby, you'll find this board intuitive and reliable.
Manufactured by eTronix to exacting quality standards, the ParaBoard ET0289 features robust construction using high-grade materials specifically selected to handle the demands of multi-pack charging environments. The EC3 connectors paired with XH balance ports provide universal compatibility with the vast majority of modern LiPo batteries available on the UK RC market today, making this a truly versatile addition to any RC enthusiast's charging station.
Key Features
- Simultaneous Multi-Pack Charging — Charge between one and three battery packs at exactly the same time, which dramatically reduces your total charging time and allows you to maintain a constant rotation of ready-to-use batteries for your RC vehicles without frustrating waiting periods.
- Universal 2S to 6S Compatibility — The board accommodates lithium batteries ranging from 2S (7.4V) up to 6S (22.2V) cell configurations, covering virtually every battery type used in modern RC cars, buggies, trucks and crawlers across the UK market.
- EC3 Main Connectors and XH Balance Ports — Features industry-standard EC3 connectors for the main power circuit and XH balance connectors, ensuring seamless compatibility with the batteries and chargers you already own without requiring any additional adapters or conversions.
- Intelligent Parallel Arrangement — All connectors and balance ports are arranged in parallel configuration, allowing you to freely match any main plug with any balance port without restriction, giving you total flexibility in how you connect your battery packs regardless of their position on the board.
- High Current Capability — Engineered and fully tested to safely handle continuous charging currents up to 20 Amps, with the ability to safely manage peak currents of 30 Amps for short periods of 10 to 30 minutes, making it suitable for use with virtually any balance charger on the market.
- Heavy-Duty PCB Construction — Built using a two-ounce copper printed circuit board with heavily tinned main power circuits, providing superior current distribution, reduced resistance, enhanced durability and the ability to safely handle high-current applications without degradation over time.
- Pre-Wired and Ready to Use — The board arrives completely assembled and wired in parallel configuration, eliminating the need for complex setup or technical knowledge; simply plug your battery connectors into the appropriate ports and you're ready to charge.
- Quality Engineering and Safety — ParaBoard products are manufactured using only selected high-quality components and have been rigorously tested under demanding conditions to ensure long-term reliability, durability and safe operation in charging environments.
Technical Performance
The eTronix ParaBoard ET0289 represents a significant step forward in battery charging infrastructure for RC enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. At its core, the board utilises a two-ounce copper PCB construction, which is substantially heavier and more conductive than standard circuit boards, allowing it to dissipate heat more effectively and handle larger current loads without voltage drop or performance degradation. The heavily tinned main power circuit further enhances conductivity and protects against corrosion, ensuring that the board maintains peak performance even after years of regular use in active RC charging environments. The parallel wiring configuration means that all three charging ports operate independently yet simultaneously, each capable of delivering full charging current to its connected battery pack without any interaction or prioritisation between ports. This engineering approach ensures that whether you're charging a single 2S pack, a combination of 2S and 4S batteries, or three 6S packs simultaneously, each battery receives consistent, uninterrupted charging current. The board has undergone comprehensive testing at 20 Amps continuous current, representing real-world charging scenarios with modern balance chargers, and has been certified as safe for peak loads up to 30 Amps for short periods of 10 to 30 minutes, covering virtually every conceivable use case for serious RC hobbyists. The EC3 connectors selected for the main power circuit are among the most reliable in the industry, featuring secure positive and negative contacts that maintain excellent electrical connection through hundreds of charge cycles. The XH balance connectors similarly offer proven reliability and universal compatibility with battery packs from every major RC battery manufacturer.
What's in the Box
- eTronix ParaBoard ET0289 with EC3 main connectors and XH balance ports
- Three parallel-wired charging ports ready for immediate use
What You Need to Complete
- A balance charger capable of charging lithium (LiPo) batteries with EC3 connector compatibility and adjustable current output
- LiPo battery packs with EC3 main connectors and XH balance connectors (2S to 6S configuration)
- Battery storage bags or protective containers for safe battery storage
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge batteries with different cell counts at the same time on the ParaBoard? — No, it is essential that all battery packs connected to the board simultaneously have exactly the same cell count (all 2S, all 3S, all 4S, etc). Mixing different cell counts on the same board can result in improper charging, damage to batteries, and potential safety hazards. Always verify that all connected batteries are identical in cell configuration before starting a charging session.
- What is the maximum charging current I can safely use with the ParaBoard? — The board has been fully tested and certified to safely handle continuous charging currents up to 20 Amps. It can accommodate peak currents of up to 30 Amps for short periods of 10 to 30 minutes. When using your balance charger, set the charging current to match your batteries' specifications and never exceed the 20 Amp continuous rating for extended charging sessions.
- Is the ParaBoard suitable for beginners new to RC charging? — Absolutely. The ParaBoard is designed with user simplicity in mind. Since the board arrives fully pre-wired in parallel configuration, you simply need to plug your battery connectors into the ports and connect the board to your balance charger. There is no complex wiring, soldering or technical knowledge required. However, ensure you understand basic LiPo battery safety practices and always use a quality balance charger with the board.
- Can I use this board with any balance charger? — The ParaBoard is compatible with any balance charger that features EC3 connector compatibility and can deliver current to multiple battery packs simultaneously. The board itself is charger-agnostic; it simply provides the parallel infrastructure. Ensure your charger has sufficient output capacity to handle three batteries at your desired charging current.
- What makes the two-ounce copper PCB better than standard boards? — Two-ounce copper refers to the weight of copper per square foot of board material, indicating substantially thicker copper traces than standard PCBs. This increased copper mass means better electrical conductivity, more efficient current distribution, superior heat dissipation, and dramatically improved durability under high-current applications. In practical terms, you get a board that runs cooler, lasts longer, and performs more reliably throughout its service life.
- How many times can I charge batteries using the ParaBoard before it wears out? — The ParaBoard is engineered for long-term durability and will reliably support hundreds of charge cycles without degradation, provided you use it within its rated specifications (20 Amp continuous, 30 Amp peak). The selected high-quality components and robust construction mean this board will outlast many of the batteries you charge with it.
- What is the difference between the ParaBoard and charging batteries sequentially? — Charging sequentially means charging one battery completely, then moving to the next, which can consume hours of your RC time. The ParaBoard enables parallel charging of up to three packs simultaneously, reducing total charging time from potentially three hours down to one hour, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your RC vehicles and less time waiting for batteries.
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 eTronix ParaBoard ET0289 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.
- Brand: eTronix
- Model Number: ET0289
- Product Type: Parallel Charging Board (ParaBoard)
- Main Connectors: EC3
- Balance Connectors: XH
- Battery Compatibility: 2S to 6S lithium (LiPo)
- Number of Charging Ports: Three
- Simultaneous Charging Capacity: 1 to 3 battery packs
- Continuous Current Rating: 20 Amps
- Peak Current Capacity: 30 Amps (10-30 minutes)
- PCB Construction: Two-ounce copper
- Main Power Circuit: Heavily tinned for high current handling
- Connector Arrangement: Parallel configuration
- Pre-Assembly Status: Fully wired in parallel, ready to use
- Components: Selected high-quality materials
- Testing Standard: Fully tested under 20A continuous current
- Barcode: 5055323951237
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