eTronix ParaBoard Parallel Charging Board XT60 XH Connector 2S-6S ET0290

Overview

The eTronix ParaBoard ET0290 is an essential parallel charging solution for RC enthusiasts across the UK who want to maximise their bench time and minimise waiting between flights or runs. This intelligent charging board allows you to charge multiple lithium LiPo batteries simultaneously using your existing balance charger, transforming your charging routine and significantly reducing downtime. Whether you're a competitive racer managing multiple battery packs, a weekend basher with several RC cars, or someone exploring the RC hobby for the first time, the ParaBoard is the practical upgrade that every serious RC car UK enthusiast needs at their charging station.

Designed and manufactured by eTronix, a recognised brand in the RC hobby, the ParaBoard combines professional-grade engineering with straightforward usability. The board is already fully wired in parallel configuration, meaning there's no complex setup or soldering required – simply connect your batteries' charge and balance connectors to the board and you're ready to charge. This plug-and-play approach makes it ideal for hobbyists of all experience levels, from absolute beginners discovering their first ready to run RC vehicles, to experienced competitors juggling multiple battery packs during competitions or testing sessions.

The ET0290 stands out in the market thanks to its robust construction and impressive current-handling capabilities. Built with a two-ounce copper PCB and heavily tinned main power circuits, this board has been extensively tested and proven reliable under demanding conditions. If you've ever found yourself frustrated waiting hours to charge all your batteries one at a time, or if you've invested in a high-power charger that you want to use more efficiently, the eTronix ParaBoard is the solution you've been looking for to take your RC experience to the next level.

Key Features

• Parallel charging for multiple LiPo batteries — The ParaBoard allows you to charge between 1 and 3 lithium batteries simultaneously using your balance charger, saving significant time at the bench and making much better use of high-power chargers that would otherwise be underutilised charging single packs one at a time.
• Support for 2S to 6S battery configurations — With three sets of XH balance ports and three XT60 main power connectors, the board supports any battery from 2-cell (2S) up to 6-cell (6S) lithium configurations, making it compatible with the vast majority of RC car UK setups and applications.
• Flexible connector arrangement — The ports and connectors are wired in parallel arrangement, allowing you to match any power plug with any balance port randomly, giving you complete flexibility in how you configure your charging setup without worrying about correct orientation.
• Heavy-duty two-ounce copper PCB — The board is engineered with a two-ounce copper circuit board, which provides superior current-carrying capacity compared to standard one-ounce boards, allowing the ParaBoard to handle the demanding currents required by modern high-performance RC batteries.
• Heavily tinned main power circuit — The primary power circuit traces are heavily tinned to reduce resistance and improve current distribution, protecting the board from overheating and ensuring safe, reliable operation even under maximum load conditions.
• Tested to 20A continuous with 30A short-term capability — The ParaBoard has been rigorously tested under 20 amp continuous current and safely handles loads up to 30 amps for short periods of 10 to 30 minutes, giving you confidence that your investment is built to last and won't fail mid-charge.
• XT60 main connectors — The board uses industry-standard XT60 connectors for the main power inputs, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of modern lithium batteries and RC equipment used in the UK hobby scene.
• XH balance connectors — The XH balance ports allow full cell-by-cell monitoring and balancing during the charging process, a critical safety feature that extends battery life and maintains optimal performance across all cells in your packs.
• Pre-wired and ready to use immediately — Unlike many other charging solutions, the ParaBoard comes completely wired in parallel configuration straight from the box, requiring no additional soldering, cutting or modification – just plug in your batteries and balance leads and start charging.
• High-quality selected components throughout — Every component used in the ParaBoard's construction has been selected for reliability and longevity, ensuring the board will serve you faithfully for years of RC charging applications.

Technical Performance

The eTronix ParaBoard ET0290 represents professional-grade engineering in a compact, affordable package designed for the demanding world of RC hobby charging. The two-ounce copper PCB is a significant specification that sets this board apart from budget alternatives – this heavier copper construction dramatically improves the board's ability to distribute high currents without voltage drop or heat generation. The heavily tinned main power circuit further enhances this capability, creating low-resistance paths for electrical current and ensuring that the full charging power from your balance charger reaches your batteries efficiently and safely. Extensive testing under 20 ampere continuous current, with proven capability for short-duration loads up to 30 amps (suitable for 10 to 30 minute charging cycles), demonstrates that this board can handle the demands of modern high-capacity lithium batteries without degradation or failure. The design supports battery configurations from 2S (7.4V nominal) up to 6S (22.2V nominal), covering everything from small 2S racing drones and compact RC cars to larger 6S powered RC trucks and high-performance competition vehicles. The three sets of XH balance ports provide independent cell-level monitoring for up to three batteries simultaneously, a critical safety feature that ensures each cell is charged to the correct voltage and prevents dangerous over-charging or unbalanced packs that could damage batteries or create safety hazards. The XT60 main connectors ensure universal compatibility with contemporary RC equipment, whilst the parallel wiring configuration means you're not limited by specific port assignments – any XT60 input can work with any XH balance port, giving you genuine flexibility in your charging setup. Whether you're managing a fleet of batteries for competitive racing, maintaining multiple RC cars for weekend bashing, or simply trying to make more efficient use of a high-power charger investment, the ParaBoard's robust construction and impressive electrical specifications make it a dependable choice that will support your RC hobby for years to come.

What's in the Box

• eTronix ParaBoard with XT60 connectors and XH balance ports
• Ready-to-use parallel charging board with all connections pre-wired

What You Need to Complete

• A compatible balance charger (AC mains charger or multi-chemistry charger with balance charging capability)
• Lithium LiPo batteries with XT60 main connectors and XH balance connectors
• All connected batteries must be the same cell count (2S, 3S, 4S, 5S or 6S)
• Optional: inline connector or extension leads for more flexible battery positioning at the charging station

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the eTronix ParaBoard save me time charging RC batteries? — Instead of charging one battery pack at a time, you can connect up to three batteries simultaneously to the ParaBoard and charge them all in parallel using your balance charger. This means if you normally spend 45 minutes charging a single 3S pack, you can charge three batteries in roughly the same time, transforming your bench routine and letting you spend more time actually running your RC cars UK rather than waiting around the charging station.
• Can I mix different battery capacities or cell counts on the ParaBoard? — No – this is critical for safe operation. All batteries connected to the ParaBoard simultaneously must be identical in cell count (all 2S, all 3S, all 4S, all 5S or all 6S). Mixing different cell counts could result in unequal voltage distribution and unsafe charging conditions. However, you can certainly charge 3S packs one session and 4S packs another session; just ensure everything connected at one time matches.
• What balance charger do I need to use with the ParaBoard? — You need any balance charger that supports lithium LiPo charging and has XH balance connectors. Most modern multi-chemistry chargers and dedicated LiPo chargers include balance charging functionality. Popular options include Hitec X1, iCharger, Graupner Polaron EX, and many others available at RC Model Shop. The ParaBoard simply expands the capability of your existing charger by allowing multiple batteries in parallel rather than limiting you to one pack at a time.
• Is the ParaBoard suitable for beginners? — Absolutely. The ParaBoard is one of the most beginner-friendly charging accessories available because it comes completely pre-wired and ready to use straight from the box. There's no soldering, no complex configuration, and no technical knowledge required – just plug in your batteries and let your balance charger do its job. The parallel charging concept is actually straightforward: your charger distributes its current among all connected batteries, charging them together at a reduced per-pack rate.
• What happens if I accidentally connect batteries with different cell counts? — This is dangerous and could result in overcharging some cells whilst undercharging others, potentially damaging the batteries or creating a safety hazard. The parallel wiring means all packs share the same voltage reference, so a 2S pack (7.4V) and a 3S pack (11.1V) connected simultaneously would be at different voltage levels relative to their safe charging range. This is why the manufacturer specifically emphasises that all connected batteries must be the same cell count.
• Can I charge at the full 30A maximum with three batteries connected? — The 30 amp maximum is the maximum the board itself can handle safely for short periods. When charging multiple batteries in parallel, you're sharing this current among the packs, so each battery receives roughly 10 amps if three are connected. Your balance charger's settings control the actual charge rate – the ParaBoard simply enables you to charge multiple packs simultaneously rather than one at a time. Always check your charger's specifications and your batteries' maximum recommended charge rates.
• Is the ParaBoard safe for unattended charging? — The ParaBoard itself includes no built-in protection like a fuse mentioned in some competitive alternatives. Your balance charger provides the actual charging safety through its built-in monitoring. Never leave any lithium battery charging unattended, regardless of the charging board you use. Always supervise charging and follow your charger and battery manufacturer's safety guidelines.
• What's the difference between the XT60 connectors and the balance ports? — The XT60 main connectors carry the bulk charging current from your charger to the batteries. The XH balance connectors run separate thin wires from each cell in the battery to the charger, allowing it to monitor and balance individual cells. Both are necessary: the XT60 does the heavy current work whilst the XH ensures each cell is charged safely and to the correct voltage.
• Can I use the ParaBoard with my RC car UK setup if I'm just starting out? — Yes, the ParaBoard works with any LiPo battery, whether for brushless RC cars, drones, FPV equipment, or other RC applications. If you're building your first ready to run RC vehicle or expanding an existing collection, the ParaBoard will immediately become useful once you have more than one battery pack.
• How do I know if my batteries are compatible with the ParaBoard? — Your batteries need XT60 connectors for the main discharge/charge lead and XH connectors for the balance lead. If you're unsure, most modern batteries come standard with XT60/XH combinations. You can also check with the RC Model Shop team who can confirm compatibility with your specific battery packs.

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 w/XT-60 CONNECTOR & XH BALANCE ET0290 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.