Overview
The Etronix Paraboard with EC5 connector and XH balance leads is an essential piece of charging equipment for any serious RC enthusiast in the UK who runs multiple lithium battery packs. Whether you're a competitive racer, a weekend basher, or someone who enjoys RC car hobbies with multiple vehicles, this parallel charging solution will transform the way you prepare your batteries for action. Instead of charging batteries one at a time, the Paraboard allows you to charge up to six lithium battery packs simultaneously in parallel, dramatically reducing the time spent waiting around and allowing you to get back to enjoying your RC cars, trucks and buggies far more quickly.
Designed with quality materials and engineering precision, the Etronix Paraboard represents outstanding value for RC hobbyists across the UK who want to maximise their high-power charger investment. By enabling parallel balance charging, you finally get to make full use of your charger's capabilities, pushing more current through multiple batteries at once rather than being limited to single-pack charging. This is particularly valuable for anyone running competitive RC racing setups or maintaining a fleet of ready-to-run RC vehicles that all need fresh batteries before heading to the track or the bashing field.
The board comes equipped with an EC5 main power connector, making it compatible with a huge range of modern lithium battery packs, whilst the six integrated JST-XH balance ports support battery packs ranging from 2S through to 6S cell configuration. This versatility means you can use the same Paraboard across different RC platforms without worrying about compatibility issues.
Key Features
- Parallel Balance Charging for Up to Six Batteries — This is the core function of the Paraboard: it allows you to connect up to six lithium battery packs of the same cell count simultaneously and charge them all at once using a single charger with balance charging capability. This feature alone can save you hours per week if you regularly run multiple RC vehicles, as you no longer need to queue batteries through a single charging port.
- EC5 Main Power Connector — The Paraboard uses an EC5 connector for the primary power input, which is one of the most popular high-current connectors in the modern RC industry. This ensures compatibility with the vast majority of contemporary lithium battery packs and chargers available in the UK RC market, and the EC5 standard is recognised for its secure connection and excellent current-carrying capability.
- Six JST-XH Balance Ports for 2S to 6S Batteries — Each of the six charging channels has a complete set of JST-XH balance connectors capable of handling battery packs from 2S (7.4V) through to 6S (22.2V) configuration. This means you can balance charge everything from small 2-cell packs used in light RC models up to serious 6-cell packs for high-performance brushless RC cars and buggies, all on the same board.
- Tested to 25A Continuous Current with 35A Peak Capability — The Paraboard has been rigorously tested to safely handle 25 amps of continuous current flow, which is plenty for most chargers and battery combinations. For higher-powered charging sessions, it can safely handle up to 35 amps for periods of 10 to 30 minutes, allowing you to take full advantage of ultra-fast chargers without worry.
- Integrated 40A Inline Fuse Protection — Safety is paramount when dealing with high-current charging, and the Paraboard includes a 40-amp inline fuse that acts as a circuit protection device. This fuse will blow if something goes wrong, protecting your batteries, charger and yourself from potential damage or safety hazards during the charging process.
- Quality Materials and Durable Construction — The board is constructed from selected quality materials engineered to withstand the demands of regular RC use and frequent charging cycles. The components are built for long service life, meaning your Paraboard will remain reliable whether you're a competitive RC racer putting in sessions multiple times per week or a casual enthusiast who charges batteries monthly.
Technical Performance
The Etronix Paraboard represents a significant engineering achievement in parallel charging technology for RC hobbyists. Built with quality materials selected specifically for durability and safety, every component has been carefully chosen to ensure reliable performance over many years of use. The board has undergone comprehensive testing at 25 amps continuous current, which covers the requirements of most charger and battery combinations in the UK RC market, whether you're running brushless RC cars, electric RC trucks, or any other lithium-powered model. The capability to safely handle up to 35 amps for shorter periods (10-30 minutes) makes it ideal for users of ultra-fast charging systems, allowing you to charge multiple high-capacity battery packs in rapid succession without thermal stress. The integrated 40-amp fuse provides essential circuit protection, automatically disconnecting the board if current exceeds safe levels, preventing potential damage to your expensive batteries or charger equipment. The EC5 connector standard used for the main power input is rated for high continuous currents and provides a secure, locking connection that won't accidentally disconnect during charging. The six JST-XH balance ports use industry-standard connectors recognised and trusted across the global RC community, ensuring compatibility with virtually every modern lithium battery pack sold through UK RC retailers.
What's in the Box
- Etronix Paraboard with EC5 connector
- Six integrated JST-XH balance charging ports
- 40-amp inline fuse for protection
What You Need to Complete
- LiPo or Li-ion battery charger with balance charging function and JST-XH balance lead support
- Lithium battery packs with EC5 main connectors (2S to 6S compatible)
- Power supply appropriate to your charger's requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge different cell-count batteries at the same time on the Paraboard? — No, all batteries connected to the Paraboard must have the same cell count (all 3S, all 4S, all 5S, etc.). You cannot mix 3S and 4S packs on the board simultaneously, as the balance charging voltages would be incompatible and could cause damage. However, you can charge six 3S packs together, or six 5S packs together, just not a mixture.
- What charger do I need to use with the Etronix Paraboard? — You need a charger that supports balance charging via JST-XH balance leads for the cell count you're charging (2S through 6S). Most modern hobby-grade chargers sold in the UK, such as those from brands like Spektrum and other quality RC retailers, include balance charging functionality. Your charger must have JST-XH balance connectors or leads compatible with the Paraboard's balance ports.
- Is the Paraboard suitable for beginners to RC hobbies? — Yes, the Paraboard is an excellent addition to any RC enthusiast's setup, including beginners, provided they already have a compatible balance-capable charger. However, it's most beneficial if you run multiple RC vehicles or regularly charge several battery packs. Beginners with just one or two batteries might not see the time-saving benefits initially, but as your RC hobby grows and you acquire more vehicles, the Paraboard becomes increasingly valuable.
- How much faster is parallel charging compared to charging one battery at a time? — The exact time saving depends on your charger's power output and the capacity of your batteries. By charging six batteries simultaneously instead of one after another, you can theoretically reduce total charging time to one-sixth of the sequential charging time, though real-world results depend on your specific charger's amperage output and how it distributes current across the parallel channels.
- Can the Paraboard handle the high currents from modern ultra-fast chargers? — Yes. The Paraboard has been tested to handle 25 amps continuous and can safely manage up to 35 amps for 10-30 minute periods. This makes it compatible with virtually all mainstream hobby-grade chargers available in the UK RC market. The 40-amp fuse provides automatic protection if you exceed safe operating parameters.
- What happens if I connect batteries with different capacities but the same cell count? — The Paraboard can handle this without issue. You can charge a 2000mAh 3S pack alongside a 5000mAh 3S pack on the same board, as long as your charger is set to an appropriate current that won't overcharge the smaller capacity battery. The balance charging function will ensure each cell stays properly balanced regardless of pack capacity.
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/EC5 CONNECTOR & XH BALANCE ET0291 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: ET0291-PB6
- Product Type: Parallel Battery Charging Board
- Main Power Connector: EC5
- Balance Ports: Six JST-XH balance connectors
- Compatible Cell Counts: 2S to 6S lithium batteries
- Continuous Current Rating: 25 amps
- Peak Current Rating: 35 amps (for 10-30 minutes)
- Fuse Protection: 40-amp inline fuse
- Parallel Charging Capacity: Up to six batteries simultaneously
- Battery Requirement: All batteries must have the same cell count
- Compatible Battery Types: Lithium (LiPo, Li-ion) with EC5 connectors
- Construction Material: Selected quality materials
- Durability: Tested for long service life
- Charger Requirement: Balance-capable charger with JST-XH balance leads
- Barcode: 5055323959172
- Alternative Connector Options Available: TRX, 4mm with housing, XT60, Deans
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