eTronix ParaBoard Parallel Charging Board 4mm Connector XH Balance ET0293

Overview

The eTronix ParaBoard ET0293 is an essential parallel charging board designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand faster, more efficient battery charging. Whether you're a competitive racer, weekend basher, or hobby-grade RC car enthusiast, this intelligent charging solution lets you charge multiple lithium batteries simultaneously, dramatically reducing downtime between sessions. By connecting one to three packs in parallel to your existing balance charger, you can maintain momentum during long days at the track or off-road course without waiting for sequential charging cycles.

This parallel charging board is engineered specifically for users who operate multiple battery packs and want to maximise their charging efficiency. Rather than charging batteries one at a time, the ParaBoard allows you to connect between one and three lithium packs from 2S up to 6S cell configurations all at once. This means if you're running a 4S or 6S brushless RC car UK setup, you can have all your packs ready for action in a single charging session. The board is pre-wired in parallel configuration, so setup is straightforward—simply connect your charge leads and balance connectors, ensure all batteries have the same cell count, and start charging.

Built with professional-grade components and extensively tested for reliability, the eTronix ParaBoard represents genuine value for money. It's the kind of upgrade that serious RC car enthusiasts and ready to run RC owners should consider when expanding their fleet or increasing their track time. With support for charge rates up to 30 amps and continuous operation at 20 amps, this board is ready for high-performance charging scenarios.

Key Features

• Charge 1–3 lithium packs in parallel (2S–6S) — This versatility means whether you're running single, dual, or triple battery configurations, the board adapts to your needs, making it perfect for RC car enthusiasts with expanding collections or those who prefer to run multiple setups throughout a session.
• 4mm main connectors with XH balance ports — The industry-standard 4mm connectors are widely compatible with most balance chargers and lithium battery packs used in UK RC hobby setups, whilst the XH balance ports provide secure, reliable connections for precise cell balancing during the charging cycle.
• Three main plugs and three balance ports arranged in parallel — All connectors are wired in parallel configuration, which means you can match any main plug with any balance port as required, offering complete flexibility in how you arrange your battery connections on the board.
• Pre-wired in parallel configuration — The ParaBoard arrives ready to use; simply connect your charge leads and balance leads to the board and you're ready to start charging, with no additional configuration or assembly required.
• 2 oz copper PCB with heavily tinned main power circuit — The substantial copper construction ensures excellent current distribution and heat dissipation, whilst the heavy tinning on the main power circuit provides corrosion resistance and enhances electrical conductivity for reliable, safe operation over years of use.
• Tested for 20 A continuous current with 30 A short-term capability — The board has been rigorously tested to handle 20 amps of continuous charging current, and can safely deliver up to 30 amps for short periods of 10–30 minutes, giving you flexibility with high-powered chargers commonly used in competitive RC car racing.
• Support for charge rates up to 30 A (20 A continuous) — Whether you're using a modest charger or a high-output professional unit, the ParaBoard accommodates your equipment, allowing you to charge at whatever rate your battery management system supports safely.

Technical Performance

The eTronix ParaBoard ET0293 is engineered with serious performance credentials that reflect its suitability for demanding RC hobby environments. The board utilises a substantial 2 ounce copper PCB—a material choice that directly impacts current-carrying capacity and thermal management. Copper's excellent electrical conductivity ensures minimal voltage drop across the board, which is critical when charging at high amperages; any resistance in the power path generates heat and reduces charging efficiency. The heavily tinned main power circuit further enhances reliability by preventing oxidation and corrosion of the copper traces, particularly important in the humid UK climate where moisture exposure is common. The board has undergone rigorous testing protocols, certified for 20 amperes of continuous current operation—a specification that puts it firmly in the professional-grade category. For short bursts of 10 to 30 minutes, the board safely tolerates 30 amperes, providing headroom for rapid top-up charging between heats or practice sessions. This dual-rated current specification reflects the engineering reality of RC charging: continuous operation at maximum current generates sustained heat, whilst brief high-current pulses can be managed safely by the board's thermal mass and copper construction. The parallel configuration itself is a performance advantage; by wiring all ports in parallel, voltage drop across each battery pack is identical, ensuring balanced charging behaviour regardless of which connector positions you use. This design philosophy eliminates the possibility of charging bottlenecks caused by daisy-chaining batteries or sequential charging arrangements. For users of brushless RC cars and other high-performance platforms that demand multiple fully-charged battery packs, the ParaBoard's capability to simultaneously charge up to three packs from 2S through to 6S configurations covers virtually the entire spectrum of modern lithium battery applications in the hobby.

What's in the Box

• eTronix ParaBoard parallel charging board (ET0293) with pre-installed connectors
• Three male 4mm power connectors for charging leads
• Three XH balance ports for cell-balancing leads

What You Need to Complete

• A balance charger capable of delivering appropriate charging current for your battery packs (charger must support 4mm connectors and XH balance leads)
• One to three lithium battery packs (2S to 6S configuration) with matching 4mm main connectors and XH balance connectors
• Appropriate charging leads compatible with your charger's output connectors and the ParaBoard's 4mm inputs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I charge different cell count batteries together on the ParaBoard? — No, the manufacturer explicitly requires that all connected batteries must have the same cell count before charging in parallel. This is a safety requirement; mixing different cell counts (for example, connecting a 3S and a 4S pack simultaneously) would cause balancing issues and potential damage to your batteries. Always ensure all packs connected to the board are either all 2S, all 3S, all 4S, all 5S, or all 6S before starting the charging cycle.
• Is the ParaBoard suitable for beginners? — Yes, the ParaBoard is suitable for RC hobby users of all experience levels, from beginners to competitive racers. The concept is straightforward: connect your balance charger to the board's main input, then plug in your battery packs' charge and balance leads, ensuring matching cell counts. The board is pre-wired in parallel, so there's no complex setup or configuration required. Beginners benefit immediately by reducing overall charge time when operating multiple battery packs, whilst experienced RC car UK enthusiasts appreciate the build quality and the time savings during intensive track sessions.
• What charge current should I use with the ParaBoard? — The board supports charge rates up to 30 amps, though it is tested and certified for 20 amps of continuous operation. Set your balance charger to whatever current is appropriate for your batteries' capacity and chemistry specifications—typically marked as a C rating (for example, 2C, 3C, or 5C discharge rate). The ParaBoard will safely handle the current without introducing bottlenecks. For short bursts up to 30 minutes, you can safely deliver up to 30 amps if your charger and batteries support it, but for extended or repeated charging sessions, keeping to 20 amps or below ensures optimal longevity and thermal performance.
• Can I use the ParaBoard with any balance charger? — The ParaBoard is compatible with any balance charger that has a 4mm main connector output and XH balance port connectors. This covers the vast majority of modern lithium battery chargers used in the RC car hobby. Before purchase, verify that your charger has these connector types; if your charger uses different connectors (such as XT60, Deans, or TRX), you would need to either source an adapter or consider a ParaBoard variant designed for your specific connectors.
• How much charging time can I save with parallel charging? — The time saving depends on your charger's maximum output current and the capacity of your batteries. In the best-case scenario, if you're charging three packs simultaneously on a charger capable of 30 amps output, you're effectively charging three times as many amp-hours per unit time compared to sequential charging. For example, if charging a single 5000mAh pack at 20 amps takes approximately 15 minutes, charging three such packs in parallel at 30 amps total (10 amps each) would complete in roughly 25 minutes—a significant time saving for users with multiple battery setups.
• Is the ParaBoard protected against overcurrent? — Whilst the existing product information does not mention an inline fuse on this specific model (the ET0293), the board itself is rated and tested for safe operation up to 30 amps peak and 20 amps continuous. The board's construction, with its 2 oz copper PCB and heavily tinned power circuit, is engineered to handle these currents safely. Your balance charger likely includes its own overcurrent protection, which provides an additional safety layer. Always verify your charger's specifications and follow manufacturer guidelines for safe charging practices.

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/4MM CONNECTOR & XH BALANCE ET0293 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.