Walk the battery wall and you'll see two kinds of "smart" packs: Spektrum Smart with orange IC3 and IC5 plugs, and Traxxas iD. Both promise easier, safer charging. But what does the chip in the pack actually do, and does it matter if you already own a regular charger?
This guide explains both systems using Horizon Hobby, Model Aviation and Traxxas as sources, so you know what you're paying for.
The Short Answer
A smart battery has a chip that tells the charger what it is, so the charger sets itself up. Spektrum Smart goes further: packs store cycle counts and error history, can drop to storage voltage on their own, and can send battery data to your transmitter through a Smart ESC. Traxxas iD focuses on charging: the charger detects the iD pack and configures itself, so you just press Start.
- Spektrum Smart packs use IC3 and IC5 connectors with a data connection.
- Smart packs log charge cycles plus over-charge, over-discharge and over-temperature events.
- A Smart ESC can send RPM, voltage, current and temperature to a compatible radio.
- Traxxas iD chargers still have a balance port for older LiPos without iD.
1. What the Chip in a Smart Battery Does
According to Model Aviation, Spektrum Smart batteries "have an installed microchip on every battery that feeds information through a data cable in the new IC3 and IC5 connectors." Horizon Hobby's Smart Technology FAQ says a Smart battery and Smart charger exchange data such as battery type, capacity, cell voltage and temperature.
Automatic charger setup
Model Aviation's review of a Spektrum Smart charger says that, based on the battery's information, the charger "will set the basic parameters for the battery that is connected." You can still edit those settings. That helps you avoid charging mistakes like picking the wrong chemistry, cell count or current.
A health record for every pack
The chip stores chemistry, cycle count, charge rate and an error log. Model Aviation says Spektrum's battery checker shows over-charge, over-discharge and over-temperature events. That history helps you decide when a pack is ready to retire; see our guide to how long LiPos last.
Automatic storage discharge
Smart packs can discharge themselves to storage voltage. Model Aviation says the pack discharges to a set storage voltage after a rest period you can adjust from 12 to 240 hours. Horizon's FAQ lists automatic discharge to a safe storage level as a key safety feature. Our LiPo storage guide explains why storage voltage matters.
2. Smart Telemetry: Battery Data on Your Transmitter
Spektrum Smart isn't only about charging. Horizon Hobby says that with a Smart ESC, a Smart LiPo provides battery telemetry, and the ESC "transmits a wide range of data directly to your transmitter in real-time, including RPM, voltage, temperature."
What you can see
Horizon lists cycle count, capacity used and remaining, and individual cell voltages from the battery, plus current draw and balance from the ESC. The FAQ adds that some Smart air receivers include a barometer for altitude and vertical speed.
What you need
A full Smart setup, per the FAQ, is a Smart battery, charger and ESC, plus a compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver. Smart ESCs also include automatic LiPo low-voltage cutoff, according to Horizon.
3. Traxxas iD: Plug In and Press Start
Traxxas says its iD system "detects which Traxxas iD-equipped battery you are using" and then "automatically configures the charger's settings for the optimal charge." You plug in the pack and press Start, with no manual programming.
Older packs still work
Traxxas says its EZ-Peak Plus 4S charger has a built-in balance port "for older-style LiPo batteries with external balance leads," and an Advanced Mode gives full manual control. That charger is rated for 8 amps and 75 watts, NiMH at 5 to 8 cells, and LiPo at 2S, 3S and 4S.
How it compares with Spektrum Smart
Based on these sources, Traxxas iD is about automatic charger setup. Spektrum Smart covers that too, then adds the stored pack history, automatic storage discharge and transmitter telemetry described above. Neither one replaces good habits: charge on a fireproof surface and never leave a charging pack unattended.
4. Connectors and Compatibility
Connectors matter too.
IC3 and IC5 versus EC3 and EC5
Model Aviation says Smart packs use orange IC3 and IC5 connectors, which the author found "much easier to unplug than the older blue EC3/EC5 connectors." Horizon says IC connectors are backward compatible with EC connectors. Model Aviation adds that Spektrum's Smart chargers and checker work with EC3, but IC5 and EC5 packs need a separate adapter (SPMXCA507) that isn't included.
Mixing brands
Horizon's FAQ says Smart products often work with non-Spektrum gear, but you get less data. For example, a Smart ESC with a non-Spektrum battery can still send information to the transmitter with a compatible plug or adapter. If you're shopping for a charger, our charger buying guide covers watts, amps and balance charging.
Conclusion
A smart battery's chip tells the charger what it is, so setup is automatic. Spektrum Smart adds pack history, self-discharge to storage and live telemetry when paired with a Smart ESC and radio. Traxxas iD keeps it simple: plug in, press Start. If you're building around one brand of truck or plane, matching its system gets you the most from the chip.
Not sure which packs fit your model? Contact the shop and bring the model in.
Gear Mentioned in This Guide
Spektrum 3S 5000mAh 11.1V 50C Hard Case Smart LiPo G2, IC5 (SPMX53S50H5)
$69.99: a 3S hard-case Smart G2 pack with an IC5 connector.
Shop now
Spektrum S155 G2 1x55W AC Smart Charger (SPMXC2050)
$54.99: a single-port 55W AC Smart charger.
Shop now
Spektrum S250 2x50W AC Smart Charger (SPMXC2060)
$129.99: two 50W ports, so you can charge two Smart packs at once.
Shop now
Traxxas 2S 3000mAh 7.4V 20C LiPo iD Battery (2827X)
$39.95: a 2S Traxxas iD LiPo that an iD charger recognizes automatically.
Shop nowFrequently Asked Questions
What does a smart battery do?
It has a chip that shares data with the charger, such as battery type, capacity, cell voltage and temperature, so the charger sets itself up. Spektrum Smart packs also store cycle counts and error history and can discharge to storage voltage on their own.
Do smart batteries work with any charger?
Horizon Hobby says Smart products often work with non-Spektrum gear but give less data. Traxxas iD chargers also have a balance port for older LiPos without iD. Check your charger's connector and manual before plugging in.
What is the difference between IC5 and EC5?
IC5 is Spektrum's Smart connector with a data connection. Horizon says IC connectors are backward compatible with EC connectors. Model Aviation says IC5 and EC5 packs need a separate adapter to use a Smart charger.
What is Traxxas iD?
Traxxas iD lets a Traxxas iD charger detect which iD battery is connected and set its charge settings automatically, so you only press Start.
