Overview
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V 100C Smart LiPo Hardcase battery with IC5 connector is a premium lithium polymer power solution designed for high-performance RC cars, trucks, buggies and boats. Whether you're racing competitively or enjoying weekend bashing sessions across the UK, this battery delivers the punch and reliability you need. The 5000mAh capacity combined with an impressive 100C continuous discharge rating ensures maximum acceleration and sustained power output across a wide range of RC applications. This is a genuine Spektrum Smart battery, engineered to work seamlessly with Spektrum Smart chargers and compatible with standard EC5 connectors used on countless RC vehicles.
What truly sets this battery apart is Spektrum's Smart technology integration. Unlike conventional LiPo batteries, the SPM 5000mAh 3S includes an integrated microchip that stores vital information about the battery and communicates directly with Spektrum Smart chargers. This means you'll never need to manually configure charge preferences again—simply plug it in, press start, and let the smart charging system handle the rest. The battery automatically remembers your preferred charge rates and settings for next time, making the charging experience faster and more convenient for RC enthusiasts of all levels.
Built with an impact-resistant ABS plastic hardcase, this battery offers superior protection compared to standard soft cases. The durable construction helps safeguard your investment during transport and storage, whilst the robust design withstands the demands of competitive racing and aggressive off-road use. No soldering is required thanks to the pre-installed IC5 connector, which means you can get your RC car or boat up and running straight away without any additional modifications or technical expertise.
Key Features
- Integrated Smart Microchip — Each battery contains a data-storing microchip that records critical battery information including capacity, charge cycles, discharge cycles, C-rating, temperature, internal resistance, and health status. This means you always have complete visibility of your battery's condition and performance history.
- 100C Continuous Discharge Rating — Delivering exceptional power output and acceleration, the 100C discharge rating ensures your RC vehicle gets maximum punch off the line and maintains sustained performance throughout your run, making this ideal for competitive racing and high-performance bashers.
- Smart Discharge Technology — When programmed with a Spektrum Smart charger, the battery automatically discharges itself to a safe storage voltage between 12 and 240 hours after use. This prevents the battery from sitting fully charged, which extends cell life and significantly improves the long-term health and longevity of your LiPo pack.
- Automatic Parameter Upload — When connected to any Spektrum Smart charger, the battery's unique parameters and health data upload automatically. The charger then displays all this information, allowing you to make informed decisions about your battery usage and charging preferences.
- Simplified Charging Process — Gone are the days of manually entering battery specifications into your charger. Smart battery technology means charging is as simple as pressing the start button, with all settings automatically populated based on the battery's stored data.
- Customisable Charge Rates — The charge rate of individual batteries can be customised to suit your needs, allowing you to take full advantage of packs with faster charge capabilities. Your preferred settings are remembered for future charges.
- Impact-Resistant Hardcase — Unlike soft-case batteries, this pack comes protected in a durable ABS plastic hardcase that resists impact damage during transport, storage and field use, preserving your investment longer.
- IC5 Connector with EC5 Compatibility — The next-generation IC5 connector incorporates a data transfer wire for communicating with Spektrum Smart devices, whilst remaining fully backwards compatible with existing EC5 connectors, giving you flexibility across multiple RC setups.
- Error Logging and Diagnostics — The battery maintains a detailed error log tracking over-heat incidents, over-discharge events and over-charge situations. This data helps you ensure the battery is right for your application and identify any charging or usage problems.
- No Soldering Required — The battery ships fully assembled with connectors pre-installed, meaning you can connect it straight to your RC car or boat without any technical modifications or soldering expertise needed.
- 5000mAh Capacity — This capacity strikes an excellent balance between runtime and weight, making it suitable for most RC cars, buggies, trucks and boats without excessive bulk or reduced performance.
- 3S LiPo Chemistry — With three cells delivering 11.1V nominal voltage, this battery provides the power needed for high-performance applications while remaining compatible with a vast array of RC electronics available in the UK market.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V 100C Smart LiPo represents cutting-edge battery engineering designed specifically for demanding RC applications. The 100C continuous discharge rating translates to a maximum continuous discharge current of 500 amps (calculated as 5000mAh × 100C), providing explosive acceleration and sustained power delivery that competitive racers and serious RC enthusiasts demand. The battery's three-cell configuration produces 11.1V nominal voltage, with each cell operating at the standard 3.7V characteristic of modern LiPo chemistry. Constructed with high-quality lithium polymer cells, this pack delivers consistent voltage output and minimal voltage sag even under maximum load conditions.
The hardcase construction utilises an impact-resistant ABS plastic shell that protects the cells from physical damage during transport and field use, a significant advantage over standard soft-case alternatives. The battery measures 138.5mm in length, 46.5mm in width and 35mm in height, fitting comfortably into most modern RC car and boat chassis designs. At 400-499 grams, the weight is optimised to provide sufficient power density without adding excessive mass that would compromise handling and agility. The 12 AWG wire gauge ensures excellent current delivery with minimal resistance, whilst the maximum continuous discharge rate of 100C allows for instantaneous power demands without degradation. The battery supports a maximum charge rate of 3C (15 amps), allowing for relatively rapid recharge cycles when paired with an appropriate charger. The integrated Smart microchip records and stores all critical performance data, including number of charge cycles, discharge cycles, peak temperature readings and health status, enabling you to make informed decisions about battery maintenance and replacement timing. The Smart discharge feature, when programmed with a compatible charger, automatically brings the battery to storage voltage to prevent the chemical degradation that occurs when LiPo cells sit at full charge for extended periods, ultimately extending the lifespan of your investment significantly.
What's in the Box
- 1x SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V 100C Smart LiPo Hardcase battery with IC5 connector
- Instruction Manual (PDF download available)
- Spektrum Smart Batteries Safety Sheet (multilingual)
- Battery Safety Sheet (multilingual)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Spektrum Smart battery compatible with non-Smart chargers? — Yes, the battery is fully functional with standard LiPo chargers thanks to its backwards-compatible IC5 connector design, which works with existing EC5 systems. However, you will only unlock the full benefits of Smart technology—automatic parameter upload, simplified charging, and smart discharge—when using a Spektrum Smart charger.
- How long does it take to charge the 5000mAh 3S battery? — The battery supports a maximum charge rate of 3C, which means a full charge from empty would take approximately 20 minutes using a 15-amp charger. Actual charging time depends on your charger's capabilities and your preferred charge rate settings.
- What is the difference between the IC5 and EC5 connectors? — The IC5 is Spektrum's next-generation connector that incorporates an additional data transfer wire enabling communication with Smart chargers and Smart devices. It features improved heat resistance and more solid electrical connections compared to the standard EC5. The IC5 is fully backwards compatible with EC5, so you can use this battery with any equipment that supports EC5 connectors.
- Can I use this battery in my RC car, buggy or boat? — The 11.1V 3S configuration and 5000mAh capacity make this battery suitable for most high-performance RC cars, buggies, trucks and boats available in the UK market. Check your vehicle's documentation to confirm compatibility with 3S LiPo batteries and IC5 or EC5 connectors.
- What does the 100C rating actually mean? — The C rating indicates the maximum safe discharge rate of the battery. A 100C rating on a 5000mAh battery means you can safely discharge at up to 500 amps continuously (5000mAh × 100C). This exceptional rating delivers the extreme power and acceleration that competitive racing demands.
- How does Smart discharge work and why is it important? — When programmed with a Spektrum Smart charger, the battery will automatically discharge itself to a safe storage voltage (typically around 3.6V per cell) after a time period you choose between 12 and 240 hours. This feature is crucial because leaving LiPo cells at full charge for extended periods degrades the chemical structure of the cells, reducing their lifespan. Smart discharge prevents this degradation, extending your battery's usable life significantly.
- Is this battery suitable for beginners? — Whilst the battery itself is user-friendly thanks to Smart technology and simplified charging, the 100C discharge rating is designed for high-performance applications and competitive racing rather than entry-level bashers. Beginners should consider their vehicle's specifications and charging equipment compatibility before purchasing.
- What safety features does this battery include? — The battery includes built-in charge protection circuitry and a comprehensive error log that tracks over-heat, over-discharge and over-charge incidents. Always follow the included safety documentation and never leave charging batteries unattended.
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 SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V 100C Smart LiPo Hardcase; IC5 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.
