RE: Turnigy, GT, & I-Charger - Good Chargers
Six times the power for five times the price sounds about right, also remember the iCharger 1010 is a 10S charger vs. the Accucell listed which is a 6S. A better comparison would be the iCharger 106B+ which is a 6S, 10A, 250W charger for $120. There you would have 5x the power for 3x the price. Where this really pays off is if you are charging large packs or multiple packs in parallel. Time is money, and if you were charging a 6S pack, the Accucell is limited to 2A max. (50W) while the 106B+ could hit a full 10A output (250W). - David
Posted on: 11/17/2009 6:50 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261080

RE: Accu-Cycler Elite or What?
I've had an Accu-Cycle Elite as well for about two years, I even recently modded it with a backlit negative OLED - very nice! I run it with two LBA6, but it hasn't seen much use in about the past year due to the 2A charge rate limit. It takes around 1h 20m to charge up one of my 450 heli lipos, while I can plug a few up to the iCharger and always be done in less than 30 minutes. If you are interested in a powerful charger look into the iChargers (full disclaimer: I sell them through ProgressiveRC), BUT if you are looking at an AccuCycle Elite, let me know as well because I have a sweet backlit OLED screened model set-up with two LBA6 that is gathering dust on my charger shelf. - David
Posted on: 9/3/2009 10:47 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9068432

RE: Accu-Cycler Elite or What?
Another option for packs with the same cell count is parallel charging. This will allow you to get 2+ packs done at once. Take a look at this thread for some great info on how to get on with this: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=932319 Cheers, David
Posted on: 9/3/2009 6:38 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067821

RE: Powerful Power Supplies?
Yep, that 600W Meanwell for $65 linked to above can't be beat for the price. If you need any help getting going with that iCharger just let me know. Cheers, David ProgressiveRC
Posted on: 9/3/2009 6:36 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067815

RE: Dean's T-Connectors - HOW MUCH CURRENT??
The differences com in continuous or burst ratings. Sure, they can do 100 amps, but for how long? I do a lot of battery testing, some with very large cells and current draws of 300+ amps continuous (hour +). I can say this with full confidence and LOTS of history: 60 amps continuous is good. They will heat to over 100F, but stay manageable. 75 amps they get uncomfortably warm, around 135-140F. 100 amps plus continuous you can melt the solder off and drop the connection. So i'd put them at 60A plugs continuous, 75A burst (30 sec), and ~130-150A peak. - David
Posted on: 9/3/2009 6:34 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067809

RE: Good Rechargable AA's?
Radio shack has what you need. Any Eneloop is the way to go. - David
Posted on: 9/3/2009 6:29 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067801

RE: How puffed is
And there you have it. Thanks for splainin that one.
Posted on: 6/11/2009 7:47 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8845213

RE: How puffed is
Wow bozarth, I've never seen lipos damaged like that without going up in flames. What happened there? - David
Posted on: 6/11/2009 7:13 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8845128

RE: Leaking LiPO
If it's got that slightly sweet smell of leaking electrolyte, it's time to let it go. I'd discharge it down to 0V to be on the safe side prior to disposing. - David
Posted on: 6/11/2009 7:12 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8845123

RE: Lipo recharging statistics
I have one crazy @$$ spreadsheet that calcs and records a lot of stuff. Send me an email if you'd like a copy of it or check my threads on RCG, I'm sure I've posted it for general use before and that's where I'd go to find it, rather than cleaning up the one I use. - David
Posted on: 6/11/2009 7:11 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8845118

RE: best way to run 12 servos
You want 2S2P A123 cells. Two in series gives the desired voltage (~6V under load) and two in parallel (2x2300mAh cells) gives 4600mAh. You could run separate packs, so two 2S1P packs for redundancy as well. A123s are the toughest cells known to man, can be charged in minute, and will offer a thousand+ cycles with no appreciable loss in capacity. Don't think twice, this is the way to go for a set-up like yours. A123 cells can be bought loose from a variety of vendors and can also be purchased in premafe packs. Here's a link to some sources: http://www.progressiverc.com/LiFePO4.html Cheers, David
Posted on: 4/26/2009 9:30 AM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8716184

RE: best way to run 12 servos
A123 cells is the only way to go for this serious application. Two cells in series will give you 6V under load and two cells in parallel provides 4600 mAh. You can charge them in the plane, they will have plenty of power, are super durable, and have the perfect voltage output for this app. - David
Posted on: 4/24/2009 4:43 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8712246

RE: 989 and Lipos
MRC doesn't really have a pulse. When was the last time they released anything new? The 989 in '05?
Posted on: 4/24/2009 4:41 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "MRC Charger Product Support (i.e. Super Brain, etc)"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8712239

RE: Turnigy, GT, & I-Charger - Good Chargers
Turnigy chargers have often had balancing accuracy called in to question, but they offer quite a bit for the buck. iChargers are known to be very accurate with mature firmware and great flexibility in charging. They are also factory calibrated and are known to be spot on when it comes to measured output voltage. iChargers can be updated and charges/discharges can be logged via an included USB cable. Cheers, David
Posted on: 4/8/2009 5:36 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8662234

RE: General question about LiPo charging
Some packs (older ElectriFly) require charging through the charge (not discharge) leads and do not have balance connectors because - they have an onboard PCB with built in balancing circuitry and overvoltage protection on the charge lead end of things. The discharge end is directly connected to the cells and lacks the PCB protection. - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 4:37 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622582

RE: 12-VDC 10 A power supply for home use
All depends on what you are charging and at what rate (amps). Looks like you have up to 120W in to your chargers (12Vx10A). For example, to charge one 3S lipos at 2 amps requires 25.2W output (3x4.20Vx2A). - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 4:22 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622534

RE: Need some new lipos
Joe, As far as best, that's anyone's opinion. For some more choices, there are some extensive lists of batteries with specs., prices, and links that I've compiled here: http://progressiverc.com/Research.html Happy hunting! If price is of no concern and you are working with moderate discharge rates, I would take a look at the FlightPower EVOLite V2 in either 1600 or 2100 mAh. - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 4:18 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622524

RE: Best price on a 40amp esc?
Here is a chart of the lowest priced ESCs I've seen available in the 40A range: [IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/write2dgray/40AESCs.jpg[/IMG] Those HiModel ESCs are dirt cheap. They even offer a 125A model $33.63 and a 200A model for $52.64. That's more amps per dollar than any other ESC I've ever seen advertised before. - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 3:58 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622454

RE: robbe ro power Lipo batteries !!
The notes still exist on the Robbe website for these batteries here: http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.storefront/49cd1a4f0014fd02271b3e0dc14605dc/UserTemplate/1/?ISID=49cd1a4f0014fd02271b3e0dc14605dc Ro-Power : Specially treated Lithium material: batteries do not burn and do not explode, even if mishandled in any of the following ways: # Drilling a 5 mm Ø hole through the pack # Bending the pack along its length with a force of 13 kN # Slitting the centre of the cell, approx. 15 mm # Heating to 150°C for ten minutes # Overcharging at 5 Volts and 0.4 C for about 2.5 hours # Reversed-polarity charging at 5 Volts and 0.4 C for about 2.5 hours # Short-circuiting with 100 mOhm for 2.5 hours Amazing. I'd be interested to know what the difference is with these packs. It would appear they are higher voltage 4.20V (Li-Po?) packs with some of the advantages of A123s (safety). - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 2:30 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622191

RE: I can spot weld A123 cells!!!
Very nice packs there. I could certainly use a tool like that around the shop. What are these packs going in? - David
Posted on: 3/27/2009 2:01 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8622112

RE: Comprehensive List of Electric Flight Components with Specifications, Prices, & Comparative Data
The RC product lists have received a long overdue update with tons of added products and updated prices. Here are just a few of the products now listed: [*]Many new motors including Reaper Brushless and new stuff from Scorpion [*]Batteries: Added Thunder Power "Pro Power" and "ProLite V2," new CellPro Red Label, updated LiFE pricing and links [*]Added FMA Direct Quazar ESCs [*]74 new chargers including new iChargers, Graupner, Bantam, and MegaPower There is now a column added for the 2,000+ batteries which shows the max. continuous recommended current draw (Cont. A) for any given battery. A column has also been added to many of the pages for product manuals and many links are now populated. Here is an updated recap of the information listed by product type: [IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/write2dgray/CurrentList.jpg[/IMG]
Posted on: 11/22/2008 5:04 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8172980

RE: What peak charge amps to charge at?
A123s are the only ones I know of that don't mind a 10*C charge rate.
Posted on: 10/29/2008 2:02 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8096003

RE: What peak charge amps to charge at?
Yes, 1C is in general a good rule of thumb for lipos, although some lipos are safe to charge at 2-3C with proper charging equipment. - David
Posted on: 10/9/2008 8:19 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8034554

RE: Need a123 comparison table and/or quick ref
Absurd is not quite the adjective I would have used - but I am glad you guys have found it useful. FYI - there is a sale with good prices on loose A123s over at battlepack.com. I will update the pricing on my site tonight (progressiverc.com). Cheers, David
Posted on: 10/9/2008 7:00 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8034314

RE: A123 powered F150 Powerwheel
Cool project Snelle and nice alternative app for A123s. I am thinking about converting my electric lawn mower. The original lead battery is losing steam and takes forever to charge. A123s could do it good. Seems there would be an aftermarket for such A123 packs, but hey who am I to tell A123 how to market anything...
Posted on: 10/9/2008 6:56 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8034309

RE: A123 racing Site down for over a week now
A123, A123, A123 (shaking head slowly back and forth)...it must be hard work to continue to delay the uptake of what was and still is an exceptional product. It must keep [i]somebody[/i] over there up at night.
Posted on: 10/9/2008 6:40 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8034280

RE: Need advice on buying charger
There have been a recent run of failures with the TP 610s at the local flying field. I'd recommend looking into the [url=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839657]iCharger 106B+[/url] for good bang for the buck. 250W 6S balancing charger with cell impedance measurements, user upgradable, and PC logging support for the same or less than the 610s go for. - David
Posted on: 10/9/2008 6:26 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8034245

RE: Lipo balancers and balancers connectors.
[quote]ORIGINAL: avrcguy [quote]ORIGINAL: write2dgray I agree it is all a little frustrating. To add to the confusion, Align's new batteries started coming with an option for either JST-XH type balancing connectors or Thunder Power type balance connectors. To help clear things up I have added the balance connection type for every lipo made to the lists which can be found here: http
Posted on: 7/8/2008 7:36 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7708843

RE: DeWAlt 36 Volts Packs / some(?) now with non A123 cells
Agreed. It looks to be an early prototype or one-off test from inside the labs at DeWalt. No cause for concern.
Posted on: 6/13/2008 6:27 PM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7616148

RE: DeWAlt 36 Volts Packs / some(?) now with non A123 cells
All a bit ridiculous - I would be very interested to hear confirmation or denial of the use of Sony cells.
Posted on: 6/12/2008 11:25 AM by Author "write2dgray" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7610884