Which RX battery
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Which RX battery
Hello All,
My current setup is a 1/4 scale (77") sukhoi, Spektrum system with a couple 645's and a couple of 5645's powered by a 3s 2500mah lipo.
The problem is that I got called away for work and didn't get back for a month and the lipo was plugged in to the regulator. Even though the switch was off this drained the lipo down below the min voltage and ruined the battery.
So I need a replacement rx battery. I'm thinking of getting rid of the regulator and going with a life battery. I'm completely new to this technology so am seeking advice on what to get.
Thanks,
My current setup is a 1/4 scale (77") sukhoi, Spektrum system with a couple 645's and a couple of 5645's powered by a 3s 2500mah lipo.
The problem is that I got called away for work and didn't get back for a month and the lipo was plugged in to the regulator. Even though the switch was off this drained the lipo down below the min voltage and ruined the battery.
So I need a replacement rx battery. I'm thinking of getting rid of the regulator and going with a life battery. I'm completely new to this technology so am seeking advice on what to get.
Thanks,
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RE: Which RX battery
ORIGINAL: zachfeen
Yep one and the same
Yep one and the same
Read the Tech notes at the bottom of this page/link:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXYAS9&P=0
Here's some A123 info:
http://www.a123systems.com/a123/technology
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RE: Which RX battery
ORIGINAL: JoeAirPort
Nope they are not the same. LiFe Source is lithium IRON phosphate. A123 is lithium NANO phosphate. There's no comparison in the performance between the two. A123 kicks LiFe's *****. LiFe is not bad though. It just ain't A123.
Nope they are not the same. LiFe Source is lithium IRON phosphate. A123 is lithium NANO phosphate. There's no comparison in the performance between the two. A123 kicks LiFe's *****. LiFe is not bad though. It just ain't A123.
I tested a 3200 mah LIFE pack against the regular 2300 mah A123 pack that we are all using. My testing involves putting the pack under an increasing load until the supplied voltage drops to 5.0 volts, then measuring the current flow out of the pack. I do this for a full discharge, not just for a few seconds.
I found that the LIFE 3200 pack would supply 15 amps in this test whereas the A123 2300 pack would supply right at 20 amps. The two packs were the same size physically. The LIFE pack was producing about 5C where the A123 was making almost 10C.
In practical application the LIFE pack would be fine for almost any plane, I flew it extensively in a 50cc plane until I left the switch on for several days and ruined it.
They charge the same and are both safe,
TF
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RE: Which RX battery
Learn something every day, I thought they were the same. The important thing is you are staying away from nimhs and mini lipo bombs. Lipos scare the **** out of me sometimes, even though i use them extensively for r/c truck racing. I have heard way too many stories of people losing their houses due to lipo fires.
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RE: Which RX battery
Okay, thanks guys. After I read that they were the same I ordered a couple. Now I'm just worried about charging. My charger says it will charge Li-Fe, but doesn't say anything about A123. Will I need a new charger?
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RE: Which RX battery
Both life and a123 2 cells are 6.6 volts, and have similar charge/discharge characteristics and I use my Triton eq set on LiFe to charge my a123s all the time and it works just fine.
#14
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RE: Which RX battery
I have read (about A123) that as long as you don't exceed the 7.4V max voltage an A123 can be charged up to it won't hurt it. So you might want to keep an eye on the voltqage the 1st time you charge it to make sure it doesn't go over 7.4V. I think Dick Hanson said this in another A123 for dummies thread...somewhere. Either here or FG.com.
#15
RE: Which RX battery
Anytime you use a voltage regulator be sure to put it on the switched side of the circuit, so that any time the switch is turned off the battery is completely isolated from the regulator.
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RE: Which RX battery
I hear you about the switch. I bought the plane used and that's the way it was set up. I didn't know any better, but ignorance is no excuse. My Fault for sure.
When a servo's specs show 4.8v or 6v is it safe to run the 6.6 of the A123?
Once again, thanks to everyone for the help.
When a servo's specs show 4.8v or 6v is it safe to run the 6.6 of the A123?
Once again, thanks to everyone for the help.
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RE: Which RX battery
Just got the A123s in. I installed one in the plane and all I can say is Wow! I haven't charged it yet, but the servos are super fast compared to the lipo/reg that I was running. Still won't be able to fly it till next week, but I'm looking forward to getting this bird back in the air. Thanks to everyone for the help.
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RE: Which RX battery
Alright, finally got a day off and need to charge the batteries. My charger(Venom-Pro) says it charges Li-Ion/Polymer Battery/Life Battery, but I can't find Life in the on screen menu. What settings are you using to charge these batteries?
Thanks,
Edit: Disregard, figured it out.
Thanks,
Edit: Disregard, figured it out.