Li-po (Lithium Polymer) Batteries

[toppack]

I can see that one of the main problems with operating RC Subs is the charge-life of the small Battery-pack required. :( (Changing out battery-pack in sub-driver is a Real Hassel)
I've always used Ni-cad or Gel-cel batteries, but was wondering about the new Li-po (Lithium Polymer) batteries?
I know they are very expensive compaired to Ni-cads, but are they really worth that extra cost, in duration of the charge, and in the sizes and voltages that we need for Sub-drivers ? :confused:

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Has anyone done a comparison Test of Lithium-Polymer versus Nickel-Cadmium Batteries? Or seen good Data on the subject?

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I can see that Li-po batteries would be great if you really need to reduce weight, such as in an Airplane or Helicopter model, but since ships and subs need a lot of ballast-weight would there be any advantage to using them?
And since Li-po cells are such Odd shapes and sizes, and voltage per cell (3.6 V), a 3 cell pack would be difficult to fit in a small or medium sized SD, I think?

I'm starting to get the feeling I'm talking to myself, here? :p

[toppack]

Is it that No one wants to talk about batteries, Or is that No one has a working keyboard anymore, Or is it that No one wants to Talk about Anything, Or is it that I'm the Last Person in the World and don't Realize it ??? :confused::confused::confused:
Please give a Clue, here ? :confused:

[Kazzer]

Ha! No one loves ya eh? :)

Not much to say about batteries really. The data is out there, LiPo have more bang for their buck. Whatever battery you have, changing them out is always going to be a pain, so the longer life/running time, the better. I can stack a couple of them into some cylinders, and anyhow, after an hour or so, its a good thing to return to port for a check-over - otherwise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEskvVUHjnw

[toppack]

. The data is out there

Yes, but all the data I've seen is put out by the people making or selling the Li-pos. I was hopeing someone may have done an unbiased comparison test of their own?

Thanks, Mike, at least I know there's someone still out there.
We need to get more people for our 'Cabal', to share Sub building Info.
Maybe if we upload some Porn pictures? That always works for other websites. :D LOL :D
How about this one? True Sex-appeal! :D

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Yes, but all the data I've seen is put out by the people making or selling the Li-pos. I was hopeing someone may have done an unbiased comparison test of their own?

Thanks, Mike, at least I know there's someone still out there.
We need to get more people for our 'Cabal', to share Sub building Info.
Maybe if we upload some Porn pictures? That always works for other websites. :D LOL :D
How about this one? True Sex-appeal! :D

Good idea!

Mike?

David,

[toppack]

I've been seeing reports that Li-po batteries are Very Dangerous! They can easily be overcharged or if they are accidently shorted, they can Explode in a Fire-Ball.
The vendor I get some parts from said that they were completely kicked off eBay for selling Li-pos with connectors installed, instead of sealed wire ends that could not be shorted in transit.
There's also a ruling going thru that they can not be carried on commercial aircraft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz59ZE0ycP4&feature=related

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3690260570423705609

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ0SNESIkWk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DcpANRFrI4&feature=related

Looks like I'll be stayin' with my ol' Ni-cads. :)

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I've been seeing reports that Li-po batteries are Very Dangerous! They can easily be overcharged or if they are accidently shorted, they can Explode in a Fire-Ball.
The vendor I get some parts from said that they were completely kicked off eBay for selling Li-pos with connectors installed, instead of sealed wire ends that could not be shorted in transit.
There's also a ruling going thru that they can not be carried on commercial aircraft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz59ZE0ycP4&feature=related

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3690260570423705609

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ0SNESIkWk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DcpANRFrI4&feature=related

Looks like I'll be stayin' with my ol' Ni-cads. :)

You do that. You still use a buggy-whip?

David,

[Kazzer]

The aircraft rule has been in effect for ages. We only ship 'ground'. Our batteries have sealed ends and are packed in blister packs for shipping.

It is sad to say, but ALL LiPo batteries are made in China. They have already undergone a huge shipping problem already. They would have failed on the journey to the USA, if they were to fail at all.

I cannot understand why someone would be shipping these things with bared ends. No wonder Ebay banned them.

[toppack]

You still use a buggy-whip?

David,

No, but I do drive a 1929 Packard Coupe. :)
And that's my New car! :D LOL :D

[toppack]

I cannot understand why someone would be shipping these things with bared ends. No wonder Ebay banned them.

Their batteries had insulated connectors on them, not bare wires.
They are being forced to remove the connectors and put shrink-sleeving over ends of wires. Don't really understand that. Probably our EPA at work. :)

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Sorry, I understand the posibility may be remote, if you're careful, but I just can't see using something that can explode that violently, and can do so much damage.
I read somewhere that water getting to them can cause them to explode also, which is very possible with subs.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Sorry, I understand the posibility may be remote, if you're careful, but I just can't see using something that can explode that violently, and can do so much damage.
I read somewhere that water getting to them can cause them to explode also, which is very possible with subs.

Life is full of risks. Your case against Lithium-polymer is over stated, based on stories of misuse and old packaging processes.

But, do as you please in this matter.

David,

[Kazzer]

I mistakenly plugged my 7.2 v battery into a 12volt LiPo charger. Next morning, the battery had swelled up to almost twice its size. No explosion.

I know of a number of people who run these batteries in the wet without problems,

I guess that the right thing to do is follow the rules, just like you would for handling gasoline or ammunition.

1. Always charge the batteries in an area which cannot catch fire.
2. Always use the correct type of charger.
3. Have a fire extinguisher handy
4. Never leave the battery charging when you go down to the pub.

Any other good safety ideas?

I see these batteries as being a great asset to the smaller submarines, seeing as they have so much power for a small volume.