lipo trouble

[Thorsteenster]

Originally Posted by Espeefan

I've always feared the LiPo packs myself, even though they are pretty safe. Something about the need to store them in a fireproof container or sack, and charge them in one as well freaks me out. Chances are it will rarely burst and start a fire, if you treat them well, and LiPo packs can be found everywhere in your house already. Cameras, cell phones, your electric shaver, ect. But I have been looking at the LiFe cells, which are supposed to be as safe as NiMh cells, have a longer life with more charge cycles, and they also can handle some serious discharge currents. Even better then LiPo packs, plus you can recharge them faster. The only downside is they are really pricey!

Same here on the LiPo's. After getting back into RC a few years back LiPo's were pretty much just coming into the scene. I tried it and wow, it really is some battery. I had Scorpion batteries and charger, I still have a battery and the charger.
I've since gone to A123 LiFe batteries, they are much less hassle, no worries about over discharging, LiPo fires etc etc. Although each cell is only rated at 3.3v nominal vs LiPo 3.6v.
As far as safety goes, this are a much better battery type, I would recomend them to anyone looking to go to lithium type batteries or tired of LiPo's.
The LiFe's are getting more popular with Max Amps now offering LiFe packes in flat cells. Mine are round cells and a little bigger than a sub C cell. I got mine from a DeWalt battery pack from Ebay for under $100. I want to say it had 10 cells but don't remember exactly. Nice thing is they are easy to solder because they have tabs spot welded on for soldering, so no worries of damaging the cells.
Any who, sorry to get off topic.

Yeah, now that Willy mentions it I remember reading somewhere the MAH rating needs to be high enough, easily figured out with some magical formula I have no comrehension of.....
lol
That's interesting on the LiIons, I'll have to see if my charger handles them and check them out. It would be nice to have a cheaper alternative for RC's not needing high C rated batteries.