Who using A123 batteries?

[Scott Gerber]

I've been following all the threads on FG about a123's ( thanks Dick Hanson! ) and finally made the jump to them in my 29%AW Edge. Bought the 2s 2300 pack and Cellpro charger from Tanicpacks and made my own ignition pack from a store bought VPX pack and added a node connector to it. I'm pleased with the near 50% reduction in weight and the ability to fast charge on demand at the field.... we will see how things go at the field this spring on the first flights because I also made the jump to Spektrum and have that installed now too.....

Scott

[Sin City Jets]

A123's are definately the way to go. More and more airplane guys are switching to these everyday. Keeping me busy for sure!!

[rob_k]

I'm not using them for airplane receiver batteries yet but, I am having good luck on a heli running a 15s A123 setup with a BEC off of the first 5 cells in series. They are definitely heavier than the equivalent 12s lipo but, $150/pack as opposed to $600/pack made for a $1350 savings for me with 3 packs.

[Ricky Bobby]

OK i been reading & reading all the post about A123
I am setting up a new bird for spring. 40% carden edge.
I always been a fan of keeping it simple [kiss] and been running 2 rx set up and nickel metal batteries in my planes. No problems at all.
Well i made the jump to a123 for the edge and i will be going with a power expander and i will be running a Seiko servo for the rudder.
I receive all my goodies from Sin City
2-2300 for rx
1-2300 fir ignition
1-2300 3sip 9.9 to power the Seiko
1-power expander
the batties just have the 2 leads no balancing leads i will be using just deans connectors

OK now i need to get my switches and a charger with a read out. I like to go with fromeco wolverine switch for the power exp. 1 switch for rudder 1 for ign.
Is possible to charge threw the switches
need some advice on what chargers to buy looking to have 2 charger

[Panzlflyer]

Yes you can, you could get an adapter and use your nicad charger.
I am using an Orbit pocketlader from Radical and a Bantam 902 from RC accessory

[Al Lewis]

I haven't used them as of yet but here's the link to a guys site (Bob Pastorello) that has researched and used them extensively. All the information you'll need is here.

www.rcaerobats.net

[rede2fly]

iam using them and love it. fast charge the way its supposed to be. fast!!! i make my own packs with the dewalt batteries. they are 2300 instead of the vpx packs being 1100. also bought the cellpro 4s, but i emailed multiplex/ hitec and they shot me back a email today saying that the ln5014 will charge the A123 without any adapter (great i have one of those). i just ordered another dewalt pack last night. i will end up with, what i allready have 10 packs total. enough to do all my planes. iam totaly switching out. will be listing all my regulators and li-ions for sale as soon as i can take pics

[Panzlflyer]

I dont see 123s or Li Ferrite listed in the Hitec Multiplex specs, make sure it cuts off at 7.2v or so as it seems some of the manufacturers think they are lipos or liions that cut off at 8+ Volts.
Unless it says A123 or Li Fer then it probably does not.

[samd]

I'm still struggling with the idea that other than keeping close track of flight time (battery power used), you have no way of knowing where you are on the [discharge] curve. The fact that you could be very near the "drop off" (due to a number of factors, not the least of which is simply losing track of the time you've flown) and not know seems mighty risky.

Call me "shaky in Seattle" or some other appropriate label... Just not sure about this A123 stuff.

[Pale Rider]

Don't blame you at all if your not used to doing it that way. Even when I was using Nimh's I always counted my flights and figured what I used on an average flight. Thats what I really went by when trying to figure when to recharge. I just checked voltage to make sure nothing crazy was going on.

[Craven]

Contact TBoobie. He is an expert on A123 batteries and would be more than happy to help you out.

[matus777]

and if that doesn't work he can ask Wayne?