A123 Setup Questions . . .

[PTS]

I have read alot of info about the A123 Batts. I am building a 35% with the following power components. Also I have a few questions. Please forgive my ignorance but it took me a long time to even switch to Li-Ions.

1. PowerExpander Sport - Will these batteries work with this Expander properly without a reg?

2. Can you charge these Batts thru the Fromeco Wolverine dual switch without having to remove the batts?

3. Is it correct that you can plug direct and do not have to use a ign voltage regulator for the DA Ignition? I will not have a switch for ignition as I will run the power thru the SF ign optic. I would also like to be able to charge this batt thru a external charge port.

4. What charger is recommended for both home and quick charge field use?


Thanks,

Perry

[bodywerks]

1. Yes
2. Yes, depending on the charger you use. You cannot with the cellpro that eveyone recommends.
3. Yes, the DA ignition can handle the full charge voltage of an A123 pack. The only way to charge the pack externally would be to build your own pack with a seperate charge lead. But remember, both the Power expander and the ignition cutoff will continue to draw a small current, even when off, and it is highly recommended that you disconnect them after each day of flying or you can run the batteries dead.
4. I have a thunder power 1010C with the version 2.3 firmware upgrade, making it A123 capable, and I can balance charge or just plain charge with it - this is not an option with the cellpro - you must always balance charge.
I also bought some cheap chargers here http://www.batteryspace.com/index.as...OD&ProdID=3286, which will charge at 1 amp until fully charged and then shutoff. They aren't fast, but they are cheap and easy.

[Sin City Jets]

Perry,

If you use a JR male servo connector, you can ectend the balancing leads as long as you want, then just use a JR to CellPro converter cable, and you will not only be able to make your balancing connectors as long as you want, but you will also be able to use the CellPro charger.

Let me know if you have any questions sbot this set-up. From what I have seen and sold, this is becomming the most popular way of setting a power system up.

Chad

[Hammbone]

If you haven't purchased your A123 batteries yet, buy them through Chad at Sin City Jets. He's got great pricing and is an awesome guy to deal with. He has the best tech support and customer service that I've ever experienced.

Jim

[Rolling Thunder]

I have seen a pack that Sin City Jets put together. It was nicely done.

On my packs I am using a separate charge balance lead. I am using the 3 wire JR plug method. It works very well.

[PTS]

Thanks for the response!

Chad - Do you offer the 3 lead packs? I would need the 3 wire lead with a Deans to the powerbox, JR for charge leads, and either JR or Deans for the switch. I will double check the Wolverine Switch. I may just go 2 JR HD Switches instead of Wolverine. I have never used the Wolverine switch.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks,

Perry

[wildhare]

I normally sell packs with one or two HD output leads with Deans connectors plus a Cellpro charge lead. The Cellpro lead can easily be converted into a JR lead.

I also sell the MPI switches with a Deans connector on input. You can buy one pack and two switches and power your plane with redundant switches and redundant connections into the receiver, light and reliable.

I'm not sure that I understand about your 3 wire output with Deans connectors, the Deans Ultra connectors are just for two wires.

TF

[PTS]

Sorry about the three wire confusion. I figured out what I think I need.

Perry

[bodywerks]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Sin City Jets
	Perry, If you use a JR male servo connector, you can ectend the balancing leads as long as you want, then just use a JR to CellPro converter cable, and you will not only be able to make your balancing connectors as long as you want, but you will also be able to use the CellPro charger. Let me know if you have any questions sbot this set-up. From what I have seen and sold, this is becomming the most popular way of setting a power system up. Chad

Very good point! I honestly never thought of that possibility (what a dumba$$)! Do your batteries come with both a high-output lead and a balance/charge lead, like this? If so, I have a lot of interested folks out here that I will have to send your way...

[Rolling Thunder]

I am building my personal packs like you are Nick(the black wrapped battery). This system really works well.

[PTS]

I spoke to Chad today at Sin City and below is what I am going with. Very nice guy to deal with. The batts do have the dual leads.

35% Extra 260 w/ HITEC 5955TG Servos.

1. Smartfly Power Expander Pro w/ no Reg.

2. 2 - A123 2300 w/JR Balancing Adapter & Deans Connectors for power box.

3. Smartfly Pin & Flag failsafe switch for power box, and 2 charge receptacles for both batts.

4. A123 2300 w/ JR Balancing Adapter & Deans Connector for DA Ign (no reg). Also will install charge receptacle. No switch as I will run thru SF Optic. Will have to put deans connector on DA Ign harness.

5. Cell Pro 4S Charger w/ JR to CellPro Converter.


Be sure to unplug 1 batt from power box if not both while charging to prevent a bad ground situation.


Perry

[pepatrick]

I have 2 A123racing 2300 Mah batteries. According to many test, they dont require balancing, however I would like to balance them periodically. The batteries have the single pig tail balancing cabple and I am using either a TP-1010c with the TP balancer or Bantam BC-6 charger with the built in balancer...How do I balance these things?