A123 Cells to Replace Lipos?

A123 Cells to Replace Lipos?
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> A123 Cells to Replace Lipos?

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A123 Cells to Replace Lipos? - 8/11/2007 5:52:13 AM

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I understand A123 cells do not have the capacity per weight of Lipos but with 15 min charge times and being far more robust than Lipos and safer (less likely to explode), why are they not more prevailent.

I have never seen any for sale in any model shops I have visited from New Zealand through Asia to Europe (havnt been to USA for a long while).
Are they only available in the USA at present. If so why not worldwide in model shops.

With my history of Lipos at the moment I would still consider A123 cells even with there weight penalty.

I understand they need a different type of charger though. Can an electronic adapter be used with a standard lipo digital charger to charge these cells.

< Message edited by PlaneHeli -- 9/20/2007 2:25:48 AM >

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 9:08:23 AM

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I use them in two of my planes and like them. However they are heavyer, larger, and less voltage. They just don't fit in smaller planes.

quote:

ORIGINAL: PlaneHeli

I understand A123 cells do not have the capacity per weight of Lipos but with 15 min charge times and being far more robust than Lipos and safer (less likely to explode), why are they not more prevailent.

I have never seen any for sale in any model shops I have visited from New Zealand through Asia to Europe (havnt been to USA for a long while).
Are they only available in the USA at present. If so why not worldwide in model shops.

With my history of Lipos at the moment I would still consider A123 cells even with there weight penalty.

I understand they need a different type of charger though. Can an electronic adapter be used with a standard lipo digital charger to charge these cells.

(in reply to PlaneHeli)

RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 10:21:47 AM

mrasmm

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yeah, I would agree. Basically the mfg hasn't made too many different sizes of cells. There is really only one viable cell for the RC world and that is the 2300mAh cells. They probably either don't know about the rc market, or consider it too small for them to specialize in. They are probably going more for the portable power tool and hybrid and EV market =) Maybe potentionally laptops or something like that also. There is alot more money in developing products for those markets over RC =(

Other than that though, I don't really have any idea. Hopefully they will become more available soon though

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 12:38:30 PM

Red Scholefield

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The bulk of the A123 cells finding their way into the hobby market are taken from DeWalt 36 volt drill packs available for around US$100 (10 cell pack) on e-Bay. There are a few hobby outlets in the US offering them at $16/cell. I have been using them for over a year in 40 size models and the performance is excellent. Several of my flying buddies are also using them. After 100 cycles they still show 90 % of original capacity. There have been no reported incidents of fires or explosions. A number of charger manufacturers are providing charters/balancers that are A123 compatible.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 2:21:51 PM

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Ok that would explain it. A123 are not targeting the RC hobby yet with other markets being significantly larger.

So they wouldnt be a viable option in small electric helis such as the Trex 450?.

What about the Trex 600 sized helis?

< Message edited by PlaneHeli -- 8/12/2007 9:49:55 AM >

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 2:28:41 PM

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Horizon Hobbies carries A123 cells and packs.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 2:29:41 PM

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Go to rcpilot.eu. These guys claim to be using them for EP including Trex 50 and 600.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 9:56:19 PM

mrasmm

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Fast Guy

Horizon Hobbies carries A123 cells and packs.

that's weird that they are marketing them as lithium ion packs. I always thought they were lithium manganese?

Cool though!

As far as the Trex600, I really have no idea what size of packs they use on those, so I couldn't really tell ya. As far as the 450, yes they are pretty much perfect size, they are just a bit heavier for their size than the lipo's of equal capacity.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 10:12:25 PM

Red Scholefield

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quote:

ORIGINAL: mrasmm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Fast Guy

Horizon Hobbies carries A123 cells and packs.

that's weird that they are marketing them as lithium ion packs. I always thought they were lithium manganese?

Cool though!

As far as the Trex600, I really have no idea what size of packs they use on those, so I couldn't really tell ya. As far as the 450, yes they are pretty much perfect size, they are just a bit heavier for their size than the lipo's of equal capacity.

Lithium Ion are the generic family, Horizon defines them properly: Li-Ion Nano Phosphate, a sub group of Lithium Ion.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/11/2007 10:20:07 PM

mrasmm

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good to know =) thanks for clearing that up

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/12/2007 12:46:51 AM

guver

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I figured it was the cost.

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/12/2007 9:50:33 AM

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the smart charger and balance charger for 1-6 or 1-7 A123 cells have been launched, the model is 630B with LED, 680B and C650 with LCD display. more information, please visit www.chargery.com , or contact me directly at jasonwang3a@163.com

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/14/2007 7:37:38 AM

bob_nj

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My link isn't working

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RE: A123 Cells Replace Lipos - 8/17/2007 11:18:51 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: guver

I figured it was the cost.

They're cheaper to run.

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