Good Lipos + Charger
11-22-2010, 05:22 PM
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Good Lipos + Charger
Hey guy I've been looking to get either a Velineon brushless system or a Castle Creations Sidewinder Sport system for my Stampede. Now, I need to do some research about Lipo batteries themselves. But, what is a good charger you guys can recommend and what are some good batteries to recommend for the Stampede with either of those systems?
11-22-2010, 05:31 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
I just recently ordered a pair of batteries from hobbyking (turnigy lipos) and a turnigy accucel charger. All of this for under $100.
Might seem like its too good to be true but the turnigy lipos and the accucel chargers get raving reviews from most of the people around the forum and for a fraction of the price. Are you thinking about going 2s or 3s lipo?
Brett
Might seem like its too good to be true but the turnigy lipos and the accucel chargers get raving reviews from most of the people around the forum and for a fraction of the price. Are you thinking about going 2s or 3s lipo?
Brett
11-22-2010, 06:00 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
Um, well would 3S be a little overkill? I might fo for 'em. But ya, HobbyKing's stuff seems WAY too good to be true. And yes, eceryone seems to love them.
11-22-2010, 06:04 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
2s will be suitable for bashing around for sure. 3s if you really want some crazy speeds.
If I were you I wouldn't be turned away from the HK lipos just because of their lower prices. Like I said, and you have acknowledged, many people say they are just as good as the EXTREMELY expensive batteries out there. Also, the chargers get amazing reviews. Think of it this way, if you spend $25 to get a cheap lipo from HK if it dies on you in a year you won't have to care as much as if you had to go buy another $150 battery.
I'd definitely look into them and see what would be good for you. Can't wait for mine to come!
If I were you I wouldn't be turned away from the HK lipos just because of their lower prices. Like I said, and you have acknowledged, many people say they are just as good as the EXTREMELY expensive batteries out there. Also, the chargers get amazing reviews. Think of it this way, if you spend $25 to get a cheap lipo from HK if it dies on you in a year you won't have to care as much as if you had to go buy another $150 battery.
I'd definitely look into them and see what would be good for you. Can't wait for mine to come!
11-22-2010, 06:11 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
Sounds like great idea! Now, how about balancers and dischargers? I might sounds stupid. But, I still have some homework to do on Lipos.
11-22-2010, 06:20 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
Chargers like the Turnigy Accucel-6 (available on HK, but needs an external power supply) or the Accucel-8 are very highly recommended as well. They run for like $30-40 depending on which one you choose and have a good, accurate balancer (from what I've heard) built in. These can be a little more difficult because you will need to build (or purchase) a power supply but with some simple soldering an $15 on ebay you can pick up a server power supply and turn it into one usable by your charger. I'll include the link below.
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
11-22-2010, 06:29 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
My dad has a power supply outside that is capable of 2 amps, 20 amps, and 50 amps. I'm pretty sure it's used for plugging into car batteries. Do these chargers have alligator clips?
11-22-2010, 07:00 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
Now, with Traxxas connectors, would I have to solder them on to the charger? And the batteries? Or can I just buy them fitted with the connectors?
11-22-2010, 07:09 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: cooldriver385
My dad has a power supply outside that is capable of 2 amps, 20 amps, and 50 amps. I'm pretty sure it's used for plugging into car batteries. Do these chargers have alligator clips?
My dad has a power supply outside that is capable of 2 amps, 20 amps, and 50 amps. I'm pretty sure it's used for plugging into car batteries. Do these chargers have alligator clips?
Now, with Traxxas connectors, would I have to solder them on to the charger? And the batteries? Or can I just buy them fitted with the connectors?
Not too bad. All in all your getting a lipo and a charger for under $100 shipped and you only need to solder the connectors (or if you need a power supply, either build or find one).
11-22-2010, 09:00 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: cooldriver385
I've never soldered before. So I'm gonna have to acquire the skill. My dad can probably teach me.
I've never soldered before. So I'm gonna have to acquire the skill. My dad can probably teach me.
Good luck!
11-22-2010, 10:33 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: VXL ENCHILADA
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Cheaper than the AC power supply I currently use, that acts up some since the day I got it, and can put out 3X the amps as my power supply
ORIGINAL: papa_smurf
I read alot of reviews saying that they recieved them completly dead.
I read alot of reviews saying that they recieved them completly dead.
I've only read 1-2 people have issues, but they also didn't bother warrantying the batteries when HK offered to replace them.
I have 7 or so HK lipos and never had an issue due to their quality(I did make a mistake and slightly damaged 2, but it would have happened even with the $150 lipos), and 2 I run at their max amp rating with no issues.
11-22-2010, 10:52 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: SyCo_VeNoM
lol just ordred me one of those. Thanks for the link
Cheaper than the AC power supply I currently use, that acts up some since the day I got it, and can put out 3X the amps as my power supply
ORIGINAL: VXL ENCHILADA
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Cheaper than the AC power supply I currently use, that acts up some since the day I got it, and can put out 3X the amps as my power supply
Good luck getting it goin haha
11-22-2010, 11:40 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: VXL ENCHILADA
Chargers like the Turnigy Accucel-6 (available on HK, but needs an external power supply) or the Accucel-8 are very highly recommended as well. They run for like $30-40 depending on which one you choose and have a good, accurate balancer (from what I've heard) built in. These can be a little more difficult because you will need to build (or purchase) a power supply but with some simple soldering an $15 on ebay you can pick up a server power supply and turn it into one usable by your charger. I'll include the link below.
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
Chargers like the Turnigy Accucel-6 (available on HK, but needs an external power supply) or the Accucel-8 are very highly recommended as well. They run for like $30-40 depending on which one you choose and have a good, accurate balancer (from what I've heard) built in. These can be a little more difficult because you will need to build (or purchase) a power supply but with some simple soldering an $15 on ebay you can pick up a server power supply and turn it into one usable by your charger. I'll include the link below.
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
There's a guy on fleabay selling them for $45 shipped per pair. So buy one for home and one for the track [8D]
11-23-2010, 12:05 AM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: ThunderbirdJunkie
Did that over the weekend and ThunderbirdJunkie has been using it constantly. Thinking about hooking up an old car stereo head unit and speakers and such to it, too.
There's a guy on fleabay selling them for $45 shipped per pair. So buy one for home and one for the track [8D]
ORIGINAL: VXL ENCHILADA
Chargers like the Turnigy Accucel-6 (available on HK, but needs an external power supply) or the Accucel-8 are very highly recommended as well. They run for like $30-40 depending on which one you choose and have a good, accurate balancer (from what I've heard) built in. These can be a little more difficult because you will need to build (or purchase) a power supply but with some simple soldering an $15 on ebay you can pick up a server power supply and turn it into one usable by your charger. I'll include the link below.
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
Chargers like the Turnigy Accucel-6 (available on HK, but needs an external power supply) or the Accucel-8 are very highly recommended as well. They run for like $30-40 depending on which one you choose and have a good, accurate balancer (from what I've heard) built in. These can be a little more difficult because you will need to build (or purchase) a power supply but with some simple soldering an $15 on ebay you can pick up a server power supply and turn it into one usable by your charger. I'll include the link below.
As for discharging, I think your supposed to make sure the cells don't go below.... 3.9v but that's coming off the top of my head. I need to do more HW on that as well before I start charging my new batts. Just make sure you charge responsibly, don't charge over night etc. as I'm sure you've heard of the dangers of lipos if you're irresponsible with them.
Here's the link to that PS build. I'm thinking about doing this, its very simple soldering and CHEAP: http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
Good luck with your llipo experience haha :P
There's a guy on fleabay selling them for $45 shipped per pair. So buy one for home and one for the track [8D]
How did the build go? Easy I'm assuming.... which server ps did you base it on? The one that the guy in that thread based it on or a different one?
Let me know!
11-23-2010, 12:12 AM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
The one that OP used for his build.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160508056884
Bought two of those.
took about 30 minutes grand total. Will have to take some pictures when the SC10 is put back together so there's room on the desk. It works pretty good, haven't had a chance to really stress it yet.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160508056884
Bought two of those.
took about 30 minutes grand total. Will have to take some pictures when the SC10 is put back together so there's room on the desk. It works pretty good, haven't had a chance to really stress it yet.
11-23-2010, 06:32 AM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
Wouldn't ie be a better idea and be easier if you bought this?
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
11-23-2010, 06:54 AM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: cooldriver385
Wouldn't ie be a better idea and be easier if you bought this?
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
Wouldn't ie be a better idea and be easier if you bought this?
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
EDIT: also, the other ps is a 47a charger that only puts out 16a and there's one bad review... hmmmm interesting stuff
11-23-2010, 11:59 AM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
my laptops charger puts out 3.5A @ 18.5V. the charger I want to get (HK ECO6-10) says it can use an input voltage from 12-18V, would I fry the thing if I changed the plug on my laptop charger to be able to power the charger with it? I know I wouldnt be charging at a very high rate until i built a better power supply but I have this laptop charger with no laptop anymore...
I dont know if the "charging software" or whatever youd call it is in the charger itself or if the computer handles the job and that cord/transformer deal does nothing but convert 110AC to 18.5 DC?
I dont know if the "charging software" or whatever youd call it is in the charger itself or if the computer handles the job and that cord/transformer deal does nothing but convert 110AC to 18.5 DC?
11-23-2010, 12:25 PM
#23
RE: Good Lipos + Charger
ORIGINAL: cooldriver385
Wouldn't ie be a better idea and be easier if you bought this?
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
Wouldn't ie be a better idea and be easier if you bought this?
[link=http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765]http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13765[/link]
It's even made by Turingy too.
1st time I used it the fan never kicked on to cool it(was supposed to come on when it got too warm) so it overheated, and voltage dropped to 8V.
2nd time same thing.
So I popped it open and connected the fan to the power rails to be always on(found a post somewhere else where a guy had the same issue), and it became more stable, but still the voltage will still randomly drop off for no reason seeing its not overheating now(I ran it taken apart and checked the temps when it was acting up).
I've also never pulled more than 11A's through it seeing I was running 2 chargers at 10A's on it.
And maddmatt No idea I'm sure its rated 12-18v for a reason
it MIGHT be able to take the extra .5v's or that .5v's might damage it. I personally wouldn't try it.
11-23-2010, 02:10 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
HK batteries are great I now have about 15 of them not a single issue yet. As far as chargers go I have a venom and its ok but it charges very slow cant even charge my 4s batteries at 5a. I just purchased a icharger 206b and I love the thing. It can charge up to 20a the most ive gone up to so far is 16a and it didnt even get warm. For a powersupply I usually use my car battery when I am bashing but at home I purchased a 15v 30a ps from ebay seems to work well and is compact but gets pretty warm until the fan kicks on. It was only 40 dollars.
11-23-2010, 03:09 PM
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RE: Good Lipos + Charger
I would order that turnigy ps but its not available at the USA warehouse so it would cost me big $$ to ship it. Rather just get the one from eBay and built one.
I have question though for the guys with more experience. If my ps is putting out MORE watts then what my charger can handle, will it be ok? I'm not sure if it absolutely needs to be below or if the charger will just max out at the 150w and the rest will not be drawn... idk help me out here haha.
Thanks
I have question though for the guys with more experience. If my ps is putting out MORE watts then what my charger can handle, will it be ok? I'm not sure if it absolutely needs to be below or if the charger will just max out at the 150w and the rest will not be drawn... idk help me out here haha.
Thanks