rcpilotaviator

My Feedback: (14)

Ok guys, love these Life Batteries, but what a pain to balance and charge at the field without taking plane apart at the field. What are the tricks? Im talking about 60 size and larger nitro and gas, not small electrics.

4*60

My Feedback: (41)

No need to balance every time. I have used and sold A123 packs without balance leads for over a year and still 100%. Now using the non A123 life packs. I understand if you are charging at 1 c or less and discharging at a low rate, balanced cells is not a problem. If you are still concerned, there are balance lead extensions for under a $. And put them under a hatch.

Goldenduff

It's easy to make balance extension wires- I have some old servo type leads that once the ends are removed the wire terminates in a pin- perfect! 

4*60

My Feedback: (41)

Another question. Why charge at the field? I have flown 3 flights on 1100 life packs and then put back in under 100 ma, so I could easily fly 15-20 flights in a day without charging.

rcpilotaviator

My Feedback: (14)

Thanks for the comments guys. After using the nicd and nimh for the last couple years I just have become use to charging and checking the voltage. But I think to take full advantage of the Hobbico Life battery it should be balanced. Sure I could just charge it, but Im I getting the most out of them with out balancing them. I almost always charge at home, but still want to be able to balance at the field/charge at field.

ALWAYSPDG

My Feedback: (1)

Try Radical RC on the net, I think they have the extension balance cables for the LiFe battery you have listed here in 6", 12", and 24" lengths. I know that I got some just for the same reason and I think I got them from Radical RC. Try this; http://www.radicalrc.com/category/LI...xtendAdapt-435


Mike

guver

My Feedback: (325)

A pack that was balanced previously will tend to stay that way for a long time. Maybe you can balance it perfectly at home and then after many re-charges re-check the balance to see if it is true.

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

www.wrongwayrc.com sells external charge jacks that are set up to balance charge externally

Gtarling

I have three larger models that have A123 packs permanently fitted. What I do is fast charge on the field without balancing. After the last flight of the day, I balance charge the packs at home. After more than two years of this treatment, I have none that are out of balance by more than a couple of millivolts.

pilotpete2

If you use any one of the 3 wire (DSC) heavy duty switch harnesses, you can balance charge directly though the charge jack. You just need the battery pack to be wired up with a full 3 wire servo lead with the signal lead connected to the node of the two cells. Radical RC has this option on their website. When you do this setup, you do need to remember to cut the signal wire in the switches output lead to the receiver. All my gassers and slimers have this setup.
Pete

tacx

My Feedback: (1)

With a fully charged Life you can get allot of flights. You can charge them in your plane and if you want to balance without taking your plane apart just install the balance jack into the side of your plane. Just add a balance extension to the battery balance plug and find a suitable mounting plate and mount it next to the main charge jack.

Here is a pic of my Sig Hog Bipe that I never take apart. The balance jack has a rubber cap over it to keep out the dirt and oil.

rcpilotaviator

My Feedback: (14)

Thanks for all those sugestions. Love that hog bipe.