Ignitions on A123 Cells??
11-21-2007 | 08:22 PM
#101
My Feedback: (46)
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
Hey Bob!
We did this today, used a single 2 cell 2300, A123 to power a 74" Extreme Flight YAK running all 5955's and a ZDZ 40 gasser on a spektrum 9000 RX.
Worked perfectly, no regs for the motor or the RX.
We used a Fromeco Badger switch with a deans input and two JR outputs, one to the RX and one to the Ign.
We did this today, used a single 2 cell 2300, A123 to power a 74" Extreme Flight YAK running all 5955's and a ZDZ 40 gasser on a spektrum 9000 RX.
Worked perfectly, no regs for the motor or the RX.
We used a Fromeco Badger switch with a deans input and two JR outputs, one to the RX and one to the Ign.
11-21-2007 | 08:27 PM
#102
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: camss69
Hey Bob!
We did this today, used a single 2 cell 2300, A123 to power a 74" Extreme Flight YAK running all 5955's and a ZDZ 40 gasser on a spektrum 9000 RX.
Worked perfectly, no regs for the motor or the RX.
We used a Fromeco Badger switch with a deans input and two JR outputs, one to the RX and one to the Ign.
Hey Bob!
We did this today, used a single 2 cell 2300, A123 to power a 74" Extreme Flight YAK running all 5955's and a ZDZ 40 gasser on a spektrum 9000 RX.
Worked perfectly, no regs for the motor or the RX.
We used a Fromeco Badger switch with a deans input and two JR outputs, one to the RX and one to the Ign.
11-26-2007 | 08:02 PM
#104
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
Josey - the *cool* part of those is you can charge them with the FMA Cell Pro..... betcha.... and that means ONE charger and not very often recharging.... way cool. Well done!!!!!!!!!
11-26-2007 | 08:27 PM
#105
Senior Member
My Feedback: (61)
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: **,
NJ
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: aerobob
Josey - the *cool* part of those is you can charge them with the FMA Cell Pro..... betcha.... and that means ONE charger and not very often recharging.... way cool. Well done!!!!!!!!!
Josey - the *cool* part of those is you can charge them with the FMA Cell Pro..... betcha.... and that means ONE charger and not very often recharging.... way cool. Well done!!!!!!!!!
11-27-2007 | 10:31 AM
#107
Senior Member
My Feedback: (61)
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: **,
NJ
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
VPX is a new line of rechargeable power tools from Black and Decker. They are using 1100mah A123 cells for their power packs. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowes etc. $19.95 for a 2 cell pack.
11-27-2007 | 03:05 PM
#109
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: Josey Wales
VPX is a new line of rechargeable power tools from Black and Decker. They are using 1300mah A123 cells for their power packs. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowes etc. $19.95 for a 2 cell pack.
VPX is a new line of rechargeable power tools from Black and Decker. They are using 1300mah A123 cells for their power packs. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowes etc. $19.95 for a 2 cell pack.
Somehow I missed that .
11-27-2007 | 07:32 PM
#114
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
We all have to watch out for Dick's "seeing-eye" dog. I hear she chases airplanes, but only if they are moving.
The A123's are definitely rocking the biz..... can't wait to see what's next....
The A123's are definitely rocking the biz..... can't wait to see what's next....
11-27-2007 | 11:09 PM
#115
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Cedar Falls,
IA
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
I have read through this thread and would like to comment on Evil Homer's question in Post #91. He asks about using a two cell pack with a high current diode.
I think this is a great idea! High current silicon diodes are cheap (a 3 amp 1N5627 BK is $0.95 ea for one from Mouser) and will drop voltage exactly 0.7 volts. Put this with two 3.3 volt cells and you get a stable 5.9 volts. Sounds perfect.
Stan
I think this is a great idea! High current silicon diodes are cheap (a 3 amp 1N5627 BK is $0.95 ea for one from Mouser) and will drop voltage exactly 0.7 volts. Put this with two 3.3 volt cells and you get a stable 5.9 volts. Sounds perfect.
Stan
11-28-2007 | 06:07 AM
#117
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
I'm using the FMA CellPro 4S, and it automatically uses a balancing function as does the OEM charging devices (Black and Decker and DeWalt both use smart charging circuitry). Don't know if we "need" to balance, but since my setup does it automatically, I just let it go the way it's setup.
The diode in series is suggested by the RC Excell instructions, and I've verified that it SHOULD be done when using ignitions with sensors that can't tolerate higher than 6v sources. I've also verified that the v.2 RC Excell does not "need" the diode. Other brands *may* benefit from having the lower voltage, and it is definitely a cheap and super-reliable way to drop the .7 volts. You can use TWO and drop 1.4 volts for the ignitions that are REALLY finicky about input voltage.
The diode in series is suggested by the RC Excell instructions, and I've verified that it SHOULD be done when using ignitions with sensors that can't tolerate higher than 6v sources. I've also verified that the v.2 RC Excell does not "need" the diode. Other brands *may* benefit from having the lower voltage, and it is definitely a cheap and super-reliable way to drop the .7 volts. You can use TWO and drop 1.4 volts for the ignitions that are REALLY finicky about input voltage.
11-28-2007 | 07:17 AM
#118
Senior Member
My Feedback: (61)
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: **,
NJ
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: aerobob
You can use TWO and drop 1.4 volts for the ignitions that are REALLY finicky about input voltage.
You can use TWO and drop 1.4 volts for the ignitions that are REALLY finicky about input voltage.
11-28-2007 | 09:51 AM
#120
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
If you use the diode voltage drop method to run your reciever+servos+ignition be very sure that you use a HIGH current diode. That .7 volt drop is dissapated as heat, calculate the load and size the diode accordingly.
11-28-2007 | 10:23 AM
#121
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
Good catch, and correct!!!
The diode should ONLY be in the circuit for the IGNITION, and no others. That's how the one ignition I have with diodes is setup (it is not the RC Excell v.2).
Darn important catch - I appreciate your clarifying that!!!! [sm=thumbs_up.gif]
The diode should ONLY be in the circuit for the IGNITION, and no others. That's how the one ignition I have with diodes is setup (it is not the RC Excell v.2).
Darn important catch - I appreciate your clarifying that!!!! [sm=thumbs_up.gif]
11-28-2007 | 10:36 AM
#122
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
nonstop - I have to confess to total ignorance there.... On the FMA CellPro, I went the "plug and play" route, as the instructions said it didn't need changing, defaulting to the A123 mode from factory. Haven't touched it, just look at the display to be sure it's in A123 mode. Sorry.
11-28-2007 | 12:13 PM
#123
Senior Member
My Feedback: (61)
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: **,
NJ
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: Antique
If you use the diode voltage drop method to run your reciever+servos+ignition be very sure that you use a HIGH current diode. That .7 volt drop is dissapated as heat, calculate the load and size the diode accordingly.
If you use the diode voltage drop method to run your reciever+servos+ignition be very sure that you use a HIGH current diode. That .7 volt drop is dissapated as heat, calculate the load and size the diode accordingly.
11-28-2007 | 06:03 PM
#124
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
People,
I have been watching this post for a bit and must confess ignorance concerning these cells. A few questions come to mind:
Can they be charged through a normal, production switch (i.e. Maxx Prod or similar) with built-in charge jack? Or, do they require a special connector for charging (assume use of a cell-pro charger)?
Do they require "balancing connectors"? What is a "balancing connector"?
If one were to build an ignition pack from VPX cells does one have to exercise any 123-specific precautions or methods while soldering to make a two-cell pack?
These cells seem to be a very good alternative to any other cells available. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.
I have been watching this post for a bit and must confess ignorance concerning these cells. A few questions come to mind:
Can they be charged through a normal, production switch (i.e. Maxx Prod or similar) with built-in charge jack? Or, do they require a special connector for charging (assume use of a cell-pro charger)?
Do they require "balancing connectors"? What is a "balancing connector"?
If one were to build an ignition pack from VPX cells does one have to exercise any 123-specific precautions or methods while soldering to make a two-cell pack?
These cells seem to be a very good alternative to any other cells available. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.
11-28-2007 | 07:21 PM
#125
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (198)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: El Reno, OK
RE: Ignitions on A123 Cells??
ORIGINAL: rlmcnii
People,
I have been watching this post for a bit and must confess ignorance concerning these cells. A few questions come to mind:
Can they be charged through a normal, production switch (i.e. Maxx Prod or similar) with built-in charge jack? Or, do they require a special connector for charging (assume use of a cell-pro charger)?
Do they require "balancing connectors"? What is a "balancing connector"?
If one were to build an ignition pack from VPX cells does one have to exercise any 123-specific precautions or methods while soldering to make a two-cell pack?
These cells seem to be a very good alternative to any other cells available. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.
People,
I have been watching this post for a bit and must confess ignorance concerning these cells. A few questions come to mind:
Can they be charged through a normal, production switch (i.e. Maxx Prod or similar) with built-in charge jack? Or, do they require a special connector for charging (assume use of a cell-pro charger)?
Do they require "balancing connectors"? What is a "balancing connector"?
If one were to build an ignition pack from VPX cells does one have to exercise any 123-specific precautions or methods while soldering to make a two-cell pack?
These cells seem to be a very good alternative to any other cells available. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.
If you're "balancing", they will work okay through a 3 wire switch, IF the orange wire is wired to the "center tap" between two cells (picture/diagram on my website). There is also a link there to the site for disassembly of the bigger DeWalt packs, but overall guidelines would be similar for these smaller. Maxx Prod switches are all that I use.
