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Source for batteries
In Canada we have a store called Princess Auto. Basically a surplus store, with their own brand of tools and auto parts thrown in. I found a 6.75- 7 volt 7000mAh sealed lead acid battery for $7.00. It looks like the batteries they use for emergency lighting in hallways of buildings. I installed this in my Heng Long Tiger. Well I am happy to say with the 3:1 gears, and the slightly lower output voltage, I had a tank cruising around in the grass and light snow at scale speeds. Never had one issue with the running gear and the added weight of the battery had this tank plowing through the grass and snow for over an hour. I gave up trying to run the battery dead.
Has anybody had any experience with these batteries in tanks.? I bought two of them, and I am pretty pleased with them so far. I don't think they like to be run dead, but with run times of over an hour, I doubt they ever will be. After and hour it is time to try another tank!!!! Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Regardless, the battery and the do it yourself gears are just a couple of examples of how to enjoy this hobby, without spending a bundle.(Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!!!:D) IF you want to stretch your hobby dollar, always keep lookout at these surplus type stores. I also picked up 4 Mabachi 6-12v can motors for $0.99 a piece. They are a little shorter then the stock motors but they work well in 1/16 scale tanks.( I have them installed in my Panther conversion) This is next on the list for the gear ratio mod. Happy tanking |
RE: Source for batteries
I think you have picked a winner there. Those batteries are designed to provide continuous output for 90 minutes since it is used for emergency lighting.
I would say for your application you may get up to 3 hours before needing a recharge! Can you show a pic of the battery? |
RE: Source for batteries
Yes, please show a picture or give the part number. I live in Winnipeg- proud to be the home of Princess Auto! I actually have a PA about a 1/4 mile from my house, and they know me well. I'd like to see abut one ofthose batteries for my Sherman and maybe for my Tiger as well.
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RE: Source for batteries
Heads up:
Its Princess Auto, no sweat on the typo YHR. I've been trying to get some of their 750 motors for my Bruiser gearbox. May have to get 'em off eBay (taterbug39) You sure they aren't gelcells YHR? Personally, I'd never put lead-acids in my tanks. A gel-cell, yea, NiCd, NiMh, or Li-Ion, sure... but never a lead acid. Why? Acid leakage. If it leaks, that acid will ruin your styrene casing. I put 3 layers of nitro-proof epoxy in my 52" boat before I dared run the lead acid motorcycle batteries in her, because I knew if they leaked, they'd ruin the wood. Luckily, I never had a leak, and used the batteries til they wouldn't take a charge any more. an acid leak is as bad as the non-styrene-safe lube on the Pershing tires warning we had a while back (it made the bearing sockets crumble) I have a local store called Total Battery where I can get custom packs built, zap-assembled for a buck a cell, covering included (double the thickness of standard NiCd cell packs) and I supply the connectors. I had 'em build packs from old laptop batteries I had recovered (they were dumpster bait) and the four 10-cell packs went with my Graupner Portofino. Running her on a pair while the other pair charged, she went like a bat outa h*ll with her strudder outdrives. JMHO. |
RE: Source for batteries
sorry to get off topic but are you guys like me, can spend hours looking around at princess auto. there are 3 around me here:):)
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RE: Source for batteries
JerB:
Ain't been to the local one yet, its off the bus routes, but yea, I'm that sort. Looking for deals on stuff I may be able to use, like small gearboxes, etc. |
RE: Source for batteries
Princess Auto is like a candy store. I always pick up something I will need sometime down the road.
These are sealed Lead Acid batteries. They are all sealed up and I think you would have to drop one and crack the case to have a problem. Your objection is noted, and if I have a problem I can't say I haven't been warned!!!!!! |
RE: Source for batteries
AH, noted.
Was browsing Harbor Models earlier, and noted they have sealed lead acids too. Dinna know they made sealed ones these days, thought they all needed some king of venting. And I agree on the 'candy store' though, and me with a sweet tooth, arrgg. Will have to get my tush down to the local one before we get too much snow, 'cause I hate walking in it, and if I slip, I could break something way troo weasily (osteo-porosis & osteo-arthritis) |
RE: Source for batteries
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Here is a picture of the battery
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RE: Source for batteries
YHR:
Got a pic of it side-by with a stick battery? Wonder if its a store-wide thing, or just a local special. |
RE: Source for batteries
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I'll take picture with it and a regular battery.
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RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: YHR Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Happy tanking PLease post your mods on the gearbox again, it sounds like you have a new way to do it????? I will be honest when you describbed how you did it above I was a deer looking at a Semi coming! I know this is the way to go with the gear reduction, I bought 2 sets from Willy and I love them, but that gets exspensive fast!!! The BlitZ |
RE: Source for batteries
I will be building a set for my Panther. When I do, I'll take pictures to show you how I do it.
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RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: YHR In Canada we have a store called Princess Auto. Basically a surplus store, with their own brand of tools and auto parts thrown in. I found a 6.75- 7 volt 7000mAh sealed lead acid battery for $7.00. It looks like the batteries they use for emergency lighting in hallways of buildings. I installed this in my Heng Long Tiger. Well I am happy to say with the 3:1 gears, and the slightly lower output voltage, I had a tank cruising around in the grass and light snow at scale speeds. Never had one issue with the running gear and the added weight of the battery had this tank plowing through the grass and snow for over an hour. I gave up trying to run the battery dead. Has anybody had any experience with these batteries in tanks.? I bought two of them, and I am pretty pleased with them so far. I don't think they like to be run dead, but with run times of over an hour, I doubt they ever will be. After and hour it is time to try another tank!!!! Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Regardless, the battery and the do it yourself gears are just a couple of examples of how to enjoy this hobby, without spending a bundle.(Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!!!:D) IF you want to stretch your hobby dollar, always keep lookout at these surplus type stores. I also picked up 4 Mabachi 6-12v can motors for $0.99 a piece. They are a little shorter then the stock motors but they work well in 1/16 scale tanks.( I have them installed in my Panther conversion) This is next on the list for the gear ratio mod. Happy tanking |
RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: YHR I will be building a set for my Panther. When I do, I'll take pictures to show you how I do it. The Blitz |
RE: Source for batteries
Sealed Lead Acid batterie... (6 V, cycleuse 7.2 - 7.4 V, 4000 mAh).
Works fine with TK Rx14 and above! http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_58...tm.htm#6012985 // Peter |
RE: Source for batteries
Buy them online... [link=http://www.bfmbatterysales.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=82&src=goog &gclid=CJ3RndyR9ZYCFQECGgodCmLKXQ]Assorted Batteries[/link]
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RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: YHR In Canada we have a store called Princess Auto. Basically a surplus store, with their own brand of tools and auto parts thrown in. I found a 6.75- 7 volt 7000mAh sealed lead acid battery for $7.00. It looks like the batteries they use for emergency lighting in hallways of buildings. I installed this in my Heng Long Tiger. Well I am happy to say with the 3:1 gears, and the slightly lower output voltage, I had a tank cruising around in the grass and light snow at scale speeds. Never had one issue with the running gear and the added weight of the battery had this tank plowing through the grass and snow for over an hour. I gave up trying to run the battery dead. Has anybody had any experience with these batteries in tanks.? I bought two of them, and I am pretty pleased with them so far. I don't think they like to be run dead, but with run times of over an hour, I doubt they ever will be. After and hour it is time to try another tank!!!! Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Regardless, the battery and the do it yourself gears are just a couple of examples of how to enjoy this hobby, without spending a bundle.(Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!!!:D) IF you want to stretch your hobby dollar, always keep lookout at these surplus type stores. I also picked up 4 Mabachi 6-12v can motors for $0.99 a piece. They are a little shorter then the stock motors but they work well in 1/16 scale tanks.( I have them installed in my Panther conversion) This is next on the list for the gear ratio mod. Happy tanking |
RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: patmcf79 With a 400mah charger wouldn't a 7000mah battery take nearly 20hours to charge? About 17.5, give or take... Bill |
RE: Source for batteries
ORIGINAL: patmcf79 ORIGINAL: YHR In Canada we have a store called Princess Auto. Basically a surplus store, with their own brand of tools and auto parts thrown in. I found a 6.75- 7 volt 7000mAh sealed lead acid battery for $7.00. It looks like the batteries they use for emergency lighting in hallways of buildings. I installed this in my Heng Long Tiger. Well I am happy to say with the 3:1 gears, and the slightly lower output voltage, I had a tank cruising around in the grass and light snow at scale speeds. Never had one issue with the running gear and the added weight of the battery had this tank plowing through the grass and snow for over an hour. I gave up trying to run the battery dead. Has anybody had any experience with these batteries in tanks.? I bought two of them, and I am pretty pleased with them so far. I don't think they like to be run dead, but with run times of over an hour, I doubt they ever will be. After and hour it is time to try another tank!!!! Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Regardless, the battery and the do it yourself gears are just a couple of examples of how to enjoy this hobby, without spending a bundle.(Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!!!:D) IF you want to stretch your hobby dollar, always keep lookout at these surplus type stores. I also picked up 4 Mabachi 6-12v can motors for $0.99 a piece. They are a little shorter then the stock motors but they work well in 1/16 scale tanks.( I have them installed in my Panther conversion) This is next on the list for the gear ratio mod. Happy tanking Well sure, but it will probably will run a tank for 4 hours. |
RE: Source for batteries
Do you need a special charger for this kind of battery? Or will my MRC 977 work?
For the leads, did you just solder the wires to the batteries terminals (looks like it has metal tabs as the terminals)? Last question ;): how much does one of these weigh? |
RE: Source for batteries
Philipat:
Well, you generally don't want to fast-charge a lead-acid battery. Its a great way to get acid sprayed all over the place. But there are new chargers that can do it, if you call 3-4 hours 'fast'. I googled 'lead acid charge rates' and first hit was this one, on charging [link=http://www.powerstream.com/SLA.htm]Charging Sealed Lead Acid Batteries[/link]http://www.powerstream.com/SLA.htm by PowerStream Batteries. Judging from the picture, the unit is designed to use the spade lug connectors... gonna use them or solder a set to the spades, YHR? |
RE: Source for batteries
1 Attachment(s)
ORIGINAL: YHR In Canada we have a store called Princess Auto. Basically a surplus store, with their own brand of tools and auto parts thrown in. I found a 6.75- 7 volt 7000mAh sealed lead acid battery for $7.00. It looks like the batteries they use for emergency lighting in hallways of buildings. I installed this in my Heng Long Tiger. Well I am happy to say with the 3:1 gears, and the slightly lower output voltage, I had a tank cruising around in the grass and light snow at scale speeds. Never had one issue with the running gear and the added weight of the battery had this tank plowing through the grass and snow for over an hour. I gave up trying to run the battery dead. Has anybody had any experience with these batteries in tanks.? I bought two of them, and I am pretty pleased with them so far. I don't think they like to be run dead, but with run times of over an hour, I doubt they ever will be. After and hour it is time to try another tank!!!! Also I have to mention the 3:1 gear reduction. This really is a must have. The increase in torque is something you really need to experience to appreciate. No stalling, no jerking around, just a steady pull that gives the tank the right feel, as it climbs and plows through stuff. I used old Cox slot car gears(sidewinder gear and a pinion gear mated together) and added the extra gear on my standard Heng Long gear boxes to give me the 3:1 ratio. Someone on this forum did a thread on the concept, and I used that as a guide when I fashioned my own. Regardless, the battery and the do it yourself gears are just a couple of examples of how to enjoy this hobby, without spending a bundle.(Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!!!:D) IF you want to stretch your hobby dollar, always keep lookout at these surplus type stores. I also picked up 4 Mabachi 6-12v can motors for $0.99 a piece. They are a little shorter then the stock motors but they work well in 1/16 scale tanks.( I have them installed in my Panther conversion) This is next on the list for the gear ratio mod. Happy tanking these are the ones I use 3.5 AH and have roome for a piar of them |
RE: Source for batteries
The battery weighs about 4 lbs. I used connectors that plug on to the battery spades.,
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RE: Source for batteries
1 Attachment(s)
I went to my friendly neighborhood Princess Auto today and after buying a bunch of tools, I found this. They do not normally sell the battery as a single one like YHR found, but have it listed as two connected in parallel with a harness and buzzer for $14.91. Of course, anyone familiar with PA know that their surplus area (which the batteries are found) is always changing. I did take pics for you all, including the part number for the two pack. Physical dimensions are: 6x3 5/8x1 1/4", weight is around 2 1/2 - 3 lbs per unit. The connections for the battery terminals are standard blade connectors. The double battery pack is 2 3/4" wide. I'm going to try and stuff the double pack in my Sherman- lower voltage will be easier on the drivetrain and the extra weight should make for great traction!
Oh, and each battery is 7Ah, or in other words will supply one amp for 7 hours. As my stock motors for my tiger pull at slowest speed (the highest amperage) a mere 0.15 amps, this means that I can run for 23.3 hours constantly (in theory). That is 7A/(2x0.15A). In real life, this is an all day battle battery. My only concern is if the batterys can be run on their side- otherwise they will not fit in a HL at 3 5/8" tall. |
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