Battery question
09-05-2007 | 01:52 PM
#1
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From: Orlando,
FL
Battery question
Im using a DN Power Packs Li-po 2150mah 20C 11.1v on my trex 450S with 4 hs-56 servos and 430L 3550 kv motor and BL35X ESC. Im getting only 5 minutes of hovering time. Is that normall. When i finish flying the battery is not to hot but it has a wierd smell like nail polish. Any ideas anyone.
09-08-2007 | 01:04 AM
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From: Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
RE: Battery question
I'm using some of those batteries and have none of your symptoms. They work pretty fine, 5 min hard flying at 2600-2800 headspeed and a good 10 min if I putter around mildly at 2400 headspeed.
09-08-2007 | 07:00 AM
#3
RE: Battery question
There has been a rash of lower cost LiPos that are marketed as being high C rating packs but in use, fail to live up to the claim. Several of the guys from our heli group have purchased a bunch of the DNs and other low cost packs. Very few are happy with them.
ThunderPower packs cost more.
Often, you get what you pay for.
Vince
ThunderPower packs cost more.
Often, you get what you pay for.
Vince
09-08-2007 | 05:32 PM
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From: McKinney,
TX
RE: Battery question
I've had three DN Power batteries for my Blade CX2 and all three have puffed. The two E-Flite batteries, which have more cycles on them than the DN Powers, are still as flat as the day I got them.
So, when I bought batteries for my Diablo, I went with ThunderPower and FlightPower (one of each thus far). Only time will tell whether they'll have problems, but both brands have a good reputation.
So, when I bought batteries for my Diablo, I went with ThunderPower and FlightPower (one of each thus far). Only time will tell whether they'll have problems, but both brands have a good reputation.
09-09-2007 | 07:27 AM
#5
RE: Battery question
I have 2 packs of those. The one pack is perfect, atleast 8+minutes of flying my Trex450. The other, is puffed
I have sent a few emails, but to no avail. I am hover still using the puffed pack, and it appears to run fine. Both are warm when done flying.
DN power 2150 20c Packs
I have sent a few emails, but to no avail. I am hover still using the puffed pack, and it appears to run fine. Both are warm when done flying.DN power 2150 20c Packs
09-09-2007 | 08:25 AM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: TheBum
I went with ThunderPower and FlightPower (one of each thus far). both brands have a good reputation.
I went with ThunderPower and FlightPower (one of each thus far). both brands have a good reputation.
I own Flight Power (12s2p 7400) and no problems to date.
I also own Thunder Power (1010C) charger and a Thunder Power (210 v) ballancer.
and Yes, both brands have a very good reputation.
Harry S.
09-09-2007 | 08:30 AM
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From: Orlando,
FL
RE: Battery question
Thanks everyone for the help. Yeah i think i have a bad cell or something. I fully charged it up and went out the field to fly and after like 1 minute it started to loose power and i barely got it back to land. Oh well, i problably discharged way too low when i was first using it on the trex, i would use it till it would barely hover anymore.
09-10-2007 | 08:33 AM
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From: Frederick, MD
RE: Battery question
I have had problems with Thunder Power packs, too. I just had to destroy one. It started puffing up a few weeks ago it finally got so bad that I didn't feel comfortable using it anymore. So far, I have had no response from 2 emails and 1 phone call to the manufacturer. Since I can't do much more than fly patterns right now, I doubt anyone could consider this pack abused. Especially since I time my flights conservatively at 6 minutes.
09-10-2007 | 09:04 PM
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From: Westminster,
CA
RE: Battery question
Yes, I do have a same problem with ThunderPower 2200 mAh 25C and those puffed packs has been sent back to manufactory for evaluate. I heard TP very good customer services and standing by their products, but I dunno just wait and see. [&o]
09-12-2007 | 08:10 PM
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From: El Paso,
TX
RE: Battery question
A second battery question:
What difference makes mAH on different packs?
By example a 2100 vs 2200, same cells same volts.
is it safe to use a larger mAH battery on the Trex? 2500 mAH; 3200 mAH etc. etc.
What difference makes mAH on different packs?
By example a 2100 vs 2200, same cells same volts.
is it safe to use a larger mAH battery on the Trex? 2500 mAH; 3200 mAH etc. etc.
09-12-2007 | 10:38 PM
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From: McKinney,
TX
RE: Battery question
The mAh determines how long the heli will fly; the larger the better. However, along with the added mAh comes added weight. There's a point at which the extra weight cancels out any gains made from mAh. On a T-Rex, you probably shouldn't use anything larger than 2500 mAh. Most T-Rex flyers use packs in the 2100-2200 mAh range.
09-13-2007 | 07:33 PM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
Also a higher capacity battery will withstand a higher amp draw at the same "C" rate.
example; a 2100 mah battery @ 10C will withstand 21 amps constantly.
a 2400 mah battery @ 10C will withstand 24 amps constantly.
this means the larger battery is under less stress at the same amp draw. (21 amps)
Harry S.
example; a 2100 mah battery @ 10C will withstand 21 amps constantly.
a 2400 mah battery @ 10C will withstand 24 amps constantly.
this means the larger battery is under less stress at the same amp draw. (21 amps)
Harry S.
09-14-2007 | 04:00 PM
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From: Eastman,
GA
RE: Battery question
The best batteries I've found for the money are Common Sense RC. I've dealt with the cheap packs; they rarely do what they claim. I think the Thunder Power batteries are good but if you have a problem with it I doubt Don Shulman (Thunder Power) will do anything about it. They haven't made good on any of the deffective ones I've come across over the years. Common Sense has good batteries, cheaper than the Thunder Power and there tech support is great.
09-15-2007 | 09:36 PM
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From: Westminster,
CA
RE: Battery question
Thunder Power had sent me free 2 new packs 2200mAh 25C for the replacement with-out the questions. Also they are very speed up for customer service and that is a one of the best lipo manufactures out there. [sm=thumbs_up.gif]
09-16-2007 | 08:04 AM
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From: Portsmouth, NH,
RE: Battery question
I picked up two 2070MAh TP Extreme packs a couple of months ago at my LHS. One of the two puffed after a few flights with zero abuse. I called and emailed TP and they mailed me a replacement with no quiestions asked (they were out of stock on the 2070 25C so they replaced it with a 2200 25C). The pack arrived a few days ago. I could not have asked for better service than that. So far the other 2070 and the 2200 are working well.
I went with TP due to the great luck I have had with the 2100 15C Pro-Lites I have that came with my T-Rex 450-SA (used). I have many, many flights on these and was just concerned that they were running a bit warm when flying in August so I figured a higher "C" rating would result in lower running temps in hot flying weather.
Just to be fair, I also have two no-name (Mega-Power) 2100 15C packs that I picked up from heli-direct. One of those just started to puff a bit after a year in rotation with the pro-lites. For the money, that's hard to beat (I paid $39.00 for the Mega-Powers). This puffing also made me want to move to a higher "C" battery for summer flying.
Steve
I went with TP due to the great luck I have had with the 2100 15C Pro-Lites I have that came with my T-Rex 450-SA (used). I have many, many flights on these and was just concerned that they were running a bit warm when flying in August so I figured a higher "C" rating would result in lower running temps in hot flying weather.
Just to be fair, I also have two no-name (Mega-Power) 2100 15C packs that I picked up from heli-direct. One of those just started to puff a bit after a year in rotation with the pro-lites. For the money, that's hard to beat (I paid $39.00 for the Mega-Powers). This puffing also made me want to move to a higher "C" battery for summer flying.
Steve
09-17-2007 | 06:36 PM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: stevennh
I picked up two 2070MAh TP Extreme packs a couple of months ago at my LHS. One of the two puffed after a few flights with zero abuse. I called and emailed TP and they mailed me a replacement with no quiestions asked (they were out of stock on the 2070 25C so they replaced it with a 2200 25C). The pack arrived a few days ago. I could not have asked for better service than that. So far the other 2070 and the 2200 are working well.
I went with TP due to the great luck I have had with the 2100 15C Pro-Lites I have that came with my T-Rex 450-SA (used). I have many, many flights on these and was just concerned that they were running a bit warm when flying in August so I figured a higher "C" rating would result in lower running temps in hot flying weather.
Just to be fair, I also have two no-name (Mega-Power) 2100 15C packs that I picked up from heli-direct. One of those just started to puff a bit after a year in rotation with the pro-lites. For the money, that's hard to beat (I paid $39.00 for the Mega-Powers). This puffing also made me want to move to a higher "C" battery for summer flying.
Steve
I picked up two 2070MAh TP Extreme packs a couple of months ago at my LHS. One of the two puffed after a few flights with zero abuse. I called and emailed TP and they mailed me a replacement with no quiestions asked (they were out of stock on the 2070 25C so they replaced it with a 2200 25C). The pack arrived a few days ago. I could not have asked for better service than that. So far the other 2070 and the 2200 are working well.
I went with TP due to the great luck I have had with the 2100 15C Pro-Lites I have that came with my T-Rex 450-SA (used). I have many, many flights on these and was just concerned that they were running a bit warm when flying in August so I figured a higher "C" rating would result in lower running temps in hot flying weather.
Just to be fair, I also have two no-name (Mega-Power) 2100 15C packs that I picked up from heli-direct. One of those just started to puff a bit after a year in rotation with the pro-lites. For the money, that's hard to beat (I paid $39.00 for the Mega-Powers). This puffing also made me want to move to a higher "C" battery for summer flying.
Steve
To what tempature?
A "cool" battery will drop voltage and result in a puffed cell.
Harry S.
09-18-2007 | 06:41 PM
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From: , AZ
RE: Battery question
Thought id chime in with a plug for the cellpro batteries. I have abused the living hell outta them (Try a phoenix summer, 110+ every freakin day for nearly 3 months!!!), measured pack temps of 135 or so on average. These are 2100mah 18c packs and havnt so much as thought about puffing, they are exactly the same as when i bought them and have about 35 flights on each, always duriing the hottest part of the afternoon (afterwork). I charge them with the cellpro 4s charger at 3A and they are ready to go in about 45 minutes or so. Truly a fantastic combo, some of the lightest batteries available and at less than $100 for 2 of the batteries shipped, whats not to love??
09-18-2007 | 06:47 PM
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From: El Paso,
TX
RE: Battery question
I have seen different conectors among the lipo brands, Thunder Powers are different than the Aligns. Is there a must job to make them match to the esc?, if so what kind of conectors should I have to buy?
Thanks.
Thanks.
10-27-2007 | 07:20 AM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: alfredbmor
I have seen different conectors among the lipo brands, Thunder Powers are different than the Aligns. Is there a must job to make them match to the esc?, if so what kind of conectors should I have to buy?
Thanks.
I have seen different conectors among the lipo brands, Thunder Powers are different than the Aligns. Is there a must job to make them match to the esc?, if so what kind of conectors should I have to buy?
Thanks.
If you mean the main power connector, buy Deans connectors.
If you mean the ballance connectors, just buy an adapter. they are cheap and many are available.
Harry
10-27-2007 | 07:33 AM
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From: Portsmouth, NH,
RE: Battery question
Sloppy,
What do you mean by "pre-heat". This was during the warm season. The batteries were at 70-80 F. before flying. When I fly in the winter months I keep my batteries inside until I am ready to fly so I don't run or store them cold and I have never had a problem until now. The new TP pack is working great as is the other 2070 pack I bought with the first puffed one. The replacement was a 2200MAh pack since they were out of the 2070's.
Steve
What do you mean by "pre-heat". This was during the warm season. The batteries were at 70-80 F. before flying. When I fly in the winter months I keep my batteries inside until I am ready to fly so I don't run or store them cold and I have never had a problem until now. The new TP pack is working great as is the other 2070 pack I bought with the first puffed one. The replacement was a 2200MAh pack since they were out of the 2070's.
Steve
10-27-2007 | 05:51 PM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: stevennh
Sloppy,
What do you mean by "pre-heat". This was during the warm season. The batteries were at 70-80 F. before flying. When I fly in the winter months I keep my batteries inside until I am ready to fly so I don't run or store them cold and I have never had a problem until now. The new TP pack is working great as is the other 2070 pack I bought with the first puffed one. The replacement was a 2200MAh pack since they were out of the 2070's.
Steve
Sloppy,
What do you mean by "pre-heat". This was during the warm season. The batteries were at 70-80 F. before flying. When I fly in the winter months I keep my batteries inside until I am ready to fly so I don't run or store them cold and I have never had a problem until now. The new TP pack is working great as is the other 2070 pack I bought with the first puffed one. The replacement was a 2200MAh pack since they were out of the 2070's.
Steve
Steve,
a battery @ 80 degrees has twice the IR of the same cell @ 130 degrees.
Lipo's like 130 degrees at the start of a flight.
Some guys buy a heating pad (like from a drug store) to plug into an inverter in their car.
The heating pad runs at 130 degrees, thus warming the batteries that get wrapped up inside.
cells puff from two reasons, 1) internal voltage too high or 2) internal voltage too low.
Harry
10-27-2007 | 10:45 PM
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From: Portsmouth, NH,
RE: Battery question
Wow, I never heard of pre-heating the batteries above a normal room temp. I thought 140F was about as hot as you wanted to get a LiPo, it seems like starting at 130F would be a bit high. Anyway, thanks for the explanation.
Steve
Steve
10-28-2007 | 06:21 PM
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From: Buford,
GA
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: stevennh
Wow, I never heard of pre-heating the batteries above a normal room temp. I thought 140F was about as hot as you wanted to get a LiPo, it seems like starting at 130F would be a bit high. Anyway, thanks for the explanation.
Steve
Wow, I never heard of pre-heating the batteries above a normal room temp. I thought 140F was about as hot as you wanted to get a LiPo, it seems like starting at 130F would be a bit high. Anyway, thanks for the explanation.
Steve
Steve,
I have RC boat racing in my past.
I have learned alot about electronics and batteries.
I held an IMPBA t-tunnel world record from Sept. 2005 untill March 2006.
Batteries like to remain below 150 degrees. any higher damages the cells.
I can apply this to Helicopters now. [8D]
