On the topic of physical size: It would be nice to know the exact dimensions of the packs. I've seen a couple of times where the pack is spec'd at X mm, but when they arrive, they are actually X+2 mm. I understand the end where the connections are can vary somewhat, but at the very least, round UP. I would much rather add a thin piece of foam to make them fit right than to rebuild (or re-order) a new tray.

I had that happen with some packs recently. Ordered the Elite packs, had Mike make a tray, and the pack was about 3mm wider than stated.

In my case, it was the end where the connections are. Like I said, that can be accepted I suppose, but to be off on the width?? Did they use extra thick heatshrink or something? That is unacceptable, especially that much; 3mm is just about 1/8"!

Of course all packs can't be measured, but come on! Just measure the largest one, and add 1 or 2 mm just to be safe.

Funny you should mention Elite, I just got my 3s 3300mAh packs in today. They are advertised as being 135 X 45 X 19.5. They measure at 140 X 48 X 22. Hmm, that's quite a bit off! Luckily my tray will allow this discrepancy! Then again, these were supposed to be 30C cells, but the packs I got say 35C. They don't have 35C 3300mAh cells on their site, so these are either new versions, or they just bumped the rating...

As a calibrator (someone who measures things, like voltages, for a living to test for accuracy and consistency) I really like the sound of that. Precise, consistent, and most importantly, repeatable.

@FireWire79: A little off topic, but can you calibrate a multimeter? I have a Fluke 97 that needs to be calibrated as it's been a few years.

I then use this calibrated meter to in turn calibrate my other cheaper meters. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

As I matter of fact I can, and do. I'm glad to know that you know that multimeters need to be calibrated. Sorry for being off track, I was still on page one and didn't really bother to read the rest of the post. That is really unusual for me, sorry about that.

I just wish that NIST would get involved in determining "C" ratings. There needs to be some sort of international standard to determine what a "C" is and how its measured. Otherwise I am going to start buying 15C cells and selling them a 1.5H cells and just say that H is better than C. Until there is some sort of standard as to what a "C" really is, we need to be using accepted standards like voltage, watts, internal resistance, and mAH capacity. These can be tested by anyone with accepted standards and are quantifiable.

Sorry, I go on rants sometimes. I know that people generally don't know who/what NIST is, and what the deuce is a standard. BTW a standard is a piece of equipment that is used to measure other measuring devices. IE a really specific multimeter that is used to test other multimeters. Something like I use reads 1.002493mA when the multimeter you use reads 1.0ma. This ensures that your multimeter is accurate. And that is what I do for a living.

BTW, if I can get some standards that are accepted I would love to start doing some empirical testing on LiPo batteries.

Just an afterthought. Look into a calibration company to do the testing that you are looking for. They are certified and inspected by NIST on a regular basis, have extensive, and expensive test equipment, and tons of dummy loads, as well as be able to provide you the raw data and what their findings are.

Not a lot of people know about calibration so it is overlooked. But this may be the way to go. Like I said, just an afterthought.