What do you think of this charger?

[TruckBasher]

Triton2 charger

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMAJ0&P=3

It says it can charge 1-5cells lipo li-ION. I am thinking of charging 5S Li-ion on it.

[Serum]

I'll take the 989 which mike has in his store over this one.

[TruckBasher]

I agree Rene...but it doesnt charge li-ion....right?i am definitely going for a123 cells so i need a charger for li-ion...

[pinolelst]

From what I've read the manufacturer doesn't suggest using a lipo charger as the cut off voltages are different. I guess if you chose a cell count that was close to the a123 cells cut off you'd be OK.
Curious why you chose a123 cells over lipos though?? Please educate me on their superiority (beyond the fire hype please :mad:1 )

Thanks

pinolelst:dft003:

[BrianG]

The fire "hype" is one of the bigger benefits. They are also more forgiving on charge rate, have a larger C rating without "puffing", have an aluminum case for ruggedness, and if they do get punctured, they don't flame. Downside is they have less mAh to weight (and physical size) benefit.

[pinolelst]

Originally Posted by BrianG

The fire "hype" is one of the bigger benefits. They are also more forgiving on charge rate, have a larger C rating without "puffing", have an aluminum case for ruggedness, and if they do get punctured, they don't flame. Downside is they have less mAh to weight (and physical size) benefit.

Lipos do not flame simply because they get punctured.I know..I drove a 16d nail through one trying to get it to flame up..nada..zip..nyet..

It takes severe over charging/discharging or a dead short to flame them.In any case I remember back when all we had was 1200 mah nicads to use as power cells and leaving the room once while charging at 5 amps and coming back to find the cells shrink wrap gone and the cells venting furiously.I still have nightmares of my efforts at getting those dangerous nicads out of the house while not suffering 4th degree burns on my hands:mad:1


my point is...anything can be dangerous....I should get the developers pack of a123 cells from maxamps and do a destructive test on them by hooking them up to a 12 vlt car battery direct...just like they do in all the sensationalistic lipo fire videos..and see if I can't cause a little uproar myself...:005:

ymmv

pinolelst

[BrianG]

I too have heard of some lipos not flaming on puncture, but I've seen videos that do. The demo on A123 website shows this as well. Maybe the lipo technology has matured enough, but I've seen enough videos to know to be careful. It seems that the lipos flame enough to do considerable collateral damage. Granted, it's all about proper care and handling, but accidents do happen. Of course any cell can cause damage, it's just that some seem to be more tolerant than others.

Question: what was the charge level of the lipo you punctured?

[Serum]

He measured 4V on each cell.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Serum

He measured 4V on each cell.

Hmm. I remember CHC doing something like that as well IIRC and had similar results. Still, I don't think I'll be trying it anytime soon. No need to tempt fate...

[MetalMan]

A123 cells aren't typic "Li-Ion" cells. Older Li-Ion were 3.6v nominal and 4.1v fully charged, newer ones are 3.7v nominal and 4.2v fully charged. A previous battery chemistry known as LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) had a nominal voltage of 3.2v and a fully charged voltage of 3.65v (but could safely take 4.2v), and was as stable as the A123 cells, and were also in a metal can. I've seen some (on another forum) label the A123 cells as LiFePO4. But anyways, A123s should be kept from charging above 3.60v if possible, although they aren't dangerous if charged to 4.2v.

[TruckBasher]

A123 cells or M1 are proven to be less hazardous, though as you pointed out that LiPo is also safe but some precautions specially the LVC. Now, I am not an expert but here is one or make that 3 type of typical abuse on battery, read the anecdote part:
http://slkelectronics.com/DeWalt/index.htm

To be honest, I think Lipo still have a lot of potential but A123 has them also with a lot less things to take care of. Thats what made me decide. Sorta like almost as good as lipo but needs to take care of it like NiMH (its a bit extreme to say but you get the idea)

i have a ??

can i charge those apogee li mn packs with a super brain 989??? and do i need a ballencer?

[Sylvester]

E-maxx; you can use the 989 with your limn. A balancer is not needed, but is reccomended for longest life/performance.

serum, ygpm

[Serum]

i don't think so... :p