Is it OK to use A123 stock tabs?

[MetalMan]

Don't even think about removing the tabs:
-the ends of the cells are aluminum, so you have to use special flux which is nasty
-since the ends are aluminum, they soak up a lot of heat which makes soldering more difficult

Using the tabs is perfectly fine, I've got 5 packs (40 cells total) soldered together using them.

[tino_ale]

Thank you a lot everyone for the valuable inputs

I'm going to make two 3S1P packs but they will be wired in parallel. I'm not making one single 3S2P pack because I have ordered a FMA 10S charger and it'll be able to charge both of my packs at once at around 8Amps

Stock tabs are fine - they were tested in this thread on RC Groups. See #18 for discussion on tabs - he calculates a tab resistance but his testing is for his planes current draw, 35amps.

This thread is also a great reference on building and using a123s. It encompasses about everything there is to know about rc useage of a123s, either directly or with links to other material.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=599316

[tino_ale]

Hi all,

Does anyone knows which size of shrink tube I need to make 3S A123 flat packs? (not stick but three A123 in parallel in a flat arrangement).

Anyone has a good online source for these heat shrink tubes, input very appreciated

thanks everyone

Last item on the page - specifically for a123s -

http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/?si...07&pgid=shrink

[tc3_racer_001]

out of stock?

http://www.maxamps.com/products.php?cat=180

The prev link was for size.....

MA's shrink is sized 140mm. They also have it in clear if you backtrack up this link.