Turnigy LiFEPO4 packs

hmm, if they were a tad shorter I think they would be a perfect 4s setup for my ve8 with RX8 2650

[lincpimp]

Ok, anyone think I could use a timed charger like the old mega one to juice s 2s 4500 LiFe pack? I need to check the output voltage, not sure what it pushes. How does these LiFe cells like overvoltage? I know Gee knows how lipo likes overvoltage... HEHEHEHE.

[sikeston34m]

Originally Posted by lincpimp

Ok, anyone think I could use a timed charger like the old mega one to juice s 2s 4500 LiFe pack? I need to check the output voltage, not sure what it pushes. How does these LiFe cells like overvoltage? I know Gee knows how lipo likes overvoltage... HEHEHEHE.

At the end of the charge, you want to hold the voltage at 3.6 volts per cell. A good charger will do this and allow the amperage to taper off until the cell is full.

The closer the cell gets to 3.6 volts, the less amperage it will accept without going over 3.6.

Yeah, I checked it out. LOL If the amperage isn't throttled back when the cell hits 3.6 volts, then the cell voltage just runs away with itself.

I did see mine Quickly hit 4.0 volts per cell, when playing around with the charger. I Quickly terminated the charge of course.

I have read they tolerate overcharging pretty well, but it does substantially shorten the life of the cell.

Linc, I thought you had a MRC Superbrain 989? If you do, just hit the Lead Acid Mode and set it to "1 cell". This is the mode you need to charge your new pack when you get it. It will charge to 7.2 volts.

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by sikeston34m

Linc, I thought you had a MRC Superbrain 989? If you do, just hit the Lead Acid Mode and set it to "1 cell". This is the mode you need to charge your new pack when you get it. It will charge to 7.2 volts.

No, I have real chargers now! I have 4 hyperion chargers, but wanted a simple alernative for the house, as my chargers are setup at work with the bulk of the rc. I want to have a setup at home to dick around with in the evenings... Just to give me some relaxation.

[ticklechicken]

Are these HK Life packs waterproof?

[sikeston34m]

Originally Posted by ticklechicken

Are these HK Life packs waterproof?

Water proofing is what? Some Silicone applied to the ends?

I know Maxamps advertises "Waterproof", but they can only be water resistant.

Even then, water can/will still "wick" up the wires and enter the pack anyway.

To answer your question, No, they don't claim to be water proof.

[lutach]

How many have tested water for electrical conductivity? If one has you know the answer. Like my man Bruce Lee once said, "Be like water". I got a few lipos wet and they're still going strong.

[J57ltr]

Where are the 5Ah Turnigy's? I didn't see them listed on that website.

Waters conductivity depends on the contaminants in it. Pure water doesn't conduct electricity. If it does get in a pack it's biggest problem is corrosion. Then again some people can claim anything about their packs. I am suprised that superconductivity hasen't been mentioned.

Jeff

[himalaya]

Originally Posted by lutach

How many have tested water for electrical conductivity? If one has you know the answer. Like my man Bruce Lee once said, "Be like water". I got a few lipos wet and they're still going strong.

I have experienced some issues with lipo+water. Green stain apears on the balance tab, it starts from one end and then as time goes on spreads to the other end, a very clear electro-chemical effect. Those stain will cause unstable cell voltage readings thus balance result. I have(have to )replaced two balance tabs of my 10 6S packs.

Most LiPos are shrink wrapped, once water gets into the pack it can hardly find its way out. When I opened one of my failed pack I was shocked how bad it smells and what power a tiny drop of water DOES have. At many dots the metal part of the aluminum-plastic film are gone, making the cells leak. You know the leaked electro-liquid is conductive and corrosive, making more metal film disapear, and finally make the whole pack fail. As a temperary solution I made round whole windows on my survived packs' wrap film to help water out(helps it in too, but drys much faster)

[lutach]

Originally Posted by himalaya

I have experienced some issues with lipo+water. Green stain apears on the balance tab, it starts from one end and then as time goes on spreads to the other end, a very clear electro-chemical effect. Those stain will cause unstable cell voltage readings thus balance result. I have(have to )replaced two balance tabs of my 10 6S packs.

Most LiPos are shrink wrapped, once water gets into the pack it can hardly find its way out. When I opened one of my failed pack I was shocked how bad it smells and what power a tiny drop of water DOES have. At many dots the metal part of the aluminum-plastic film are gone, making the cells leak. You know the leaked electro-liquid is conductive and corrosive, making more metal film disapear, and finally make the whole pack fail. As a temperary solution I made round whole windows on my survived packs' wrap film to help water out(helps it in too, but drys much faster)

You guys don't spray a little Duralube (I love this stuff) or WD40 once in a while? I do that from time to time on my balancing connectors as I don't use them a lot. I have checked most of the lipos that did get wet and I haven't found any of the problems you mentioned. I do have most of them wrapped in fiberglass reinforced tape and others have openings on the side of them.

[suicideneil]

At the extreme end of the scale you could remove the shrink, paint on some plastidip or silicon sealant at each end of the pack, including over the base of the wires, allow it to dry a little then apply some fresh shrink wrap- it will form a water tight seal pretty well, but it does nothing to waterproof the main power connectors or the balance plugs.

If you want waterproof, go back to NimH

[suicideneil]

Err, not really.

Nimh packs are either not sealed at all, or poorly covered at best- gaps at either end of the shrink. Water goes in, corrodes not only the connecting tabs but also the metal cell casings, the the whole thing ends up looking like a rusty brown mess...

[lincpimp]

If you want to waterproof you lipos it is pretty easy. Get some plastidip in a can, ziptie the wires together, and put some clear silicone aound them (make sure it gets squished between the wires) Let the silicone dry, then dip the lipo in the plastidip. Put a couple of coats on and you will be good to go. If you leave the shrink on you can always cut it off and remove it and the plastidip.

[fastbaja5b]

Silicone, and lots of it!