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lipo battery for starter box...

lipo battery for starter box...

Old 07-23-2008, 05:56 AM
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Default lipo battery for starter box...

hi, would like to check if anyone is using lipo battery pack for their starter box (1/10 or 1/8th scale) ?

sorry, think this has been discuss before i think, but couldn't find the thread

am interested in the huge weight savings but heard it's not too safe or good to use for starter box ??? don't know how true is this..

anyone can share their experience ? ... thanks in advance
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Old 07-23-2008, 06:13 AM
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i just recently switched from gel-----2 stick packs-----lipo here. the lipo is by far the best way to go, a little more expensive but a better choice for power and convience. yes it lighter, but the only problem you will have is the simple fact that you HAVE TO UNPLUG YOUR BATTERY AFTER YOU USE IT! otherwise you will drain the battery and make it discharge to an unstable voltage. other then that....its pretty cool to know that your battery is held in by velcro and ways only a couple ounces!
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Old 07-23-2008, 06:38 AM
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http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthre...ipo+starterbox
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Old 07-23-2008, 10:09 AM
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I just use 4500mah stick packs...cheaper and they last month's no charging, can't see why lipo would help, esp with fire chance...
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Old 07-23-2008, 10:25 AM
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All of my starter boxes have the 2100mah losi lipo. It lightened my starter box by over half a pound. I am very glad I made the switch.
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Old 07-23-2008, 12:25 PM
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I use (2) RS 3300 nimh. I just don't see a need for a lipo in a starter box. Weight is not a problem. I'm afraid of the extra juice may fry a motor. and the other point is over discharging. Needs some way to monitor the voltage.
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Pass you soon...
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Old 07-23-2008, 12:35 PM
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Love my Lipo equipped starter box. Not only is it light, it's wicked powerful from the first bump to when I decide to recharge it again. Also, after a day of racing, it takes about 15 minutes to charge it up.. And I can do so at the track, and not worry about topping it off before I race the next weekend!
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Old 07-23-2008, 12:41 PM
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So how much will lap times improve with a half pound lighter starter box? If it is worth it I can make one out of carbon fiber for a few more ounces.

Just kidding but the pit man I'm dragging with me to the nats is a 6'4" 380 pound lineman. I think he could carry my NiMH starter box without problems. I'll spend that money on tires instead, or booze and women.
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Old 07-23-2008, 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by lil-bump
I use (2) RS 3300 nimh. I just don't see a need for a lipo in a starter box. Weight is not a problem. I'm afraid of the extra juice may fry a motor. and the other point is over discharging. Needs some way to monitor the voltage.
IMO


Pass you soon...
Over discharging is a potential problem with any lipo. Weight is always a problem if you are flying to races. If you aren't flying and you don't mind the extra weight, it isn't a problem. I ran a starter box with a gel cel and a stick pack 19+ volts and didn't fry the motor. I don't advise doing that, but I did while breaking in new 1/8th scale engines.
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Old 07-23-2008, 03:00 PM
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i been using these lipo for a few months now and they work perfect. i can go three weeks without chargeing and still get good punch.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ducts_id/16867

Last edited by FITO; 07-23-2008 at 09:53 PM.
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Old 07-23-2008, 07:54 PM
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I got a 12C 5000mah 4s (14.8v) lipo pack in my ofna starter box. It is a lot lighter than the 12v stick pack. The beauty of it is I can charge it for 1 hour and I can use it for 2 or 3 days before I have to charge again. Not going back to gel again.
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Old 07-24-2008, 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Scott Fisher
All of my starter boxes have the 2100mah losi lipo. It lightened my starter box by over half a pound. I am very glad I made the switch.
well said... by the way, is 2100mah lipo pack sufficient juice for a day of racing ? ... as i do not want to get too high amps due to price ! and weight also... for higher amps..

my ni-cd is dying after years of abuse so thought time for new packs... will seriously consider lipo since price just slight difference...

only concern is if it will catch fire .

one dumb question, if... and IF it catches fire, will it be catching fire while USING eg. the starter box... or it can catch fire anytime eg. while in storage or while moving about ?

any simple gadgets to add on to ensure safety ?... (eg.safety voltage checker etc..)

many thanks to all for the response to this thread...

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Old 07-24-2008, 02:46 AM
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The only one of your questions I can answer is regarding a 2100 mah battery lasting for an entire day.

Using it to start two cars I (my friends and mine) it lasts at least two days. For obvious reasons I don't let it get to where it seems dead, but two days is no problem at all.
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Old 07-24-2008, 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Scott Fisher
The only one of your questions I can answer is regarding a 2100 mah battery lasting for an entire day.

Using it to start two cars I (my friends and mine) it lasts at least two days. For obvious reasons I don't let it get to where it seems dead, but two days is no problem at all.
Thanks Scott ! ... Appreciate your sharing

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Old 07-24-2008, 06:19 AM
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I use a 1400mah (4, 14v) cell to power my JLR starter box, it's easily capable of starting two cars at a large event (6 qualifiers, practice and the mains)
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