Western Canadian Indoor Chanpionship Series
#46
If I had one request for the mini rules or for that matter any class thats running pre-made stick packs, at that would be to NOT allow any IB4200's. I only single out that one because it has been the most suspect in cell failures. Here is a quote from our club site, and it makes a lot of sense to me.
Stick packs are OK just not the IB4200 ones, most suspect in explosions and with the nature/proper maintanence of that particular cell, we already know that they will be the most prone to explosions.
Here is my thinking about them. We already know that the IB4200 has a massive self discharge issue and as such, in a stick pack you have no way to discharge individual cells. So with that, if you do a pack discharge, sure you will get the the packs intital voltage down to what ever your pre-determined cutoff voltage is, BUT, what if thats done because you have one cell thats going into a deep discharge and takes the rest of the packs voltage numbers down with it, and this can be done very easily. Now lets charge that pack, we have one cell starting at a very low voltage, and say 3 cells and normal float voltage, and 2 cells that seem to hang on to the voltage for a long time. Begin charging, low cell chugging away, 3 cells excepting normal charge, and our 2 cells that are not even close to the .90 volts but are sitting at 1.1 volts or something like that. Okay, 40 minutes goes by, the bad cell is still taking a charge, the 3 cells are getting close to peaking and those other 2 cells, well they where done about 10 minutes ago, but the actual pack voltage isn't anywhere near shutting off your charger as your pre-set over charge hasn't triggered yet. SO whats left, just the bang.
Stick packs in general get the low end cells to begin with so they are more suspect to failure, IB4200's are the most notorious for low shelf life. Stick packs are usually purchased by beginners, so they have very little battery knowledge. Little battery knowledge/High maintanence cells = ONE BIG EXPLOSION.
***** This can also apply to saddle packs if not properly discharged and charged, but these cells are individually accessible and you can at least make an attempt to cycle the individual cells, where a stick pack is usually wrap and no single cell access is available.
Now lets take this one step farther, how many pre-built IB4200 stick packs are sitting at the hobby shop right now? How many have dead cells sitting in those packs? How often has the hobby shop been cycling the packs? once a month? once every 2 months? I think not. So in our best interest if a newbie wants to buy a stick pack, for safety sake, keep them away from the IB4200 stick packs.
Just my 2 cents worth, but after the last couple of explosions, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Stick packs are OK just not the IB4200 ones, most suspect in explosions and with the nature/proper maintanence of that particular cell, we already know that they will be the most prone to explosions.
Here is my thinking about them. We already know that the IB4200 has a massive self discharge issue and as such, in a stick pack you have no way to discharge individual cells. So with that, if you do a pack discharge, sure you will get the the packs intital voltage down to what ever your pre-determined cutoff voltage is, BUT, what if thats done because you have one cell thats going into a deep discharge and takes the rest of the packs voltage numbers down with it, and this can be done very easily. Now lets charge that pack, we have one cell starting at a very low voltage, and say 3 cells and normal float voltage, and 2 cells that seem to hang on to the voltage for a long time. Begin charging, low cell chugging away, 3 cells excepting normal charge, and our 2 cells that are not even close to the .90 volts but are sitting at 1.1 volts or something like that. Okay, 40 minutes goes by, the bad cell is still taking a charge, the 3 cells are getting close to peaking and those other 2 cells, well they where done about 10 minutes ago, but the actual pack voltage isn't anywhere near shutting off your charger as your pre-set over charge hasn't triggered yet. SO whats left, just the bang.
Stick packs in general get the low end cells to begin with so they are more suspect to failure, IB4200's are the most notorious for low shelf life. Stick packs are usually purchased by beginners, so they have very little battery knowledge. Little battery knowledge/High maintanence cells = ONE BIG EXPLOSION.
***** This can also apply to saddle packs if not properly discharged and charged, but these cells are individually accessible and you can at least make an attempt to cycle the individual cells, where a stick pack is usually wrap and no single cell access is available.
Now lets take this one step farther, how many pre-built IB4200 stick packs are sitting at the hobby shop right now? How many have dead cells sitting in those packs? How often has the hobby shop been cycling the packs? once a month? once every 2 months? I think not. So in our best interest if a newbie wants to buy a stick pack, for safety sake, keep them away from the IB4200 stick packs.
Just my 2 cents worth, but after the last couple of explosions, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
#48
Tech Addict
iTrader: (4)
If I had one request for the mini rules or for that matter any class thats running pre-made stick packs, at that would be to NOT allow any IB4200's. I only single out that one because it has been the most suspect in cell failures. Here is a quote from our club site, and it makes a lot of sense to me.
Stick packs are OK just not the IB4200 ones, most suspect in explosions and with the nature/proper maintanence of that particular cell, we already know that they will be the most prone to explosions.
Stick packs are OK just not the IB4200 ones, most suspect in explosions and with the nature/proper maintanence of that particular cell, we already know that they will be the most prone to explosions.
Stick Packs are great and a must for the Mini Class but I wish there was a little more durability in them
#49
R/C Tech Elite Member
iTrader: (10)
I really appreciate the rules for the mini series. I'm just getting into the hobby, and more than anything else right now, I want to keep costs reasonable and the fun factor high.
If we had full TCS rules, the affordability factor would be reduced. I just picked up a set of 3Racing steering knuckles for $12.50, whereas I'd have to pay about $40 for a set of Tamiya ones, and they're almost identical.
The other, and also positive, side to the rules is that it doesn't become a battle of the motor tuners. Stock cans/gears, no modifications = affordable and fun.
As for the new TCS rules allowing LiPo packs in the minis, I have to say I'm happy we haven't adapted to those rules as yet. I can't afford the $300-$400 it would take to make the switch. It's not that I'm super competitive, it's just that I don't like having a built in disadvantage when compared to others who've got the budget.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim
If we had full TCS rules, the affordability factor would be reduced. I just picked up a set of 3Racing steering knuckles for $12.50, whereas I'd have to pay about $40 for a set of Tamiya ones, and they're almost identical.
The other, and also positive, side to the rules is that it doesn't become a battle of the motor tuners. Stock cans/gears, no modifications = affordable and fun.
As for the new TCS rules allowing LiPo packs in the minis, I have to say I'm happy we haven't adapted to those rules as yet. I can't afford the $300-$400 it would take to make the switch. It's not that I'm super competitive, it's just that I don't like having a built in disadvantage when compared to others who've got the budget.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim
#51
I was also shocked, but releived with how the meeting went. It was very good to see everyone talking about issues and getting things resolved without anyone really getting upset or freaking out. The total atmosphere and mood after the meeting was awesome.....I am very impressed that we as a group were able to bet things worked out the way we did.
#52
Tech Addict
iTrader: (4)
I really appreciate the rules for the mini series. I'm just getting into the hobby, and more than anything else right now, I want to keep costs reasonable and the fun factor high.
If we had full TCS rules, the affordability factor would be reduced. I just picked up a set of 3Racing steering knuckles for $12.50, whereas I'd have to pay about $40 for a set of Tamiya ones, and they're almost identical.
Jim
If we had full TCS rules, the affordability factor would be reduced. I just picked up a set of 3Racing steering knuckles for $12.50, whereas I'd have to pay about $40 for a set of Tamiya ones, and they're almost identical.
Jim
That is the main reason we stayed away from the TCS rules to keep costs down and allow for affordable durability.
We just did not allow the drive train parts because there was some items that may give someone an advantage.
Dwayne was the Ruling on Mini I still have not received that answer?
Full TCS? or same as before (Cheaper, durable but controlled)?
Also Dwayne what was the cheap issues you referred to in a previous post?
Thanks in advance.
#55
Tech Elite
iTrader: (57)
I think it sounds like a good layout for next season. I hope to have alot more time next season to actually race LOL.
The spec tires will really help lower costs for everyone and rubber tires will help new people learn to set up there cars , personally i have been asking for rubber tires for a while now . glad to see they are here again
OH yea i guess i am back anyoen miss me
The spec tires will really help lower costs for everyone and rubber tires will help new people learn to set up there cars , personally i have been asking for rubber tires for a while now . glad to see they are here again
OH yea i guess i am back anyoen miss me
#59
Tech Regular
#60
Tech Elite
iTrader: (57)
Oh there will be plenty of building cars at races again i am sure, thats half the thrill working the bugs out of the car in the first round of qualifing , second round find the screws you didnt tighten , 3rd round get a bas setup to work ,4th rounds hope to the rc gods you get a decent run in . break in the mains and go home and wait till the next race and start a new car LOL.