andrewdoherty

iTrader: (49)

If I were Orion (Kokam) I would test my batteries before they left my plant to make sure there weren't any duds. I wouldn't take the time to discharge them though as this would be a waste of my time as my end user would just be chargin right back up.

tadmj

Lipos should always be stored with one-half of a charge in them.
This shows that your lipo was appropriately prepared before it left the factory.

bvoltz

iTrader: (44)

Just like others have said here, Lipos need to have be charged half way or more when just setting around. Yes, you can run them down on the track below this, but it is wise to charge them at least half way before putting them up for the day.

cvt01

iTrader: (2)

They claim that LiPo has virtually no self discharge means you can store them for a couple of days fully charged then use them on the track without "repeaking". With NiMH it makes sense to store them charged because they lose charging over the time but it is not an issue with LiPo right? Then why you have to store them charged?
An other question: is it OK to store them fully charged?

Darkseid

iTrader: (9)

Actually, they only want you to store NiMH cells with charge if your planning of leaving them for a while. If your going 1-2 weeks between race days, then your supposed to store them completely discharged.

First let me say that I can attest to the "virtually no self discharge" part of the LiPo thing. I let mine sitting for 3 weeks and it dropped a total of something like 83mah!

But as for why they say don't store them discharged, I can only assume that if you drain them completely, it may only take that small amout of "self discharge" to ruin them.

Personally I don't understand why this subject keeps coming up. Since the cells have no memory, why would anyone want to store their LiPo completely drained anyway???

syndr0me

iTrader: (32)

Come on Orion... release that new battery already and deliver me from this life of NiMh hell.

andrewdoherty

iTrader: (49)

I've read that the balancing is either not necessary on LiPos or only VERY rarely. I undersatnd also that it is used to bring both cells to the same voltage by charging them both to the same capacity. I checked the voltage on both cells in a buddies pack and they varied by .04 volts. Now I know this small difference certainly doesn't require attention now, but at what point should we be concerned and balance the battery. .1 volt difference? Just wunderin'

Rick Hohwart

I will be testing the new pack at Tamiya's facility this weekend. So if anyone is there fell free to check it out.

The capacity is less than the Platinum, but the IR is even lower for more power. Run time should be equivalent to what a 5000 mAh NiMH pack would deliver.

Mr. McGoo

iTrader: (23)

any "spy" shots of casing available, or will it be similar to the platinum

Rick Hohwart

It is different. If you look at it from the end, its profile is the same as that of a stick pack - rounded edges. But it incorporates ridges that will lock it into a slotted chassis while still allowing its use in off-road "channel" battery locations. It is very unique with a carbon look case.

It weighs less than a 4-cell NiMh pack.

Mr. McGoo

iTrader: (23)

sweet....that is what i was hoping for....what type of time frame are you looking at for making them readily available....

thanks,
marc

Rick Hohwart

4-6 weeks assuming there are no problems during the test. BTW the street price will likely be under $100. And the capacity is such that it will be legal in any races where a 4300mAh capacity is stated as the maximum allowable.

linger

iTrader: (1)

Hey Rick - great job at the worlds. You just convinced me that I'm not too old anymore.

Let me guess. You new pack is 2s4p - it will be rated at 3.64 Ah, and if you were brilliant, you can make a saddle pack configuration with the "new" pack. So, am I close?

syndr0me

iTrader: (32)

Yea, no doubt Rick, incredible job at the worlds.

The new pack sounds like what we (the touring car crowd) were hoping for. If that sucker will sit down in normal battery slots, it's going to be a dream come true. I'm holding out a small hope that it'll have multiple power connectors so I can connect to it on the corners like a normal side-by-side pack, but I won't get greedy. :-)

Rick Hohwart

Thanks!

You are close but with this one (hint) you will not be able to make a saddle pack.