A123
 

Hi,

Can somebody please explain what a A123 battery is?

Thanks...

There are 2 types of Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 - usually abbrev as LiFe) batts. The earlier ones that were used in RC apps were made by a company a123Systems using their patented media formulation. These were referred to as a123s, there were 2 sizes, 2300mah and 1100mah cells. These were usually obtained from Dewalt power packs by taking them apart to obtaing the individual cells and then put together in various configs as needed. They were cheaper than buying them from a123 this way.

Since the a123 media is patented, a newer formulation was developed and these are generally referred to as LiFe batteries or prismatic cells. Not sure how many are producing them, but appears to be several diff companies. They are not as robust as the orig a123 as these need a breakin period to perform optimally, but these are more flexible in size (mah) and shape than the orig a123 were.

I haven't seen a direct comparison of the discharge characteristics of both types. a123s were listed as 30C, but known for a large voltage drop at high discharge rate. LiFe type battery chemistry is known for the superior thermal and chemical stability compared to lipo. They don't vent, explode or catch fire and offers a longer cycle life than lipo. They are lower voltage than lipo however - 3.6v/cell vs 4.2v/cell (fully charged).

Ok, cool, thanks for the info - I have a Life reciever pack, 1700mah, the brand is Protek. Can his this be charged using the A123 setting on my charger?

Yes, they are both 3.3v/cell nominal voltage (3.6v/cell fully charged) and charge by the CC/CV charging process. Like lipo, but diff voltage levels.

Your Proteks are supposed to need a breakin, should have come with instructions on how to handle them for the advised breakin period.

thanks for your help....:)