Any thoughts on using the new higher voltage LiPo LiHV batteries? Also, has anyone had problems charging these?

With reedys new zapper batteries being offered in 7.4v and also 7.6v versions. I still opted to buy the 7.4 versions. I will not waste my money on outlaw batteries until they are roar approved and you are allowed to use them. I'm a grown man I don't see any need to cheat while playing with my toys.

as for the charging part of your question you will need a charger that can adjust the max cell voltage.

They are not "outlaw" batteries. They will be ROAR legal. ORCA HV packs are already ROAR legal but only charged to normal ROAR voltage (4.20 per cell).

Just because they are "safe" to charge to 4.35 per cell does not mean you "have" to do that.

So calling someone a "cheater" for using the HV packs is a bit premature unless they are indeed charging to 4.35 per cell. In that case carry on!

EA

Mic Drop!!

Perhaps it's just my opinion but charging to 4.35 is the point of buying 7.6v packs and also what the original poster was questioning.

For 'official' racing , where voltage is checked before the run, its a non-issue.

For bashers , like many things, a non-issue.

However, for club racers , where cars aren't inspected , but everyone is kinda running the same thing, it could be a problem.
Most of the running that I do , is local backyard dirt ovals and paved road course. There are set rules , between 5-20 drivers , no transponders, and we run all day long.

Although everyone knows each other , there is always THAT guy.

You know who I mean. That will try to get away with it, by removing decals.

Simple tech before each run from now on , I suppose.

Another part to your question is this;

Is it the future of Lipo packs? I think it is
Will it catch on ? It will probably have to, as manufacturers might not give us a choice.

Maybe for the next year or so it will still be 4.2v per cell, it could be/will be phased out as older LiPos age, the only fresh packs for sale are LiHV.

If thats the case, its not really a big deal for most of us. We buy new batteries all the time.

Even with normal batteries it is know that if there is no controll they will be overcharged.The safe limit with normal LiPo is 4.235v per cel and believe me, they do it.....
In the attach a picture I shot at an ETS race where 8.40 max is allowed.

I do not know if it is true but I was told the HV LiPo when charged at 8.40v will keep longer a high voltage.

It won't be long before they are advertised as having superior C ratings or discharge curves. Then, with cash in hand, the heard will follow.

The problem as I see it is that rules are only for those that follow them, and there will always be "that guy" who looks to circumvent regulations. My observation from the few club-level races I've attended is that most clubs can't allocate resources to thorough tech inspection- let alone one that involves additional testing of batteries. Maybe "random" inspections of one or two per class followed by one for the winner.
Racers know who each other and who of the pack may be "bending" the rules. It is up to racers to self-police themselves if races are to be fair.

Rant over. As far as technology goes with "outlaw" batteries, i'm only mildly impressed with the modest voltage gain. Why stop at 0.2V gain? Give me some real juice LOL.

They will be the new must have part for spec racing. Just like the motor of the month.

That's pretty normal for a battery to be above 8.40 while charging...when its done it should rest at 8.40. The icharger screen will show the level to which each cell is being charged at. So if you set it to charge each cell to 4.21 or higher it will display that and blink it to you. The pic you posted doesn't show this.

O MAN !

I can't wait... bring on even more voltage per cell !!!!

Smaller liops....ect....

Look at where we are now with brushless.. I remember some ppl NOT wonting to change to brushless ..

Bring your head out of the hole in the ground and look around ...

What is actually the point of LiHV? To be honest I don't see any. You want more power? A 3S LiFe has plenty and is more safe. I don't see any benefit in a LiHV.

And regarding the ETS picture - thats the overall voltage of the battery and charging leads. With the high charging currents it will always be slightly higher due to resistance. On my charger the voltage on the balance connector (where there is no current) stays at 4.20 max, while the overall can get up to 8.43

The higher voltage that can be sustained means or equals more ... ! HP !

-- CHEETTERS know this -- ... HAY ... that's me.... lol