Hello O’Brain, Danny/SMC and everyone,
My apologies for not being more clear and accurate in my last post regarding the way we test the 5000mAh parallel cell arrangement up to 200 amps. We actually have 2 sets of 10 gauge (sorry, not 12 gauge) wire leads, each set of leads with its own female Deans Ultra Plug connector (2 total), soldered to the tabs of the cell/s (yes, it is definitely impossible to run the 200 amp test with a single set of leads and a single Ultra Plug connector!
). The high-current discharger is equipped with 2 sets of 10 gauge wire leads, with mating male Ultra Plug connectors (2 total), attached to heavy-duty bolt terminals. Voltage is measured directly from the tabs of the cell/s using a DMM/scope which connects directly to a PC for data logging. See the image attached below for reference.
Also, this is of course not the only way to do it, but is how we test cell performance in-house as we do not rely on data supplied by the cell manufacturer alone (as some LiPo pack manufacturers/resellers unfortunately seem to).
O’Brain,
We will also offer a limited selection of 40C batteries for use in aircraft applications, however, we find that most airplane/helicopter pilots prefer the energy density of our Pro Lite V2 and Pro Power 30C series batteries for their models. In aircraft applications the right balance of weight, power and capacity is typically preferred to just raw power alone, as weight and flight time can be more critical than just power in some applications. As you know, higher-discharge rate capable cells typically weigh more for the same capacity (or the same with less capacity) than lower discharge-rate capable cells, and this is not always better for every aircraft (nor even surface) application. That said, some of the very large-scale electric ducted fan (aka – EDF or “electric jet”) models pulling upwards of 200-250 amps (though usually in bursts, not always continuously) will likely benefit most from the 40C cells for example.
Everyone,
As we and many others are very interested in the cycle life performance of our and other brand batteries in comparison, we’ll be conducting cycle life testing of the Pro Race 40C and other brand batteries in the coming weeks. It does take quite a bit of time to test and gather the information for multiple batteries and many cycles, but we are committed to completing the tests as soon as possible (though it may take at least a few weeks).
Also, some of the representatives from other LiPo pack manufacturers/resellers are speculating/implying that the cycle life of our all-new aircraft and surface series batteries will be similar to some of our previous/current (and many now-discontinued) battery series offerings, but this is simply not the case. Nearly every all-new Pro Lite V2, Pro Power 30C, Sport Race and Pro Race 40C series battery we’re offering is built using cells specifically developed and manufactured for not only excellent power delivery (upwards of 25% more than some of our previous/current offerings for the same class of battery), but also maximum cycle life (upwards of 4 times more than some of our previous/current offerings). To us, truly high-performance doesn’t stop at just high power delivery…it also includes good cycle life performance too. It’s also true that the value of a battery is not only measured by the power it delivers, but how many times you’re able to use it before it doesn’t deliver the power you need any longer.
BTW – Thank you to everyone for all your support! The response since this thread started has been absolutely incredible, and many, many orders for the 5000mAh Pro Race 40C 7.4V batteries have been taken. Numerous shipments of these batteries continue to go out daily, but please bear with us as we try to fill all the orders as quickly as possible as the demand has exceeded our initial expectations. Also, our distributors and dealers will be receiving additional shipments over the next few weeks, so please be sure to check your favorite shop for stock first. If they don’t have packs in stock or on order, tell them to order ASAP as it looks like demand will be very high through the holiday!
Good luck and we look forward to hearing more reports of on-track performance (where performance matters most….though we would like to race our GFXs at the next Nationals….is there a limit to input voltage though?
) soon!
Jason