jrb
05-13-2010, 09:05 AM
I love using A123s; they’re about perfect for most of my planes.
They are ultra safe: “metal” cans & tolerant to being over charged/voltaged.
Can take (recharge) and put out lots of current -- I recharge @ 20amps!
A123s are great for models that normally swing a prop via a glow motor – even gas.
Though, they don’t have the energy density of LiPo; so, some planes are much better off with LiPos (i.e.: most EDFs & Ultras).
A123 Systems uses a new technology and form factor than what we’ve historically seen in electric flight. The new technology (cathode Lithium interaction/extraction) provides high current “in” (5 minute charge) & “out” (70+amps), and they have more tolerant charge characteristics and are packaged more ruggedly than LiPos.
The new M1 cell’s form factor is an “aluminum can” that is the diameter of a standard C size cell (bigger than Sub C). A can is safer than a bag, can hold more pressure and is less susceptible to handling and crash damage. The aluminum though, can make soldering a bit more of a challenge, and connections less efficient.
For additional details about A123’s check out A123 Systems ( http://www.a123systems.com/html/technology.html ) and SLK Electronics (I learned a lot from Sid & his site: http://www.slkelectronics.com/DeWalt/index.htm ) the source E-Calc & the LiPoDapter for LiPo and M1 charging via your current NiXx charger.
There are two size/capacities of true A123s: 2300mah & 1100mah.
A very cost effective way to get A123 is to harvest them out of DeWalt power tool packs. Get 2300s from the 28 & 36 volts packs and 1100s for the 18 Volt Lithium packs (B&D’s VPX line of tools used 1100s too).
Several vendors also provide great service and custom built A123 packs; one I’ve used is: http://www.battlepack.com/ .
NOTE: the voltage per A123 cell is lower than a LiPo: 3.6 vs. 4.2 off the charger, 3 vs. 3.7 under load, and 2 vs. 3 for LVC.
Typically multiply LiPo S by “1.2” to get A123 S:
3 Li-Poly 3.6 "A123" round to 4
4 Li-Poly 4.8 "A123" round to 5
5 Li-Poly 6 "A123" no rounding necessary
6 Li-Poly 7.2 "A123" round to 7
7 Li-Poly 8.4 "A123" round to 8
8 Li-Poly 9.6 "A123" round to 10
9 Li-Polly 10.8 "A123" round to 11
10 Li-Poly 12 "A123" no rounding necessary
11 Li-Poly 13.2 "A123" round to 13
12 Li-Poly 14.4 "A123" round to 14
IN USE -- set the LVC of the ESC to NiXx, or to 2*S; but not LiPo Auto Detect!
Many ways to charge!
Several chargers have them listed as an option, any NiXx can be used, A CVCC power Supply can be used, as well as “Zip” charging – 3S per Pb & 10S via 3Pb.
Here’s the methods I’ve used: NiXx charger and watching Whattmeter, NiXx charger w/SLK Dapter, TP1010C, MasTech CCCV power supply, and Zip w/Baldwin cut off device ( http://www.baldwincontrols.com/t_2.html )
Here’s my list of planes where I’ve used A123s:
Zagi – 3S1100s
Wattage Omega hotline – 3S
Global America Flyer – 4S
Kyosho T-33 – 4S
PT-22/Ryan 3KR – 4S
H9 80” Cub – 5S2P
Global FreeStyle – 6S
ModelTech P-51 – 6S
GP SNJ – 6S
H9 Sun Downer 50 – 6S
H9 Toledo Special – 8S
World Models Velox – 8S
World Models Groovy 90 – 10S
H9 ¼ Cub – 10S 1 & 2P
A smattering of photos are attached; there’s lots of info on www.rcgroups.com and probably best to answer specific questions that are posted.
They are ultra safe: “metal” cans & tolerant to being over charged/voltaged.
Can take (recharge) and put out lots of current -- I recharge @ 20amps!
A123s are great for models that normally swing a prop via a glow motor – even gas.
Though, they don’t have the energy density of LiPo; so, some planes are much better off with LiPos (i.e.: most EDFs & Ultras).
A123 Systems uses a new technology and form factor than what we’ve historically seen in electric flight. The new technology (cathode Lithium interaction/extraction) provides high current “in” (5 minute charge) & “out” (70+amps), and they have more tolerant charge characteristics and are packaged more ruggedly than LiPos.
The new M1 cell’s form factor is an “aluminum can” that is the diameter of a standard C size cell (bigger than Sub C). A can is safer than a bag, can hold more pressure and is less susceptible to handling and crash damage. The aluminum though, can make soldering a bit more of a challenge, and connections less efficient.
For additional details about A123’s check out A123 Systems ( http://www.a123systems.com/html/technology.html ) and SLK Electronics (I learned a lot from Sid & his site: http://www.slkelectronics.com/DeWalt/index.htm ) the source E-Calc & the LiPoDapter for LiPo and M1 charging via your current NiXx charger.
There are two size/capacities of true A123s: 2300mah & 1100mah.
A very cost effective way to get A123 is to harvest them out of DeWalt power tool packs. Get 2300s from the 28 & 36 volts packs and 1100s for the 18 Volt Lithium packs (B&D’s VPX line of tools used 1100s too).
Several vendors also provide great service and custom built A123 packs; one I’ve used is: http://www.battlepack.com/ .
NOTE: the voltage per A123 cell is lower than a LiPo: 3.6 vs. 4.2 off the charger, 3 vs. 3.7 under load, and 2 vs. 3 for LVC.
Typically multiply LiPo S by “1.2” to get A123 S:
3 Li-Poly 3.6 "A123" round to 4
4 Li-Poly 4.8 "A123" round to 5
5 Li-Poly 6 "A123" no rounding necessary
6 Li-Poly 7.2 "A123" round to 7
7 Li-Poly 8.4 "A123" round to 8
8 Li-Poly 9.6 "A123" round to 10
9 Li-Polly 10.8 "A123" round to 11
10 Li-Poly 12 "A123" no rounding necessary
11 Li-Poly 13.2 "A123" round to 13
12 Li-Poly 14.4 "A123" round to 14
IN USE -- set the LVC of the ESC to NiXx, or to 2*S; but not LiPo Auto Detect!
Many ways to charge!
Several chargers have them listed as an option, any NiXx can be used, A CVCC power Supply can be used, as well as “Zip” charging – 3S per Pb & 10S via 3Pb.
Here’s the methods I’ve used: NiXx charger and watching Whattmeter, NiXx charger w/SLK Dapter, TP1010C, MasTech CCCV power supply, and Zip w/Baldwin cut off device ( http://www.baldwincontrols.com/t_2.html )
Here’s my list of planes where I’ve used A123s:
Zagi – 3S1100s
Wattage Omega hotline – 3S
Global America Flyer – 4S
Kyosho T-33 – 4S
PT-22/Ryan 3KR – 4S
H9 80” Cub – 5S2P
Global FreeStyle – 6S
ModelTech P-51 – 6S
GP SNJ – 6S
H9 Sun Downer 50 – 6S
H9 Toledo Special – 8S
World Models Velox – 8S
World Models Groovy 90 – 10S
H9 ¼ Cub – 10S 1 & 2P
A smattering of photos are attached; there’s lots of info on www.rcgroups.com and probably best to answer specific questions that are posted.