Li-Fe Batteries

[Chris Briggs]

Dear all,

I have just been looking casually at the internet and notice CML do chargers for LI-Po and LI-Fe batteries. Anyone heard about Li-Fe batteries and if they are likely to grace our model cars in the future? I couldnt actually find any reference on the web to the batteries themselves, just the chargers!

Ta

Chris

[dan_916]

Seen an article in a magazine... Apparently they are like Li-Po but no over-discharge worry. The voltage is lower thoughat 6.6v for a S2 pack, try googling Max Amps Li Fe.

[Chris Briggs]

THanks Dan,

THe charge rate looks interesting - 67 amps!

I wonder what common opinion is, with brushless motor performance what it is, is this the trigger for a switch to longer heats with less speed perhaps (6.6volts?).

[kartdemon]

Dear all,

I have just been looking casually at the internet and notice CML do chargers for LI-Po and LI-Fe batteries. Anyone heard about Li-Fe batteries and if they are likely to grace our model cars in the future? I couldnt actually find any reference on the web to the batteries themselves, just the chargers!

Ta

Chris

I know Demon had some in for testing. Initial observations where not impressive.

[MattW]

GM are offering these for sale now. We tested some GM packs a couple of months ago. Comparing to 5 cell mod, they were very similar - a touch more power than 5 cell, but a little down on runtime currently. They are 3200mAh I think from memory, and after 4.30 we were in a little trouble.

So it depends on what we are comparing them to. If you want to run as a direct replacement to LiPo, then they are going to be slower. As a replacement for 5 cell mod, potentially very good, but currently down on runtime.

At the Euros, some of the big players from the electronics market were of the opinion that LiFe was the way forward. Conventional wisdom seems to be that they do not have some of the negatives of LiPo and because of this are potentially safer.

[terry.sc]

Tamiya have had them for sale in Japan since last October, part number is 55102. They are made specifically to fit into a Tamiya chassis with identical dimensions to a stick pack, but that means the pack only has 2200mah capacity. 20 minute charge time means bashers can run all day with just 2 packs.

They also sell a tiny 1100mah pack specifically for their Buggy Champ rerelease.

[Skiddins]

The charge rate looks interesting - 67 amps!

I would like to see the mains supply that powers the charger.....and the charger! :eek: :D


GM are offering these for sale now. We tested some GM packs a couple of months ago. Comparing to 5 cell mod, they were very similar - a touch more power than 5 cell, but a little down on runtime currently. They are 3200mAh I think from memory, and after 4.30 we were in a little trouble

So perhaps these might be the future, but not until capacity has been sorted?

Skiddins

[Forum Fodder]

Tamiya have had them for sale in Japan since last October, part number is 55102. They are made specifically to fit into a Tamiya chassis with identical dimensions to a stick pack, but that means the pack only has 2200mah capacity. 20 minute charge time means bashers can run all day with just 2 packs.

They also sell a tiny 1100mah pack specifically for their Buggy Champ rerelease.

I dont think Tamiya like li-po cells. I noticed that at the Tamiya Kakegawa test track you are not allowed to have li-po cells with you (even if you are not using them) they will just ask you to leave.

[Mr.B]

They make great receiver packs for nitro cars,because they are 6.6v no lipo voltage regulator is required.
Been using one for 6 weeks and has performed excellently.:)

[Chris Briggs]

THe capacity of the Max ones Dan mentioned were 4500mah so they should give enough run time for 5 min 5cell mod. I was just interested as I am still on NiMH and to be honest, am getting on fine, I have to spend a bit of time on battery care but my car seems to be competative with power for a 5 min heat compared to the lipo guys (even if my driving is not!) and I wouldnt want to switch to LIPO only to find out a year later its all LIFe!

I also read with interest about the dangers of LiPO, I have seen the videos of them going up but just out of interest, has anyone actually been hurt by these things based on:

Using them outwith guidance (i.e. too low voltage, over charging, too high amps)

Using them within the guidance - i.e. one just went up for no reason....

Ta

Chris

[Oliver]

Just seen Martin Hofer (German team driver for Yokomo-GM) has got a report on his site about running them at a recent test. Said he ran them with a 4t and got 6 mins running.

Personally, I believe these could be the answer - keeping speeds around the 5 cell level, the reduced capacity means at present you'd have to run a slightly slower motor to make run time. Possibly would help in slowing down the stock and pro-stock classes too?

[TryHard]

Quite possibly the future... that seems to be the general consenous. Biggest issue is that the cell technology is in it's infancy for our side of the sport. If allow LiPo and LiFe to run together, LiPo will be faster... and as Matt mention capacity at the moment is an issue for modified.
Certainly a good way to slow all classes though (not just the modified boys), which then does also make moving up/down a class a lot easier, just change the motor :)