Hey everyone I built this pack about 2 years ago, and when I’m getting back into the jist of things the thing wont hold a charge anymore, I’m guessing its shot.
I’m looking to upgrade to a Lipo something with a decent amount of current as I would like long run times. I have a 12volt charger running off a computer power supply and it does lipo charging so I’m set there.
so I’m looking for a 5000Mah + pack that will fit within the phoenix body. I know I need one of those Ubec turnigy lipo controllers.
I believe Xan use version 1 of these LiPo’s.
The 4000 mAh LiPo’s I’m using for Phoenix are discontinued. As long as you find a LiPo that will fit inside the body it should be fine. It might be hard to get enough space for a 5000+ LiPo.
To be honest I’m considering to start using much smaller LiPo packs for my future projects (like 2000 - 3500 mAh or so), simply because I don’t need the very long runtime.
Anyway, what I like with using LiPo’s is that you can power both the electronics and servos (using a regulator of course) from the same battery. So no need for an extra 9v battery for logic.
I’ll look on that website and find something to buy and post it here before I do to make sure its the right one. I know I drilled new holes in the phoenix and moved the 6 internal supports for spacing the bottom and top deck so I could fit my battery between there.
So what’s the deal with the packs that aren’t 7.0 volts? Is the Turnigy device similar to a linear voltage regulator? Hopefully without the heat dropping those voltages.
It’s really about finding a battery that just fits within the phoenix body and has the capacity you require right?
Off topic, putt putt your little icon for your user name looks so familiar, that was a coin bank right? I had one of those things ages ago!
Yes, he’s called " ROBIE the BANKER " from the 80’s , was sold at Radio Shack. I have a collection of various toy robots, some are just amazing at what they can do and others are great conversation pieces.
These batteries fell in the category of 2S and between 20C and 30C on hobby kings search thingy.
I modified the risers that seperate the top and bottom plate of the phoenix so they are slightly farther away from each other then the stock ones.
The clearances I have between the top and bottom plate is 23.41mm
The available width I have is 52.40mm
then the length I have available is 150mm… which is basically the entire length of the robot… so wires will be sticking out
I think I better consult the experts… since I’m just driving servos can I get away with a 20C discharge or even a 10?
Forgive me if this question is a bit stupid, I have never bought a lipo before.
And then I would need one of these hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor … oduct=6233 the Turnigy Ubec 15A regulator.
I’ve bought something that appear to be the same battery (same product id) but from the International Warehouse hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10098. Looking at the latest comment this seem to be another product. I’ve not tested mine yet. And they are rated 2C charge, not 4. I’m just hoping its not just a piece of crap. You normally get what you pay for.
Anyway, most of the LiPo’s are 1C for charging. So 2C is very good too. Also, you need a pretty beefy charger to do 4C on a 5000mAh battery.
What I like with the hardcase is that the wires don’t stick out but upward from the case.
I guess you just have to test them to see if they perform ok. A balance charger is always recommended.
Yes, 10C (=50 Amps) is more than enough for robotics.
The regulator is needed for powering the HS-645’s, not a stupid Q at all.
Thanks for the responses, I’ll go ahead and order this when I get home from work.
I have this 12volt charger that does a bunch of different battery styles. Its max rate of charge is 5amps so I guess this means I’ll be able to charge these things at 4C so if these are 5000mah is that roughly 1 hour and 1/5th of an hour for total charge time?
I have noticed these batteries have some extra wires coming off them like little bits 3-4 wires or so, is this something to do with the voltage monitoring? and if so does it plug into these Ubec devices or are they left disconnected?
A 5000mAh pack charged at 5 amps is charging at 1C. Charging at 4C would be charging at 20 amps. Charging at 5 amps will take roughly 1 hour. Charging at 4C would take 15 minutes.
The smaller cable is for charging using a charger that charges each cell individually ensuring a full charge. I think most people charge their Lipos with this balance charging plug.
No, 4C = 20 amps. Your charge will be able to do 1C.
Maybe. It depends of how much discharged your batt is. Also depends on your charger.
Yes, thats the balance plug. You plug that to the balancer or to your balance charger. It doesn’t plug to the UBEC.
Using a balancer while charging is the safest way to avoid overcharging or over-discharge of one of the cells. Also use a main fuse (20 or 30 amp fuse or so) in case of accidental short-cut.
I wonder if I’ll have to buy a new charger… I’ll post some photos when I get home, that little plug doesn’t look big enough to carry a charge current over it without the magic white smoke coming out??
Old chargers can charge Lipo batteries with the load connector, but it can’t make sure the cells are evenly charged. You can use the old charger till you get a better one. I’m no expert with Lipo, but I’m sure the engineers have used the correct wire for the job. There could be a limit to the charging current if you use the balance plug. Zenta can you help buddy?
Baaa!!!
