Warming Lipo's for running in cool weather

[Chilli]

As the weather cools down in the north, I'm was looking for a fresh consensus on pre-warming Lipos. I know there was a bit of a debate on the subject on another board. Is it necessary for increased performance and battery life? At what outside air temp do you consider it a necessity? What are you using to warm up your packs? Do the 12volt cooler/heaters have any sort of temperature control? What brand cooler/warmers are you guys using?

[NitroVal]

I know the pro on-road guys pre-warm their lipos, but simply due to the fact that it helps lower internal resistance and gives a more steady flow of current to the motor

[Jeff Wohlt]

You bet it does.

I would go to walmart and buy the small personal size. My big coleman says it warms to 140....most use the same Peltier system so I would think it would do the same...just make sure you get one that switches over from cold to heat.

Then I would put a thermometer in it and see what you get....if too warm and you like 100 degrees then adjust by holes or a spacer in the lid. Also you might want to put it in the fridgerator to see if it runs the same temps when outside air is on it....like 45 degrees....still a nice day to run boats :)

Nitro...excactly what WE want as well....x4 since we pull so much...way more than trucks.

[Gary]

I bought my warmer/cooler on Ebay for $25.00 and its the best thing ive done. There has been a change of 7-10 mph just by warming up the batteries and you can really see it when its cold outside.

[Xcesive8]

Anyone got a link to where they sell them?
We dont have a Walmart here in Aus

[Xzessperated]

Anyone got a link to where they sell them?
We dont have a Walmart here in Aus

Kmart and most outdoor retailers sell them in Aus. Dick Smith and Tandy stores have them

Also try...

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/store-locator.aspx

[Chilli]

Make sure what you buy is a warmer/cooler. I checked a few Walmarts here in the states. They were selling the Coleman brand and all the models in stock were cooler only.

[chummer]

I bought my warmer/cooler on Ebay for $25.00 and its the best thing ive done. There has been a change of 7-10 mph just by warming up the batteries and you can really see it when its cold outside.

ebay link please....

[Chilli]

http://shop.ebay.ca/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=12+volt+cooler%2Fwarmer&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[egneg]

Mike I use this but had to add some FG and a "As seen on tv" flexible baking pan cut to fit because this gets quite hot on the bottom. It doesn't fit more than 2 lipo's at a time but they are at 115 degrees in 10 - 15 minutes. It can be plugged into a 12vdc outlet or this. The heated lunch box was $20.00 at Ollie's.

[blakybob]

Chillin, pre-warming does make a difference. I got my heater/cooler from Walgreens for $30. I just checked their site and I didn't see it listed anymore. Next time you're in the store go check the heating pad aisle and see if they have one on clearance.

Still trying to catch you working.

Blake

[Chilli]

Thats neat Chuck. Something different. Does it have a temperature control? I did a quick check on google and saw one that heats up to 300 degrees.

Blake, Thanks for the tip. We'll hook up eventualy. I've been at ZDC for over 20 years. We have probably talked before. Who do you fly for???

[blakybob]

You're right we probably have been talking for at least the last 15 years. I'm at Airtran on the 717. They do call you Chillin don't they?

Blake

[Chilli]

They call me "Chilli" at work. We have seven Mikes in my area.

Citrus B717- I'll keep an eye our for you!!!

[blakybob]

Chilli, got it. I'll put that in my jepps. Just to be clear, don't "chill" your lipos...just warm them up.

Blake