what cells will work?

[pmdevlin]

Hi all,

just completing a large (6kg) fast scale electric, using align 600xl motor, 2:1 gear ratio. THe current packs have seen better days, 2 x 9.6v nimh's, 19.2v. I can go up to 24v, but was thinking of staying the same volts so I am not at the high end of tolerance with the motor and esc (barracuda 80).

The packs are 2 yrs old and have been abused, 4600 mah, unknown make, I think VP?

so I need to buy new ones, and there is such a variance in price. Are balanced cells better for the money? can anyone suggest a certain manufacturer, that will give good performance, and should I go up to 24v? Lastly, how should the packs be configured, is 2 x 9.6 packs the best, or should I go for 4.8v 4 cell packs to give more flexibility?

Thanks

[Doby]

Don't waste your money on a dead technology of battery. Go LiPo. Check out the Zippy brand at Hobby City.

[pmdevlin]

I though about lipo, but its the cost really, I would need two 3 cell packs. Everything I read is about lipo in fast electric race boats, with short run times. I currrently get 25 mins with the nimh's, and they are way past their best. Do lipos only work well for short runs? will my run time decrease assuming same set up as with the nimh's?

can anyone suggest what "c" rating I would need, I was thinking if its lipo, and zippy, they have 5000 packs, so improving there, and then my volts goes up from 19.2 to 22.2

Anyone in favoutr of nimh's!??

Thanks

[Doby]

25 mins out of old 4600 mah packs!
Wow, if thats running full speed I'll buy them off you and throw my LiPos away.

[Flying Scotsman]

What scale boat and prop...No question about it ....LiPo..you may have to add some ballast.

Douggie

[pmdevlin]

dont forget doby, my flat out is 18mph (gps), I bet thats a lot slower than your boat!, and it was a typo error, 20 mins, then they noticeably start going off
Its 1/8th Scotsman, best prop is 52.5mm "x" prop, I tried a lot of props, cleaver, steam, 3, 4 blade, 35mm upwards

[Flying Scotsman]

What hull? or is it a custom built hiull? any pics, as I love scale boats

Douggie

[pmdevlin]

this pic was a few weeks ago, more work has happened since then, its a Fairey Huntsman 28[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[Flying Scotsman]

A great looking boat, on LiPo power, it will be awseome and no recycling the battreries. What neck in the woods do you live in?

Douggie

[pmdevlin]

thanks Douggie, but what make lipos?? can you suggest anything, what where they running at the last nationals? there is so much cheap crap out there now, and will they be that much better than nimh?

[Doby]

Why did I think we were talking FE,,,,now that I've seen it,,,wow, nice boat. As for LiPos, try Zippys from Hobby City.

[Flying Scotsman]

Why did I think we were talking FE,,,,now that I've seen it,,,wow, nice boat. As for LiPos, try Zippys from Hobby City.

I have never used them but many people have stated they are great value

Douggie

[pmdevlin]

whats the difference between zippy flightmax, zippy h , and zippy r? You think the vendors would offere some explanation, But I cant find anything,
Thanks

[properchopper]

Great looking boat ! Must show a vid !! Like Douggie, I'm a scale lover.
I just checked Hobby King; most all the 5000 3S packs are out of stock, but they usually re-stock within 2 weeks. A good choice could be : Turnigy 5000 mah 20C
3S for 29.99 each. Beats NIMH for sure. I 've used Zippy/Flightmax, and just got Turnigys. A little less expensive and seem more robust.

[greenblast]

going from nimh to lipo is like parking the steam engine and taking the old gasser out for the ride.thats a awesome looking boat is it a kit or your design?probably pretty cool cruising around.