A123 batteries

[Sparky-rc]

Anybody using A123 batteries. Want to get some opinions before laying out $$$ to try a set. Supposed to be a lot safer than LIPO's. Thanks.

Tom

[lincpimp]

Problem with a123 cells in a high amp draw situation is that they will drop voltage pretty low. You really need to run multiple series wired packs in parallel to get good amp capabilities out of them. Lipo is also lighter than a123, and packages easier.

So you will need to run at least 2p, and possibly more depending on what you want to power. It can be done, you will just need a bunch of packs to do it!

[lonewolf]

I could be off here but from what ive found there are 2 types 1500 mah and 2200 mah with that you need at least 2p to get 4400 mah at demand. This might be fine for you smaller set ups but for hi amp demands you may need 3p or possibly 4p with this being said standard lipo with have more to offer ....

[sailr]

What these guys are saying is true. They will NOT deliver instant high demands without dipping below their cutoff value set in your esc. Then your esc will sense the voltage dip and shut off. They are fine where the amp demand is more gradual, like in airplanes. On the other hand, one of the hot racers in Europe is using them and thinks they're swell! Haha. He obviously isn't putting that much demand on them.

I have played around with them in airplanes and swore off them because they are big and heavy and requires a lot of cells to get the amps you need. They also are expensive. Why bother when we have lipos! I sold off all my A123's. They work ok in cars because the cars have gearing on the motors.

[lincpimp]

I think cars do ok with a123 cause the current demands spike at hard acceleration, and then drop back down during most of the normal running. Cars require much less to keep them moving then boats do. Boats just draw more current the faster they go, and a123s will drop voltage alot, so performance will suffer. They can handle the voltage drop without being damaged, but they are not as good as lipo for providing current without excessive voltage drop.

Plus they are heavy and do not package as well as lipo. Lover voltage per cell as well. Compared to something like the new G3 hyperion lipos they are old tech, as they hyperions can handle high charge rates (5c, IIRC) and maintain good voltage under load.

[785boats]

Bikes do OK on the A123 cells too. There's 900 of them in this one.
It would be good to know the configuration of them so someone could work out the appropriate system of Lipo cells to get them over the 200mph mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=AU&hl=en-GB&v=fHtAkM3CYLA

Paul.

[sjslhill]

http://www.battlepack.com/SALE.asp

[Sparky-rc]

Thanks for all the replies. We're presently running 5S LIPO 5000MAH and were considering trying 2 - 6 cell A123 packs in parallel. From what I just read the weight penalty, and voltage drop. make it not worth the effort. Thanks again.

Tom

[Efis]

What about using a123's for a receiver battery pack?

Blake