A123 CELLS

**typhoon_driver** · 19th January 2010, 16:27

Lol Glad to hear it!

**terry** · 6th June 2010, 23:30

I have been thinking for a while to upgrade to a123 but want to get it right the 1st time,
have been looking through these threads and have seen some pics that john has posted of
4S5P A123 packs being made.........
these look like 4 packs in series to give 13.2 volts but at the same 5 cells are connected
in parallel to give 5 x the amps,
how can these be balanced ?
I didnt know that we can even charge in paralell
surely any faulty cells might not be detected by the chargers ?

I suppose if this is an easy solution just 1 big battery the only downside is that it
takes longer to charge as only 1 charger can be used.

**terry** · 6th June 2010, 23:57

here are some cells ive found on ebay they look ok and are available in larger
ammounts but dont really get any cheaper !
has anyone ever bought any ? i am wondering if customs would stick on any
import tax ? I might buy 1 lot at a time to find out.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-12-X-A123-230 ... 3a5bab6a71

**beast** · 7th June 2010, 09:39

very cheap but have you seen the postage also when you buy fron usa i get a tax normaly

go for ones from china ( i did)

**typhoon_driver** · 7th June 2010, 10:55

You can only be charged VAT if the value of the item is above a certain threshold. I can't remember exactly what it is atm but I'm sure its around the 50 quid mark or you can ask the seller if they will declare them as a gift as you will definately pay nothing. Some will, some won't.

Very cheap though!

**zoll** · 7th June 2010, 11:57

Dont know anything on the cells but the import limit to the UK is only Â£18 anything above that you get taxed on the full amount

**typhoon_driver** · 7th June 2010, 12:10

Wow that's changed a fair bit since I last imported something

I also just seen the postage that guy is asking, $98!?! Suddenly not so cheap

**terry** · 7th June 2010, 12:17

I think its about Â£68 inc postage, the reason for the high postage is because ebay charge them 10% final value fee but nothing on the postage !
there is another seller from china or hong kong that charge Â£80 inc p+p

**psycho_fling** · 24th June 2010, 09:07

im looking at replacing my home made packs for some made by robot market place

they now come with the option of balance leads which was a concern for people before

just wondering if anyone has had any experience with them

link here http://www.robotmarketplace.com/product ... i-ion.html

i'm looking at getting some 12.8-14.4v packs with balance leads on (a123 cells)

any help would be great

thanks alex