Lithium cell tests

[grant_ploughbot]

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?catname=LiFePo4&i dCategory=218&ParentCat=85http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...cts.asp?catnam e=LiFePo4&idCategory=218&ParentCat=85

[tough_as_nails]

Anybody any comment yet, why it would not be allowed?

[john]

gonna need um soon

gotta get a few packs

how much we talking?

[leorcc]

i am just waiting for an answer just like you Jeroen.

[big_nipper]

I dont see any reason not to allow all robots to use them either. Yes they have issuses, but not safety related (at least no more than current batteries) and if people want to try them the worst that can happen is they damage them by incorrect use and loose money, but thats the roboteers choice. I guess it will come up in the next FRA meeting, if there are alot more interest then perhaps the FRA commitie can do this by Email to resolve it sooner.

[typhoon_driver]

What is the discharge rate like on A123s compared to good quality nicads?

I would possibly think about an upgrade but my nicads work well as it is and I wouldnt want to lose any performance.

[woody]

http://www.flyelectric.ukgateway.net/lithium-a123.htmhttp://www.flyelectric.ukgateway.net/lithium-a123.htm

Suggests 30C

A123 Blurb ...copy & paste ..

Nanophosphate is a positive electrode material of remarkable rate capability, critical to high power systems. Our high power products are able to pulse at discharge rates as high as 100C and deliver unmatched power by weight or volume. With their low impedance and thermally conductive design, A123 cells can be continuously discharged to 100% depth of discharge at 35C rate, a marked improvement over other rechargeable battery alternatives.

[grant_ploughbot]

as far as im aware they arent as good. Like its been said, theyre light weight and safe enough, but the performance is alittle bit dull unless you put some more in parallel

[leorcc]

Its pretty simple, to get the same performance with nicad you need 3 Nicads since 1 A123 cell is 3.3V. Therfore much heavier. Good Nicads can however deliver more in short bursts than A123s can. But still, thats not a safety issue, that is up to the roboteer if that is sufficient.

I run Hannibalito 3 on 4 A123 cells in series (13.1V) with 2 Speed 900s for drive and I can do about 2 fights with them on 1 charge. So more than enough for 1 fight, and I have no complaint about performence. and for a 350 gram batterypack thats nod bad at all.

[woody]

perhaps the FRA commitie can do this by Email to resolve it sooner.

I think that there is enough interest to warrant expediting this and swiftly ending this long winded safety issue.