#6 12 years ago

Battery Choice

Shaun,
You are right to be cautious about LiFe batteries. I bought a couple because I needed to keep weight down. I had only run them a few times and then after one run I found one battery was swollen. I had to replace it and, as you say, they are not cheap. You are right to go with NiMH unless you have a pressing reason to use LiFe or LiPo.
Roy

#5 12 years ago

Battery Choice

HI Shaun
Yes they are an arm and a leg, I got 2 about 4 years ago and as long as you discharge them now and again (if your charger doesn't do it attach a 12v bulb ) they last longer.
Also I think Conponent Shop still do a repair on them check there catalogue.
happy sailing
cheers

Dusty

#4 12 years ago

Battery Choice

Hey Dragon,

Thanks for your input, I have just ordered a couple of stick 12v 5000mAh NiMH batteries from The Component Shop. Good job the missus doesn't see the credit card bill!!

I did a bit of research around LiFe and LiFe PO4 which are similar to LiPO's without some of the issues surrounding LiPO's. Unfortunately still too new to have a lot of choice and they are just a tad expensive

Shaun

#3 12 years ago

Battery Choice

HI Shaun
I agree with Dave MiMhs are better try 12v 5000mah you can get them in two lengths depending on the room you have in the boat, and they will give you good running time.
I am one of the others who have concerns about LiPos.

#2 12 years ago

Battery Choice

HI Shaun
The higher voltage will use less current for the same amount of watts (power) so in theory will give a longer run time. Brushless motors use lots of power so the highest capacity you can afford will be best.
NiMhs have a higher internal resistance than Lipos so will never deliver the equivalent level of power. There are other alternatives ( Lithium Iron) that don't carry the risks associated with LiPos but they are very costly and need special chargers.
You will get acceptable performance with NiMhs but it will lack the sheer power of LiPos.
Good luck. Please post details of your efforts as there will be others who perhaps share your concerns re LiPos. 😀

Live long and prosper

Dave

#1 12 years ago

Battery Choice

I have always been a fan of lead acid gel batteries as they are by far the easiest to maintain and have very few risks In charging and storage. However, after having been dragged Into the 21st Century I have now fitted my latest build with brushless motors and from what I can research lead acids are not going to give up enough power for the motors to perform so I am looking for an alternative.

I don't like the risks associated with charging and storage of LiPO batteries so am looking at NiMH, my Issue Is simple really, do I go for 9.6 or 12 volt options with something like 4600mAh. The only difference as far as I can work out Is the 12 volt will make the prop spin faster and has a higher discharge capacity.

Any thoughts would be gratefully appreciated

Cheers Shaun

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