Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Batteries & Chargers => Topic started by: J.beazley on October 05, 2006, 08:10:40 pm

Title: batteries batteries
Post by: J.beazley on October 05, 2006, 08:10:40 pm: can anyone recommend the cheapest place to buy 7.2volt 2700mah upwards battery packs im after a couple of new ones for my Severn lifeboat plus there always handy to have as spares.

plus does anyone make a ready made 7.2volt pack using either AA or preferably AAA size cells???

Jay
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: John - ModelPower on October 05, 2006, 09:49:58 pm: hi
we at modelpower.co.uk can help look at our web site or come and say hello at beale park this weekend.
cheers
John modelpower.co.uk
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: andywright on October 05, 2006, 10:05:21 pm: I buy all my batteries from Modelpower see post above. Good service friendly faces etc etc
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: mx5bob on October 05, 2006, 10:53:43 pm: I race 1/10 cars at Thornton Cleveleys, and a good quality cheap battery is the vapextec 4300 packs that Cleveleys R/C Model shop sell, 7.2 volt packs for £20.00. Mike, who runs the shop, can get unusual packs made to order, and these batteries have good punch (discharge rate) and capacity.The punch is so good I have had to go down a tooth on the motor pinion due to the motor getting past 85 degrees c. I have also used them in my boats, packs wired in series, with no problems.
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: J.beazley on October 06, 2006, 12:34:51 pm: smart cheers for the feedback people
wont be making it to beale park this year to much going on with work and family :'(

are there any pros and cons to making my own packs?, if i bought the cells seperatly that is?...

Jay
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: cbr900 on October 06, 2006, 02:16:07 pm: Try not to apply to much heat when soldering the batteries together, not good for a long life, I find it is also better to rough up the ends with a bit of emery paper solder sticks quicker and less heat....

Roy
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: OMK on October 06, 2006, 02:20:03 pm: "are there any pros and cons to making my own packs?, if i bought the cells seperatly that is?..."

The pro's of soldering your own packs are numerous. But one thing to be aware of is heat.
Cbr900 is bang-on... most all types of battery do not like being subjected to abuse from an over-zealous iron. Heat can, and will, destroy a perfectly good cell -- especially in the case of Nickel-Metal Hydrides.
Use a beefy iron, rated at least 25 - 30 watts or more. Apply the heat absolutely no longer than necessary, while at the same time making sure your connections are good and sound.

B&Q sells packs of 4-cell AA-size Ni-MHs, rated @ 2300mA, for around seven quid.
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: J.beazley on October 06, 2006, 05:08:09 pm: good old trusty B&Q just a shame they dont sell model's ::)

so fast work is needed to solder the tabs with as little heat as poss ;D think i got it now.
i can only make a trial pack and see if it works, not like £7 breaks the bank, mind you the missus might have something to say if i keep messing it up ::).

cheers Jay
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: warspite on October 06, 2006, 07:04:21 pm: Quote from: J.beazley on October 06, 2006, 05:08:09 pm
good old trusty B&Q just a shame they dont sell model's ::)

Didn't you know, they do, it's just tthat the parts are spread over all of the store - timber section, adhesives, etc ;D
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: PIT on October 06, 2006, 10:48:01 pm: Just tried VAPEX for batteries. 7.2volt 3.7Ah 30amp max draw £15.00, or 7.2 4.3Ah 35amp max draw £20.00. Search google for Vapex. very rapid delivery. PIT
Title: Re: batteries batteries
Post by: John - ModelPower on October 16, 2006, 11:57:07 pm: ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Modelpower will have the latest vapex range of battery packs see them at the blackpool model boat show this weekend
we hope you have saved up your pocket money .
John Modelpower.