HW Nicad packs

[mattsdragons]

Hey all

After x3 24v 3000ah Nicad packs for bulldog, same as the old packs but they are all ruined. Used to have 3 packs in but had to swap for 2 sla's, high time for me to get some better packs as I have all the relevent chargers etc

anyone got anything give me a bell, cheers

[typhoon_driver]

Re: HW Nicad packs

You'll struggle. Nicads are now outlawed in the EU. Nimh are still an option as are A123s

[mattsdragons]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Am hoping to keep my neck out long enough and see if anyone is converting to A123's, want to avoid buying new chargers etc

Though Nimh's are a valid option, would be after them as well

[maddox10]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Bullfrog uses 4 the 5S 4200mAh Zippy LiFePo4packs from Hobbyking.
The first event we did with them went well concerning batteries.

I would use the 4S variantin a simular setup.

Probably cheaper and lighter, with more Ah and peak amps than 60 new NiMH cells.

Concerning charger. This is what we use for this purpose. Even I can program it.

[mattsdragons]

Re: HW Nicad packs

I'm guessing either the 4 or 5s is good?

[maddox10]

Re: HW Nicad packs

You'll have to double up the packs, 4 or 5S, as you'll need 8S total to replace the 24V NiCD packs.
And to have a margin on peak amps, you'll need to set 2 of the 8S packs in parallel,

with 10S 2P, Bulldog Breed will go significantly faster. 37% faster to be exact.

[teamstorm]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Bear in mind NiCads have not been available for some time now, so anyone selling them will probably be selling v.old NiCads which will have deterioated over time.

Think about why someone might be selling their NiCads as well - is it to save weight (like when we sold ours) or is it because they're getting a bit old and beyond their useful life ?

My honest suggestion is NiMh or if not A123's

[PJ-27]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Never thought about using LiFePo4 hobby packs instead on A123 cells.
Good idea, less hassle and may work out cheaper!

[mattsdragons]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Thats a point, I just went for Nicad packs as them and A123's seem the most common packs

Know I need some new packs but need to figue out what type, preferablly nimh as I have the chargers but am struggling to find high enough amp packs/cells

[typhoon_driver]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Make your own pack. Not difficult to do.

[mattsdragons]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Its locating decent cells that im fainding hard, probably looking in the wrong places but can't find many that have a high enough discharge rate

[cliveb]

Re: HW Nicad packs

Give these guys a ring, they will help you out with either cells or ready made packs.
http://www.component-shop.co.uk/index.html
and I think FRA members still get free postage.