Battery types for model subs

[corsaire]

Great info, thanks! Sears seems to be my best option then, since all Radio Shack stores here in Northern Jersey are closed and out of business.
While we are on the subject, what are your favorite battery connectors? I'm using on mine TX-60 connectors, other like Dean, Traxxas, and which one you
think is the best for our underwater use. Also, how do you waterproof these connectors since they're exposed to the free flooding area in the hull.
Currently, I'm using silicone grease inside the connectros and spread around the connections. Is this OK and ideal? Thanks

[JWLaRue]

I use Deans connectors and have converted most of my batteries to use them. For the few that haven't been converted, I use adapters.

As for waterproofing connectors....I don't. I prefer to not have to worry about the long-term effect of galvanic corrosion on the connectors or the impact of the battery in water. See my prior post about my mini "dive module" approach for the batteries. All my connectors are in the dry spaces.

-Jeff

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

I don't know what they are called.
I use big connectors because I am getting old and they are easyer for me to work with.
I do not water proof my connectors.
I might put a little bit of silicone grease on them to make them slip together and come a part easier.
My batteries are inside the cylinder.
It fits under the ballast bag container in the cylinder.
In this photo you can see the connectors at the front of the cylinder.
They match the one on the battery.

[corsaire]

You mean Lipos like enclosed spaces? say can they blow up inside your pressure hull should gas leak, etc? I thought a battery running out in the water keeps it nice and cool.
My Lipo is sealed with a strong plastic laminate(shrink wrapped), so only the actual wire and connector is exposed.

[corsaire]

I don't know what they are called.
I use big connectors because I am getting old and they are easyer for me to work with.
I do not water proof my connectors.
I might put a little bit of silicone grease on them to make them slip together and come a part easier.
My batteries are inside the cylinder.
It fits under the ballast bag container in the cylinder.
In this photo you can see the connectors at the front of the cylinder.
They match the one on the battery.

Those in yelow, look like mine, those are the TX-60s.

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

Here is the cylinder closed up and being water tested.


I have no issues with battery running hot. Not even warm.
There is a tire valve on the front end cap.
The valve is removed and only the valve cap is used.
When traveling the cap is removed so that no pressure builds up in the cylinder while going from an elevation of 3000' down to 400'.
My cylinder also used two rods that go from the back to the front cap on the outside to hold them on.
This is because my system uses and internal ballast bag and when filled it builds a little pressure in the cylinder.
Also, when I charge the battery, it is removed from the cylinder.
The way I build my equipment tray, I just slip the battery in from the front, under the ballast containment tank.
Once the battery is in, I connect the plug.
Reverse to remove.

[JWLaRue]

The dangers of LiPo batteries have been greatly exaggerated, IMHO. The only "gas problem" I am aware of is associated with charging the batteries....but that's not unique to LiPo's. Run and charge them as you would other batteries, take care of them to prevent physical damage and you'll be good to go.

I'd like to hear what others who use and understand LiPo's have to say.

-Jeff

[KevinMC]

The dangers of LiPo batteries have been greatly exaggerated, IMHO. The only "gas problem" I am aware of is associated with charging the batteries....but that's not unique to LiPo's. Run and charge them as you would other batteries, take care of them to prevent physical damage and you'll be good to go.

I'd like to hear what others who use and understand LiPo's have to say.

-Jeff

I agree completely - the horror videos of LiPo's "going nuclear" persist but the causes for those events have been forgotten or misunderstood. Keep your cells balanced, charge them using a charger that's meant for LiPo's, don't deeply discharge them, and don't store them fully charged and you should get a long, reliable service life from them.

[corsaire]

I agree completely - the horror videos of LiPo's "going nuclear" persist but the causes for those events have been forgotten or misunderstood. Keep your cells balanced, charge them using a charger that's meant for LiPo's, don't deeply discharge them, and don't store them fully charged and you should get a long, reliable service life from them.

I agree with Jeff and Kevin, the dangers have been overblown, I think is more a LIABILITY issue more than anything else (originated of course by the negligent, nescient and careless) by those who's got a stake in the business, such as hobby shops, battery retailers, etc, however their basic point should be taken, I'd rather err in the side of safety than carelessness. People who handle any kind of chemical batteries should read and get informed as much as possible on their benefits and dangers if not handled properly.

[salmon]

So Kevin, you do not store your batteries fully charged, how long is acceptable before it is called storage? A day, week? What % do you store them at?

As far as LiPo stories being overblown, it is like the medical disclosures they read on a commercial. They can scare you into not using it. It is good to know the dangers and use caution. I still am learning on LiPo batteries. The technology is mostly safe.

[jefftytoo]

Agreed. On Will Oudmayer's advice, last year I switched to LiPo's for my Seaview. Got a good, balancing charger especially for them, and yes, I'm careful with it. No problems. (If only I could say that about Seaview's performance itself—and her operator!)

JeffP

[salmon]

Her operator is a pretty cool guy

[Guest]

If you're using a portable computing device to view this forum e.g. a laptop, tablet or smartphone, then it'll be powered by lithium battery technology.

If you have a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner, lithium batteries again.

My guess is most of those using this kit plug it in to charge and leave it unattended. What's the difference?

Okay chances are the charge rate may be a bit slower, and also the charge line will be fused, but that is probably it.

So chill out guys, chances are your sub is one of the safer things in your home. Probably better maintained for a start!

[KevinMC]

So Kevin, you do not store your batteries fully charged, how long is acceptable before it is called storage? A day, week? What % do you store them at?

I'd have to look up what the "% charge" equivalent is, but the number I've learned to use is 3.8V / cell for storage. As for "how long" before you call it storage, like everything it's a sliding scale. Think of LiPo's like an elastic band; when you leave them stretched all the time they will start to lose their "spring". The better you treat your batteries the longer they'll serve you so fill 'em up when you need them then bleed them back down when you're done. You don't need to be fanatic about it, I put my batts on charge the night before I run so they're ready to go for the morning. If I don't use a battery on a run day I try to discharge it back to storage the same day, but it doesn't always happen.

[salmon]

Thank you Kevin, coming from you holds a lot of weight with me. I will change my habit.