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Lithium Polymer
Cells
LiPoly
cells are a dream come true for micro modellers. Compare
the voltage, capacity and weight of our LiPoly cells to
NiCd or NiMH cells and you will see that LiPoly cells
provide more energy per gram than any other battery - up
to 4 times the specific energy (Watt hour/Kg) of NiCd or
NiMH batteries! One 4 gram LP145 cell can replace a 3
cell 120mAh NiMH battery AT ONE THIRD THE WEIGHT! Lower
weight means lower wing loading and slower, smaller,
longer flying
R/C aircraft!
These LiPoly
Cells have locking pin microconnectors pre-attached to
the cell and are available in a range of capacities.Wire
harnesses are available to make 2 and 3 cell packs for
your airplanes - that will now climb vertical and fly
longer thanks to the weight savings!
All you need to do to enjoy these
cells is use a Plantraco "LPC" LiPoly Charger and be
aware of the inherent discharge rate
limitations
Superior Energy
Density.
Small Size, High Energy, Low
weight
3.7 Volts from one cell |
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LP170 - Capacity 170mAh,
3.7V
Dimensions (35mm x 19mm x 4.5mm)
Weight
- 5.4 grams (with
microconnector)
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LP550
- Capacity 550mAh, 3.7V
Dimensions
(50mm x 32mm x 3.5mm)
Weight - 11.7 grams
(with microconnector)
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LP850 - Capacity 850mAh,
3.7V
Dimensions (50mm x 32mm x 5mm)
Weight
- 16.9 grams (with
microconnector) | Click here to see the Price
List |
Battery Limitations - Safety Warnings -
SAFETY FIRST
These polymer cells are designed to
be safer than most other types of batteries, the electrolyte
is a solid polymer instead of a liquid like other cells. But
since these batteries are new technology, it is wise to take
the time to learn how to use them in a safe manner. The cells
are covered with a thin aluminum foil material that prevents
the cells from exploding should they be abused, over charged,
over discharged - no "shrapnel" explosion worries here. But,
having said that, our in-house abuse testing does reveal that
the batteries can swell and leak if the end user does foolish
things like charge the cell with a NiCd fast charger. It is
very important to use a charger that is designed to charge
LiPo cells such as Plantraco's LPC-400 Lithium Polymer
Charger. It is also important that the cells be matched to a
drive system that minimizes the current draw to an acceptable
level.
Chargers: You MUST use a charger
designed for Lithium Polymer Batteries. Do NOT use a peak
charger intended for NiCd/NiMH batteries - you will damage the
cells permanently.
Charge Rate: LiPoly
cells cannot be "fast charged". Never charge at a mA higher
than the capacity of the battery (1C max charge rate). For
best charging, low charge rates should be used where possible.
You must NOT over discharge your LiPoly cells or they may
become permanently damaged.
We do have the possibility of including a voltage
protection circuit, that cuts the battery off below
approximately 2.7 volts but we have not included this
protection circuit. We figure you are better off damaging the
cell, than crashing your airplane because of a voltage cutoff
device. The cell is susceptible
to damage from over discharge, but in most cases this can
easily be avoided by listening to the RPM of your propeller,
and landing when you hear a drop in speed.
Current Draw:
These
cells are being used beyond their recommended current draw in
most hobby applications. The manufacturers recommend no
greater than 2C discharge rates, but we are routinely
discharging our small LP145 cells at 7C (1 Amp) and have had
no problems so far. We stress that you read and understand all
safety warnings included with the cells to avoid damage to the
cell and to your person.
These new cells, when used with our LPC-400
charger, and our DSP4-SC microreceiver with
built-in speed
controller will enable the micro modeller to build
featherweight model aircraft that push the limits of Micro
R/C.
Plantraco's LiPoly Charger
can charge
Lithium Ion, and Lithium Polymer
cells,
and 2 and 3 cell LiPo packs.
Microprocessor control
assures a good
charge every time and warns you
if
settings are incorrect. |
More
Information
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