I use lipo's on my rc cars. They don't scare me. Most of the problems with lipo's lies squarely on the users. A huge majority of rc users try to run very fast motors and then crank up the boost on their speed controllers. Many of these people will also try to push the limits on how fast they can charge these batteries.
In an O scale engine, you are never going to discharge these at a real fast rate. They won't get hot this way either. I personally don't charge batteries at any faster than 1/2C which is basically two hours to recharge. That's plenty fast and again the battery doesn't get hot. I am very easy on my batteries.
The charger I use asks what type of battery you want to charge whether it's nicad, nimh, life, or Lipo. Then it asks you at what rate you want to charge it. They don't need to scare people. You just have to know what you are doing. Old nicad batteries required no special treatment. These do but it's not bad.
I fully intend to convert over to Lipo power and have absolutely no fire concerns at all.
I've asked QSI if they would be interested in coming out with a battery power management system for putting inside a unit. One that would include the ability to manage charging and discharging LiPo or LiFe type batteries from an ~18VAC source like the Lionel bricks, include a 3S-5S balancer and also manage/protect the power to the decoder and receiver from things like shorts (which lithium batteries really don't like).
If you would be interested in something like that please let them know.
Mr Schenectady-------------------
If you want to take the time and look up my comments from actual use of LiPo batteries in the loco and my impression, and list of components, it is all there for your convenience. I also have a Youtube search reutling, or Ed Reutling for seeing actual running w/o any track power and entirely in the loco, battery and all.
Anyone can either write direct reutling@embarqmail, or call 423 477 5790. Eastern time. Always glad to help
Ed R
Originally Posted by Sdy Loco:
I have seen battery powered equipment at the Amherst train show in Springfield, MA. But could not get to anyone to answer questions. I know that some modelers are using it and in two rail they use the rail circuits for signal aspects. Just like the prototype! A special issue of RMC about a year ago, focused on 19th century modeling and included a photo of an AHM Reno 4-4-0 with a battery and on/off switch in the tender. So the stuff and the technology is out there. I sometimes wonder about the system as I struggle to learn DCC. Comments?? Sdy Loco
Originally Posted by rdunniii:
I've asked QSI if they would be interested in coming out with a battery power management system for putting inside a unit. One that would include the ability to manage charging and discharging LiPo or LiFe type batteries from an ~18VAC source like the Lionel bricks, include a 3S-5S balancer and also manage/protect the power to the decoder and receiver from things like shorts (which lithium batteries really don't like).
If you would be interested in something like that please let them know.
I am waiting patiently for a company like QSI to offer built in battery management capabilities. Sooner or later somebody will get the idea to offer it. I hope... How awesome would it be to have a QSI Titan sound decoder that had an onboard LiFe battery charger? LiPo would be ok too, but I would prefer LiFe for safety reasons. Park the engine on a powered siding and charge. That would be nice.
Originally Posted by reutling:
I also have a Youtube search reutling, or Ed Reutling for seeing actual running
Ed R
Mr. Ed that video you filmed and put on YT is the best I have ever viewed and it
is Very relaxing, very.
thank you
Originally Posted by Rufus:
Originally Posted by reutling:
I also have a Youtube search reutling, or Ed Reutling for seeing actual running
Ed R
Mr. Ed that video you filmed and put on YT is the best I have ever viewed and it
is Very relaxing, very.
thank you
Mr. Rufus,
Thank you very much
Ed R
