Can i use Lipo with this?

[Beanie]

Just got a B4RS with the LRP AI standard ESC and the brushed Reedy Radon 17T motor.

Got a couple of GP Lipo packs, 5000mah/28C/2S and was wondering if I can use them with the above or would it get a little smokey?!

[blue_pinky]

It should be ok, but check if it has a lipo cutoff built in...I'm pretty sure it doesn't...

You can get a separate cut off easily enough though...novak smartstop 2S for example, which turns the esc off when the voltage gets near to its low voltage level.

The lipo will be able to deliver a lot of power to that system...it's not a massively high specced one, but it is only a relatively low powered motor so hopefully it won't be drawing too much current either. I'd suggest keeping an eye on how hot the esc/motor is getting...too much heat in the system is a bad sign! Something higher specced may be better long term if your getting more serious about it!

In case your not familiar with lipo's, if you run your lipo down tooo much (to below 3.0v per cell, so 6.0v on a 2S pack) you could damage the battery, and damaged lipo's can be pretty dangerous if not handled correctly. They won't charge properly, hold charge well or run well after they've been over discharged. Even slight over discharges can reduce the performance of the cells dramatically.

It's not as bad as it might sound, it just needs a little respect and care. The cutoff will prevent you damaging the battery and mean there is no chance of any bigger problems

Hope that helps!

[Beanie]

Thanks Andy! Running a MMM / Lipo in my 8T currently. I'm very wary of my lipo's!! I almost wince when I plug them in to charge and ALWAYS balance charge them!! Set the LVC on the MMM to 3.4v too....just to be safe!!

Sounds like for my new B4 then it might be worth giving my Nimh's a go until I get used to it and then yearn for BL and to use my lipo's I have, then perhaps invest a little in a EZRun combo perhaps...

[mark christopher]

it will be fine invest in a cut off or if you notice them slow, stop straight away, it wont smoke anything, you could try geqring down abit too

[Beanie]

Any recommendations for a good standalone LVC?

[blue_pinky]

Lipo's are fine really...I've never seen it, but I'm told Nimh's go up with a pretty big bang when they go too!!!

Much the same safety rules really if you think...

Don't short them
Always charge them with the right charger
Only new one really is not to over discharge them...

simple really! Easy once your used to them, in fact, I've always thought that the nice sealed up package with connectors hiding inside or on flying leads is much safer than the old Nimh racing packs...exposed contacts, dodgy solder joints that break, batteries that need cycling/discharging...much more hastle really, but it's just what your used to I guess.

Give them a try with the cut off though, it won't hurt, just keep an eye on temps and all will be fine....in fact better than the nimh's!!!

[blue_pinky]

LVC...I've used one of these in the past without problems...

http://www.teamnovak.com/products/li...ule/index.html

There are others I'm sure

[Beanie]

Hmm....the Novak is £26, wondering whether to use my nimhs for now and perhaps look at getting an EZRun combo for it, anyone recommend a EZRun combo that woudl suit the B4 nicely? Mostly being used indoors on carpet for some local racing, a bit of outdoor and jumps when weather permits