Li-ion and NiMH Battery from Bern Furgang -no problems repo rted.

Wed Sep 11 08:38:11 AKDT 2002

I spoke with Bern via email about potential problems regarding Li-ion pack
overheating to such an extend as to cause a fire, or if ANY of his packs
have been involved in fires, or any other type of catostrophic event.  Any
news or word of this sort is troublesome.  Bern reported back that NONE of
his packs have been involved in any type of fire or melt-down.  Furthermore,
had stated that he had been contacted by persons who have experienced severe
problems with other manufactorers li-ion packs.  Bern did not say anything
about who, or what other batteries have been tied to serious overheating or
fire.  His charger utilizes an "electric balance" type of operation (just
like Jerry B. described in another post), and is very safe.  Thus, this
brand/design of Li-ion packs and equipment is free of incident.

Jim W.

-----Original Message-----
From: Henderson,Eric [mailto:eric.henderson at gartner.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 5:28 AM
To: 'discussion at nsrca.org'
Subject: Li-ion and NiMH Battery from Bern Furgang

I have three of these chargers. One in the house and two in the car. The
house one has a wall unit that gives 12v from a cigar lighter receptacle.
They behave like Jerry stated. I would add that I use C-Volt meters on the
planes so you can see the voltage under servo load. You can charge them at
any time with no battery memory issues. 

I also use the I4c load meter with .5, 1 and 1.5 amp load options. to check
the packs. Interestingly enough they will not take a charge after only one
flight. Seems that around 8.2v, no load, will not get an LED color change on
the charger.

So far (8 Months of flying) the Li-ions from Bern Furnang have had no
problems in operation or charging. I have them in six different planes. With
digital pattern type set up's I get a good solid 7 flights before I stop
(7.4V with the plane turned on). With regular servos I see 7.8V after 10
flights. A fully charged pack shows 8.4v. I have used all my existing, but
different, regulators with no problems, e.g. no extra or excessive heat etc.

As far as the NiMH packs. they give power like Nicads, charge with my
overnight chargers like Nicads but hold their charge like Li-ions and don't
have memory problems either. They are just great in TX packs (8 x 1830's),
Kavan starter-packs (10 x 3000's) and Radio South glow drivers (4 x 3000's).
You really do get twice the duration. 

What I enjoy the most is their ability to not run down on their own. They do
lose charge but VERY slowly. One starter-pack   I left in the car for six
months, fully charged. when I went to use it, it worked all day as if it was
freshly charged.

Hope you all have a strong day and that we all get through this tough time
with the capability to still love those who don't love us yet.

Eric.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Budd [mailto:jbudd at QNET.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 1:00 AM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: NiMh Battery from Bern Furgang

Verne,

The charger that Bern sells is for the Li-ion packs he markets.  I 
don't think he offers a charger for the NiCD or NiMH batteries since 
there are so many chargers for those types available through normal 
channels.

The charger for the Li-ion batteries he sells looks a LOT like a 
modified cell phone charger for use in your car.

Jerry

>Bob,
>Did you get his charger? If so, are there indicator lights on it to let you
>know it's fully charged?
>
>Verne
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Bob Pastorello" <faipatrn at msn.com>
>To: "NSRCAMail" <discussion at nsrca.org>
>Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 9:49 PM
>Subject: NiMh Battery from Bern Furgang
>
>
>>  I received the 1680 mah recommended by some on this list, and have to
say
>>  that Bern was very prompt to send the battery, and provided great
>>  information about charging, cycling, etc.
>>      The battery cycled at 1680, and I flew tonight with it...it weighs
the
>>  SAME as my 1100mah NiCad exactly, and gives about 35% more mah.
>>      Sure means I won't be field charging as much....really great
product,
>>  great service!!
>>
>>
>>  Bob Pastorello,  NSRCA 199, District 6
>>  El Reno, Oklahoma
>>  faipatrn at msn.com
>>
>>  You Gotta at least TRY....
>>  http://www.rcaerobats.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>  =====================================
>>  # To be removed from this list, send a message to
>>  # discussion-request at nsrca.org
>>  # and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
>>  #
>>
>>
>
>=====================================
># To be removed from this list, send a message to
># discussion-request at nsrca.org
># and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
>#

-- 
___________
Jerry Budd
mailto:jbudd at qnet.com
=====================================
# To be removed from this list, send a message to 
# discussion-request at nsrca.org
# and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
#
=====================================
# To be removed from this list, send a message to 
# discussion-request at nsrca.org
# and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
#
=====================================
# To be removed from this list, send a message to 
# discussion-request at nsrca.org
# and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
#