[NSRCA-discussion] Landmark for e-pattern: >1C charging

[George Miller]

Earl,

I sent Falcon a query a couple of weeks ago using their web site form...no reply.  There is no pricing information or order info on their website....If you know anyone there, you might suggest that they answer their web mail!<G>

George
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Earl Haury 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 5:25 PM
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Landmark for e-pattern: >1C charging


  Vincente

  Falcon Batteries are located in Houston, have been supplying batteries to the sport guys for several years, and enjoy a reputation for having a good product with good service.

  Last fall they expressed interest in the pattern market but were unsure of the requirements. I had just entered the E-power arena for pattern and had a Partner (Hacker C50-14) fitted with equipment capable of recording relevant parameters in flight. Falcon loaned me 5S2P -5000 mAh packs which I flew and compared performance with that of well known "pattern" packs. 

  I insisted that pack life was equal to flight performance in importance. Falcon responded by creating the F3A Pro Series packs described in their ad in the K-Factor. Their philosophy is that precise cell matching in packs using the absolute best cells with respect to voltage / capacity / impedance will result in exceptional pack life. They chose to use a 5S2P configuration to limit cell count for reliability. They also selected the relatively new "High Voltage Retention" cells to meet my requirement of maximum voltage at the current flow observed in pattern. As you've noted, they back their product with a 6 month warranty.

  I've been flying the Falcon F3A Pro packs since late December. The data I've gathered indicate these cells are, at least, equal to other packs I've flown in terms of minimum voltage at pattern current flow throughout F3A P/F flights. Pack heating is quite low. So far I've 40 flights on one set - mostly P-07, and see no degradation in flight performance. Cell set balance is exceptional (balancing connector included). Only time will tell how long these things will last, but with Falcon's warranty I don't have to worry about a budget busting experience. I'll let the list know as I reach cycle milestones. The only negative to these packs is that the weight is 1260 grams which takes care (I've 2 legal airplanes) to meet 5 Kg. - but certainly a consideration.

  And yes, I've received some price consideration for the testing and data evaluation I've performed. 

  Earl


  ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: vicenterc at comcast.net 
    To: NSRCA Mailing List ; 'NSRCA Mailing List' 
    Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 7:32 AM
    Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Landmark for e-pattern: >1C charging


    Better news is the battery manufacturer that is giving 6 months of warranty.  See the add in the last k-Factor. I think is called Falcon Batteries.  I never seen the brand but the fact that they are giving 6 months warranty is very important.  I hope that the competition start to see this trend and we see warranty going up to a year.

    Who is using those batteries?  Reports good or bad are welcome.  

    Regards,

    Vicente Bortone

      -------------- Original message -------------- 
      From: "Cameron Smith" <dentdoc007 at adelphia.net> 

      > I have been using that charging combo. 
      > 
      > Charging 4 new TP 2100mah Prolites @ 1.5C to 95% capacity in about 35 
      > Minutes. (On 2 charger combos) 
      > This yields easy 10 minute flight on a 300+ watt system per battery, 
      > using around 1600-1700 mah. 
      > 
      > After following Charlie's advice I tried 2C but only gained less than 4 
      > minutes in charge time so I backed it down. I pay for my packs so I want 
      > to see others do 3C for a longer period of time before I "Crank it up" 
      > 
      > After doing this the old 1C rate/single charger for a couple years now, 
      > 4 times as much in 1/2 the time is Cool! 
      > 
      > I agree with Adam, This is good news for electrics. 
      > 
      > 
      > 
      > > 
      > 
      > 
      > 
      > 
      > 
      > -----Original Message----- 
      > From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org 
      > [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Adam 
      > Glatt 
      > Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:16 PM 
      > To: NSRCA Mailing List 
      > Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Landmark for e-pattern: >1C charging 
      > 
      > http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5182816&postcount=24 
      > That post is by Charlie Wang, head of Thunder Power. Charlie has been 
      > running cycle test experiments where he cycles Thunder Power Pro Lite 
      > batteries with 2C and 3C charge rates, and 4C discharge rates. His 
      > experiments have convinced him that 3C charging of Thunder Power Pro 
      > Lite batteries does not harm the batteries. 
      > 
      > This is a major step for electric R/C. Consider a situation with one 
      > charger, two batteries, and 10 minute flights ! - low cost, typical 
      > pattern and sport equipment. Charge times are inside of 30 minutes. 
      > Allowing 5 minutes for pack cool-down, it is possible to log 5 flights 
      > in less than 2 hours. In a pattern situation this isn't yet possible, 
      > because it takes a 16A charger to charge the 5.3Ah pack at 3C and they 
      > don't exist. Using available chargers, two TP 1010's ($320-$400), two 
      > TP 210 balancers ($140-$200), and four 5s4p5300 packs ($1100-$1300), the 
      > 
      > time for 5 flights would be something like 130minutes. 
      > 
      > 3C charging (currently 2C with pattern packs and available chargers) 
      > allows you to fly just as much with fewer batteries. That saves outlay 
      > costs, if not cost per flight, and certainly reduces the length of time 
      > you are stuck with current technology. 
      > 
      > More good news from the electric world. 
      > 
      > Those of you planning on charging at >1C, make sure you read Charlie's 
      > post. He gives specific guidelines! and practices. 
      > 
      > -Adam 
      > _______________________________________________ 
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      > NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org 
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      > 
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