Batteries to drive Q4559x

[smopoim86]

I have a couple of q4559x laps and was searching for a battery solution. I was looking at purchasing one of these and using the cells out of it. My question was, How many should i use to get max power and no flash it?

Or is there a cheaper battery solution that would work as well? I'd really like the a123 so I can quick charge.

Thanks
Daniel

 

[BVH]

If memory serves, my LarryK14 uses 24 ea., 4500 mah Elite cells from Cheap Battery Packs.com and comes off the charger at about 1.5 Volts per cell, or 36 +- Volts. I believe the general recommendation here has always been to let the pack sit for 2 hours before use or instaflash may occur. IIRC, I've lit mine off when the pack measured in the mid 35's and have not flashed one yet. These cell are capable of a lot of current so there is not much sagging in Voltage. Not sure I've really answered your question but it gives my experience with Voltage numbers.

 

[LuxLuthor]

I have a couple of q4559x laps and was searching for a battery solution. I was looking at purchasing one of these and using the cells out of it. My question was, How many should i use to get max power and no flash it?

Or is there a cheaper battery solution that would work as well? I'd really like the a123 so I can quick charge.

Thanks
Daniel

Remembering that the A123 NanoIronPhosphate cells have a lower voltage, that pack has 10 cells in it (BVH sold me two of his, in fact), and while they charge up to 3.5+ish, it is a bit misleading to call these 36V packs.
Once the 10 cells are subjected to a load, although they would charge up to 3.5+ish, they almost immediately drop to 3.3-ish or lower. As this 13 Amp graph performance link shows will drop to the 30 to 32V range.

Now the 24 x SubC NiMH Elite cell pack has a starting voltage of around 32V as described in this post. They drop under the average 20Amp load, but I think you would probably be OK with the that pack. Worst case, you flash the $30 Q4559X bulb.

I can't remember over the years if someone else already tried this A123 pack solution with this bulb.

 

[smopoim86]

Ok, I know they will drop to around 3.3v under the 20A load. I was just wondering is the 34-36v open circuit voltage would be a problem. I've also considered making a 2 stage switch that would power it on 7 cells then add the other 3. I can only charge a string of 8 at a time anyway.

The reason I wanted to use the A123 is mainly the fast charge and the weight.

 

[larryk]

Member petrev used the Dewalt batteries for the 600 watt and 1000 watt 4556 lamp.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=189089&highlight=larryk14

 

[smopoim86]

I powered it up the other night. Seems like it'll do alright. Now I've just gotta find an enclosure or build one.

 

[smopoim86]

Light is somewhat complete. No pics till after the SE meetup. I ended up with 2 q4559x lamps mounted in the side of a 6 gallon water jug. I'm somewhat concerned about starting the light with the battery fully charged (I haven't charged it up yet, just the factory charger).

 

[smopoim86]

Well. I instaflashed both bulbs tonight. When the battery was cold it had enough resistance, but with a hot battery the resistance was a little lower and didn't sag enough.

Oh well. It was only $60.

Daniel

moral of the story: don't use the a123 pack without a soft start if it's hot (temperature).