plasmaman
Enlightened
Anyone know what spec these A123 cells are that Dewalt are using in their new battery packs?
Dewalt A123 cells 28v and 36v packs
- Thread starter plasmaman
- Start date
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Are you saying that Dewalt is using a new type of A123 in their 36V drill packs that typically holds 10 cells? Or are you just asking what is the standard of these cells that we have known about for the last year? I have not heard of their using a new type of A123, other than the smaller 18650 1100mAh form factor size cell in VPX packs in select Black and Decker tools. This is another reason to use an Elephant Mag.
Here is a great thread with lots of pix taking one of the larger cell packs apart.
Thread with testing info on 18650 size B&D cells.
Best place for A123 cells is this forum.
Amazon $20 listing for the two cell 18650 VPX pack here.
Here is a great thread with lots of pix taking one of the larger cell packs apart.
Thread with testing info on 18650 size B&D cells.
Best place for A123 cells is this forum.
Amazon $20 listing for the two cell 18650 VPX pack here.
Last edited:
liveforphysics
Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2006
- Messages
- 343
Nano lithium iron phosphate. It's a very new cell technology, not to be confused with regular LiFePo4 cells.
Each of those cells is rated at 2300mAh and 3.3v nominal. Why are they special? Aside from being the most safe lithium cells ever made, they have 60c continous discharge abilitys. This means you can safely pull 120A from a single cell safely and continously.
They can also be fully and safely charged in 10minutes if you have the right charger.
Very cool new tech, and it's causing many RC folks to switch from LiPoly.
Each of those cells is rated at 2300mAh and 3.3v nominal. Why are they special? Aside from being the most safe lithium cells ever made, they have 60c continous discharge abilitys. This means you can safely pull 120A from a single cell safely and continously.
They can also be fully and safely charged in 10minutes if you have the right charger.
Very cool new tech, and it's causing many RC folks to switch from LiPoly.
plasmaman
Enlightened
Thanks guys.
I needed a high discharge pack to run an ACL at 28v plus a bit more (Q4559X) in a par64 host. I just found the 36v Dewalt pack, and that will be perfect (I may have to take 1 cell out).
Any ideas on whether I can use the built in charger module to charge the pack?
My Bantam BC6 (which has A123 algorithm) will not deliver enough juice for 9 or 10 cells. Could I use my bench supply (30v 10A) to run the Dewalt charger, or should I split the pack into 2, and run them in series in the light?
I needed a high discharge pack to run an ACL at 28v plus a bit more (Q4559X) in a par64 host. I just found the 36v Dewalt pack, and that will be perfect (I may have to take 1 cell out).
Any ideas on whether I can use the built in charger module to charge the pack?
My Bantam BC6 (which has A123 algorithm) will not deliver enough juice for 9 or 10 cells. Could I use my bench supply (30v 10A) to run the Dewalt charger, or should I split the pack into 2, and run them in series in the light?
If you read through some of those links I posted, you will learn how to charge & care for these properly, but there is a lot of leeway on charging tolerances.
I would not recommend using/charging them without spending some time reading the experiences and guidelines from those threads....especially from "everydayflyer"
Charging abuses may cut down on number of cycles, but many have overcharged them, fast charged (15 mins), and they hold up in ways that you can't imagine compared to Li-Ion (cobalt) cells.
Short answer, you could probably use all those chargers with voltage dmm monitoring.
I would not recommend using/charging them without spending some time reading the experiences and guidelines from those threads....especially from "everydayflyer"
Charging abuses may cut down on number of cycles, but many have overcharged them, fast charged (15 mins), and they hold up in ways that you can't imagine compared to Li-Ion (cobalt) cells.
Short answer, you could probably use all those chargers with voltage dmm monitoring.
plasmaman
Enlightened
I will make 2 separate packs and use the BC6 to charge.
But I am curious about the charger that is apparently incorprated into the DW 36v pack. I've read the threads but can't see anyone having posted about this. Seems a shame not to utilise it if it can be used.
I've read quite a bit on the Q4559X too - any idea Lux what a practical overdrive voltage is for this unit?
I suspect 10 x A123 would be too much at 36v and with little sag, but would 9 (ie 32.7v) work?
As I bought a job lot of 6 lamps, maybe I'll just trial it (behind a 1" thick plexiglass screen of course!)
Lux - where did you get the power switch from on your landing light?
But I am curious about the charger that is apparently incorprated into the DW 36v pack. I've read the threads but can't see anyone having posted about this. Seems a shame not to utilise it if it can be used.
I've read quite a bit on the Q4559X too - any idea Lux what a practical overdrive voltage is for this unit?
I suspect 10 x A123 would be too much at 36v and with little sag, but would 9 (ie 32.7v) work?
As I bought a job lot of 6 lamps, maybe I'll just trial it (behind a 1" thick plexiglass screen of course!)
Lux - where did you get the power switch from on your landing light?
SilverFox
Flashaholic
Hello Plasmaman,
Here is the data sheet for the larger cells.
The people using the DeWalt power tools have been very pleased with the stock charger. If you are planning on using the stock pack, the stock charger should work very well.
The RC people are building custom battery packs, so the stock charger is not appropriate their use.
Tom
Here is the data sheet for the larger cells.
The people using the DeWalt power tools have been very pleased with the stock charger. If you are planning on using the stock pack, the stock charger should work very well.
The RC people are building custom battery packs, so the stock charger is not appropriate their use.
Tom
JimmyM
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have GOT to get that next batch of JM-SSTs out the door so I can build the L14K model.
plasmaman
Enlightened
Thanks Tom
I don't know how tough the Q4559x is, but looking at the start up sag in the A123, it may be that it will take the full 10 cell pack, as the cells will go down to 3v on a 20A load.
I'm planning to dissassemble the pack, to fit the cells into the host, so I was just wondering if the stock DW charger could be utilised if I kept all 10 cells together rather than splitting them into 2 5 cell packs for charging purposes.
I could put the DW charger into a project box.
plasmaman
Enlightened
You have - and presumably it will be OK with 30 - 36v Vin, and 20A draw?
JimmyM
Flashlight Enthusiast
40V Vin max, and 50A no sweat. 20A will be a walk in the park. I've been doing some work in the last hour or so. I've found a nice driver that can drive multiple mosfets. Still on paper, but the JM-SSTs are ready to have their components populated. Sad thing is I'm away from home next week for work.
SilverFox
Flashaholic
Hello Plasmaman,
The stock charger has temperature probes, as well as a cell balancing system. If you hook up all of these safety devices, I don't think there would be any reason that would prevent you from using the stock charger.
Just make sure you take notes when you take the pack apart and get everything hooked up properly when you put it back together.
Tom
The stock charger has temperature probes, as well as a cell balancing system. If you hook up all of these safety devices, I don't think there would be any reason that would prevent you from using the stock charger.
Just make sure you take notes when you take the pack apart and get everything hooked up properly when you put it back together.
Tom
plasmaman
Enlightened
Thanks Tom - the RC forum walk through that Lux flagged up shows that fairly clearly. If the charger is usable, then these DW packs are actually quite good value!
