List of LiPo's that fit into stock D mag's

[jasonck08]

I thought I'd start a thread where we post links and specs of LiPo packs that will fit inside D mag tubes. I know mag tubes are about 36mm wide or so. And there are tons of LiPo's in the 34-35mm range, that are 10-15mm thick. But with LiPo's of this size, it may not be possible to fit two side by side, because of the curve in the mags tube.

-7.4v LiPo's are preferable for most projects because 2 of them will overdrive most 12v bulbs very well...

The LM Loong max 1800mah 7.4v pack is 100x33x14mm's. So it might be a good pack to fit two packs side by side in a mag for an overdriven 12v mag project. This pack's discharge rate is rated at 20-30C / 36-54amps / 266-400 Watts.

-11.1v packs are good when overdriving a 24v bulb. As 3x11.1v=33.3v. 11.1v packs are also much easier to fit inside of mags because of there smaller size (sometimes). Quite a few will also fit into C size mags.

LM Loong max 500mah 20C is a 3 cell pack that measures 29x54x15mm. Two of these will easily fit side by side in a D mag. This one is rated at 20-30C / 10-15 amps / 111-166 Watts.

Please post links to other packs. Any pack in the 33-34mm range should fit just fine in a D mag, but it is questionable if they will be able to fit side by side. If someone could confirm this, that would be great!

 

[mudman cj]

I don't want to trash your thread here, but I thought you might wonder why you don't see much discussion in these forums about using LiPo cells in lights.

The flashlight community has been eager to benefit from the work of folks in the RC arena, and it is now commonplace to find high current Nimh or Li-ion cells (especially protected cells) in use with flashlights that were tested and developed in cooperation with RC users.

One exception to that is the LiPo cell. They have a reputation for occasionally failing in a manner that, while not particularly dangerous in a remote application (as in RC), would pose a threat when enclosed in an aluminum tube. Explosives confined to a sealed metal casing = pipe bomb.

Since the advent of cobalt-based Li-ion electrode chemistries, other safer Li-ion chemistries have been developed that can provide the high current capability of LiPo cells with much greater safety. These are the A123 Systems and Emoli cells for example. They are really catching on for use in high-powered incandescent lights (hotwires).

So, I wish you well in your endeavors, but I want to politely suggest that you consider the hazards of LiPo use in flashlights and consider the alternatives.

 

[mdocod]

I have to agree with mudman here. Sortof...

drill a hole in the tailcap and stick a rubber plug in it... (that way, instead of blowing up, maybe it'll just go into orbit)...

 

[Jerb]

then you've created a rocket and I'd hate to be anywhere near you when it goes (and goes and goes)

 

[LuxLuthor]

Jason, please don't misundstand us when we give sincere caution warnings. We are not against LiPo's, but the average flashlight user is not likely aware of the proper use and limitations of LiPo packs in a handheld flashlight.

I posted a couple of links to get people started in this other 1D IRC-65W mod thread. If people are comfortable with proper LiPo use/care/charging in this setting, then go for it. We just don't want people to see these threads and assume that they are like any other battery. Lipo have a soft, malleable nature, so it is possible to have edge compressions that lead to shorts. There are also risks from heat/gas expansion in a closed metal tube. Obviously if you can find packs that have a protection circuit built into them it will add to their safety.

 

[jasonck08]

Thank you for posting all these words of warning. But I believe that if used responsibly LIPo's are great for flashlights. It probalby is a good idea to drill a few holes in the maglight like mentioned above.

Overcharging and overdischarging are the main sources of explosions / fires for LiPo's, they are not made to take tha abuse that LifePo4's are. You just need to take all of the appropriate precautions (not sealing up a flashlight without holes in it, not leaving them unattended while charging, not overcharging or overdischarging them).

I really like the A123 Systems LifePo4 batteries, but can't get over the prices. They seem to be several times the price for equivalent capacity LIPo packs.

Anyone care to post cheap sources of LifePo4 high discharge batteries? I have yet to find some place that sells them at a reasonable price...

 

[g36pilot]

deleted

 

[g36pilot]

For battery dimensions, check online RC supply sites. They usually list them in the battery specs.

Here's a site a few of us use: http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_index.asp

 

[jasonck08]

LOL I'm very aware of hobbycity, hence the links to them in my first post.

 

[g36pilot]

My bad. I hadn't opened your elegantly composed links prior to offering a suggestion.