nihm or lipo

[vrs55]

Hello does many of you guys still use nihm batteries or do you use lipos I just use nihm as only getting rc last august and was put off lipo with reading about them not being that suitable for people new to rc I don't mind nihm batteries as in my hotshot I have a gt tuned motor and a bz motor in my durga but in my tt02 delta that I haven't built yet I'am going to be putting in a etronix photon 12t motor its says it works with nihm how long will it roughly run with a 4000mah nihm

[waterbok]

NiCd

no NiMh are fine, but you have to look after them a little bit.

Loads of info in the web. Still think they are safer than LiPo.

Hope the chemist come up with something new thats less explosiv soon (there are some developments but not available yet)

Problem with high mAh is you get such long runtimes that you run the risk of overheating the motor if you forget to make a pause now and then (and loose performance on the magnets)

[lentner3]

Most are reluctant to switch to lipo mainly due to the cost but when they do they're amazed. They really do make so much difference to your power, run times and battery managment (charging discharging etc.) As long as you get a suitable. charger a good charging bag and take the necessary precautions they are soo worth it. Make sure your setup is suitable with correct cooling etc. and you don't over discharge (just use an alam for a few quid) You can charge them so easily and quickly. I found it Well worth the investment and it allowed me to do a lot more bashing. These days with prices from Hobbyking it's good value too. Just ask on here first before you jump in. Tell us tour setup and you'll get plenty of good suggestions. Best thing I ever did (rc wise) Also gives you lots more motor options brushless etc. My most use set up is my hornet I have a few 5800 mah packs and each ine gives me about 1-2 hours of run time. I can charge a pack in about 30-40 mins. There are lots more reasons to go lipo and yes there are a few things to be careful of before you get started but all in all I would recommend it. I will never use a Nimh or Nicad pack again. Just my opinion but I don't think many regular rc enthusiasts use old stick pack any more.

[vrs55]

Most are reluctant to switch to lipo mainly due to the cost but when they do they're amazed. They really do make so much difference to your power, run times and battery managment (charging discharging etc.) As long as you get a suitable. charger a good charging bag and take the necessary precautions they are soo worth it. Make sure your setup is suitable with correct cooling etc. and you don't over discharge (just use an alam for a few quid) You can charge them so easily and quickly. I found it Well worth the investment and it allowed me to do a lot more bashing. These days with prices from Hobbyking it's good value too. Just ask on here first before you jump in. Tell us tour setup and you'll get plenty of good suggestions. Best thing I ever did (rc wise) Also gives you lots more motor options brushless etc. My most use set up is my hornet I have a few 5800 mah packs and each ine gives me about 1-2 hours of run time. I can charge a pack in about 30-40 mins. There are lots more reasons to go lipo and yes there are a few things to be careful of before you get started but all in all I would recommend it. I will never use a Nimh or Nicad pack again. Just my opinion but I don't think many regular rc enthusiasts use old stick pack any more.

yes will maybe look into lipo in the future when I have more experience have you been using lipos for long

[vrs55]

for you guys that still use nihm batteries what make have you found that is good I just have ansmann 4000mah is hpi or orion any better?

[Skottoman]

I've been using Nimh for years, and have no need really to switch to Lipo. Don't want to worry about things exploding either.

I don't need scorching speed, or anything. The Nimhs I use have been just fine for my usage.

I use Duratrax ONYX 3000mah batteries.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYPP7&P=7

Cheers,

Skottoman

[berman]

I just got a 2200mah team orion nimh with my TA05R, it honestly looks brand new!

Stuck it on charge, 293mah false peak, 604mah false peak...

Bin.

Every lipo I have ever owned takes a full charge everytime. The people who have problems with lipo are the type that put spoons in microwaves. Have some respect for the chemistry and you will never have an issue. Dont over charge, dont over discharge, and balance charge it everytime in a fireproof lipo bag. Simples.

[lentner3]

Started using Lipos about a year or so. What I can say is avoid the cheap Nimh packs from china you wont get the stated capacity or shelf life. I don't see any point investing in Nimh when lipo is inevitable and cheaper. A decent charger can be got for about £25 and unless you've got a chassis that is harder to fit a lipo in you can get decent packs from £10 upwards but the capacity and use you will get will out weigh several Nimh packs. Is there a reason your reluctant? What vehicles are you currently running. I have loads of Nimh pack sitting in my vintage shelfies but I would guess it would take a lot of cycles to get them going if at all. I can leave my lipos with a storage voltage and not worry about them. Your welcome to the Nimh packs if you pay postage or want to collect them but I don't think it's worth while. Where are you based?

[lentner3]

I just got a 2200mah team orion nimh with my TA05R, it honestly looks brand new!

Stuck it on charge, 293mah false peak, 604mah false peak...

Bin.

Every lipo I have ever owned takes a full charge everytime. The people who have problems with lipo are the type that put spoons in microwaves. Have some respect for the chemistry and you will never have an issue. Dont over charge, dont over discharge, and balance charge it everytime in a fireproof lipo bag. Simples.

Agreed just use the right equipment and don't buy used or cheap batteries be careful when soldering and use a lipo charge bag and if you see any puffing consider changing the pack.

[lentner3]

I just got a 2200mah team orion nimh with my TA05R, it honestly looks brand new!

Stuck it on charge, 293mah false peak, 604mah false peak...

Bin.

Every lipo I have ever owned takes a full charge everytime. The people who have problems with lipo are the type that put spoons in microwaves. Have some respect for the chemistry and you will never have an issue. Dont over charge, dont over discharge, and balance charge it everytime in a fireproof lipo bag. Simples.

Agreed just use the right equipment and don't buy used or cheap batteries be careful when soldering and use a lipo charge bag and if you see any puffing consider changing the pack.

[vrs55]

Started using Lipos about a year or so. What I can say is avoid the cheap Nimh packs from china you wont get the stated capacity or shelf life. I don't see any point investing in Nimh when lipo is inevitable and cheaper. A decent charger can be got for about £25 and unless you've got a chassis that is harder to fit a lipo in you can get decent packs from £10 upwards but the capacity and use you will get will out weigh several Nimh packs. Is there a reason your reluctant? What vehicles are you currently running. I have loads of Nimh pack sitting in my vintage shelfies but I would guess it would take a lot of cycles to get them going if at all. I can leave my lipos with a storage voltage and not worry about them. Your welcome to the Nimh packs if you pay postage or want to collect them but I don't think it's worth while. Where are you based?

I can see your point my main worry would be them catching fire but I suppose if following all the safety procedures they would be safe I will stick with nihm just now as I just run my cars for fun and don't do any racing I have have 4 nihm sticks already but thank you very much for your kind offer

[lentner3]

I don't race either just play for fun or bash as we call it. What cars do you have?

[ralphee]

I love Nimh cells, as well as the older Nicd, but even Nimh can blow, and blow BIG when they do, they also need a fine amount of care. I have a good selection of cells over built into various packs, all matched cells, and, every few months, labor intensive as i have to go cycle them all lol.

Lipo, i tried not long ago in my old TRF501 along with a brushless 5.5, and yes, they are stunning, the power, is amazing, really took me by surprise, no drop off in performance either.

Only thing on Lipo that bugs me, is the fact some manufacturers come up with some dims that are just ridiculous, like saddle packs that won't fit in my TRF511 as there about 8mm too high......thats annoying lol....as for Lipo safety, balance charge, store charge, and don't run it flat, most systems these days have a safety cut off, if they don't, buy one, have fun, i know i did lol.

lee

[lentner3]

Don't worry I just read one of your other posts. You already have a few considering you started in August!

[vrs55]

Don't worry I just read one of your other posts. You already have a few considering you started in August!

yes lol I got a durga in august then a hotshot in october then a tt02 lancia delta at christmas still haven't built it yet

[Mokei Kagaku]

The people who have problems with lipo are the type that put spoons in microwaves.

Tell that to Boeing!

[vrs55]

yes I suppose lipos are safe as long as you are sensible its a bit like when I used to have air rifles I had a spring rifle I didn't like the idea of pcp rifles as you had to fill them to 200 bar but then ended up getting one and filled the correct way it was safe

[Boothy]

So all this being said can you guys recommend a good charger and packs from say hobby king? They seem really cheap from there but its a mine field knowing what you need.

I have to say having just paid not far short of £50 for an Orion nimh pack only to have it keep false peaking, or I guess that's what is happening. I am slightly miffed.

My charger is only a basic delta peak but it keeps charging quickly then the run time is naff until I have ran and charged a few times.

The issue I see is my fire dragon, not sure what other than a standard pack shape will fit in there and it has my ez run brushless in there.

Other than that my models are, hornet, monster beetle, lunchbox, stadium blitzer and holiday buggy 2010. I would really like a battery that fits all if possible.

[lentner3]

I'll put some links up for you a bit later, just watching a film with the mrs.

Wow £50 on a Nimh pack that sounds steep. Id try and get a refund

[SB_Aust]

Any Indoor car testing or vintage driving i use nimh. But outdoor i prefer lipo with modern cars.

Sometimes I even use nicd for the real vintage experience.

[beefmuffin]

i'm another LiPo luddite ... i go all NiMH and breathe a lot easier for it. i use LiPo in R/C helicopters b/c that's the only thing that has the power/weight to stay in the air... but the danger of the LiPos is always on my mind when i'm using them that it goes so far as to distract from the enjoyment of flying the darn helicopters in the first place. with R/C cars the weight is not an issue, so i don't NEED to use LiPos, so i don't use them. people here who love their LiPos almost have a religious or political zeal for them - maybe it's a cognitive dissonance thing, they're willingly taking an unnecessary calculated risk, and they feel better about their decision the more other people do the same. there are lots of other things i also avoid because of unnecessary risk - CFL lightbulbs for example, which have a dangerous amount of mercury if/when they break...and i have a toddler. lightbulbs don't break that often, but every so often they do, and potentially exposing my son to an unsafe dose of mercury outweighs whatever benefit CFLs have over other energy-efficient options (i use LED now, primarily). but there are still plenty of people who use CFL bulbs, and many of them have kids, and they are not all rotten people because they use CFLs... just some people are less concerned about the small - yet unnecessary - risk than others.

as for performance, i confess i am curious to try a LiPo/brushless setup sometime... but if i do it'll be a very occasional setup for me. dealing with LiPos is partly to blame for putting me off the helis. i've had them puff up on me like balloons, burning hot to the touch, and scare the bejesus out of me. i've also made the mistake of using too high C batteries for the electrics in a copter and having the wires glow red hot and melt in my hands (at which point i just tossed the whole setup as far away as possible, but still got burned. so like i said, it's a relief to not HAVE to use them in cars. so i don't. and honestly i kind of feel that if you are the kind of person that really needs that performance, and like the modern tech, why even bother with old clunky vintage tamiyas at all - there are faster, higher tech, more durable options out there from traxxas, HPI, AE, etc.

so, anyway... i'm not saying not to try LiPo... i might do myself, on a limited basis, as i said... but also don't feel pressured to use them either. you're in plenty of good company with people who stick to NiMH as well. but we tend to be less evangelistic about it. (sorry guys, but it's true)

[InsaneJim69]

Gotta admit I am a full on Nimh person here. Been using and building Nimh packs for years now, 6.0V, 7.2V and 8.4V packs for my cars and never once have I had an issue or drama with them at all and I have had some pretty full on crashes and have even had a charger fail and keep full charging a pack for over 2 hours. Yes the pack was binned, but it never blew. Buying good quality nimh cells is def a must.

I am also one of those that has no need to change to Lipo's, I get 20 mins run time from my FTX Vantage running a 8.4V 4200mah custom built nimh pack with a 5.5R brushless system. Why would I ever need more?

Again no offence to others, but I agree with the above about Lipo fanatics. where by they literally try and force it on people no matter what, as if its the best thing since sliced bread. I admit one day lipo will become the norm and then will be replaced soon when the newer battery techonology becomes more widely available.

For now I am fine sticking with my Nimh packs and having the fun of building them myself But thats just my opinion, which I believe I am entitles to

James

[lentner3]

For the price this is an excellent charger

http://www.hobbyking.com/mobile/viewproduct.asp?idproduct=7028&type=&idparentcat=216

You need a dc power supply or you can run it of a car battery but I expect you have a psu already for your Nimh charger. If not fusion do a few really goo ones. Ideally a 6amp or 200 watts equivalent.

[lentner3]

i'm another LiPo luddite ... i go all NiMH and breathe a lot easier for it. i use LiPo in R/C helicopters b/c that's the only thing that has the power/weight to stay in the air... but the danger of the LiPos is always on my mind when i'm using them that it goes so far as to distract from the enjoyment of flying the darn helicopters in the first place. with R/C cars the weight is not an issue, so i don't NEED to use LiPos, so i don't use them. people here who love their LiPos almost have a religious or political zeal for them - maybe it's a cognitive dissonance thing, they're willingly taking an unnecessary calculated risk, and they feel better about their decision the more other people do the same. there are lots of other things i also avoid because of unnecessary risk - CFL lightbulbs for example, which have a dangerous amount of mercury if/when they break...and i have a toddler. lightbulbs don't break that often, but every so often they do, and potentially exposing my son to an unsafe dose of mercury outweighs whatever benefit CFLs have over other energy-efficient options (i use LED now, primarily). but there are still plenty of people who use CFL bulbs, and many of them have kids, and they are not all rotten people because they use CFLs... just some people are less concerned about the small - yet unnecessary - risk than others.

as for performance, i confess i am curious to try a LiPo/brushless setup sometime... but if i do it'll be a very occasional setup for me. dealing with LiPos is partly to blame for putting me off the helis. i've had them puff up on me like balloons, burning hot to the touch, and scare the bejesus out of me. i've also made the mistake of using too high C batteries for the electrics in a copter and having the wires glow red hot and melt in my hands (at which point i just tossed the whole setup as far away as possible, but still got burned. so like i said, it's a relief to not HAVE to use them in cars. so i don't. and honestly i kind of feel that if you are the kind of person that really needs that performance, and like the modern tech, why even bother with old clunky vintage tamiyas at all - there are faster, higher tech, more durable options out there from traxxas, HPI, AE, etc.

so, anyway... i'm not saying not to try LiPo... i might do myself, on a limited basis, as i said... but also don't feel pressured to use them either. you're in plenty of good company with people who stick to NiMH as well. but we tend to be less evangelistic about it. (sorry guys, but it's true)

Don't let this put you off I don't know what you were doing with you copters but something wasn't right with the wiring/battery. For me the performance is why I use them and everything in lofe has an element of risk. With lipo the risk is easily mitigated. I guess you have no amalgum fillings? never eat tuna? Because they all have greater mercury content than you would be exposed to by a broken lightbulb?

Wach to there own. By the way I doubt the pack had too high an C rating it soinds like your battery had shorted out somehow from poor wiring.

[lentner3]

Not forcing Lipo on anyone and I was reluctant at first but was amazed at the performance improvments and just want to share my experiences. I have no problem with Nimh but they are not as good for me. I'm certainly not one to turn my nose up at anyone if they choose to do things differently to me. There is enough info in this thread for someone to make their own mind up and a decent balanced argument. To go with my balanced packs 😜