2008 Battery Rule?

[woOdy]

Just heard that 2008 may not run 4200nims. Going back to 38's. Can anyone tell me?

[sosidge]

Wait for the new BRCA list to be published. They are being stricter on the cell length and some cells may be out. But it is all up in the air until the list comes out.

[OldTimer]

Hard cased lipos would be a nice addition.

[footey]

any idea when this list will be out as just bought new cells and will need as much time as poss to change if i have to:confused:

[josh_smaxx]

Oh bugger :( when are the BRCA going to learn that not everyone can afford to change cells as they change the EB lists, this is gonna meen i cant race till June (Birthday) and then in June i cant get a new hauler that i will more than likely need by then.

[B&H Racing]

It would be nice to know when the list will be published.

Depending wether or not East Power 4200's are allowed, will dictate if I can enter any Nationals. :confused:

After spending a lot of money recently on new cells I cannot afford to replace them.

[MattW]

Guys, it's nothing new. The cells have to be submitted by 31 December, and the list is usually published during January. Buying new cells this close to the new list being released isn't a great idea.

[B&H Racing]

Guys, it's nothing new. The cells have to be submitted by 31 December, and the list is usually published during January. Buying new cells this close to the new list being released isn't a great idea.

I bought some East Power cells in the begining of November.

I thought new cells will normally be added to the list in January, rather than cells already listed becoming illegal ?

[ben]

Oh bugger :( when are the BRCA going to learn that not everyone can afford to change cells as they change the EB lists, this is gonna meen i cant race till June (Birthday) and then in June i cant get a new hauler that i will more than likely need by then.

I dont think it will be effecting regionals. Just nationals and euros. So i wouldnt worry about buying new cells. Im sure the brca will be making the right decision:)

LiL ben

[mark christopher]

post from BRCA

New Batteries for 2008
And I bet this thread gets read a few times...

This is the process.

Manufacturers have until the end of December to send in their sample cells for homologation testing.

Just like everyone with a deadline to meet they leave it until the very last minute to send them in - the last package being delivered by courier at 7pm on New Years eve.. http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/images/smilies/eek.gif

So there are now lots of cells being measured, charged, measured again, discharged, measured and tested and lots of paperwork to check, and this is all being done in somebodies spare time.

It'll be finished when its finished - which will be in plenty of time for everybody to decide what's the best thing on the list and to go out and get them for the start of the new national season.

In the meantime we'll all just have to wait, which is unusual in the current world of "we must have the new and shiny stuff immediatly" but I doubt it'll cause any lasting physical damage..

[mark christopher]

think its due to dimension changes as to why cells are going to end up illegal?

[B&H Racing]

think its due to dimension changes as to why cells are going to end up illegal?

I might have to get the Dremel out then !!!

JOKING !!!

[footey]

i wasnt trying to say anything out of line just i need to start saving if i need 300 quid for new cells

[jimarea51]

hi all,

Will the current batch of cells that are ' Fine to use week in week out at the moment' suddenly become illegal???

What will happen to the cells over night that will make them illegal?:mad:

JIm:p

[DCM]

from what I understand, manufacturers and matchers have had two years to conform to this rule. Cells are now going to be measured directly after charge for homologation. As I understand it, only one cell had been submitted, but there maybe more. I can understand the ruling etc, but I think what the BRCA has to be careful with, is then wiping all the cells homologated in the last two years off the list. That would be my biggest concern at the mo, after only recently buying 5 packs of IB4200.

[josh_smaxx]

Well i bought 3 packs of cells at he beggining of July, i spent £100 but i intended them to last at least till Christmas 2008 and even if there 'OK' for regional use, id still feel guilty using them, i felt guilty using an illegal motor on club nights :p

[RogerM]

Guy's, chill out ..... It'll all become clear sooner rather than later! There will be a lot to do but if the guy doing the lion's share of the work is true to previous form we won't be held in suspense for too long.

I am keen to know too as I have less than a dozen charges on my current IB4200s and will, like a few others, have a little frown if they are thrown out for 2008 but thems the breaks!!!!

As for £300 for cells ... how many packs do you think you need? At the price Stormforce sell cells for you could have 8 packs for that and still have £20 left to put towards Neil building them up for you!

At £60 a pack you still can by 5 packs, surely that would be enough even for those who regularly take part in 3 leg finals????!!!!!????

[bert digler]

from what I understand, manufacturers and matchers have had two years to conform to this rule. Cells are now going to be measured directly after charge for homologation. As I understand it, only one cell had been submitted, but there maybe more. I can understand the ruling etc, but I think what the BRCA has to be careful with, is then wiping all the cells homologated in the last two years off the list. That would be my biggest concern at the mo, after only recently buying 5 packs of IB4200.

didnt the brca measure the cells for the list last year? surely they did and knew the size i see that they found this rule to cover the blowing up problem caused generally by total missuse ive run these cells for two years all still ok:wtf: also can they ban previously legal stuff i think some common must apply ie a six month transition period or theres gonna be a lot of people stuffed for racing:mad:

[bert digler]

who is doing these tests are they consultant experts in cell technology or laymen :o

[terry.sc]

didnt the brca measure the cells for the list last year? surely they did and knew the size i see that they found this rule to cover the blowing up problem caused generally by total missuse ive run these cells for two years all still ok:wtf: also can they ban previously legal stuff i think some common must apply ie a six month transition period or theres gonna be a lot of people stuffed for racing:mad:The difference is that last year the dimensions only covered brand new cells, the new rule ensures the cells stay within the ISO standard when they are used. The new dimensions rule was stated in the 2007 BRCA handbook, the new dimensions rule is from EFRA and was in their 2006 handbook as well so we have already had a 2 year transition period. If manufacturers don't adhere to the rules with 2 years notice then surely it's the manufacturers fault, not the BRCA or EFRA. There is nothing to say last years cells are actually illegal until they aren't on the list, as long as the manufacturer made their cells to the new dimensions rule, which happens to be the same as the ISO standard the cells should comply with anyway.


For those who have already bought cells for next seasons nationals, if you read your BRCA handbook it states every year the homologation list isn't published until January, so you should never buy cells before then assuming they would be on it. After all until the list is published there is no knowing what new cells will be added.

[JCJC]

Hard cased lipos would be a nice addition.


Good thinking, Lipo must be a way forward.

[Wraggy]

I dont think it will be effecting regionals. Just nationals and euros. So i wouldnt worry about buying new cells. Im sure the brca will be making the right decision:)

LiL ben

Regionals will be affected also Ben , as all regionals are run to BRCA rules ..

[Northy]

They are in a 'sense', but the region can choose to opt out of certain things, like in the NE we ran brushless for a year before you could at the Nats.

The NE currently chooses to run motors and cells to the BRCA homologation lists as it's easier, but that might not always be the case ;)

G

[Doomanic]

who is doing these tests are they consultant experts in cell technology or laymen :o

It is most like to be Paul Worsley.

[bert digler]

It is most like to be Paul Worsley.

i think neil oliver should be consulted as he is a professional in this field:)also if there is a change how available would legal equipment be and at what cost?

[Northy]

Trust me Paul knows all there is to know about most things! He is more than capable of doing the job.

Part of the specs to go on the list of approved cells is how many are available. Worry not people.

G

[josh_smaxx]

Ye, no good for the masses if theres loads available but there £40-£56 a pack and theyve just bought 5 packs of illegal ones that were legal :p

Looks like im gonna have to sweet talk someone in the family :p

[frogger]

Hard cased lipos would be a nice addition.

Absolutely. Hard cased lipo's are used everywhere already so it would be a real pity if they don't make it in.

[bert digler]

Trust me Paul knows all there is to know about most things! He is more than capable of doing the job.

Part of the specs to go on the list of approved cells is how many are available. Worry not people.

G

that is more reassuring

[ashleyb4]

Im pretty sure neil and paul are in contact anyway and what ever decition is made im sure its for the best and i think we should all respect it and its not like we are dumping with out current cells i take about 1800 out of my packs in my cr. The only thing that worries me is people will start changing at silly high charge rates to increase performance if the range of4200/4300 cells are found to be illegal.

A

[Body Paint]

They are in a 'sense', but the region can choose to opt out of certain things, like in the NE we ran brushless for a year before you could at the Nats.

The NE currently chooses to run motors and cells to the BRCA homologation lists as it's easier, but that might not always be the case ;)

G

That was a BRCA decission G, Regionals were allowed to run brushless when Nationals were not. I think it was to allow testing and development of brushless technology 1 year ahead of it's introduction into Nationals.

I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see a similar thing happen with cells this year. Allowing regional drivers to compete with last years cells and any oversized cells being weeded out of Nationals straight away. I admit this probably wouldn't be ideal for some but it has to happen sooner or later.

[Northy]

Paul said at the meeting that it will only appy to Nationals unless regions choose to enforce it too. I asked the question.

G

[unluckypixie]

think its due to dimension changes as to why cells are going to end up illegal?

My understanding was that cells up to 3300 are the smaller original dimension and cell above that are the larger dimension... If it's the dimension that is the problem then my GP3700's might be banned too! :o

[Col]

I simply cannot understand the mentalily of some people! This thread (http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6362) was started by Jimmy on 16th Nov 2007. This was at least 1 month after we all knew there were going to be problems with some cells for next year, so if your current cells were knackered, surely just buying 2 or 3 cheap packs was the only option rather than throwing shed loads of money at 6 or seven packs...
If you can afford to do the national series, then a few packs of cells can't be that hard to find, can they?

[terry.sc]

Hard cased lipos would be a nice addition. Well if someone proposed them at the AGM and the majority of BRCA members there vote for them then they would be in, that's why we now have lipos in the touring cars in the Pro Stock class.

[ashleyb4]

If some of the cells become illegal this year i may get soem sanyo 3600 lol there good cells.

A

[mark christopher]

For those who have already bought cells for next seasons nationals, if you read your BRCA handbook it states every year the homologation list isn't published until January, so you should never buy cells before then assuming they would be on it. After all until the list is published there is no knowing what new cells will be added.
blunt but exactly right!
Good thinking, Lipo must be a way forward.
i wish saddles are in hard case soon!

They are in a 'sense', but the region can choose to opt out of certain things, like in the NE we ran brushless for a year before you could at the Nats.

The NE currently chooses to run motors and cells to the BRCA homologation lists as it's easier, but that might not always be the case ;)

G

could regions allow lipo then, there will be a lipo list from the BRCA EB

Absolutely. Hard cased lipo's are used everywhere already so it would be a real pity if they don't make it in.

Well if someone proposed them at the AGM and the majority of BRCA members there vote for them then they would be in, that's why we now have lipos in the touring cars in the Pro Stock class.
see above! there in for TC 19 turn, no one proposed em for off road!

[PTRU]

Why oh why do you people not look at the rules

Go to the electric board web site look at the battery rules and regs

It tells you there what is what.
You can then check if your cells are legal or not

In any case how many times have your cells been checked?????

If you are in the A final at euro's then I would worry

[ashleyb4]

Its not that the rules on the electric board are 2007 cells the cells have to be reviewed for 2008 and due to the increase ammount of cells failling the brca is reviewing the safety and being more strict wit rules so they are reviewing the cells.

A

[DCM]

I simply cannot understand the mentalily of some people! This thread (http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6362) was started by Jimmy on 16th Nov 2007. This was at least 1 month after we all knew there were going to be problems with some cells for next year, so if your current cells were knackered, surely just buying 2 or 3 cheap packs was the only option rather than throwing shed loads of money at 6 or seven packs...
If you can afford to do the national series, then a few packs of cells can't be that hard to find, can they?

I bought my cells at the beginning of the indoor season as the cells were on the EB List, my concern right at the moment, is that I am unsure whether this new ruling will apply to NEW cells or all on the current list. If that is the case, I bought my cells in good faith of legality and now they might not be.

[Northy]

ALL cells.....

G

[Mike Hudson]

Im gona wait till all the rules are released as ive had my cells for ages, so gona wait till i know what i can get that will be legal for regional and national use.

[Doomanic]

ALL cells.....

G

So cells that were previously approved for use may be removed from the list?:o

[DCM]

So cells that were previously approved for use may be removed from the list?:o

thats what is worrying me.

[Spencer Mulcahy]

I simply cannot understand the mentalily of some people! This thread (http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6362) was started by Jimmy on 16th Nov 2007. This was at least 1 month after we all knew there were going to be problems with some cells for next year, so if your current cells were knackered, surely just buying 2 or 3 cheap packs was the only option rather than throwing shed loads of money at 6 or seven packs...
If you can afford to do the national series, then a few packs of cells can't be that hard to find, can they?

How do Col for most of us I dont think that it is buying new cells it is the old cells that we already have, that where purchased after looking at the homoligation list and not expecting them to be elegal just a few months later. The national series does not cost that much but for us lower order stalwarts it can be hard to find the money for new cells.:)

[AndyM]

thats what is worrying me.

and me:(

[DCM]

if IB4200 become illegal, I will have 15 useless packs.

[bert digler]

and me:(

this my point:mad:
does the electric board cover all brca catergorys ie touring cars etc cause i did a ruff gestimation that pretty much all cells will fall foul of new rules ie 4200(if its the case) theres probably about 5000 racers racing up and down the uk electric using five packs minimum so a rough figure that 125 to 150 thousand cells need to matched to be legal its a bit of a mind blower it takes at least an hour per cell to match 1 cycle i dont see how the hell its going to be viable:eh?:

[bigred5765]

i take it the brca will refund you for the illegal cells lol
yeah right
but all guess work till the new list is released

[OldTimer]

Well if someone proposed them at the AGM and the majority of BRCA members there vote for them then they would be in, that's why we now have lipos in the touring cars in the Pro Stock class.

To be honest i did not think that lipos were mainstream yet here in the UK in offroad, if i had known i would of put a proposal in. I think stick and saddle hard cased lipos will become more developed during this year, so safety is a none issue and hopefully we will be able to run them in 09 :)

[bert digler]

i take it the brca will refund you for the illegal cells lol
yeah right
but all guess work till the new list is released

personally i could not give a toss cus they do what the hell they like but i enjoy racing and would like to know wot i can use this season and the mushroom managment approach is doing my head in. plus i wanna now wot ive got save up to pay for em and where can i source em from:D

[Chrislong]

For those who have already bought cells for next seasons nationals, if you read your BRCA handbook it states every year the homologation list isn't published until January, so you should never buy cells before then assuming they would be on it. After all until the list is published there is no knowing what new cells will be added.

LOL, have you read your handbook? ;)

I don't think that is a fair comment, considering previous rules were that all cells once homoligated will remain on the list. Therefore if we went back 12months, 24 months or whatever, we'd have been fine then buying any legal cells ready for the following season - even though there would likely be a larger capacity cell allowed for April 1st.

Perhaps the BRCA should not have turned a blind eye to the dimensions back when our current legal cells were made legal, and we'd still be happily running GP38's... but hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I don't know all the facts.

What would be a fair comment, is that this rumour/whatever it is, we are all aware of it and have been for some time - so shouldn't be buying news cells til this list is published.... who it is unfair for are those who rely on either making cells last as they run a fleet of cars (DCM) and those who buy 2nd hand cells from those who don't keep them long...

This pot is boiling, im rather anxious to see the published list too...

[DCM]

from RCRacechat, apparently there has been quite a few samples sent in for homologation.....

As for the list, what is on there is normaly left on there, so you can buy with confidence, but this issue that certain cells maybe be removed (and probably the most popular cell too) is making lots nervous.

[bert digler]

from RCRacechat, apparently there has been quite a few samples sent in for homologation.....

As for the list, what is on there is normaly left on there, so you can buy with confidence, but this issue that certain cells maybe be removed (and probably the most popular cell too) is making lots nervous.

max amps and precision rc will make a killin:o

[ashleyb4]

im getting ready to dig out the old gp3300 :o:eh?::D

A

[AndyM]

im getting ready to dig out the old gp3300 :o:eh?::D

A
:yawn:

[antnee]

Thats why you should run gp3700's, Ive got 6 packs of those and 4 packs of 3300's. GP FTW!!!

[swiftkid]

Thats why you should run gp3700's, Ive got 6 packs of those and 4 packs of 3300's. GP FTW!!!

How very odd, i think i have the very same combination of packs lol!
I presume the fact that cells are blowing up are the biggest concern rather than the size of the cells.
It is a shame for people that have gone out and bought 4200's but i think safety will be a big issue and also if cells are blowing up in cars it will most probably be taking the other electronics with it thus more money to spend!

[MikePimlott]

I cant wait for "the list" to be published.
I have 6 packs of GP3700's they are ok(ish) in 2wd but i cant use them in 4wd cause they old, and my reciver keeps cutting out. I am ready to order 6 new packs of cells but which?,

You cant say without the list being published. Patience is NOT my strong point.

[PTRU]

As you guys will not read the rules here they are.

3.1 Cells submitted for approval prior to 01.01.06 have to conform to 2005 BRCA EB rules. The following technical specifications follow the rules adopted by EFRA and will apply to any cells submitted for approval from 01.01.06.
Only rechargeable NiCd or NiMH cells rated at 1.2 volts nominal will be allowed at BRCA sanctioned events. The size of the individual cell(s) to be:-

Diameter -- 23.0mm +0/-1 mm
Overall length -- 43.0mm +0/-1.5 mm
Measurements include original manufacturers heat-shrink. Overall length is the maximum length before attaching/soldering any link wires or battery bars. Dimensions taken at ambient temperature, and apply to new/unused cells as submitted by the manufacturer. Cells must never exceed 44.0 mm length after any ‘matching’ or charging processes. All cells must have the original manufacturer’s heat shrink substantially intact. Weights of submitted samples will be recorded to verify that production versions compare. From 2008 onwards, it is intended to amend the rule that cells must never exceed 43.0mm (including any distortion from charging).
3.2 All rechargeable batteries must meet BRCA specifications before they will be approved by the BRCA Electric Board. Details of newly approved rechargeable batteries will be published on the BRCA website. Only batteries appearing on the official BRCA website homologation list published in January will be legal for use at BRCA sanctioned events from 1st.April of that calendar year

What this means is it does not matter what cells you buy if they are over the limit then they are illegal.


This has not changed for the last 3 years.




You can measure the Dia now The overall is very debatable because of solder ect and as said before if you are in the A final at Euro's worry about it if not do not.



To Answer another question BRCA members do not have a say in these rules, only the electric board and yes it is for all classes, off road and on road.



What you need to ask is if I have 5 good cells and one bad cell what happens. Yet again a rule with not enough information.

[JCJC]

Just looking at the BRCA homologation list of batteries for 2007, a lot of the batteries listed were very difficult to get hold of, even suppliers were finding it difficult to sorce batteries early in the year. I can see a bit of a rush coming on when the lists are published.

[modelimages]

there appears to be some misconceptions here, firstly the new rules are not new as ptru has pointed out the dimension change was published in 2005, manufacturers were aware for nearly 2 years. the issues over IB's blowing up in the last few weeks are irrelevant to this, the new list will be based on dimensions not on any safety issues.

usually batteries that were on the list in previous years would stay on there, however that assumes that the batteries are the same as the ones submitted, in the case of IB's they have grown in length over the last year and are actually i believe outside of the old dimension rules, it also assumes that the batteries submitted for testing are the same as the production ones!.

[super__dan]

What concerns me about this thread is the lack of respect for the BRCA officials who undoubtedly spend a lot of their trying to make our sport work safely. Have any of the people complaining actually contacted Paul Worsley about this issue at all???

THE LIST ISN'T EVEN OUT YET!

[PTRU]

Yes they have Super Dan

No body is dising BRCA.

[ashleyb4]

i think ive been good i didnt diss the brca

A

[DCM]

What concerns me about this thread is the lack of respect for the BRCA officials who undoubtedly spend a lot of their trying to make our sport work safely. Have any of the people complaining actually contacted Paul Worsley about this issue at all???

THE LIST ISN'T EVEN OUT YET!

Dan, I don't think people are for one, dissing people carrying out the work in their spare time, what is being talked about is the uncertainty over the cells on the current list and will they be there on the new one. In previous years they always have been, the difference this year is that there could be some removed. So the BRCA could at least confirm all cells on the list are safe or no

[ashleyb4]

the EB list has been updated for 2008 if ive read it correctly the EP 4200's with the back discs are now legal i think but dont take my word for it read it for yourself on the brca website but all the usual GP IB EP cells are on there i want som eof these GP4600 :)

A

[RogerM]

Just been to the EB site .... homologation lists are unchanged from before Xmas .. or am I missing something????

[MattW]

List is unchanged - the clue is that it is dated as April 2007.

[RogerM]

Glad it's not just me....

Ashley ... care to post a link to the list your looking at please?

[bert digler]

Glad it's not just me....

Ashley ... care to post a link to the list your looking at please?

rog i think a crystal ball is needed lol;)

[andy reeves]

The only thing i can see is the 2008 regulations not the Homologation list.

[bert digler]

The only thing i can see is the 2008 regulations not the Homologation list.

look further into to the ball i see no intellects lol:eh?:

[andy reeves]

It is there it's on the front page and also under the electric board under regulations 2008. But all it says is the size of the cells really.

[Chris Green]

Just wondering, how do you measure the length of a cell accurately? surely a micrometer or verner caliper gauge will be required? if you put these accross the terminals on the cell, won't it short the cell out?

[sosidge]

Just wondering, how do you measure the length of a cell accurately? surely a micrometer or verner caliper gauge will be required? if you put these accross the terminals on the cell, won't it short the cell out?

Not if you put a bit of insulating tape over a contact :p;)

[Northy]

Just wondering, how do you measure the length of a cell accurately? surely a micrometer or verner caliper gauge will be required? if you put these accross the terminals on the cell, won't it short the cell out?

It's not up to you to measure your cells and decide if they are legal or not. The EB measure the samples or cells they get sent for homologation and say if they go on the list or not.

Simple.

Wait for the list.

G

[Lee]

Not if you put a bit of insulating tape over a contact :p;)

I hope this is an industry standard thickness of tape i dont want my cells scrubbed of the list cos of some fat tape;):D

[Chris Green]

It's not up to you to measure your cells and decide if they are legal or not. The EB measure the samples or cells they get sent for homologation and say if they go on the list or not.

Simple.

Wait for the list.

G

Yeah, I know that, I was just curious. I can't measure my cells as they are covered in solder. ;)

[Chrislong]

Plastic verniers? we have some at work, not because they don't conduct but because they were really really cheap... I think it was a couple of quid for the crackers? :D

[c0sie]

It's not up to you to measure your cells and decide if they are legal or not. The EB measure the samples or cells they get sent for homologation and say if they go on the list or not.

Simple.

Wait for the list.

G

Nice helpful reply.

I dont typo Chris wants to write his own set of rules for cells..I think he was just curious :rolleyes:

[Northy]

It is helpful, they are facts. How the cells are measured is in the rule book and has already been posted earlier in this thread.

G

[c0sie]

Wow....thanks...
:yawn:

[Chris Green]

It is helpful, they are facts. How the cells are measured is in the rule book and has already been posted earlier in this thread.

G

I have read the section on the brca website, and also this thread, and I am fully aware of what dimension limits the cells need to fit within. As far as I can see, it doesn't explain how they are measured. (its not really important to be honest!)

However, I was only curious as to how they are measured. Its not important, I was just wondering. :)

[Cockerill]

Unless you think you might be making European/World A finals I really wouldn't worry about how the cells are measured as you won't need to be doing it. So long as they are on the list then i'm sure you will be fine.

I'm sure the person doing the measuring is doing the best job possible, unless there is an offical sub C cell measurer somewhere in the world that i don't know about.

[Northy]

http://www.oople.com/forums/showpost.php?p=81794&postcount=60

G

[Chris Green]

Unless you think you might be making European/World A finals I really wouldn't worry about how the cells are measured as you won't need to be doing it. So long as they are on the list then i'm sure you will be fine.

I'm sure the person doing the measuring is doing the best job possible, unless there is an offical sub C cell measurer somewhere in the world that i don't know about.

Don't worry, I'm not concerned about how they are measured. I was going to check the length of one of my IB's with my vernier's, then thought its not such a good idea!
I am also not questioning to competency of whoever measures the cells, I have no reason to doubt anything.

I need to buy new cells for 2008, so I will be waiting for the list before I buy anything. I'm happy to wait for the list, and when its published, I won't be asking any questions about it either.


Thanks Northy, that was the post I was referring to. I suppose it does kind of explain the conditions the cells are measured under, it doesn't mention what instrument will be used, which is basically what I was asking.

Anyway, it really doesn't matter does it. Sorry. :)

[Northy]

No it's ok. I'm sorry if my temper seems short, but we can't do anything ranting on an internet forum, we just need to wait.

If I was measuring cells I would:

Get a piece of something thin that doesn't conduct electricity (Lexan maybe), put that on one end of the cell, measure with the verniers, and subtract the thickness of the insulator..... or

If the verniers are digital, while measuring the thickness of the insulator zero the reading, then measure the cell and insulator. The reading will the the size of the cell.

But thats just me :D

G

[DanW]

Just wondering, how do you measure the length of a cell accurately? surely a micrometer or verner caliper gauge will be required? if you put these accross the terminals on the cell, won't it short the cell out?

Plastic and resin based verniers, micrometers and height gauges are widely available. Or could use conventional steel instruments with a pre gauged nylon slip block for insulation.

I don't actually know what method the BRCA guys use to gauge cells.

[MattW]

I can assure you IB's are quite long!! I have some here that have been matched, but not soldered to. I measured one last week - and let's just say it doesn't fall within the 43mm spec.

[Chris Green]

Plastic and resin based verniers, micrometers and height gauges are widely available. Or could use conventional steel instruments with a pre gauged nylon slip block for insulation.

I don't actually know what method the BRCA guys use to gauge cells.

ahh, should have thought about that. We've got a height gauge at work, on a granite table. Cheers.

Thanks G. i suppose I could do that too. I can understand why you'd have a short temper. but I can assure you i wasn't ranting.

Matt, I'm not sure exactly how long they are, but I know I keep getting mine stuck in my B4! haha.

[IceMike]

Ok this might be sumat relaly stupid but i have just been reading all the rules on the brca for the electronics. and i read that the maximum prices for brushless motors that is legal is £80. and ive seen that the new novak 3.5 is £85 at most reatailers but im sure ppl will be using this motor this coming year if they can. doesnt that make it illegal anyways????

[Chrislong]

3.5R is a bit nuts, unlikely to be used, don't fret.

[IceMike]

on a big track such as oswestry it might :P but surely still it makes it illegal does it not???

[Mike Hudson]

one of my pack thats a different make to the rest used to be soooo stiff in my b4! nearly needed a hammer to bang them out after the race:o me thinks that 1 is too wide haha not too fussed i need new cells anyway and can understand why the brca are enforcing the rule that they put in before :D

[Northy]

Does it refer to the RRP? I guess it's a bit like petrol, garages can charge as much as people are willing to pay :mad:

G

[IceMike]

it says the price as of the 1st of jan. i dont know wot the rrp is anyways. stupid american site only saying dollars

[Chrislong]

3.5R is likely to be more useful in snorers, not buggy. Its on RRP.

[sosidge]

it says the price as of the 1st of jan. i dont know wot the rrp is anyways. stupid american site only saying dollars

Stupid American sites have nothing to do with BRCA price limits (BRITISH Radio Car Association).

Check the RRP from CML distribution. If they are RRPing them at over £80 then they will not be legal.

[andy05]

Anyone seen these might be the way to go:cool:
http://www.teamorion.com/news/ca40/newsid/209
Lets wait and see if they where submited in time!

[Mike Hudson]

These are meant to be orions answer to the max cell size width and should have been submitted :D can't wait to see the new list of legal battries as i havn't bought any for a LONG time and will be getting several nice new sets and pro trak charger :p

[RogerM]

I think that the BRCA EB have made a fairly good decission with the 2008 rule. Those people not entering the nationals can get a further year out of their cells at regonals, also those guys are far less likely to be tempted to risk charging at 1,000,000 Amps to get the last 0.00000000001% out of their cells so the risk of failure is reduced (still worth reminding people about that regularly though!!!).
The guys racing nationals will have to have '08 legal cells but then if your willing to drive the length and bredth of the country to do them the cost of new cells will soon be over shaddowed by the greedy robbing gits setting the fuel taxes!! Also if your taking the nationals seriously your probably intent on having the latest greatest equipment anyway so less of a shock to the system.

I do hope we'll see the homologation list soon though, sure Paul won't keep us waiting a day longer than necessary.