Convert lipo stick to saddle?

[alanwheeldon]

Can you convert a lipo stick pack to a saddle pack like you can with the old nicad battery's or do you have to buy a saddle pack?

Thinking of going from 2wd to 4wd but my stick packs won't fit into any 4wd models so it could be expensive

[mattr]

Probably, but you wouldn't be allowed to race with it.

And the parts you would need would probably cost as much as buying some new ones anyway.

HobbyKing nanotechs aren't too expensive, neither are gens ace.

[mattr]

Oh, and the first time you realise you've got it wrong is when your car explodes. Our the battery blows a hole in your worktop.

[Danosborne6661]

Nope.

You can buy the correct packs you need from Hobbyking for a bout £20 though.

[tonydevon]

yup 2nd that, I just bought some packs of nanotech saddle 4850 50/100c lipos this morning, think they were £21.25

comes with leads etc, while they may not be the top of the range packs I just cant justify the extra, and from readin gup on the turnigy stuff, it seems like good value for money

the £100 pack might make it a bit faster, but all that means is I will crash harder LOL

[spennyy2k]

Also if your doing brca meetings the cells have to be approved

http://www.brca.org/content/homologa...-updates/14218

[terry.sc]

If you do attempt it please video it to use as a warning to others not to do it.

A lipo pack has full length flat cells in the case, attempting to cut them down or fold them in half can very quickly lead to a lipo fire.

[mattr]

Originally Posted by terry.sc

A lipo pack has full length flat cells in the case, attempting to cut them down or fold them in half can very quickly lead to a lipo fire.

the only hardcase stick I've cracked open had two stacks of three in it. Essentially the insides of a pair of saddles in one case.

[tonydevon]

Originally Posted by spennyy2k

Also if your doing brca meetings the cells have to be approved

http://www.brca.org/content/homologa...-updates/14218

is that only for BRCA events like nationals? what about club events?

would using a pack not on the list invalidate insurance at a club event?

[vrooom]

Sure, Take a handsaw and cut it in half *don't do it!*

[blue_pinky]

BRCA Homologation lists are only needed at events that decide to use them, so nationals, and some regionals ([I]though not all, we don't use them in the SW currently for example, as our scrutineering only does the size/weight checks).

***EDIT*** I've just been informed by BRCA offroad section officials that use of the homologation lists at regional events is compulsory, and not part of the regional variation sections of the rule book. My apologies for the error. I consider myself duly corrected!

Although I believe the homologation process does do some safety type checks, it's main purpose at those events is to insure a level playing field for competitors, so it has no bearing on insurance. As I understand it, the BRCA insurance is only there to protect you from others suing you, and does not provide you personal accident cover.

Clubs don't normally bother using the BRCA lists for their regular racing, so any lipo is fine...however it's good practice to stick to hardcased ones at the very least...purely for the extra protection from puncturing.

It's my understanding that the only important part of the BRCA membership and insurance that relates to lipo's is in the general rules that state you should charge your drive cells in a fire proof container.

[RobW]

Can’t believe this thread has started discussing the technicalities of doing it and whether it would be legal to race.

Please just do not do it. Lipo fires are no joke and anything that could even potentially increase the risk should be prevented. You are going to be at risk during the conversion if you accidently split the lipo and they are never going to have the same structural integrity afterwards as a proper hardcase lipo with the increased risk of puncture.

Please just buy yourself a couple of packs of gen ace or nanotechs.

Rob

[tonydevon]

I wasnt asking about splitting packs and racing with them, Im not quite that dumb.

Im new to electric and wasnt aware that you have to have certain lipos to be allowed to race at BRCA events, thats what I was asking about.

[vrooom]

You don't need BRCA legals lipo for club racing... but make sure its hardcase lipo with good rating...

[neallewis]

Originally Posted by vrooom

You don't need BRCA legals lipo for club racing... but make sure its hardcase lipo with good rating...

Whilst most clubs will let anyone race with a hardcase non-BRCA approved pack, like a turnigy from hobbyking, its a far cry from a hacked stick to saddle home brew lipo conversion. Whist both are not BRCA approved, I know which I'd bring into my house.

[vrooom]

I seen and set my lipo on fire once (old swelled pack), it was scary how fast and how far it can shoot the flames out. It is like a flamethrower and firebomb built in one.

[Danosborne6661]

The Turnigy ones from Hobbyking are ROAR approved for the record.

[alanwheeldon]

Well that answers my question guys. I wasnt sure if the 2 cells were just incased into one case and you could simply split the cells like the old batterys. Obviously you cant then! lol

Its a bit pointless buying the stick pack lipos in the first place then aint it?

[terry.sc]

Originally Posted by mattr

the only hardcase stick I've cracked open had two stacks of three in it. Essentially the insides of a pair of saddles in one case.

Three packs I've had die on me have all been two full length cells on top of each other. Just because one pack contains two saddle size cells doesn't mean they all do.

Originally Posted by Danosborne6661

The Turnigy ones from Hobbyking are ROAR approved for the record.

While ROAR approval is good regarding cell safety as it means they meet the same requirements as BRCA approved cells. But being ROAR approved doesn't make them legal for EFRA or BRCA events.

[blue_pinky]

As I've just added above in my original post...I've just been informed by BRCA offroad section officials that use of the homologation lists at regional events is compulsory, and not part of the regional variation sections of the rule book. My apologies for the error. I consider myself duly corrected!

Looks like the SW region is about to have the rules enforced a little better in 2014!