trakpower lipo

[flamme]

http://www.trakpower.com/

greats news for the sadle pack drivers
trakpower 4800 sadle pack lipo

[Chris Doughty]

I saw this on an america forum, it states it 30mm tall in one section of the website, and 20.8mm tall on another section.

if it is 30mm tall then would that make it 'ilegal' for ROAR rules (and I believe BRCA are following similar sizes to ROAR)

[DCM]

plus the BRCA have stipulated that cell construction is 2 in series.... so unless they have managed to squeaze in once MASSIVE cell either side....

[Chris Doughty]

I think those rules are 2 in series, any number in parallel.

I think its another way of saying 7.4v nominal for the whole pack.

this is just my interpretation of the rule though.

[DCM]

taken from the EB rules

3. Individual cells used in the construction of the battery shall be rated at 3.7 volts nominal and the pack shall be 2 cells in series.

[Hog]

Great stuff - just what I've been waiting for - £69.99 so not too bad.

Just gotta save up for one now!

[Hairy Spider]

taken from the EB rules

Don't get hung up the BRCA 'Rules'. There are no BRCA lipo rules. There is a set of BRCA lipo usage GUIDELINES and a set of rules adopted by the only BRCA class to sanction the use of lipo which was agreed at their AGM and the rules were specifically tailored to the class in question. (So all you other classes out there get your act together for the next round of AGMs and get voting :thumbsup:)

The number of cells in series only sets the max voltage limit. There is no specification for the number in parallel, only a capacity limit set at 5000mah , which once again only applies to the TC Pro stock class, no other classes.

The use of lipo at club level is entirely at the discretion of the club and for each club in question to set their own lipo rules, regulations and guidelines.

[DCM]

them rules is rules, and it leaves a grey area, but it does state TWO cells, and I know it is aimed at the Pro Stock class in on-road, but that would mean there would need to be an adaption of the rules put forward at the next AGM

[OldTimer]

So when can i buy some ;)

[Chris Green]

I saw this on an america forum, it states it 30mm tall in one section of the website, and 20.8mm tall on another section.

if it is 30mm tall then would that make it 'ilegal' for ROAR rules (and I believe BRCA are following similar sizes to ROAR)

Yeah, noticed the inconsistency with the dimensions.

The drawing for their 5400 inline lipo shows a height of 23mm. So I doubt the 4800 saddle would be 30mm, but until its clarified, its not worth the risk to buy them I guess.

[stefke]

Can anyone direct me to an online shop that sells trakpower ?

[dan_kitty]

theres a few on ebay,

also microtech stock them


(the stick pack versions)

[Micha_MX4]

Yeah, noticed the inconsistency with the dimensions.

The drawing for their 5400 inline lipo shows a height of 23mm. So I doubt the 4800 saddle would be 30mm, but until its clarified, its not worth the risk to buy them I guess.

I doubt the 30mm too, as the weight of 126g is unbelievable too.

20mm would be cool, would fit in my BX

I've sent them an email and asked about dimensions and weight... will post answer

[mark christopher]

I saw this on an america forum, it states it 30mm tall in one section of the website, and 20.8mm tall on another section.

if it is 30mm tall then would that make it 'ilegal' for ROAR rules (and I believe BRCA are following similar sizes to ROAR)

plus the BRCA have stipulated that cell construction is 2 in series.... so unless they have managed to squeaze in once MASSIVE cell either side....

I think those rules are 2 in series, any number in parallel.

I think its another way of saying 7.4v nominal for the whole pack.

this is just my interpretation of the rule though.

taken from the EB rules

Don't get hung up the BRCA 'Rules'. There are no BRCA lipo rules. There is a set of BRCA lipo usage GUIDELINES and a set of rules adopted by the only BRCA class to sanction the use of lipo which was agreed at their AGM and the rules were specifically tailored to the class in question. (So all you other classes out there get your act together for the next round of AGMs and get voting :thumbsup:)

The number of cells in series only sets the max voltage limit. There is no specification for the number in parallel, only a capacity limit set at 5000mah , which once again only applies to the TC Pro stock class, no other classes.

The use of lipo at club level is entirely at the discretion of the club and for each club in question to set their own lipo rules, regulations and guidelines.

them rules is rules, and it leaves a grey area, but it does state TWO cells, and I know it is aimed at the Pro Stock class in on-road, but that would mean there would need to be an adaption of the rules put forward at the next AGM

So when can i buy some ;)


size is 30mm (as my prototypes) tall the (spec section is correct) weight is per cell so double it for saddle packs 126g X 2 so 252 grams total, doing my best to get finished vesrion for worksop

RE the BRCA rules Hairy spider has given near the same reply i got from the EB when i mailed them, the spec's used ARE for TC class and they are/will be looked atto cater for other classes (such as off road) so get a good proposal put in for the agm, i did point out that the 2 cell's ruled out saddle packs, to which i was told, to read the whole lipo bit on the BRCA site and note this sentance The following guidelines and rules are not a definitive copy ‘Set in Stone’ and may be subject to amendments as the Racing Season progresses and more information is gathered

hope that clears some bits up for you
as to where you can buy them, they have anly just been officially released at the model show

MarkC

[Micha_MX4]

got an email from Trakpower today (asking about size and weight...)

Hello Michael,

I have asked for this to be checked and the website updated.

Please check back for changes at www.trakpower.com

Thank you for taking the time to point this out.

With best regards,

Julian


"of course" they didn't correct their site.

BTW if the weight is 2x126g then the pack has a weight of 252g...

AND I don't like that they don't identify their pack as 2s2p or 2s1p
if the height is 30mm then I bet it's 2s2p

Micha

[ashleyb4]

Cool i think im going to get one of these but one question will it fit into a 2wd like could i get it in the battery tray of my cr? as i wouldnt really want to buy 2 lipo's one of r2wd and one wd just yet just want to try them see what there like.

A

[l-u-k-e]

Can anyone direct me to an online shop that sells trakpower ?


Hi

Rc-direct sell the 4800 and i know that they have on backorder 3200,5400 and 4800 saddle packs. They said to me that they will be in stock in 7-10 days.:thumbsup:


Luke

[OldTimer]

Trakpower website now changed to 30mm high :thumbsup:

[mark christopher]

got an email from Trakpower today (asking about size and weight...)



"of course" they didn't correct their site.

BTW if the weight is 2x126g then the pack has a weight of 252g...

AND I don't like that they don't identify their pack as 2s2p or 2s1p
if the height is 30mm then I bet it's 2s2p

Michadid you read my post above this one of yours? i gave dimensions and also full up weight.

saddle is 2s3p so each bank has 3 cells in parallel to get 4800mah, and two packs makes the 2 serries to get 7.4 volts
as i said in my post the spec page was correct!

[mark christopher]

got an email from Trakpower today (asking about size and weight...)



"of course" they didn't correct their site.

BTW if the weight is 2x126g then the pack has a weight of 252g...

AND I don't like that they don't identify their pack as 2s2p or 2s1p
if the height is 30mm then I bet it's 2s2p

Micha

Cool i think im going to get one of these but one question will it fit into a 2wd like could i get it in the battery tray of my cr? as i wouldnt really want to buy 2 lipo's one of r2wd and one wd just yet just want to try them see what there like.

A
they are taller than a stick pack 4900 and sub c cells, you would have to modify the strap to fit the saddle in a 2wd other that the hieght they will fit ok

[Micha_MX4]

just got an email that they corrected their site.

size is 30mm height as Mark wrote above already.

It won't fit in my BXF... should I get Grepows don't know...

[mark christopher]

just got an email that they corrected their site.

size is 30mm height as Mark wrote above already.

It won't fit in my BXF... should I get Grepows don't know...

whats a bfx? do you have a picture?

[Micha_MX4]

Yokomo MR-4BX Factory

quite some pics under it's section :D

[mark christopher]

if u move your cells out to the edge of the chassis they may fit
http://www.oople.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1748&d=1200860004

[James]

now they have stick and saddle, is there ever going to be a 2 x 4 equivalent or are the lipo individual cells too big?

[mendocino]

Mark, any chance on a thin 2s2p 3200 version???
That is to fit a s500 or Aero1 chassis...:drool:

[Micha_MX4]

I asked trakpower via email about the configuration of their 4800 mAh saddle,
it's a 2s3p configuration.

a 2s2p 3200 mAh saddle pack would be possible then

[mark christopher]

did you read my post above this one of yours? i gave dimensions and also full up weight.

saddle is 2s3p so each bank has 3 cells in parallel to get 4800mah, and two packs makes the 2 serries to get 7.4 volts
as i said in my post the spec page was correct!

I asked trakpower via email about the configuration of their 4800 mAh saddle,
it's a 2s3p configuration.

a 2s2p 3200 mAh saddle pack would be possible then
:thumbsup::rolleyes:

[Micha_MX4]

no offense Mark, I appreciate your sharing of obvious insider knowledge,

but I didn't read that specific posting (you seem to love the quote tool ;) )

and I don't believe everything that is written in forums

so I just asked and got quick response from trackpower

[mark christopher]

Mark, any chance on a thin 2s2p 3200 version???

That is to fit a s500 or Aero1 chassis...:drool:
my 1st prototype was in fact a 2s2p 3200 saddle so its definatly possible, with an modifiaction to the case

so im sure if there is enough call then it could be possible.
it was ok capacity wise indoors but not sure what a 4.5 or 5.5 motor would do to a lower capacity outdoors, could be tight on run time.

how many milliamps do you guys pull out of a pack outdoors with a 4.5 motor in 4x4?



trakpower uk are now monitoring this site and are a company that wants to move us all into lipo! so make your "wants" in this thread or drop them a nice request via email, first job is to get the 4800's here and in use, then look at other needs


James, a 2 x 4 sub c config is harder to do,

[Micha_MX4]

...and Mark, please I will read all your posts and believe all the facts you're
posting!

promised!

:D

[mark christopher]

no offense Mark, I appreciate your sharing of obvious insider knowledge,

but I didn't read that specific posting (you seem to love the quote tool ;) )

and I don't believe everything that is written in forums

so I just asked and got quick response from trackpower
non taken!!
is it not good to read all posts before replying? qoute tool is easiest way to answer a specific post



im not allways right Micha;):lol:

[Micha_MX4]

you're right about reading all posts before posting, I actually overread the
part about configuration (after another 10h+ work day developing cars
1:1 scale..).

My "problem":
I really want to start club racing 10th scale offroad, but I'm still looking
for a club in my region so far only 8th scale rallye cross and tc racing...

I want to switch to lipos 'coz as far I've learned they need less pampering
while you're not using them... But investing 90 Euros in a pack that I have
to somehow squeeze into my new Yok is right now not that
interesting to me (Grepow 4500 are just 40 Euros at eBay) But I bought
a new charger (Schulze 6.30-5 plus) to be at last able to charge one ;)
(my old Schulze ecolader can't be updated to lipo)

As soon as I find a saddle pack lipo that fits in (pushing to the outside of
the chassis is a little risky I think) I'll get it...

I think fixing them in a polycarbonate "bowl" that fits the slots in the chassis
would be a good way to installing them.

[OldTimer]

A lower profile saddle pack lipo would be nice if your reading this Mr Trakpower, something around 20-23mm to match the height of nimh :thumbsup: and i would be happy to test a lower capacity version lol.

[mark christopher]

A lower profile saddle pack lipo would be nice if your reading this Mr Trakpower, something around 20-23mm to match the height of nimh :thumbsup: and i would be happy to test a lower capacity version lol.
put which car you want em the fit too, gives me more amo!!

[James]

2 x 4 setup needs looking into in my op . .

[OldTimer]

put which car you want em the fit too, gives me more amo!!

Now that would be telling ;)

But it would make the move to lipo a lot easier for many people as they would then be true drop in replacements for saddle pack nimh, no messing with different battery posts and straps etc, and to be honest i don't care about mega capacity as long as i can do a warm lap or two and last five minutes that's all i need.

A cell is around 23mm in diameter so that's your target.

[mark christopher]

what sort of capacity does a 4 x4 buggy use outdoors ?


did ask 3200 or 4800 long time ago and main was capacity bigger
trakpower have gone down to 3200 for tc as well as thier 4900 and 5400 sticks
the stick 3200 is 20.8mm tall

[Micha_MX4]

Jonathan brings it to the point! :thumbsup:

23mm height, 4000-4500 mAh capacity, NiMh saddle size and I'll get two of them :D

[mark christopher]

Jonathan brings it to the point! :thumbsup:

23mm height, 4000-4500 mAh capacity, NiMh saddle size and I'll get two of them :D
at the min i dont think that trakpower have the cells in size or capacity to make that criteria
21mm 3200 is probable tho jonathan mentioned no capacity?

[OldTimer]

what sort of capacity does a 4 x4 buggy use outdoors ?

Hard one to call to be honest, with the weight saving it will make a difference.

Until i try some i really cannot answer that, but how much do the guys use at worksop you have lent lipo packs to, if you add a bit for a higher rolling resistance you would not be far off.

[OldTimer]

at the min i dont think that trakpower have the cells in size or capacity to make that criteria
21mm 3200 is probable tho jonathan mentioned no capacity?

Is a 3200 lipo directly the same as a 3200 nimh, as i hear guys running for 20 minutes on the 4800 lipos ? never do that with a nimh.

But if the duration is there then a 23mm tall 3200 saddle lipo would be spot on, also cheaper with the smaller cells :woot: i guess it would be more a racers pack than a bashers pack.

[Micha_MX4]

Mark, for me with lipos it's "as much as you can get" in a "drop in size"

f.e. maxamps offers 4000 mAh saddle 2s2p in 21mm height (probably just
shrunk in)

[Northy]

Hard one to call to be honest, with the weight saving it will make a difference.

Until i try some i really cannot answer that, but how much do the guys use at worksop you have lent lipo packs to, if you add a bit for a higher rolling resistance you would not be far off.

Well, I finished 3rd in 4wd last time, and when I 'topped up' my cells a week later for vintage racing I was putting in ~2000mAh ;)

G

[frogger]

Northy is correct. When I raced at Newbury (indoor with jumps) I could do 3 x 5min runs with a 5500mah Maxamps saddle pack in my B44 and a 6.5 Novak motor.

Lipo's have lower internal resistance and is more efficient so you'll get better run times with lipo's as apposed to NIMHs. Also, don't forget the power delivery of a lipo is directly related to it's capacity so you can't go too small with a lipo's capacity.

[OldTimer]

Into a lipo ?, if so what capacity were they.

So i guess a 3200 lipo is like a 4000 nimh ?

Frogger yes we have been there before lol.

[Cockerill]

Indoors with a 5.5 in a XX4 I was taking about ~2000mah out of the one you have lent me Mark. I did manage two runs on one charge.

[mark christopher]

cheers
im speaking to trakpower monday so i will ask the question re 3200

[mendocino]

A bit late unfortunately, but here are my 2 cents:

On a very grippy track I use 2300 mah on my X10 + Mamba 5700.

No more than 2000 on a dirt track.

So the 3200 will be more than needed as far as I'm concerned.

[Micha_MX4]

one problem I see is that with reduced capacity the current discharge ratings
will be reduced:

from 96 Amps to 64 Amps - is that enough for a 5.5 turn X11 in a 4WD buggy?

[mark christopher]

one problem I see is that with reduced capacity the current discharge ratings
will be reduced:

from 96 Amps to 64 Amps - is that enough for a 5.5 turn X11 in a 4WD buggy?
thats the problem, you then draw more out the pack

[mark christopher]

trakpower are trying to get a member of staff to worksop this sunday, where they will be bringing a saddle pack and 3200 stick pack up
you will be able to try these in your cars, and ask questions etc, unfortunatly you can not have them as there mine :thumbsup:

if there is enough call for 3200, i was told today it is a good possability it can happen, so like i said if there is a call let then know, worksop indoors in 4x4 i was taking approx 1500 to 2000 with a sintered 6.5, ill check the capacity and note it this weekend

[boultspeed]

cough '' free sample '' cough cough ;)

[mark christopher]

er ..........................bally will be getting some :thumbsup: have a chat with him :D

[mark christopher]

ok i got some saddle packs today at worksop, hand delivered from stanstead ( cheers trakpower)
also the new 3200

tried the saddles in

losi xx4? think it was, reguire small bit of work
associated b44 longer body posts
HB D4 raise top deck 2mm and longer body posts
X5 remove one lug and longer posts i think
yokomo file two small cutouts in rear top deck, longer body posts

this was the 4800 saddle

the new lipo only charger is awsome, 5 amp charge rate, small compact and light

think those who saw them were very impressed.

[frogger]

Awesome. That hopefully means I will get mine delivered sometime soon :)

[mark christopher]

they could be in the uk in the next two weeks or so

[Chrislong]

These saddle Lipos are awesome looking items for any car which stick won't fit (all but the Aero & Serpent I suspect), and if they're anything like the stick packs for performance - they come damn high in my recommendations.

[flamme]

ok i got some saddle packs today at worksop, hand delivered from stanstead ( cheers trakpower)
also the new 3200

tried the saddles in

losi xx4? think it was, reguire small bit of work
associated b44 longer body posts
HB D4 raise top deck 2mm and longer body posts
X5 remove one lug and longer posts i think
yokomo file two small cutouts in rear top deck, longer body posts

this was the 4800 saddle

the new lipo only charger is awsome, 5 amp charge rate, small compact and light

think those who saw them were very impressed.

pics ??????

[Micha_MX4]

Hi Mark,

could you take measurements of the packs?

is it possible to get a 25C 3200mAh saddle?

thanks alot!

[Chrislong]

Hi Mark,

could you take measurements of the packs?

is it possible to get a 25C 3200mAh saddle?

thanks alot!

Im sure Mark will confirm, but as I understand it the current Trakpowers in circulation are 20C and anything from now onwards will be 25C...

i.e. INSANE :thumbsup:

[mark christopher]

the 4900 stick has been 25c for a couple of months, it was simply a running change in production, as the packs got better those nice trakpoer people simply upgraded the cells and kept the cost the same.

the saddles are 20c, and im not sure if they are going 25c or not, the 3200 would be the same rating as its the same cells minus one 2x 1600 = 3200 as aposed to 3 x 1600 = 4800
i will assure you that 20 c is plenty in off road, and chris a tom have been using my 20c packs, tom with that and a new car just came second in the A at worksop, and im sure he and Chris will say they have plenty of power

ill contact trakpower to find out

Mark

[Micha_MX4]

Mark, I really appreciate what you're doing!

Do you know the height of the 3200 mAh saddle pack?
(was your test-pack boxed?)

Again thanks!

[Chrislong]

I would usually use 5.5L and Nimh in 2wd, but I am using 7.5R and 20C Lipo now and its faster too.

[mark christopher]

no problem
the 3200 is not as yet a confirmed product, its being loked at by trakpower as a possiblility, but in sure Mr trakpower got the message on sunday that its somthing racers want.
if it was released it would be the same height as the 3200 stick which i think is around 21mm tall

jusr remeber a 3200 pack will have less constant amperage output that a 4800
20c x 4800 is 96 amps
20c x 3200 is 64 amps so they may feel softer

my original 3200 saddle are now in a stick format (where the idea came from)
may be tempeted to open em up and remake the saddle to do some more testing

at worksop the most i drew in 4 wheel drive was 1200mah on a 6.5 sintered motor in 5 mins

[mark christopher]

I would usually use 5.5L and Nimh in 2wd, but I am using 7.5R and 20C Lipo now and its faster too.
for finals you and tom may use my 25c packs if you like ;)

[Chrislong]

for finals you and tom may use my 25c packs if you like ;)

Ha ha. Honestly, 20C and 7.5R is as fast as I need - any faster and I am slower over a lap.

[mark christopher]

Hi Mark,

could you take measurements of the packs?

is it possible to get a 25C 3200mAh saddle?

thanks alot!
no not at the moment.

[l-u-k-e]

Finally the 3200 and 5400 are available i am thinking about getting 2-3 of the 3200 as they now will fit in the S400.


luke

[magnus]

Not sure I understand, are Lipo's now approved for racing in UK? The swedish debate hasn't even started as far as I know. Regarding these amp rates at the packs, would the lower 3200(?) be better? Does it make any difference more than longer chargetime?

[JCJC]

Magnus
Lipo is still being "tested" (if you like) in the UK, we can use it at club level if the club allows and in the garden, at BRCA sanctioned events only batteries on the list (mostly Nimh), there is some sanctioned use in touring car, we (some) are expecting a rule change for 2009 that will allow use in buggys at National & Regional level.
There is a lot of interest and debate.

3200's will be smaller (they may be saddle packs) so a direct replacement for 6 C cells without modification to battery trays/posts etc (remember some may want to use NiMh when at Nationals but switch to lipo at club). Charging rates are much the same as existing batteries charged at 1C, 3200 would charge at 3.2 Amps max, 5.2's at 5.2 Amps. The larger packs may be capable of greater output (more punch?), this is shown as 20C or 25C with 30C burst. Run times are not an issue.
Hope this is helpful

[magnus]

Thanks now I follow:)

[matt]

I got my 3200 today and with no mods done to my B4 i can get a sheet of lead under it to bring it to the same weight as a GP3700:thumbsup: