Cheap source of 4S lipos in UK?

ched · April 20, 2018, 09:13:01 PM

I am learning rate mode on my Martian3 220 quad and I need more batteries. The 2 I have are Infinity 70C (well labelled as such) and came from BangGood. They seem OK to me but I need some more as flying for about 16mins then drive back home isn't giving me much time to learn. I am using FPVFreerider as well which is helping massively but nothing like real flying/crashing :)

So anyone know any economical UK sources for 4S lipo 1300mah to 1800mah at a push?

Cheers for any suggestions.

dp106 · April 20, 2018, 09:38:25 PM

I still use Hobbyking for all my batteries, never found anywhere cheaper

Coyote · April 21, 2018, 09:47:28 AM

FastLad do a few and UK based

Loopdreams · April 21, 2018, 09:50:05 AM

Yeah Mini quad batteries are a bit more specialised since they typically encounter very high current draw compared to fixed wing. I have yet to encounter any that are both cheap and good. Although you do tend to be a lot easier on them when learning. HobbyRC have some with their own labels on that are ok for where you're at but if you think you'll progress quickly to more high throttle flying then cheap batteries are the very definition of a false economy since you'll kill them in no time. Quadcopters.co.uk are another good supplier.

FPVSteve · April 21, 2018, 03:15:09 PM

simon has some

https://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/racing-drones/batteries

ched · April 21, 2018, 03:28:04 PM

Cheers for the replies.
I think I am going too go with the HobbyRC ones as they are close by so should arrive quickly.

Thanks.

chris-s · April 22, 2018, 09:46:06 PM

And buy yourself a field charger so you don't have to go back home before really necessary.

ched · April 22, 2018, 09:56:10 PM

Quote from: chris-s on April 22, 2018, 09:46:06 PM
And buy yourself a field charger so you don't have to go back home before really necessary.

Cheers. I was just sorting that out earlier. Well I was putting a xt60 on my chargers dc input. Just trying to source a cheap portable supply for it.
I have 2 x 3s 3300mah but they will probably only recharge about 2 4s 1500mah. Alternatively I think I have a spare lead acid car battery kicking about but that is big and very heavy, might be OK if I can get car near flying site. I do have a proper plastic battery box for it so it's relatively easy and safe to transport.
Thanks.

FPVSteve · April 23, 2018, 02:34:12 PM

The 3s won't charge a 4s battery as their voltage is lower...

ched · April 23, 2018, 02:40:50 PM

Quote from: Steve W on April 23, 2018, 02:34:12 PM
The 3s won't charge a 4s battery as their voltage is lower...

The charger I have uses a 12v input and charges up to 6s. So I am assuming a 3s is close to 12v input it should be fine. It will consume more Amp Hrs than charging a 3s but I think it will work.
I will give it a try to test.

FPVSteve · April 23, 2018, 03:19:21 PM

Oh I thought you meant direct charging from one battery to another :D

ched · April 23, 2018, 05:28:36 PM

Quote from: Steve W on April 23, 2018, 03:19:21 PM
Oh I thought you meant direct charging from one battery to another :D

Sorry for the confusion :D

Loopdreams · April 23, 2018, 05:32:11 PM

It should be noted that the difference in voltage would definitely not be the only problem with attempting to charge one battery by just plugging it straight into another. :)

ched · April 23, 2018, 05:54:23 PM

Just to clarify, I won't be charging one battery directly from another.

I would have thought that would not be safe at all. Even if they were the same cell count the current surge between charged to uncharged could be a bit dangerous. Plus they would just try to equalise the voltage between them. So no point really.

English Turbines · April 26, 2018, 08:47:20 AM

Quote from: ched on April 23, 2018, 05:54:23 PM
Just to clarify, I won't be charging one battery directly from another.

I would have thought that would not be safe at all. Even if they were the same cell count the current surge between charged to uncharged could be a bit dangerous. Plus they would just try to equalise the voltage between them. So no point really.

I take a 4S 10 amp Lipo with me. Using this and my ISDT charger (which is tiny) I can charge 1500mah Quad Lipos all day long.

Lightweight and portable, great for field charging "small" Lipos.

I use Miniquad Lipos in my Z84 Wing Wing

:vulture: