How do you compare a Li-Ion over a LiPo?
Our battery packs are small and compact in size. Due to that, they can be easier to fit in your aircrafts as compared to LiPos. The solid casings of our packs also mean more resistant to damage/puncture in the event of a crash, a drop or engine vibration.
The pack’s weight could also be used to compare against a LiPo. For example, the GreatCells Flash 33 @ 3300mAh weighs 110 grams whereas a 2S LiPo @ 3300mAh could weigh approximately 200 grams. This difference in value increases as the pilot stacks more batteries into an aircraft for redundancy (200g – 110g = 90g of additional weight from a LiPo. 90g x 2 battery packs = 180g of extra, unnecessary weight). This idea is great for all sorts of flying style as the aircraft weight is kept low when using Li-Ion battery packs.
On the other hand, if the flight time is a concern to the pilot, for eg. more flying rounds without having to change the battery, the pilot should know this: A LiPo has around 30% more energy than that of a Li-Ion given the same capacity for the two batteries. Therefore to enjoy the same flight time, the pilot should increase the use of our pack’s capacity. For instance, our GreatCells z-42‘s 4200mAh (130 grams) is able to match up with a 2S LiPo’s 3300mAh. However, GreatCells battery pack is the winner as it weighs lower. In other words, you can increase GreatCells battery capacity to match the weight of a LiPo to make the flight last a much longer time.
LiPo is cheaper?
Indeed a LiPo battery might be cheaper than that of Li-Ion, but in terms of a long run, Li-Ion is a good investment! Here is why:
- The capacity drop over the months (or even years) of use on a GreatCells battery pack is linear, unlike a LiPo where it will do a “sudden drop in voltage”. Surprises equate to risks.
- Not putting a LiPo into storage mode could also damage its capacity, not just the battery shape. Therefore you will likely need a new LiPo to keep up.
- Not all your aircrafts are one size. They require different sizes of LiPos in order to fit in. Hence, you will need multiple sizes of LiPo batteries for this function. GreatCells battery packs on the other hand offer small and compact sizes, and yet deliver the same output of power for all of your applications.
Why do not the Z Series come with JR leads?
Our Z Series are meant for airshows and competitions whereby power and weight play critical roles for a pilot’s mission. Pilots want those packs to be powerful and light in weight. Most of the time, pilots solder connectors like MPX, XT60 and Deans to the packs’s 16AWG wires. Of course, the JR leads can still be used to attach to those wires.
I love Li-Ions. But do you have something for a start to try?
Yes, we have the all-new Flash 25, the so-called budget pack, made available on the shelf. We know what you are thinking: Inexpensive – plenty of limitations. Ironically, the Flash 25 has good punch of 10A discharge power so linear it does not feel like a 2500mAh pack. We have seen pilots using those on their 50cc sport planes too!
Should I keep GreatCells Battery Packs in storage mode after the flight day?
It is safe to shelve a fully charged GreatCells battery pack for months (or even years), however, we recommend pilot to discharge them to storage mode if the pilot intend not to use them for over a period of more than a month. This will preserve the battery’s potential power and capacity for the next recharge, and also to prolong its life span. For pilots who fly once a week or fortnightly, you really do not need to discharge the packs.
What accessory is required when I own GreatCells Battery Pack?
You will be need a balanced charger that provides feature to charge lithium chemistry. You can choose either Li-Ion or LiPo from the feature as each charges up to 8.2V and 8.4V respectively. We recommend charging at 8.4V to unleash the fullest potential of your receiver pack.