Lithium Polymer Batteries

Helpful information about Lithium Polymer (lipo, lipoly, li polymer) batteries.


The All-New TP1430C High-Power Multi-Chemistry Charger/Discharger/Cycler/Balancer System

Thunder Power RC Is a World Leader in Lipo and RC Power Technology
Thunder Power RC introduces all-new TP1430C High-Power Multi-Chemistry Charger/Discharger/Cycler/Balancer System.

The all-new TP1430C is our most powerful multi-chemistry charger, discharger, cycler and balancer system ever released from Thunder Power RC. With up to 1000 watts of total charging power, the TP1430C can charge, discharge and cycle a wide variety of 1-14S LiPo, LiIon and LiFe (A123) batteries, as well as 1-40 cell NiCd and NiMH along with 6-48V Pb (lead-acid) batteries. The built-in 2-14S LiPo/LiIon/LiFe (A123) cell balancer and included balance connector adapter board are readily compatible with all Thunder Power balance connectors and the JST-XH balance connectors found on most other batteries.

Boasting the same compact design and technology as the TP820CD, the TP1430C is capable of charging at rates up to 30 amps offering the ability to charge many of the latest-generation LiPo batteries at ultra-fast rates up to 9C and beyond. Additional features include built-in data monitoring and viewing on the large class-leading and easy-to-read 48-character blue backlit LCD screen, internal resistance measurement and an advanced Storage Mode function to automatically charge or discharge LiPo/ LiIon/LiFe (A123) batteries as needed. Other great features also include dual computer-controlled cooling fans and temperature protection, an attractive and extremely durable aluminum case, plus the ability to install future firmware updates available for free download from www.ThunderPowerRC.com using a standard mini USB cable. Best of all these incredible features are all available at a value that’s hard to beat while being fully supported and backed by Thunder Power RC’s industry-leading 2-year warranty.

Thunder Power RC Is a World Leader in Lipo and RC Power Technology
Technical Specifications

  • Powerful 1000W charger, discharger and cycler system with built-in LiPo/LiIon/LiFe (A123) cell balancer.
  • Includes a balance connector adapter board readily compatible with 2-14S Thunder Power and JST-XH balance connectors.
  • This powerful and compact single port design charges, discharges and cycles 1-14S LiIon/LiPo/LiFe (A123), 1-40 cell NiCd/NiMH and 6-48V Pb (lead-acid) batteries.
  • Up to 1000 watts of total power with selectable charge rates from 0.2 amps up to 30 amps for ultra-fast charging.
  • 12 user-programmable memories plus built-in data monitoring and viewing with internal resistance measurement and more.
  • Fully-adjustable charge capacity limit (NiMh/NiCd/Pb), per cell end voltage and low voltage cutoff settings to maximize safety, charge and discharge performance.
  • Wide 12.0-36.0V input voltage range with adjustable input power current limiting to maximize performance and protect power supplies.
  • Durable and compact aluminum case with dual computer-controlled cooling fans and an extremely easy-to-read blue backlit LCD screen.

Download Press Release
All New Thunder Power RC TP1430C Press Release

——
Do you need chargers, balancers, connectors, and other accessories for your lithium polymer rechargeable RC batteries? We carry a huge selection available for purchase online or over the phone.
——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

YANNIC PRUMPER JOINS TEAM THUNDER POWER RC

Thunder Power RC Is a World Leader in Lipo and RC Power Technology Thunder Power RC signs Yannic Prumper of Germany as the newest addition to the racing team.

Known throughout Europe as one of the rising stars of touring car racing, 17 year old Yannic will join 3-time World Champion Marc Rheinard, Viktor Wilck and Thomas Pumpler to represent Team Thunder Power RC. Yannic is relatively new to the top level racing circuit with only a couple years of racing under his belt, this rookie has made all the Pros take notice. Yannic recently raced in the Euro Touring Series (ETS) which finished the sixth round of competition in Andernach, Germany. His skills were well matched to compete among the Pros, as Yannic finished in 3rd place overall for both the race event and ETS series points. Yannic finished just behind fellow TPRC team driver Marc Rheinard and his Yokomo team mate Ronald Volker.

Call 1-800-979-9794 or order online at rctoys.com

Thunder Power RC CEO and Owner Charlie Wang with Yannic Prumper and Team Manager Jim Skinner at the ETS Andernach Race.

“Thunder Power RC will bring a new dimension to my competition level performance. I am looking forward to using the Z3R brushless motors and LiPo batteries.” states Yannic Prumper. “I am excited to be a part of the Thunder Power RC team.”

Yannic will represent the TPRC Team at major International and US electric/LiPo events. Thunder Power RC would like to welcome and thank Yannic for trusting in Thunder Power RC to be the power behind his podium level performance. We know that Yannic will continue to help develop the power and performance to take TPRC LiPo battery and brushless motors to the next level of performance to remain #1 in Performance and Reliability.

Download
Yannic Prumper Joins Team Thunder Power RC Press Release

——
Do you need chargers, balancers, connectors and other accessories for your lithium polymer rechargeable RC batteries? We carry a huge selection available for purchase online or over the phone.
——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

How to Charge Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries


This guide contains everything you need to know about charging LiPo batteries. The process is very simple and not much different from charging any other battery type. Keep in mind that brand does not matter when it comes to LiPo chargers. A Common Sense RC LiPo charger will charge a Thunder Power RC LiPo and a Thunder Power RC charger will charge other brands of LiPo batteries (see the note on balance plug types below.)

How to Choose a Charging Setup

  1. Decide what Batteries you Want to Charge – Cell count and pack capacity are the most important factors when choosing a charger for your LiPo batteries. Find the number of cells in series that your LiPo packs have; this will determine the voltage. Also find out what the capacity of the pack is in mAh. If you’re new to lithium polymer batteries and want a guide, we have an FAQ written.
  2. Decide how Many Amps you want to Charge at – Generation 6 Thunder Power batteries support charging at a rate of up to 5 times their capacity (5C). As a rule of thumb, this is faster than most people can and should use, as charging at rates of over 1C has been shown to shorten battery life. A safe charging rate is generally accepted to be 2C with a balancer. Multiply the capacity of your pack in amp hours by 2 to get a good estimate of the number of amps you will need your charger to provide.
  3. Choose a Li-Po Charger with an Appropriate Number of Watts – The number of watts is the only really important variable here. Watts equals volts times amps, so take the number of amps that you want to charge your packs at (as determined by the last step) and multiply by their voltage. The result is the minimum number of watts that your charger should have. Keep in mind that cost tends to increase with the number of watts a charger can provide.
  4. Choose a Balancer Compatible with Your Battery Leads – All LiPo batteries over 1 cell should include a set of balance leads, which are used to keep the voltage of each cell the same. It’s critically important that you use a balancer when charging at rates of over 1C, otherwise imbalances can build up and result in over or under-charging different cells in a pack. Note that many computerized chargers include a built in balancer. You may have to purchase an adapter cable to use internal balancers with your particular brand of LiPo battery. There are basically 3 common leads that LiPo batteries use. They are, according to brand:
    • JST-XH - This type of lead is the most common. It is supported out of the box by the TP610C, TP610C-ACDC, and TP820CD balance chargers.
    • Thunder Power RC – Thunder Power balance leads are used by all Thunder Power RC LiPo batteries. They will work with all Thunder Power chargers, although if you want to use them with another brand of charger you will have to purchase a Thunder Power to JST-XH adapter cable.
    • Hyperion – Hyperion uses their own proprietary balance plug. We do not carry an adapter cable at the time of writing.
  5. Choose your Charging Leads – You will need a set of leads that go from the charger to your battery pack. All of the chargers that we carry include a set of leads that will either work out of the box or that you can solder plugs of your choice onto. Consult the individual charger’s product page for more details. As a rule of thumb, the leads that plug into the chargers output jack are usually 4mm bullet connectors.
  6. Choose a Power Supply – Some LiPo chargers have their own built in power supplies and do not need to be plugged in to an external 12 volt source (such as the TP610C-ACDC and CS-ACDC-6.) If you require a power supply, the RipMax Pro Peak is a good choice. Make sure that the power supply you choose can provide an appropriate number of watts. A good rule of thumb to determine how many watts you need a power supply to provide is to take the number of watts that your charger can output and add 10%. The extra 10% accounts for power lost due to resistance and heat.

How to Use Your Charging Setup

  1. Read your Chargers Manual – There’s no substitute for this, read the manual cover to cover before you try to charge LiPo batteries.
  2. Plug the Charger into your Power Supply
  3. Connect the LiPo to the main Charging Leads and Balancer Port – If you’re using a Thunder Power to JST-XH adapter cable you will need to use this now.
  4. Verify Settings and Begin Charging – In particular, you must make sure that the voltage and number of amps to charge at are correct. Charging up to 2C is generally regarded as safe, but there is no margin of error when it comes to pack voltage. Charging at an incorrect voltage / cell count will result in a fire.
  5. Do not Leave the Battery Charging Unsupervised – LiPo batteries must not be left to charge unsupervised. Although the technology is safe, accidents do happen and it is important that you are there to react to any situation that may arise.

You can buy Thunder Power lithium polymer batteries and chargers on our website. If you need a Thunder Power RC to JST-XH adapter cable, we carry those as well.


© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

Battery Selections for the Traxxas Spartan Electric RC Boat


The Traxxas Spartan electric RC boat comes with a set of capable NiMh batteries but if you want the extreme power and cutting edge performance that only Li-Po batteries can offer, we’ve chosen a selection of Thunder Power RC Li-Po’s that will work out of the box.

Please note that the Traxxas Spartan boat has two battery bays and will require two of each listed Li-Po battery to run.

Economy Setup – 2x TP3300-2SSR35D

A pair of TP3300-2SSR35D Li-Po batteries will give a huge boost in performance over the stock NiMh batteries, for a very modest price.

Mid Range Setup – 2x TP6600-2SSR35D

Two TP6600-2SSR35D Li-Po batteries will give you just under twice the runtime that the economy setup will, and the increased capacity will allow a faster discharge.

Most Power – 2x TP5300-3SPR65D

A Pair of TP5300-3SPR65D Li-Po batteries will deliver more amps than any of the other setups we’ve listed. These packs are capable of a 65C continuous discharge, and are made of the very best cells currently available. These packs also feature 3 cells wired in series, delivering more voltage and all out speed.

Longest Runtime – 2x TP8000-3SSR35D

If you’re interested in running the Traxxas Spartan Boat for as long as possible between charges, a pair of TP8000-3SSR35D Li-Po batteries will nearly double the capacity and runtime as compared to any of our other selections. Choose this option if you’re interested in spending less time charging batteries, but don’t mind that the boat rides a bit lower in the water due to the extra weight.

© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

Thunder Power Batteries For The Multiplex Funjet – Common and High Performance Setups + HowTo

Do you have a need for speed? The Multiplex Funjet is the ultimate electric speed demon, even flown stock without any modifications. Flying at speeds in excess of 100 MPH requires high discharge batteries, and we’ve tested several new Generation 6 Thunder Power Lipo battery packs in the Funjet to determine the best setups for economical flying, mid range speed runs, or all out blazing fast power. Here’s a list of several tried and true setups that you can use with your Multiplex Funjet kit or receiver ready model.

Stock Motor, ESC and a G6 Pro Power 3s 2250 mAh Lipo

The stock 2700 Kv brushless motor and 37 Amp ESC in the Multiplex Funjet (Receiver Ready version) can push it to speeds of over 100 miles per hour with no modifications using a suitably high discharge lipo battery. We recommend a Thunder Power G6 Pro Power 65C 3s 2250 mAh lipo battery for this setup, not only because of the high power provided, but because this battery will fit neatly in the Funjet’s equipment bay. This battery has the capacity to provide flight times up to 10 minutes and has no problem providing the current that the stock setup requires. After soldering on some Deans connectors and plugging in the receiver of your choice, you will be ready to go flying.

Items Required to Complete this Setup (Including Receiver Ready Funjet):

  • TP2250-3SPP65 Lipo Battery
  • 3 channel (minimum) receiver + transmitter capable of elevon mixing
  • Deans Ultra connector pair (for connecting battery to ESC)

Stock Motor, ESC and a Discount G4 Pro Power 30C 2 or 3 cell 2250 Lipo


While supplies last we are selling the last of the Generation 4 batteries by Thunder Power RC. For a relatively minimal decrease in performance, you can use a TP-2250-2SP30 (2 cell setup) or TP-2250-3SP30 (3 cell setup) with the stock equipment that the Multiplex Funjet RR comes with.

Items Required to Complete this Setup (Including Receiver Ready Funjet):

  • TP-2250-2SP30 or TP-2250-3SP30 Lipo Battery
  • 3 channel (minimum) receiver + transmitter capable of elevon mixing
  • Deans Ultra connector pair (for connecting battery to ESC)

Upgraded ESC and 4 Cell 2250 Lipo Battery

This setup will provide you with a very, very fast RC airplane. Use the stock motor and propeller, but upgrade to a 4 cell battery and ESC.

Items Required to Complete This Setup (Including Receiver Ready Funjet):

  • TP2250-4SPP65 Lipo Battery
  • CC-PH60 60 amp brushless ESC
  • 3 channel (minimum) receiver + transmitter capable of elevon mixing
  • Deans Ultra connector pair (for connecting battery to ESC)

© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

Thunder Power RC Wins 3rd Consecutive 1st Place XFC Championship with Team Pilot Jamie Robertson

Thunder Power RC Is a World Leader in Lipo and RC Power Technology Thunder Power RC is excited to announce that Team Pilot Jamie Robertson wins the Helicopter Class at the 2011 International Extreme Flight Championships (XFC) with the dual port TP820CD Charging System and G6 Pro Power 65C series batteries.

Thanks to the skills and talent of Team Pilot Jamie Robertson, Thunder Power RC brings home the 2011 Championship title in the Helicopter Class of the International Extreme Flight Championships. This win marks the third consecutive, back-to-back XFC win for Thunder Power RC and a second career XFC victory for Robertson. In the 2011 competition, fourteen pilots competed for the title of Champion in the Helicopter Class. With this win, Jamie now holds two XFC Championships and is one of only two pilots to win more than one XFC. Fellow TPRC pilot Nick Maxwell joined Jamie at the podium with a second place finish. In fact, three of the top four helicopter class finishes were powered by Thunder Power RC batteries and chargers with Bobby Watts finishing in 4th place overall. Thunder Power RC is proud to bring home a third consecutive XFC Heli Class win and to be power behind Jamie Robertson, Nick Maxwell and Bobby Watts XFC top place finishes.

The XFC is an invitational event with thirteen invited pilots and five spots open in each category for on-site tryouts. The three day event took place June 3-5, at the AMA National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana. The preliminary competition took place on Friday and Saturday with four flight rounds (2 per day). These rounds consisted of one known flight including three required maneuvers and one pilot’s choice/unknown round a day. Sunday was reserved for the final round of the competition for the top seven pilots. The finals are 4 rounds of competition with two rounds of known and two rounds of unknown maneuvers. The event is scored by taking the pilot’s top score from each type of final round (known and unknown maneuvers) and adding them to their average score carried over from the preliminary flight rounds.

World-class, top talent competes head-to-head each year at the XFC. This year Jamie Robertson competed with his electric Mikado Logo 600 helicopter against the field of 13 other pilots. Jamie’s Mikado Logo 600 3D electric setup included Scorpion 560Kv motor (12 tooth pinion), a Thunder Power RC 10S 5000mAh G6 Pro Power 65C battery providing power to his mini V-bar system. Also in the winning setup included JR servos, Edge blades, Spektrum tail servo regulator and Spektrum satellite receivers. Backing up the power for Jamie’s performance was the Thunder Power RC TP820CD dual port charging system. When asked about the performance at XFC, Jamie commented:

“I was using the Thunder Power G6 Pro Power 65C batteries with a couple hundred cycles on them and the most important part of the event is consistent power and performance. Thunder Power batteries have always been able to provide the consistent power necessary for me to not have to worry about getting through all the maneuvers. Not once did I experience bog or struggle due to inconsistent LiPo performance. In fact, my G6 TPRC batteries performed the same at the beginning of the flight as they did at the end of the flight with no drop off in power.”

Download
Thunder Power 2011 International Extreme Flight Championships press release

——
Do you need chargers, balancers, connectors and other accessories for your lithium polymer rechargeable RC batteries? We carry a huge selection available for purchase online or over the phone.
——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us

Three-Time World Champion Driver Marc Rheinard Joins Team Thunder Power RC

The following is a press release by Thunder Power RC.

LAS VEGAS, NV. May 11, 2011 – As a 3-Time IFMAR ISTC World Champion, Marc Rheinard has a never-ending passion for speed and racing. Known as one of the world’s best on-road touring car racers, Marc will bring over 15 years of RC racing experience to the Thunder Power RC Team. Marc has signed a multi-year agreement to represent Thunder Power RC by using, supporting and promoting products at races world-wide.

“I am looking forward to using Thunder Power RC batteries” states Marc Rheinard. “I have seen firsthand how the products have performed in the RC racing circuit over the past couple of years. Thunder Power RC continues to advance LiPo batteries and technology for the RC industry, I am excited to be a part of these advancements and the team.” Marc will represent the TPRC Team at all major International and US electric/LiPo events. Marc’s touring car will hit the pavement for the first time as part of the team at the 2011 Reedy Race of Champions. Thunder Power RC would like to welcome and thank Marc for his confidence in our team and products, and we are very proud to be the power behind his World Championship-level on-road racing skill set. We anticipate that Marc, along with our other team drivers, will continue to push the limits of electric power systems and help take LiPo battery performance to the next level!

About Thunder Power RC

Since 2003, Thunder Power RC has been the world-leader in the advancement of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery power and charging solutions for a wide variety of RC, UAV/UAS and other applications. Continuing to set industry-leading standards in performance and reliability is why more pilots, drivers and professionals world-wide choose Thunder Power RC LiPo batteries over any other brand.

© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com

Share/Bookmark This Post At:
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • Fark
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us