Speedcell A123 batteries

[hackers2r]

So I'm looking into replacing my battery with one of these.  Anyone have any FHE with these?  Any drawbacks?  Thanks.

[pennyrobber]

Are you planning on buying a Speedcell or making your own with the A123's.

Here are some previous threads on the matter.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=36583.0

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27995.0

[TAftonomos]

DIY, $80, and put balancing leads on them for maintenance 

[Düb Lüv]

i've considered making mine as well.

[hackers2r]

Theo, can you elaborate on balancing leads?  Thanks.

[TAftonomos]

Short version...  The cells are not charged when you get them, and you need to make sure they all charge at the same rate/amount for the first time.

After they are charged up, it's less of an issue.  My speedcell battery (that was 225$ and something) was down to around 9v after the winter, as Josh@ speedcell advised me not to keep it on a charger.

You may recall I was all excited about these batteries in the beginning....zero maintenance, blah blah blah.  After I learned the truth, I backed off of them.  I've digressed...

They are excellent batteries, but have some drawbacks.  In a motorcycle, we'll never run the pack down to where it needs a balancer to bring the pack back.....unless you don't use the bike/battery for extended periods of time...in which case I've found both of mine unable to start the bike (or energize the relays even).  In this case, I would want to be able to balance the cells so the pack can be brought "back".    In the case of a RC application where the cells are regularly drained, you need/should use a balancer everytime. 

People have been having issues with cold starting, when it's 40 or less out. 

I ordered 60 something cells a week ago, should be here soon.  If you've got a soldering iron that is worth a shit, and a hour or 2, building your own pack is pretty easy.  Plenty of DIY stuff out there on the net as well.  I'd be happy to sell you some cells for what I paid for them (good price do to quantity).

[hackers2r]

Soooooo...Are you in or out on this technology Theo?  I'm sensing a little of both.  I use my bike as transportation so it won't be sitting for long periods of time.

[TAftonomos]

I'm in for someone that can maintain the battery IF it needs it, or for someone that rides a lot and the temps are moderate.

Cheapest weight loss by FAR.  7lbs for 220$ (at worst)

[hackers2r]

Sounds good.  Next on the list.  I also noticed in your install post that you did retain the original battery box.  Any particular reason?  Why not just get rid of it?

[scduc]

Taft---I have built some battery packs for my RC cars, Is this the same method? Are you going to be selling the leads as well. I am interested in building my own pack, maybe you can put some detailed pics in the Tutorials. Any more info on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

[TAftonomos]

Same method.  I've got a buddy with a CD welder who can do the battery tabs w/o soldering....better for the cells if you can.  Plenty of people solder them with great results though.  I'll do a tuturial on it after the end of this week....I've got a 20+ page paper I've got to get finished for my next to next to last class 

[Some Dude]

Found a little write up Here

[Bill in OKC]

My S4rs has a LiFePO4 now.  They can be topped off with a battery tender (after the initial balancing act), but don't like trickle chargers / trickle current.  They charge pretty quick but are supposed to be removed from the tender after they are charged to make sure there is no "maintenance current" going through them.  So far, so good.

[TAftonomos]

Wondering if you put it together Bill, or buy it somewhere?

BTW, I've got 7 "packs" headed my way.  I needed one for the ST (Maybe not...buyer coming by on Sunday), one for the project 2v sbk, and one more for the KTM.  I'll have 4 or 5 to sell, ready to go...for about half what they "retail" for.

[Düb Lüv]

how much are you going to sell each battery for, or did you want to sell them all at once?