Adding Balancing Connectors

[kagreen2k]

I recently added balancing connectors to 6 of my 3S TP2100s. I'm so glad I did. All but one of the packs were OK. The one pack that wasn't had a cell that had a much lower voltage than the others. An explosion waiting to happen if you ask me. It took the balancer quite some time to balance it but it was able.

Now I want to add balancing connectors to all of my lipos. Even the small ones. I have two questions:

Why don't the smaller lipos (<900mAh) have balance connectors ? Aren't they subject to becoming imbalanced ?

What is a good source for the balance connectors ? I got my last batch from Esprit but I want order 20 more and they are $2.50 each. That's $50! :shock: I'm going to email them to see if they offer a volume discount. Any other suggestions ?

[dodgey]

Not sure about the TP connectors, but it's ths same story with FP connectors -far far too expensive. I sourced mine from a small retailer. Just have a good look through a big electronic company like RS electronics, or whatever you have in the US. None of them use any connectors that are not industry standard as far as I can tell. I bought a bag of 20 for about £4.40 UKP for my FP balancer. Direct from FP each plug with wires is £4 !!!!

Example - these are the sockets for 3S balance leads for flight power

http://ashtekelectronics.com/store/male-housing-ashlok-connectors-p-416.html

I think thunder power use a small Molex connector. A littel searching will yeild results...

[kagreen2k]

That's a great idea! Thanks dodgey! :D