High amp discharger ideas.

[Michaelinpr]

Thanks Oliver.

[oliver1071]

Ok the little toolbox fits perfectly. Now the decision run with it and open when in use or cut or drill vents in the sides and add a 3" fan and do it without it looking like crap or I could put vents in the top.

[Relisys190]

Fantastic thread.

I maybe getting ahold of some large resistors from a 480volt 210 ton chiller machine starter box.

Those should do the trick, but i'll need help when that time comes.

Thanks,
-Markus

[oliver1071]

All done. I have to say it turned out fantastic. It's small, light and fairly quiet. Very good airflow too at half voltage. I'm using a server rated fan being supplied by a BEC. Using my WR Super BEC at the moment just until I up the voltage on an old align esc that I'm going to throw in here. 6v is the lowest this fan will run at. I riveted the coil assembly to the box and drilled some holes for the fan and exhaust. I like the BEC in the mix it keeps the fan at a constant speed no matter what I'm discharging.

[prototype3a]

Using the BEC is a great idea!

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by prototype3a

Using the BEC is a great idea!

Yeah especially once I swap to the align. I didn't have a full size RX handy to program the align esc's for 6v. Definitely not keeping a $100 WR Super BEC in there but this works great with some junk you have laying around or even a cheap hobbywing or CC bec.

Wasn't to bade price wise.
Dryer coil $18.99 http://www.crucialvacuum.com/whirlpo...t-3403585.html

Box $11.26 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s00

Server Fan $5.49 http://www.ebay.com/itm/PowerEdge-29...EAAOSwD0lUegER

Amp Connector $ 1.30 http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-Speaker...item5d44291fc9

Say $10 for miscellaneous bec

So $47.04 and some wire if you don't have any.

Not to bad more then the Hair dryer but less than a resistor setup. I'm sure this one could handle 40-50amps no problem.

[3D Dave]

Nice idea and design Oliver.

One suggestion though is to heat-shrink the exposed solder connections.

In use (accidental jarring or bump), it would be very bad for the 2 main heavy gauge leads to short out the pack that's being discharged.

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by 3D Dave

Nice idea and design Oliver.

One suggestion though is to heat-shrink the exposed solder connections.

In use (accidental jarring or bump), it would be very bad for the 2 main heavy gauge leads to short out the pack that's being discharged.

I could but the nichrome wires is so ridgid it doesn't move. Picture a wire hanger a 2" section of wire hanger doesn't move after its bent where you want it. I wonder that the icharger would do incase of a resistive load short? I would imagine it would error out and stop.

[Angelo A]

Originally Posted by oliver1071

All done. I have to say it turned out fantastic. It's small, light and fairly quiet. Very good airflow too at half voltage. I'm using a server rated fan being supplied by a BEC. Using my WR Super BEC at the moment just until I up the voltage on an old align esc that I'm going to throw in here. 6v is the lowest this fan will run at. I riveted the coil assembly to the box and drilled some holes for the fan and exhaust. I like the BEC in the mix it keeps the fan at a constant speed no matter what I'm discharging.

I love where this thread went!! What a transformation from turning a hair dryer to a discharger to a full on discharge box! Way to go! Fortunately, I haven't had to discharge packs so I haven't gone further than the hairdryer, but UNfortunately, haven't flown in quite some time due to this weather and life

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by Angelo A

I love where this thread went!! What a transformation from turning a hair dryer to a discharger to a full on discharge box! Way to go! Fortunately, I haven't had to discharge packs so I haven't gone further than the hairdryer, but UNfortunately, haven't flown in quite some time due to this weather and life

Thanks this is my favorite variation that I've done so far I did add some electrical tape to the two connections as suggested. As for flying I've been doing ok with 60 flights in this winter. I just picked up a tx glove that I'm going to try out today. We'll see if it helps.

[oliver1071]

You know I wonder since we have convenient discharging options if it wouldn't be beneficial to put a couple cycles on your lipos in the middle of winter? I know prolonged lack of use also affects your lipos negatively so maybe cycling them once or twice if you don't fly them could be good for them?

[Angelo A]

You fly alot! 60 flights this winter is great! Waaaay more than me! That TX glove looks like it could work out. Good point on putting a couple cycles through the packs while they sit, I think I will end up doing that!

[oliver1071]

The discharger is getting a workout. I was out flying all day today but lost a canopy nut on my G500 with 2 packs left. Of course I was inverted so it hit the main blades and put a little chip in one. I think it's still ok though. I may put a little two part epoxy in the chip just to smooth it out.

Anyway today was my test of 30 amps on the new setup. Works good the metal box gets warm to the touch but nothing unreasonable or anything that would cause any discomfort if your were to pick up the box by the metal.

[3D Dave]

As a matter of fact, Gens Ace (can't speak for any others), recommends cycling their packs at least once every 3 months if they're not being used.

Here in Chicago, I don't fly for several months in the winter so I always cycle my packs at least once during the off season. I also cycle my non-Gens Ace packs since it can't hurt.

Originally Posted by oliver1071

You know I wonder since we have convenient discharging options if it wouldn't be beneficial to put a couple cycles on your lipos in the middle of winter? I know prolonged lack of use also affects your lipos negatively so maybe cycling them once or twice if you don't fly them could be good for them?

[prototype3a]

After watching my chargers today, plug away at just 2A trying to storage charge some 6s22000 packs, I just ordered a dryer heater.

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by prototype3a

After watching my chargers today, plug away at just 2A trying to storage charge some 6s22000 packs, I just ordered a dryer heater.

Haha yeah it's painful and the bonus is your $200-$300 charger isn't getting 200° for hours. I'm Cycling some new lipos now with it.

[prototype3a]

On the other hand, my recent charging case modifications are working extremely well. I've got an 80mm high static pressure/high flow fan forcing loads of air through my pair of DPS1200fb.

Now I just need to figure out how to force more air through my 308duos to keep them cool and quiet.

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by prototype3a

On the other hand, my recent charging case modifications are working extremely well. I've got an 80mm high static pressure/high flow fan forcing loads of air through my pair of DPS1200fb.

Now I just need to figure out how to force more air through my 308duos to keep them cool and quiet.

Very Nice. Yeah impressed with these little server fans at full speed this 60mm is like a leaf blower Even at 6v it's plenty to keep everything at a reasonable temp.

[prototype3a]

Got my dryer heater in the mail today. I removed the coils of wire from the holders and reconfigured them a bit to make my 2x 2s2p setup. Got it hooked up temporarily with some alligator leads and it is working great. Only doing 150w (2c) discharge on my 6s3300s for now as the alligator leads started getting hot. I guess they're not rated for 12A

[oliver1071]

Originally Posted by prototype3a

Got my dryer heater in the mail today. I removed the coils of wire from the holders and reconfigured them a bit to make my 2x 2s2p setup. Got it hooked up temporarily with some alligator leads and it is working great. Only doing 150w (2c) discharge on my 6s3300s for now as the alligator leads started getting hot. I guess they're not rated for 12A

Very nice. I do like the design of this one with the small runs and holders. It's really easy to work with. I used it again today. My swash separated on my 480 and I had one pack left. Took it home and discharged with no problem. These devices are definitely a must for our hobby.