"Ken Kochanski (KK)" wrote in message
oups.com...
Although the technology is still pricy vs lead-acid batteries, the
power/weight/size vs cost equation is getting better. Anybody using
lithium model airplane packs bundeled to produce 12 - 14 v @3 - 6 amps
as a power source for their glider? (I have been looking at the
duralite site ... I'm sure there are others.)
http://www.duralitebatteries.com/batteries.html

KiloKilo


I've been watching this too. (The model airplane guys always seem to grab
the latest technology and run with it.) The early Li-Po batteries had some
problems with catching fire when charging but it's clear that the technology
has come a long way in the last year.

There are 14V Mil-Spec Li-Po packs that would be safer to use but the prices
are still astronomical. There are also some 14.8V laptop computer battery
packs that look interesting.

One thing that worries me is that a freshly charged Li-Po "14.8V" pack will
produce a no-load voltage over 16V. A lot of avionics specify that the
maximum voltage is 16V.

Bill Daniels