Bargain A123 cells (LiFePo4)

[Shaun]

Just got a box of 100 for £41.00 delivered. They are ex commercial e-scooter ones I believe . I've checked 35 randomly and they all appear fine. 2300mAh capacity when new. They have tags on one end but easily solder up
2 in series are equivalent to a 5 cell NiMh pack voltage wise. Metal cased I've used them for years and they keep their charge when stored for seemingly ever. I charge them in the model.
Also great for starter packs, parallel them up to make a 12v (ish) high capacity leisure battery, torches etc. dozens of uses. When you considered new ones are approx £6-7 each they are a bargain even if 20% were duff which I highly doubt.

Link to eBay listing below.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364969972510 ... edia=EMAIL

Cheers,

Shaun

[Shaun]

Just tried soldering to the case on one of the A123 cells (+ve).

Used standard 60/40 multi core solder and 75 W iron. Worked ok but an easier way was when I used a liquid flux that allows standard solder to work on stainless steel .

If you're making up loads of packs you can buy cheap spot welders for under £20.00 and the solder tags from AliExpress. This would be an easier solution.

The tags for the -ve are still on the cell.

Shaun.

[leccyflyer]

Hi Shaun

How do you feel a three cell pack of these would cope with a pair of sp400 motors, replacing an 8 cell NiCd pack? Do they have the current capacity to provide for the likely amp draw - say 20 amps?

I seem to remember that large packs of these cells proved very capable in larger models, but I'm just wanting to replace a NiMh pack and a 3s1p lipo is a bit too fierce for the motors.

[Rafael]

Hi,
Have clubmates that have used those type 2300mAh( new , not second hand ) and they are capable of delivering high discharge.
Those 2 sp400 will be fine with 3s 2300mAh ( same nominal voltage as the 8s NiCd Nimh , 9,6 volts )

[Shaun]

Hi Shaun
How do you feel a three cell pack of these would cope with a pair of sp400 motors, replacing an 8 cell NiCd pack? Do they have the current capacity to provide for the likely amp draw..

They are rated at 70 amps, far better than a nimh.

I made a 4s 2p pack for my geared electric starter for my 62cc Petrol motor from the cells I bought. No trouble with them. I've also used 3S packs in my retro tx's; I'll probably never have to charge them again.

Shaun.

[Rafael]

A pity none of those ebay A123 UK bargains don't ship to Canary Islands.
Those cells are really good

[leccyflyer]

Thanks guys - the supply seems to have largely dried up at the moment, what I've been able to find don't really look like the original A123's and the only UK seller I could find was advising 5-10amp draw for used cells. In the meantime I've opted for some ruinously expensive 9.9v LiFePO4 packs from MSL, which should arrive tomorrow. These will be for just two models - the Robbe Twin Commander and to baby the Kyosho T33 refurb, which is equipped with an Astro 805K with integrated sensored ESC which would more than likely blow up if exposed to a 3s1p lipo for more than a few seconds.

When I can find a reasonable supply of the A123s I'll splurge £20 on one of those cheap spot welders and make up some extra packs.