LiFe Batteries

[Jaquith]

Has anyone found a small LiFe (not LiPo) battery?

I'd like to find something like the "Turnigy nano-tech 1000mah 3S 25~50C Lipo Pack" but in LiFe and better maybe a 1300 or 1500 mAh 25C or 30C.

Thanks

[Brandon]

I think you'll find that LifePO4 batteries tend to be about 15-20% larger than the equivalent LiPo's.  Their energy density (energy/volume) is lower.

[Jaquith]

I'm aware they're larger and it is the reason I'm asking. I'm trying to find the smallest LiFe (LFE, LiFePO4) battery that will work on the DNA 200. As am I certain many prefer not to use a LiPo. Simply I prefer the chemistry of LiFePO4 batteries. 

[Brandon]

I just did a search for '3s LifePO4 1200 mah' and it returned a large number of relatively small batteries.  I can't say which is best but there seems to be quite a few out there.

[Jaquith]

Brandon,

I know you're trying to help and for that thanks. However, there isn't anything out there you've tested? Sure you can Series 3 x 18650 LiFePO4 batteries, in that case I'll use my regular 18650's instead. Certainly in 'testing' you guys looked into non-LiPo batteries, didn't you?

There are no 'small' packs, just LiPo's and a few at that.

Instead, most LiFePO4 packs are 30 mm minimum LxWxH cube minimum or are silly in length. e.g. 137 mm (~5.4") and larger.

Examples 3S LiFePO4 packs - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=218&LiPoConfig=3&sortlist=&CatSortOrder=desc

---------------------------------

A. $13.77 ZIPPY Flightmax 1800mAh 3S1P 30C LiFePo4 Pack ; 54A
link - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14061__ZIPPY_Flightmax_1800mAh_3S1P_30C_LiFePo4_Pack.html

Dimensions: 137mm x 45mm x 16mm

B. $17.88 Turnigy nano-tech 2100mAh 3S1P 20~40C LiFePo4 Transmitter Pack ; 42A
link - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23815__Turnigy_nano_tech_2100mAh_3S1P_20_40C_LiFePo4_Transmitter_Pack_.html

Dimensions: 97 x 30 x 30mm

C. $15.50 ZIPPY Flightmax 2100mAh 3S1P 30C LiFePo4 Pack ; 63A
link - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14064__ZIPPY_Flightmax_2100mAh_3S1P_30C_LiFePo4_Pack.html

Dimensions: 137mm x 45mm x 17mm

137mm = 5.4"

[John]

I have the first linked one for testing purposes. Works fine, impractically large. 

Realistically though, there aren't really any good small lifepo4 cells right now that I know of. That said, for a few thousand dollars in setup charges any manufacturer that already handles the chemistry will make you calls in any size and shape you like. 

So any medium size manufacturer could have one made. 

[Alexander Mundy]

As stated the power density is lower. Here is a practical size. http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=Life-1050-99-ERevo-Pack

[Alexander Mundy]

If you are into making your own pack, I found my old email from 2013 for these cells which I am fairly certain that pack is composed of. Was quoted $32.50 USD for 10 not including shipping. http://m.alibaba.com/product/542374055/high-C-rate-LiFePO4-battery-1000mah.html?hasRedirected=y

[Jaquith]

Thanks! :-) Damn, that Green Series Life 1050 LiFe was so close (88mm X 34mm X 20mm), but I'll certain keep her in mind. It'll fit in a larger Box.

Box size I'm trying to fit is 86x71x23mm.