Although I don't use LI-poly, I do use LI-ion cells to power all my EZBs both version 3s as well as version 4s. I've used LI-ion cells to build my own power packs. The cells I used to build the packs are surplus cell phone batteries that include their own Power Control Boards that control the charging and discharging voltage of each cell. Most built packs were 14.4 vdc 2100 mAH packs to power Roombas, Creates, and Dirt Dogs. I've recently converted to a LI-ion pack that is 14.4 vdc and 4400 mAH that has not only a power control board but also a cell balancing circuit. So far (about a year now) this new 4400 mAH LI-ion pack is performing very well.

Understanding RC LiPo Batteries

I have been using lipo batteries and having no problems.

J

:)

@Zap.

Thanks for your informative response. I stand corrected about my "step backward" remark blush (although I did say "in some respects").

I take on everything you said about longer capacity, smaller/lighter ect, and "step backwards" was probably the wrong phrase to use. It's just taking the extra care not to let the LiPo's fully discharge and remembering to recharge them before they completely drain, even keeping them charged if you don't use them for long periods of time, and seeing £20 or £30 go up in smoke if you forget.

But as yourself, djebay, and others have said, you have used them for a long time now with no issues, so fair play to you, and I am probably over thinking things (as I sometimes do) eyeroll

@djebay.

Thanks for the link you supplied. Very interesting and is a good read.

Cheers, Steve.

My EZ robot goodies have been delivered today

So now I need to order my battery and charger. While I have been looking for a battery to buy, I am seeing that there are different connection types. Which one do I need to connect to the EZ-B v4, I do I cut the connector that comes with the battery off, and attach the barrel jack that comes with the dev kit to the battery?

Steve. confused

If you just have the ezb with power shell you will need a barrel connector... Yes, you can snip off the aa pack barrel connector that came with your development kit... Just be aware of the polarity when soldering it to your new Lipo...

this what i did from battery to adapter.

to charge i pull out wires that i stuck into the deans (not micro deans) connector.

j

:)

Deans connectors like the one shown by jdebay are pretty good. It would be pretty easy to solder on a male deans connector to wires from the adapter. That way you don't have to think about polarity again once you solder it up the right way. Not all batteries come with that type of connector however. I say buy the battery you want with whatever connector it uses and then order a male version to match to solder to your adapter.

Another type of battery connector that I like to use is the Traxxas type connector. It's not as compact as the Deans type but it's easier to solder up and has a very solid connection. I usually cut off whatever the battery comes with and add these.

Traxxas connector

@Zap .. Thanks for the info. I previously had thought that LiPos had the "memory effect" and that most of them get ruinrd by not fully discharging them.

I cant remeber where but I saw a post where DJ Sures recomended NiHm batteries in the battery packs of the v3 for alot of the same reasons you listed as benifits of LiPo.

Maybe I misread some of the details but he definatly recommeded HiHm recargables. I remember being very happy reading it because it was the route I was going so I didn't have to keep buying batteries.

I'm not trying to confuse anybody but now I'm a bit confused on this.