LifePo4 6v 12a Batteries
 

I have been talking with a local assembler of LifePo4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries to see if they could make some that would work for our bait tanks. They will come with sealed ABS cases and control chipsets with dimensions of 5.9 x 3.78 x 2.56 inches. Their advantages include lighter, more charges, longer run time and safer to list a few (http://www.osnpower.com/productID/cn...il-201309.html) cost is going to be about $87 for one battery with a 4a charger (they require a special charger) or $145 for 2 batteries with 1 charger. With a 4a charger your battery will be charged in around 3 hours. Average bait pumps draw about .5a/hr, so the batteries should last you around 24 hours of run time. So they are great for trips, motherships or the forgetfull chargers among us. These prices are based on a purchase of 20 batteries and at least 10 chargers, so I am trying to see if there is enough interest. Let me know what you guys think.

no 12v option?

12v are commercially available from many sources already in useable sizes. I am currently running a 12v 12a and am very happy with it.

2 each 6 volt 12 amp batteries with charger for $145, count me in. When will they be ready?

Is there a set time frame? Shipped price?

count me in for two batteries and a charger.

Once I get an idea on the number, I will place the order. There will be a 6 week lead time for the first set. If we get more than 20 the engineering fee $125 will be broken up over more units, lowering cost. I will have to ship them myself, so we will work that out betqeen us. I will pay for the order and then use paypal to dole them out.

Count me in
 

I will take a set (2 batteries and charger)

Well, after taxes and pick-up the batteries will come to $68, and chargers $25. I am ordering (6 week lead time) 20 batteries and 15 chargers which will be first come first serve. Please let me know again if and what you want to commit to buy. They come with a 6 month manufacturers warranty.

I'll take one Greg

Greg, still want 2 catteries and one charger, how do we get you paid? Thanks

Robert

Battries
 

I am still in for 2 battries and charger.

After tax and delivery, the batteries are going to be $68 and the chargers $25. I am going to get 20 batteries and 15 chargers on a 6 week lead time. First come, first served. Please confirm and/or place your orders. Shipping will be on your dime, or maybe we can arrange a pick-up.

Greg, Where are you located, I can take a drive and pick mine up.
Walt

Danjor, it's usually not nice to put up items that you are selling on someone else's post. Especially when that person is spending a lot of time to research and order batteries for other board members.:)

X2 right on Stinky!!

Hey Greg,

Does the lifepo4 battery need a battery monitor?

The PCM (Protective Circuit Module?) is built right into the waterproof case. It protects the battery from all kinds of malfunctions.

I live in San Gabriel (about 10 miles east of downtown LA).

Greg, do you happen to know what the output is on the charger that comes with the battery? I'm wondering if the one that I have know is to much for it.

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1372130708

I also run my FF on Lipo polymer 4 cell batteries. These are 14.8 volts W/battery monitor.

Attachment 9544

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...monitor-4S.jpg

Hobby King Battery Monitor 4S
Accurate and easy to use, the Hobby King Battery Monitor 4S will give a warning buzzer when the Lipoly pack drops below 12v.

Attachment 9545

These light weight batteries 5000mah will give me over 18hr of running time on the FF.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...T5000-4-20.jpg


The yellow case is water proof. I made sure the outside connection are also waterproof. Running your FF and bait tank on lithium does have its inherent dangers, but the lifepo4 type batteries are much safer.

I think Ful-rac uses the same batteries. The batteries aren't cheap but not having to wonder when you're FF batteries will go dead is priceless.

you never EVER want to drain lipo batteries to the bottom. That is a good way to toast you expensive batteries. That is why you install a batt monitor parallel with the circuit.

Or you can always buy the extended warranty:D

WOW!!! now that is nice system you got going there Greg. I'm surprised more people are not jumping on the wagon. That is a very nice set up you put together.

Jorge,

That might not work for two reasons. Most lithium rechargeable batteries today charge the individual cells in parallel. I'm guessing that's the same approach Greg's supplier is using, although I could be mistaken. Second is the charge voltage for lifepo4 is a little different than lithium ion and lipo.

Yes, what John said. You need a special charger for LifePo4 batteries which are not the same as Lipo batteries or lead acid batteries.

Jorge, your charger is for 12v batteries. This thread is for 6v bait tank batteries. If you are asking if my charger for my 12v battery has the same output, I can check for you when I get home.

I think I'm interested.. but sorry if this is a dumb question. So my Lowrance FF won't run on this 6V battery? I know my livewell (Johnson 500gph 12v pump) will run on the 6V. Just wondering about the FF. It's the bigger Lowrance Elite 7 HDS. :rolleyes:

If it's all good, I'd be interested in 2 batt + 1 charger. I'm in Long Beach area, so I could probably come by to pick up. Thanks Greg..
:cheers1:

FishNinjaY, my FF needs 12v, most do.

All the FFs I have owned were 12v, but would run down to about 10v before shutting off. These batteries are designed for bait tanks. At 6v, a bait pump runs at less than half the rated amps for 12v operation. That means longer run times than for a 12v battery with the same amps. They also lessen the water flow which is important with pumps putting out 350gph or more. You will not have to worry about these batteries running out of juice in a day, or even 2 in most cases. With the 4a charger, your battery will be fully charged in a few hours. Granted, I go out more than most, but I have a table full of 6v lead acid batteries that do not work any more.

Pretty awesome of you to be doing this. How much does one of those weigh?
Count me in for 2 batteries and a charger

Thi

Hey Greg,
If they are making a custom battery for you maybe you could ask them if they could make a larger capacity 12v with a six volt tap ? maybe you could avoid the second battery altogether? I use a dc-dc convertor which is not bad but I do lose some power from the convertor. Just thinking ;).
Darren

The weight of the batteries is TBD because they are going to be custom built. My 12v 12a batteries weigh 3.65lbs, so I am guessing about 2.5 for the 6 volts.

The point of these batteries is to provide a lot of power, not to consolidate. Combining them would require a battery size that I would not want to deal with. My 12v 12a batteries are as big as I would want on a kayak.

Greg! Don't know where your count is but I'm good for a battery and a charger. Let me know. Thanks! Jim

Everybody that has spoken is accounted for. I only have 5 of each (batteries and chargers) unspoken for.

Greg,
If you do this again with a 12V battery setup count me in! I am still debating on the 6V if you have any left by the time I make up my mind...LOL

You really do rock sir both for your videos which I am addicted to, and this project. Thank you kind sir!

:you_rock:

Here you go jaws. Make sure the dimensions will work for you. Comes with charger.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-12Ah-Lit...item2a2ca2b70d

Kev, jaws197, Honcho,
I'm talking to that same company about the 12V12Ah LiFePO4 battery.
If we order a few, there's a small discount. You interested? I'll post up
separate from GregA's post here, to avoid cluttering his group buy.
Txt me if you are in?

Kev, I think that *free* 12V battery you gave me crapped out too
early, on my trip.. so I had very spotty fishfinder function. I need to
get batteries for my multitester to check it, but I probably need to
get something newer and more reliable for my FF and livewell tank.

Buy the two batteries and put them in series for 12v.:kayak-surfer: