It is simple. Now that it's functional, I've been staring at it thinking about functionality I could add to it but I keep stopping and saying, "nope, wouldn't use that" So it is basic but for how I think I'll be using it 99% of the time it really doesn't need anything else.
Very cool! I have a cord and cable mess I’m trying to deal with and you gave me some ideas on how to better consolidate and organize. Happy flying, my friend!
I know there's a lot out there on LiPos catching fire, and so far the only video evidence I've seen showing it happen is when there's a significant voltage mismatch or a puncture. I'm interested to know what other experiences people have with these things catching fire--specifically: Why? How?
Thank you so much for sharing this build. I've been scratching my head over how to transport and store all my battery charging stuff. This looks like a really awesome option. Thanks again.
looks really good and practical i use the balance boards mainly so they take te wear and tear and not the charger cant wait to see it in person because that means we are flying again .
That looks really nice John. I wish my field had AC power. I’ve been talking to our members about setting up power using Solar panels a controller and Golf cart batteries. Most are indifferent to the idea. I think they just don’t want to put in the work to get the material and put it together.
From time to time I've charged up my 10,000 MAH 4s packs and used those as a power source for field chargers. It would be a simple setup to use the 10,000 packs as the source in this box. I almost added a toggle and jumper feeds to switch between battery and PS as the source but I just don't think I'd ever use it. I've also seen setups using deep cycle batteries only. That's what i probably would have done if I didn't have AC.
Lot of variables here. If your 8000 is total capacity and you follow the 80% rule, that means you get 6400mah of usable capacity. If you're charging 2200mah flight packs from 3.6 to 4.2, that's about 1760mah following the same 80% rule. 6400/1760 = 3.6 full charges. So you could charge 3 3s2200's with your 8000mah source.
DC chargers tend to offer more output power--higher wattage. Not true in all cases of course but none of my chargers support AC. Since AC must be rectified to DC, DC chargers can be smaller and/or don't require a power brick. DC also has more 'off grid' options. i.e. If I'm flying somewhere without access to AC power, I can connect this box to my truck or a solar panel array. Using AC chargers, that wouldn't be possible without the addition of an inverter.
hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbyking-350w-25a-power-supply-100v-120v.html It's out of stock right now. I got mine from a friend. It's 350w and 25a if you want to search for an alternative.
What method did you use to fasten the boards to the top of the toolbox? Are those Rivets? I have a similar project building a FPV case using a 19" monitor. But now I believe I need a portable charging station:)
I absolutely love this field box. It is hands down one of the best RC tools I've ever owned. I used L brackets mounted inverted on the sides of the case. The inverted L supports the board two on each corner.
Yeah, this is very cost effective. They don't seem to sell this exact box any more, but they have others that are similar, and I think someone found a clone on Amazon.
Yeah, since I made this box that's how I roll now. Batteries get charged at the field. Worst case scenario these days is I wind up discharging one battery. It's an excellent system.
It may work for being outside, but never have a cell explode in that. Imagine a blasting fire in seconds while driving. To my opinion you ask for trouble. Please use safety boxes.
4 years using this box in Florida heat. Still use it on nearly every trip to the field. It is my belief the fire stories are connected to a predictable fault either in quality of components, process, or knowledge. I will continue to use my box as I have for the past 4 years. It's been fine. It will continue to be fine.
@@RCVideoReviews There is always a first accident. I agree, it will be predamaged material in most, but not in all cases.I work in an institute with research in mobile robotics, planes, drones, rovers, ships. You can imagine, we use a lot of LiPo. We had one incident up to now, presumably with a pack mistreated by students. But it was just lying around (on a safe surface), not charging, not discharging, even not fully charged, according to my knowledge. It was quite impressive regarding the size of the pack. But you do what you feel in accordance with your responsibility. Please do not feel harrassed by me. I just issued my opinion.
Everybody can have an opinion, but I've got my own reality. When I see a damaged pack, I dispose of it. I don't play games. When I charge them, I use the correct methods (balance) when I store them (and I always store them) they are at 3.8v/c. If you work in an institute of research, you above all should agree with the premise if you introduce unknown variables (students potentially mistreating packs) then you absolutely are NOT operating under the same conditions I am operating under. Your students who can potentially mistreat cells add a variable that doesn't exist in my or most other situations. So my opinion is that we stop pointing at lipos like cavemen and wondering when the magic smoke will appear; but rather to handle the batteries properly and correctly and we'll be fine. Always a first accident: Well, there's always the chance someone at a gas station lights a cigarette and blows me to kingdom come as well. I simply do not subscribe to the school of thought these cells are inherently unstable. Like any other hazardous material we live with day in and day out, when handled properly, they will not mysteriously become unstable.
@@RCVideoReviews 100%ack. If you want to be totally safe don't get up in the morning and die from a heart attack. I still prefer to have the best security with reasonabke effort. A safety case with charging infrastructure is not very expensove and contains the fire quite effectively. The two of us just operate in different contexts.
Great job John I like how you laid it out real simple and to the point
Take Care
It is simple. Now that it's functional, I've been staring at it thinking about functionality I could add to it but I keep stopping and saying, "nope, wouldn't use that" So it is basic but for how I think I'll be using it 99% of the time it really doesn't need anything else.
Very cool! I have a cord and cable mess I’m trying to deal with and you gave me some ideas on how to better consolidate and organize. Happy flying, my friend!
I still use this box just about every time I go to the field. The only time I don't haul it is for light fly days with one or two planes.
Nice job. Well organized. Probably would look for fire resistant box of some sort.
I know there's a lot out there on LiPos catching fire, and so far the only video evidence I've seen showing it happen is when there's a significant voltage mismatch or a puncture. I'm interested to know what other experiences people have with these things catching fire--specifically: Why? How?
Thank you so much for sharing this build. I've been scratching my head over how to transport and store all my battery charging stuff. This looks like a really awesome option. Thanks again.
You're welcome. I love this box. I use it every time I fly. It works great! Good luck with your build.
You probably don’t remember but what tub thing did you use? I really like it
The box is Craftsman sole at Lowes. They still sell them.
looks really good and practical i use the balance boards mainly so they take te wear and tear and not the charger cant wait to see it in person because that means we are flying again .
That's kinda what I was thinking too...Looking forward to getting back out there as well.
That looks really nice John. I wish my field had AC power. I’ve been talking to our members about setting up power using Solar panels a controller and Golf cart batteries. Most are indifferent to the idea. I think they just don’t want to put in the work to get the material and put it together.
From time to time I've charged up my 10,000 MAH 4s packs and used those as a power source for field chargers. It would be a simple setup to use the 10,000 packs as the source in this box. I almost added a toggle and jumper feeds to switch between battery and PS as the source but I just don't think I'd ever use it.
I've also seen setups using deep cycle batteries only. That's what i probably would have done if I didn't have AC.
Hello, with a 12v 8Ah battery power supply as in your video do you have an idea of the number of possible charges?
Thank you
Lot of variables here. If your 8000 is total capacity and you follow the 80% rule, that means you get 6400mah of usable capacity. If you're charging 2200mah flight packs from 3.6 to 4.2, that's about 1760mah following the same 80% rule. 6400/1760 = 3.6 full charges. So you could charge 3 3s2200's with your 8000mah source.
Looks great. I’m wondering why in all of these cases people are using DC power when the chargers have AC power?
DC chargers tend to offer more output power--higher wattage. Not true in all cases of course but none of my chargers support AC. Since AC must be rectified to DC, DC chargers can be smaller and/or don't require a power brick. DC also has more 'off grid' options. i.e. If I'm flying somewhere without access to AC power, I can connect this box to my truck or a solar panel array. Using AC chargers, that wouldn't be possible without the addition of an inverter.
I have a new vi about LIPO storage with my invention / idea of the double can method to avoid chain reactions...
it would be nice to know where someone can get that kind of power supply
hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbyking-350w-25a-power-supply-100v-120v.html It's out of stock right now. I got mine from a friend. It's 350w and 25a if you want to search for an alternative.
This would do the job: www.amazon.com/Mean-LRS-350-12-Switching-Power-Supply/dp/B0723C15SQ
Here too: www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mean-well-usa-inc/LRS-350-12/1866-3344-ND/7705030
This one is only $20: www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Universal-Transformer-Industrial-Automation/dp/B007MWNF5Q
Here's all of the ones on Amazon with similar specs: www.amazon.com/12v-30a-power-supply/s?k=12v+30a+power+supply
What are the components used at minute 7:42 ?
Great video btw !
Those are UP610 chargers. Turnigy whitelabels them, but you can find them all over the place as UP610's.
Looks good mate!
Thank you. This was a fun little project.
What method did you use to fasten the boards to the top of the toolbox?
Are those Rivets?
I have a similar project building a FPV case using a 19" monitor.
But now I believe I need a portable charging station:)
I absolutely love this field box. It is hands down one of the best RC tools I've ever owned.
I used L brackets mounted inverted on the sides of the case. The inverted L supports the board two on each corner.
Looking good 👍 mate 🛩
Thank you. I hope it lasts. :)
Wood, plastic and all LiPos stored in one box... How to get to another universe in 3,2,1...
Yup, and I take them outside in 98 degree heat with 95% humidity too--and I'm still standing.
Would be a damn shame to see such a nice set up go up in flames. Do you have plans for a fireproof version?
Nope. It’s in final form right now. No plans for any more work on this box.
Thats a great idea,Idk what i ws thinking using a pelican case.way cheaper.
Yeah, this is very cost effective. They don't seem to sell this exact box any more, but they have others that are similar, and I think someone found a clone on Amazon.
Always charge your battery’s before you go out they will always last longer
Yeah, since I made this box that's how I roll now. Batteries get charged at the field. Worst case scenario these days is I wind up discharging one battery. It's an excellent system.
It may work for being outside, but never have a cell explode in that. Imagine a blasting fire in seconds while driving. To my opinion you ask for trouble. Please use safety boxes.
4 years using this box in Florida heat. Still use it on nearly every trip to the field.
It is my belief the fire stories are connected to a predictable fault either in quality of components, process, or knowledge.
I will continue to use my box as I have for the past 4 years. It's been fine. It will continue to be fine.
@@RCVideoReviews There is always a first accident. I agree, it will be predamaged material in most, but not in all cases.I work in an institute with research in mobile robotics, planes, drones, rovers, ships. You can imagine, we use a lot of LiPo. We had one incident up to now, presumably with a pack mistreated by students. But it was just lying around (on a safe surface), not charging, not discharging, even not fully charged, according to my knowledge. It was quite impressive regarding the size of the pack.
But you do what you feel in accordance with your responsibility. Please do not feel harrassed by me. I just issued my opinion.
Everybody can have an opinion, but I've got my own reality. When I see a damaged pack, I dispose of it. I don't play games. When I charge them, I use the correct methods (balance) when I store them (and I always store them) they are at 3.8v/c. If you work in an institute of research, you above all should agree with the premise if you introduce unknown variables (students potentially mistreating packs) then you absolutely are NOT operating under the same conditions I am operating under. Your students who can potentially mistreat cells add a variable that doesn't exist in my or most other situations.
So my opinion is that we stop pointing at lipos like cavemen and wondering when the magic smoke will appear; but rather to handle the batteries properly and correctly and we'll be fine.
Always a first accident: Well, there's always the chance someone at a gas station lights a cigarette and blows me to kingdom come as well. I simply do not subscribe to the school of thought these cells are inherently unstable. Like any other hazardous material we live with day in and day out, when handled properly, they will not mysteriously become unstable.
@@RCVideoReviews 100%ack. If you want to be totally safe don't get up in the morning and die from a heart attack.
I still prefer to have the best security with reasonabke effort. A safety case with charging infrastructure is not very expensove and contains the fire quite effectively.
The two of us just operate in different contexts.