Barnyard Buzzards Newsletter July 2006 Page 5

Buzzard Droppings July 2006

Text Box: result in the loss of aircraft, cars, etc. There are 3 reasons that Lithium Polymers battery packs catch fire: The battery pack is shorted (either internally or external) The battery is charged at a much higher rate than 1C The battery is charged at a higher voltage (for instance, the charger is set for 4 cells when the battery pack is 3 cells) For myself, at home I have purchased a stoneware product called the Battery Bunker. The battery is put into this container before I start the charge and is only removed once the battery charge is done. However, the Battery Bunker is just not really very portable, so when I'm out at the field charging Lithium Polymer packs I usually have the battery sitting out in the open. Of course this is really not good either and I'm not totally comfortable with it. Which brings me to the point of this e-mail. I recently discovered a new product called the Lipo Sack that I feel is the ideal solution for field charging. The battery goes into the Lipo Sack for charging, just like my Battery Bunker, but due to the fact that it is a sack, it is light weight and easily transportable. If you are using Lithium Polymer batteries and are at all concerned about a possible accidental fire, I urge you to go to the Lipo Sack website and check out the video of this product in action:

Text Box: http://www.liposack.com
I was so blown away by how well this thing works, that I bought one the next day from Todd's Models. For me this has solved my field charging dilemma about protection from an accidental Lithium Polymer battery fire (plus I will also be using it at home in conjunction with my Battery Bunker). With more club members trying electric for the first time, I thought that it was important to bring to your attention the availability of what I consider a safety product worth your consideration. This product
gives me something easy to take to the field, easy to store and extremely easy to use. Best thing, made in the USA. I'm sure that imitators will not be far behind. In any case, I felt compelled to pass on the information
about this new product to my fellow club members. Rick H. If you use LIPO’s, watch the video that is provided at the above mentioned site. It is a real eye opener. Anyone that uses LIPO’s should have something that is fireproof to put them in for charging. This looks like a good solution, the price is about $30.00 and if it is ever used they will replace it.

Above: Ron Swift’s 24 lb—96-inch wingspan Lance Machine and Tool Design Lexan RV-3 flies again in Monroe powered by a Saito 3.0-inch twin cylinder 4-stroke. Ron literally knocked the wheels off this one. Items under the wings are counterbalances to reduce flutter on the ailerons. They look like spray bars on a crop duster…

Right Top: Jay with his Hydroplane. Takes guts to demo your model at the club meeting!

Right Bottom: Chet demos his new radio equipment. Brian looks interested. Just a few bucks and you’ll have programmable frequencies!