Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Xyver on January 28, 2010, 10:00:36 PM

Title: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on January 28, 2010, 10:00:36 PM
What is the best kind of batteries to get?  I'm just getting into robotics and plan on doing it for a long time (going to university for mechatronics)  and was hoping to get some nice batteries to use. So... What size/type would be best? 
I heard Lithium ion is good, anything else?

I plan on mostly using it for smallish projects, what voltage do I need?  6? 9? 12?

Price is no problem as I plan on using them for a lonnnnng time.  (but hopefully they're still reasonable,  Im still on a student budget haha)
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: SmAsH on January 28, 2010, 10:21:54 PM
Well, the majority of the community here favor ni-mh batteries, usually 6v for running servos or 7v2 for running both servos and control circuitry.
But many users have been getting into li-on and have reported good results.
The batteries depend on what you are running, if its just some small servos, id go with ni-mh 6/7.2v.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on January 31, 2010, 03:14:54 PM
And most things will be Arduino powered.  But that takes anywhere from 7-12 volts I hear.  Where can I get cet batteries?  I have some rechargable double AA's that Im pretty sure are NiMh.  What amps is best?   Higher=better?

EDIT:: I found some rechargable batteries.  They are as follows:

4x AA Infinicell with 1.2V and 2600mAh

4x AAA infinicell with 1.2V and 850mAh

1x Energizer 9V that says 7.2V-150mAh.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Razor Concepts on January 31, 2010, 03:59:00 PM
You will need other batteries for high current applications. 3-cell lipos are great, since they are right around 12 volts.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on January 31, 2010, 07:42:43 PM
Dont Lipos need a special charger?
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: SmAsH on January 31, 2010, 07:53:13 PM
They need a li-po charger.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 31, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
Don't forget about LiFe!

Advantage: All the features of Li-Ion/Pol + more power and they don't explode
Disadvantage: Needs a special charger different from other lithiums.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: waltr on February 01, 2010, 10:37:40 AM
Dont Lipos need a special charger?

All batteries need a special charger that is design for that particular battery chemistry and construction.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Razor Concepts on February 01, 2010, 11:18:56 AM
Don't forget about LiFe!

Advantage: All the features of Li-Ion/Pol + more power and they don't explode
Disadvantage: Needs a special charger different from other lithiums.

I don't know about more power. Less voltage per cell, more weight, less C rating, takes up more space per mah, etc etc. 70c lipos now exist on the market, too.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on February 01, 2010, 05:18:45 PM
Well, they last longer and don't explode. If you want long term, these are them.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on February 03, 2010, 11:42:29 PM
Well, they last longer and don't explode. If you want long term, these are them.

Which ones?  LiFe?
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on February 04, 2010, 06:12:55 AM
Yep. Lithium Iron Phosphate.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on February 04, 2010, 10:42:52 PM
Ok. Where would I get these batteries?  Ive been googling them with no luck.  I'll probably use what i have for now and then upgrade later.  My friends getting some LiFe batteries for his electric bike but they are really big and and like 500$... I was thinking more small scale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/48V-20AH-LiFePO4-Electric-Scooter-E-Bike-Li-Fe-Battery_W0QQitemZ320475811159QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9dd8cd57#ht_2083wt_941 (http://cgi.ebay.com/48V-20AH-LiFePO4-Electric-Scooter-E-Bike-Li-Fe-Battery_W0QQitemZ320475811159QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9dd8cd57#ht_2083wt_941)

(actually more expensive then I thought...)

Theres also this :D
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/horizon-debuts-h-cell-2-0-hydrogen-fuel-cell-system-for-r-c-cars/ (http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/horizon-debuts-h-cell-2-0-hydrogen-fuel-cell-system-for-r-c-cars/)
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Razor Concepts on February 04, 2010, 10:44:27 PM
The highest quality LiFes come from A123 systems - but they are pricey.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: nottoooily on February 05, 2010, 02:02:37 AM
Aren't you afraid that if you commit to some particular battery it'll constrain everything you design? Will your robots really get enough real world use that a few sets of alkalines won't do?


What is the best kind of batteries to get?  I'm just getting into robotics and plan on doing it for a long time (going to university for
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on February 05, 2010, 04:44:02 PM
All-Battery sells them to, but they can be hit or miss.
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Hertz32 on February 05, 2010, 04:59:34 PM
m uncle uses lipos wi is rc gliders and says as long as you dont over charge em theyre fine ;D i was using 1 with a spectrum reciver and a arduino and sum elcheapo M.A.C.T.H.U (may admin continue to help us ;D) servos. . . . :P
Title: Re: Batteries!
Post by: Xyver on February 08, 2010, 12:51:20 AM
Well I was just getting some advice, I think LiFe's are a little too expensive for me.  I'm going to get a bunch of NiMh batteries and that'll do me fine for now.  Thanks guys!  I really like the battery university link.