Author Topic: 1lb race battery (Read 8065 times)

fastbroshi · « **on:** May 14, 2010, 03:18:49 AM »

Doing some more investigating on the group I want to race with, I came across this kid that makes these batteries. Claims it will work fine w/o a total loss ignition. Worth some investigation.

http://www.cmraracing.com/mboard.html

then look for the post for Martin Racing Batteries.

wannabridin · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2010, 06:20:21 AM »

Here's what it says on his post:

I am now offering cells on a built to order basis, due to the number of special requests I have had. Remember, I am a college kid with a heavy load, so it could be a couple days before I ship your battery out, and I will let you know in advance if I am waiting on materials.

Right now, my main offerings are 4-cell and 8-cell units. 8-cell being for larger bikes and street bikes, 4-cell being for 750cc and smaller race bikes. Email me with questions regarding custom applications.

I can also make custom 12 and 16 cell units for your total loss systems or anything else you may need the extra capacity/cranking amps for.

I can ship these and I can also meet and exchange in person at any CMRA event. I would prefer payment up front to help offset out of pocket expenses, but I can work with you if you are wanting to pick it up at an event.

Remember guys, I race too. I'll always be there if you ever have problems. Everyone has been stuck with a dud battery. Name another battery vendor that is there at races to support you and your addiction, to make sure you are always ready. Don't forget that I am still looking for feedback from everyone.

contact me via: matthew.jene@gmail.com for quickest response.

Pricing:

   * 4-Cell: $90
   * 8-Cell: $145
   * 12-Cell: $195
   * 16-Cell: $235
   * Extra quick disconnect harness: $15
   * Longer Leads: $5/foot
   * Charging leads at battery: $5
   * Remove quick disconnects (only standard ring terminals): subtract $10
   * Shipping: $10 USPS Priority

Specifications:

   * 8GA Flexible wiring
   * Professionally crimped gold plated heavy duty ring terminals
   * 240CCA (120 for 4-cell)
   * 4.6 Ah Capacity (2.3 AH for 4-cell)
   * Rugged Heavy Duty Quick Disconnects
   * Charges like a normal battery and fully compatible with stock charging systems.
   * Double insulated for greater strength (New)
   * Yellow and black color scheme (new)
   * Stainless Steel fastening hardware (New)
   * 8" strip of Adhesive backed foam included (New)
   * Heat shrink to insulate terminals included (New)
   * Installation and charging instructions will be included (New)
   * 3-Month warranty against workmanship defects

here's some pics from the post:

wannabridin · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2010, 06:21:33 AM »

the 4 cell unit is 1" thick x 2.5" tall x 4.25" long just in case you needed that reference.

thanks for the post broshi!!! these look to be nice! especially if you go kick only

fastbroshi · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2010, 11:01:05 AM »

And most importantly that 4 cell version weighs LESS than a pound.

wannabridin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2010, 01:08:12 PM »

but i don't know if it's adequate for kick only? on the street. i know our alt is more than capable of keeping it charged, especially if i plan on running HID with a switch to keep it turned off when i don't need it. but these hot texas days take their toll on electrics and motors with no form of cooling other than hot oil and stagnant/hot air... i don't know, with only 2.3 Ah capacity, i wonder what the RC is? also, only 120 CCA's... and i mean even the 8 cell isn't that much! less than 2 lbs!!

fastbroshi · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2010, 01:12:14 PM »

Not sure about the answers to your questions, I just thought it seemed like a viable alternative to a normal type or even an AGM battery when looking to save weight for racing.

wannabridin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2010, 01:16:53 PM »

ya, it is a good option! another good, somewhat proven, battery, is Rob's! his are very small and light, and he uses them in his race bikes, and probably in his street bikes as well

Howell · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2010, 12:32:38 PM »

On our CB500 racer we use this battery pack and charger, bought on Ebay from a seller in Hong Kong all together for about $40,=
Battery pack weight is 346gr.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2010, 01:32:26 PM »

Can you use your electric start with that Howell?

Gonzowerke · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2010, 04:28:09 PM »

That's pretty pricey for something you can put together yourself at your local R/C hobby supplier. They might even charge less than this guy to build it for you. Check out Towerhobbies.com. I used to buy my batteries there for my 1/8th scale buggies, and assemble them at home. Get the ones with tabs already attached,, and use a heat sink, your iron's heat could kill a cell(voice of experience here!) You can also check out BatteryMart.com, I run an odyssey PC680 in my CRX, but it's for a Hardly-able-son full dresser. http://www.batterymart.com/p-odyssey-pc680-battery.html I'm sure you can find something smaller and lighter, and can be mounted anywhere in any orientation.

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2010, 10:14:26 PM »

Can they handle a bit of heat..ie live in the starter cavity..

turboguzzi · « **Reply #11 on:** May 16, 2010, 10:41:05 PM »

my take on the subject?

A smal battery will be good only for total loss ignition, no electric starter of course, running the lighting system, even with the alternator on will make the voltage fluctuate too much.

Then, measure your ignition system total current draw, mine's is very low but i know Voxonda (dyna?) was in trouble feeding his form a small battery.

If it it's more than say, 1-2 ampers, I'd say forget about anything less than 4 Am/h for safety.

Howell's system is great, less than a pound but he is aiming at the sharp end of things, you guys (fastbroshi and wannabriddin) have not yet hit the track and are worried about saving two pounds? My three pound 4 Ma/h battery is the last thing that worries me and its nice to know that cost was zero (off an old electric scooter) , it is rechargable from any 12V charger, super reliable (no fire risk like in lithium), has plenty of margin and will keep the ignition happy even in a 25 minutes long race.

Believe me, these two pounds difference is not what's standing between you and podium finishes

The keep it simple approach with an off the shelf cheap & simple battery has merit too...

TG

Industrial Rat400f Killer · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2010, 06:35:47 AM »

I'm on the fence, I have a battery that works but it's only 1.2 AH. I assume that means that Mathew's 4 cell or 8 cell would be an upgrade just based on the AH but I'm not sure. The stock battery was 12 AH, I think. I deleted the starter in case anybody was wondering about that. I also have a on/off switch for my head light so I can turn it off while at idle.

turboguzzi · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2010, 07:54:59 AM »

I guess you are running an alternator, my understanding was that Fastbroshi was looking into total loss for minimum weight. I might been wrong though.

TG

fastbroshi · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2010, 11:08:54 AM »

No I'm looking to keep my stock ignition for now. That 4 cell should be able to keep up based on what the seller and a couple of buyers have said. I figure it's a worthwhile weight reduction for the money.

Stock lead acid battery: approx. 7.6lbs
Potential LiPo battery: .9
Savings: 6.7lbs
Cost: $90
Cost per lb saved: $13.43

Sounds like a bargain to me and simple to do. I'll have to ask some questions about reliability with the stock ignition.

Industrial Rat400f Killer · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2010, 06:55:18 PM »

Quote from: turboguzzi on May 17, 2010, 07:54:59 AM

I guess you are running an alternator, my understanding was that Fastbroshi was looking into total loss for minimum weight. I might been wrong though.

TG

yeah I have the alternater still. I'm just trying to hide the battery and electronics on my cafe racer wannabee.

754 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2010, 08:24:19 AM »

I like the idea of being able to hide the battery, while saving weight..

I could never figure out why the heaviest component on the bike is mounted up so high..

When Some hear racing, they think a track with corners.. while thers think a dragstrip, and some think racing headsup on a dark backroad..

If you want a lighter bike, usually you end up with parts derived from racing.. no matter what your use is for the bike..

mlinder · « **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2010, 08:26:29 AM »

My guess is that they are just four li-ion 6v 1400(ish) mAh packs available for about 8 bucks each.

Each of those "four" are actually 2 3v 1400mAh packs (wired in series first), then those 4 are wired in serial+parallel. (for 12v, 2800mAh)

It's cool hes making those, but my guess is you could make em much cheaper (half, for the '4' cel one) yourself.

754 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2010, 08:35:57 AM »

Some people want to "plug & play" with something that works.

I like the fact that he is willing to bring it to the people at the track, with ready made harness etc..

You can change tires yourself and save bux but not everybody will.

I am glad this was posted, very useful info to some of us..

mlinder · « **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 2010, 08:41:54 AM »

I just read over the specs he's got up there.
Must be different batteries than I'm finding, higher Ah than I can find.

kayaker43 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2010, 09:48:35 PM »

Sorry to let the cat out of the bag but these are the same batteries used in the latest cordless drills. One brand name is A123 and they are not Nicad, Nimh, Lipoly or Lion.

Here's where to get them

http://www.hobbypartz.com/a123-systems-2300mah-3-3v-lithium-ion.html

His prices are not so bad for a built up pack, they look nice. There was a youtube video of someone selling larger packs and the demo was cranking a high compression Harley. The standard battery puked in 30 seconds or so and the A123 pack cranked until the starter smoked.

Occasionally the cells turn up cheap on the surplus market or ebay.

News:

Author Topic: 1lb race battery (Read 8065 times)