I want to test my RX8 system....a couple of questions about the batts.
 

I will be running 2 3s in series. I have numerous 3s batts laying around that are the same age, etc, but have been cycled a different amt. of times. I understand that the batts. should be the same age, etc....but, would any harm come from running a set of packs through the system as along as the batts. were balanced before? Mind you they will not be balanced in series...separately.... just to test things out, that's all I am looking for.

All I am looking for is about 10 min worth of testing...so as to not hit the lvc

As long as they are the same capacity and discharge rates, I dont see a problem.

I know ideally that you should have new batts to start off w/when running a series set up...but....the Zippy's I need have been out of stock for what seems like forever!

I understand your concern, but I don't see a problem running what you have as long as they are the same mah and discharge rates.
I didn't have brand new batteries to run in my MMM 2200 system I bought brand new. Everything runs fine. Batteries are still ticking.

Cool...I just finished setting up the esc so as soon as it stops raining I hope to test it out on Sunday:whistle:


Thanks for your input...much appreciated

It is recommended to use packs with the same amount of use, because the older pack might not hold voltage as well and be more likely to drop below 3v per cell. Packs loose a bit of capacity with age as well, making that more likely. But as long as there not miles apart it terms of use, you don't try pulling huge amps from them and you not trying to get every milli amp out of it, then you should be ok. I've done it before as well with packs that were a couple of months different in age.

A 3.2v per cell cutoff should cover the lipos if one discharges a bit faster...

Keep an eye on it the first few times if you can...Maybe run the truck for 10mins and then charge both packs back up and see if they take similar mah...

If you use an external cut-off and you know which one is the weaker pack, you can just put the external cut-off across the weaker pack, and it doesn't matter if the packs are not equal. As long as you can run without one of the packs overheating you are safe.