Battery search engine? - RC-Monster Forums

BrianG · 02:42 PM

OK, after reading this thread, and knowing that an ideal setup will probably never appear unless we do something ourselves, I thought it may be a good idea to add another page to my RC Calc.

Basically, I would have all the current batteries on the market in my array-driven "database", and the user could enter search criteria and it would produce a set of results that would match those criteria. One of the biggest concerns (to me anyway), are the physical sizes; what is listed as the size on various battery sites is not necessarily what they are in reality (very annoying when you have a specific tray size to work with!).

So, this is where you guys come in. Would this be a valuable addition? I don't want to spend the time coding it if it won't be used.

If this would be a good idea: My lipo collection is limited (and I don't really have the time to go and do all the research myself), so I would need all the specs provided to me from your own stock or research.

I'm not sure about the full set of criteria yet, but I was thinking about something along the lines of:

- Pack length, width, height (thickness). Includes wires, heatshrink, etc.
- Capacity (mAh)
- Cell 's' count.
- Cell 'p' count. May not need this, but some people (like me) don't particularly like 2p+ arrangements.
- C rating. Have to go with what the company states no matter if it is "real" or not.
- Direct link to whatever place that sells them.
- Additional notes. Things like where the wires exit, etc.

So, whaddya think?

Oh, and before I get inundated with PMs or posts, I will probably set up a Google Docs spreadsheet to enter the data if this goes forward.

JThiessen · 07.22.2009, 03:16 PM

I think it would be a nice thing if it were at all feasible - but you may end up biting off more than you really want to take on - way too many different manufactures out there, and they are constantly updating what they offer based on technology changes.
1) I dont think listing the sales site is a good idea, as there are so many different places that sell the mainstream batt's.
2) You pretty much would have to list the mfgrs sizes, as you and I could both measure a pack ten times, and come up with different numbers every time.
3) would wire size also be needed info?
4) Maybe a field that would specify what connectors they come with. For those that can be ordered with different ones, you could just use "user specified", rather than list all the possibilities.

BrianG · 07.22.2009, 03:20 PM

Appreciate the feedback. yeah, I know this will be a PITA to keep updated, that's why I posted the poll first. As far as the links go, maybe provide top links? And that other info can certainly be added, my list was just my initial thoughts. Sizes can be done by rounding up. I know I'd much rather add a little filler in my tray than have to cut it...

emaxxnitro · 03:48 PM

ok let me measure all the lipos i have and get back to you
you should promote every lipo mike sells

Finnster · 07.22.2009, 03:40 PM

I cn help out with some of mine, but I'd be mostly interested in so far as it helps the RCM store. It could really use a little app like this to better organize the inventory. I think cataloging every lipo HC carries could get excessive (or at least something offsite that limited to the more popular sizes in zippies.)

BrianG · 07.22.2009, 04:02 PM

lol, Guys, don't go get all the info yet! No sense in taking the time to do it before we figure out what we are going to do!

mkrusedc · 07.22.2009, 04:30 PM

I will help if you do it, but things change so much some times quickly that I do not think it is worth the effort to keep the data base current.

BrianG · 07.22.2009, 05:11 PM

OK, I kinda thought so. How about making something for Mike's inventory only? Not sure how much use this will be either since he has a relatively small inventory...

Arct1k · 07.22.2009, 05:18 PM

How about finishing the "other" project?

What's_nitro? · 07.22.2009, 06:23 PM

Ok, who's the lazy SOB?

BrianG · 07.22.2009, 06:25 PM

Still waiting for word from the big guy...

bdebde · 07.22.2009, 11:01 PM

It would be real nice to have accurate dimensions for some packs! I have 3 different mah rated packs all from same mfg., all of which are stated to be the same length, however, only two of the three packs will fit my battery trays! Some mfg. tend to round off or not update dimensions as their cells are updated