a123 question

[jlustig83]

Why does the 3s a123 pack from a123 racing only come with two wires that go to the balance tap? Cause i thought a 3s battery had four wires from the balance tap.I dont really know much about lithium or life batteries cause ive never had one until now.

[Metallover]

I think it's just a different style of balancing. I'm guessing the negative wire comes off the negative battery lead and then one positive from each cell. In a vpx drill a123 pack there is a board inside. IDK if there's a board in the a123 racing pack, but that would also help back up my theory.

A123s really don't need much blancing by what I hear. I think you can just slightly overcharge them and then they will be balanced. Don't do that just cause I said it though.... I've never done it myself.

[BrianG]

On any 3s pack, there are 4 cell connections, two of which are the main power leads. That leaves the two inner connections. Most other packs have the main power leads attached to the same point as two of the balance leads, so there are 4 balance wires in all. The A123 pack must have the main power leads AND the balance connector hooked up to a balancer to operate properly.

Same idea with 2s Trakpower lipos; there are 3 connections, but there is only one balance lead (the inner one), and they are using the outer two as balance wires and for the main charge current.

[jlustig83]

I need to put a 3s hyperion balance tap on the battery so I can charge with my duo I guess ? But im not in a big hurry cause my power supply hasnt arrived yet.What is the easiest way I could put hyperion balance tap on there?

[BrianG]

By making an adaptor cable...

Or buying -

http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?products_id=3169

These are what I used for 5S1P a123s pacs that I charge on my 0610iNet.