Disassembling Kokams

I have two Kokam 4800 4S packs. I just got them and I don't think that either of the two has more than 5 cycles on it. I'm going 5S, since I got a new controller.

Has anyone ever disassembled one of these? They do have some sort of pcb on each end. What are those for? I'd like to do one of two things. Either be able to get rid of the pcbs to make the packs shorter (for other applications) or take them apart and make a 5S pack out of the cells (wasting three cells).

I'm just not sure of what to do with them. They were pricey, so I'd hate to have them sit and rot.

Are these hard to work on?

Has no one taken a kokam pack apart?

[BrianG]

I guess not eh? Maybe snap some hi-res pics and we could probably help you through it...

[glassdoctor]

I have taken apart a similar pack... smaller cells but with the PCB. THe PCB is only used as a way to connect the tabs nice and neat.

If I do it again I would use some flux and desolder braid or bulb... and try to suck the soldered tabs as clean as possible. Then it may not be too bad to get the PCB free of the pack.

Once it's apart, just build a pack like normal, without the pcb

I might just get bare cells next time... like I have with every other pack I've bought. Let me know if I can help

If anyone is thinking of buying some Kokams maybe you could sell them and get some bare cells... ;)

BTW, the new 30C cells are coming... the 4000s may already be available. They are priced just a little less than the 20C 4800 cells. (retail $70 ea vs $75 for the 4800) I'm hoping they will have a 5000ish size sometime