need help building battery packs

[CharliesTheMan]

I've been working on my soldering a lot and I'm getting pretty decent with it. I've got to build some battery packs for a 1/18 I bought that requires a special 6 cell battery configuration, and I'd like to learn to build batteries anyway so I could but cells in bulk. It will be sub C cells. I will eventually being doing 6 cell stick packs, so could any of you reccomend a good battery jig? Also, could you reccomend the battery bars that you like the best, and a good place to get shrink wrap for batteries? I was hoping maybe someone could point me inthe directions of some good "how to" guides or tutorials on building batteries, or just tips in general.

 

[nitrogator]

hey charles i found this site i hope it helps
http://www.batterieswholesale.com/battery_pack_accessories.htm

 

[abadk9420]

you could try one of these it works great for me, its a deans speed jig ... http://www.wsdeans.com/products/jig/index.html

 

[CharliesTheMan]

ooooooohhh ahhhhhh, I like that jig A LOT. But some of you may know of something better, I'm not going to order anything till I hear from everybody.

 

[marauder]

Interesting discussion, I was looking for the same info myself.

 

[robmob]

Above all else, use a quality soldering iron that can get up to 800+ degrees. You want it real hot so the solder melts quickly and doesn’t have to be pressed against the cells for any amount of time. Heat is the enemy on batts.

I use a Hakko 936 and crank it up all the way.

Solder: Deans
Wire: Deans
Battery Bars: Deans

I can’t remember what jig I use, I do know it can do a 7-cell pack and is sized properly for 4200 cells. Some of the older jigs won’t work correctly for the higher capacity cells because they are a slightly larger diameter.

Always use a wire wheel on your Dremel and scuff the cells and the bars. Be sure not to tough them after you scuff them. If you do, use DA to wipe off any residue from your fingers. This will provide the best surface for soldering.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Thanks Rob, that info was very helpful. I've got a pretty good soldering iron. It's a Rodi Shack digital "race station" as the guy at the LHS calls it. It was the best one they had, and I loaned it to the guy that runs our LHS and he liked it so much he went and bought one. It goes up to 880 and I always solder my connectors and wires at 800. I'll make sure to get a good jig because I will be using mostly large cells. Anyone got a good place that they like to buy Deans electrical supplies from? I'm going to check and see if Eddy has them, I always check ther first.

 

[HeartBreak]

I'll second the Deans Speed Jig. It makes pack assembly painless. Unless you're going with a traditional stick pack, then you'd have to go with a kit. I believe Trinity used to market the kits, but I may be wrong.

Ultimately, I'd recommend going with a side-to-side cell configuration; it allows much more flexibility.