AMMO Box for Charging

[rsmith21]

I use an Ammo box to charge my LiPos and wondered if the old hands here have any tips to improve or make life easier.

I drilled holes for the wires then carefully made them ultra smooth with my Dremmel to avoid chaffing, maybe fit grommets later.

I used double sided to stick the charger to the lid so that they are one unit. The thermal sensor enters via a little hole behind the unit.

I find the case is maybe a little deep and wonder if anyone puts polystyrene in the bottom to lift the batteries, but wondered about keeping the battery cool.

All batteries live in here when not in use for safety.

[Calomile]

That';s a neat idea mounting the charger to the top. I use one at the moment just with the wires dangling down from the charger into the box from the side, this is a much more elegant solution! 

[Jumpy07]

I have a 50 cal ammo box.. .. not for charging,... just for storing

[Gaza07]

Thats a very good idea  I must admit I havent taken any precautuins with mine yet 

[barneyg]

I';ve got an ammo box winging its way to me just now.  I';m probably going to end up getting a 2nd one ... one for storage and another for charging :).

I was thinking of putting a couple of 4mm sockets in the side facing out so I can just connect up the charger with a set of cables and then connecting them to another set of 4mm sockets inside that I can connect the charging cable to ... Just thought about the balancing cable ... hmmm need to work out how to connect that :)

[rsmith21]

I';ve got an ammo box winging its way to me just now.  I';m probably going to end up getting a 2nd one ... one for storage and another for charging :).

I was thinking of putting a couple of 4mm sockets in the side facing out so I can just connect up the charger with a set of cables and then connecting them to another set of 4mm sockets inside that I can connect the charging cable to ... Just thought about the balancing cable ... hmmm need to work out how to connect that :)

You can buy extension balancing leads that may help you.

[barneyg]

Yeah ... I';ve got one I use already  ... going to need at least 1 more if I want to make the think completely modular :)

[Ross]

I have a dozen LiPo';s and never had a problem charging/discharging them.  I do not execute manouvers that suck the guts out of LiPos..
However, think I might go and have a look at the safer LIFEp04 types.
(They need a charger that will do these particular types..Hyperion have a couple). 

They have a different make up to LIPos and discharge very similar to NiMH batts as far as I can make out.   
At least they   dispenses with the need for an ammo box  (not that I use one--a biscuit tin serves as well!)!!

Plenty of info on Google from the manufacturers (A123..for instance )

Anybody used or using them?

[bunnygirl80]

Ammo boxes are superb for storing batteries. They';re made out of metal and fireproof. I';ve been using them for years. I think I';ve even got a spare in the shed. Here';s my collection!!! I like your idea about incorporating the charger. Nice one!

[Gav]

How much are you guys spending on your army surplus ammo boxes?

[Ross]

Here you go Gav....get your wallet out
http://www.gisurplus.co.uk/shop/section.php/22/1/wholesale-bulk-ammo-boxes-jerry-cans

[ChrisH]

How much are you guys spending on your army surplus ammo boxes?

Two for £19 including delivery! 

[KK1W]

I have a dozen LiPo';s and never had a problem charging/discharging them.  I do not execute manouvers that suck the guts out of LiPos..
However, think I might go and have a look at the safer LIFEp04 types.
(They need a charger that will do these particular types..Hyperion have a couple). 

They have a different make up to LIPos and discharge very similar to NiMH batts as far as I can make out.   
At least they   dispenses with the need for an ammo box  (not that I use one--a biscuit tin serves as well!)!!

Plenty of info on Google from the manufacturers (A123..for instance )

Anybody used or using them?

I';ve been using LiFe for a few years with portable ham radio operation. I also use lipo with the radios. Lipo has better power density, whether multicopter or backpack weight is still important. Charging is much easier with LiFe and I don';t think they are anywhere near as flammable. That being said I still prefer lipo, the LiFe battery gets used because it has a more compatible voltage for most ham radio applications.

I have to admit I take very few charging/storage precautions. This thread is making me reconsider my ways but...

I think I will go the route of clay flower pots. Cheap, nonflammable and nonconductive so not as much to worry about when running the cables. Mounting the charger on the ammo box lid is an elegant method for sure!

Jim

[Biffa]

Just remember to allow your ammo boxes to vent in the event of a fire, otherwise you will have a small bomb on your hands

[bunnygirl80]

My friend is an amourer in the forces, so I get mine for free! 

[ChrisH]

My friend is an amourer in the forces, so I get mine for free! 

Ok for some...

[bunnygirl80]

Ok, I';ve just spoken with him and he can offer two for free. They are purely one per person, first come first serve and you must come to the North West Meet to pick them up. He will try and get another one or two also and if he does then they will be available at the meet too. Perhaps a price for one of the competitions - who knows. If you';re interested PM me and we will bring them with us to the North West Meet.

[Gav]

Kind of your friend

Edit  owwww  sadly cant make it up north for the meet.

[bunnygirl80]

Gets us a couple, Stef.  Cheers in advance. :)

Hi Gav, can only offer you one. You coming to the meet?

[barneyg]

Well mine just turned up ... was a little ratty so I took a wire brush to it and stuck a coat of spray on silver hammerite I happened to have lying around on the out side ... will need to do the inside tonight.