Air Craft
Data Sheet

 
POLYQUEST HIGH RATE LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES
Lithium Polymer Charging, Handling, and Safety Information - SEE THIS!

Pictured on the left is the new PolyQuest 1100mAh 11.1V pack of three cells connected in series.  It is from the 10C~12C range of High-Output Lithium Polymer cells available at Air Craft, in a wide variety of capacities. All packs come with multi-connector which allows tapping into each cell individually to check cell voltage and re-balance when necessary. All packs come as pictured, with high-quality silicone cabling sized appropriately for expected current draw.  See chart for recommended connectors.

PolyQuest Advances Safety
PolyQuest lithium-polymer, high-performance 10C packs not only deliver the highest voltage and retained capacity in their class, but also sport the widest set of safety features on the market.

The PQ-PCM-GUARD (optional part) plugs into the multi-connector and regulates charge voltage PER CELL to a maximum of 4.2V, nearly eliminating the possibility of charging-related fire.

Sonic welding to PCB board, 0.5mm rubber sheath covering (not shown), and shock pad caps on both top and bottom of the packs all make PolyQuest the most rugged and crash-resistant available today.

 

Specifications  (recommended connectors are not included in pack prices)

Type Volt
Nom		 Capacity (mAh) Continuous
Discharge		 Max
Rate <20sec		 Weight Dimensions
(W x H x D)
mm		 Recommended
Connectors
(connectors are not included)
PQ-1100-2S  7.4V  1,100mAh  10C  15C  61.9 39*69*14.5 Dean's Micro
AC-CONN-2
AC-CONN-24
PQ-1100-3S  11.1V  1,100mAh  10C  15C  86.4 39*69*20.0
PQ-1500-2S  7.4V  1,500mAh  10C  15C  70.6 46*78*12 AC-CONN-2
Dean's Ultra
PQ-1500-3S  11.1V  1,500mAh  10C  15C  104.6 46*78*17
PQ-1800-2S  7.4V  1,800mAh  10C  15C  86.0 60*95*10 AC-CONN-2
Dean's Ultra
AC-CONN-4
PQ-1800-3S  11.1V  1,800mAh  10C  15C  124.0 60*95*13
PQ1800-4S  14.8V  1,800mAh  10C  15C  N/A N/A
PQ-2200-2S  7.4V  2,200mAh  10C  15C  98.8 60*95*10.0 Dean's Ultra
AC-CONN-4

 
PQ-2200-3S  11.1V  2,200mAh  10C  15C  144.2 60*95*14.5
PQ-2200-4S  14.8V  2,200mAh  10C  15C  192 60*95*18.5
PQ-2600-2S  7.4V  2,600mAh  10C  15C  112.5 60*95*11.5
PQ-2600-3S  11.1V  2,600mAh  10C  15C  163.3 60*95*17.0
PQ-2600-4S  14.8V  2,600mAh  10C  15C  217.3 60*95*20.0
PQ-0880SP-2S  7.4V  880mAh  12C 16C  49.1 39*60*13.0 Dean's Micro
AC-CONN-2
AC-CONN-24
PQ-0880SP-3S  11.1V  880mAh  12C 16C  68.9 39*60*19.0
PQ-N1800SP-2S  7.4V  1,800mAh  12C 16C  87.9 35*100*15 AC-CONN-2
Dean's Ultra
AC-CONN-4
PQ-N1800SP-3S  11.1V  1,800mAh  12C 16C  125.6 35*100*22
PQ-N1800SP-4S  14.8V  1,800mAh  12C 16C  161.7 35*100*29
PQ-N2200SP-2S  7.4V  2,200mAh  12C 16C  113.0 47*130*12 Dean's Ultra
AC-CONN-4

 

 
PQ-N2200SP-3S  11.1V  2,200mAh  12C 16C  161.0 47*130*18
PQ-N2200SP-4S  14.8V  2,200mAh  12C 16C  205.0 47*130*22
PQ-N2600SP-2S  7.4V  2,600mAh  12C 16C  134.0 47*130*13
PQ-N2600SP-3S  11.1V  2,600mAh  12C 16C  182.0 47*130*18
PQ-N2600SP-4S  14.8V  2,600mAh  12C 16C  241.0 47*130*24
PQ-N3100SP-2S  7.4V  3,100mAh  12C 16C  149.0 47*130*14
PQ-N3100SP-3S  11.1V  3,100mAh  12C 16C  210.0 47*130*20
PQ-N3100SP-4S  14.8V  3,100mAh  12C 16C  271.0 47*130*26

PQ-B4000-SP-2S 7.4V  4,000mAh  10C 14C 176 51*145*13.8 Dean's Ultra
AC-CONN-4
PQ-B4000-SP-3S 11.1V  4,000mAh  10C 14C 264 51*145*19.8
PQ-B4000-SP-4S 14.8V  4,000mAh  10C 14C 352 51*145*25.8
PQ-B4000-SP-5S 18.5V 4,000mAh  10C 14C 440 51*145*31.8
PQ-B4400-SP-3S 11.1V  4,400mAh  10C 14C 287 51*145*21.5
PQ-B4400-SP-4S 14.8V  4,400mAh  10C 14C 383 51*145*28.0
PQ-B4400-SP-5S 18.5V 4,400mAh  10C 14C 479 51*145*34.5

Capacity and Current:

The rated capacity for each cell type is the minimum guaranteed by the manufacturer at “4C” discharge rates. Capacity is a measure of how much energy can be drawn from the battery before it is completely discharged.  A 1100mAh cell (1.1Ah) can deliver 1.1 amps for one hour or more, for example. When connecting packs in parallel, capacity is multiplied, as in the "2P" example below - two packs wired in parallel. The ability of a cell to deliver current, or amperage (A), is often expressed as a multiple of capacity (C), as shown below: 

PolyQuest Cell Type

Capacity (nom.)

4C

6C

8C

10C

 12C max <20 sec
PQ-1100 1.10A/hr 4.4A 6.6A 8.8A 11.0A * 15C = 16.5A

PQ-1500

1.50A/hr

6.0A

9.0A

12.0A

15.0A

 * 15C = 22.5A
PQ-2200 2.20A/hr 8.8A 13.2A 17.6A 22.0A * 15C = 33.0A

PQ-2600

2.60A/hr

10.4A

15.6A

20.8A

26.0A

 * 15C = 39.0A

PQ-2600 "2P" (5200mAh)

5.20A/hr

20.8A

31.2A

41.6

52.0A

 * 15C = 78.0A
PQ-N0880SP 0.88A/hr 3.5A 5.3A 7.0A 8.8A 10.5A 16C = 14.0A
PQ-N1800SP 1.80A/hr 7.2A 10.8A 14.4A 18.0A 21.6A 16C = 28.8A
PQ-N2200SP 2.20A/hr 8.8A 13.2A 17.6A 22.0A 26.4A 16C = 35.2A

PQ-N2600SP

2.60A/hr

10.4A

15.6A

20.8A

26.0A

 31.2A 16C = 41.6A
PQ-N3100SP 3.10A/hr 12.4A 18.6A 24.8A 31.0A 37.2A 16C = 49.6A
PQ-N4000SP 4.00A/hr 16.0A 24.0A 32.0A 40.0A * 14C = 56.0A
PQ-N4400SP 4.40A/hr 17.6A 26.4A 35.2A 44.0A * 14C = 61.6A


What "C" should I run??

Our Poly-Quest Standard and "N" type batteries are rated for 10C to 12C continuous (see this page for high-current XP types) . Their internal construction, tab thickness, voltage output, and capacity delivered all support these continuous ratings, which means that you may even prop for higher peak current draw in models using a lot of throttle management, like E3D, when and if necessary. Does that mean "I should run at 10C or 12C!"?  Maybe....but maybe not!  To decide what rate is appropriate you should use good sense, based on the facts, to meet your performance goals!

Please pay particular attention to this part:
ANY batteries, NiCd, NiMH, or Lithium Polymer, from ANY manufacturer will show the same characteristics when run at lower than their peak continuous rating:  They will deliver more voltage throughout the discharge, more capacity per each discharge, and they will last more charge/discharge cycles.

Now, If you want to run your Poly-Quest packs at 10C or 12C continuous, according to type, then go ahead! You can rest assured that they will perform very well, for a long time.  But remember THESE CELLS ARE INCREDIBLY LIGHT COMPARED TO PREVIOUS BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES. So if you have to go up one size in capacity to drop your continuous load to 80% of max continuous or less, the weight penalty is just about meaningless for all but a tiny minority of special models. And the payoff in voltage, capacity, and lifecycles is well worth that small weight increase in most cases.  So just remember to weigh the benefits, to suit your model and your preferences, please.

Keep in mind, also, that many models will not balance properly if you use the lightest possible Lithium battery.  Take a typical "Speed 400" direct drive model, for instance.  You may be tempted, given that your model may draw about 11A with a 2-cell lithium battery, to use a PQ-1100-2S pack, which weighs 61.9g, and run it at the pack's max continuous rating of 10C (11A).  But most S400 models were designed around 7 to 8-cell packs of 500AR NiCd cells, which weigh 140-165 grams.  Result:  you are running your Li-Po battery at its rated continuous limit, and you have to add lead to the nose of the model to get the balance right.  Not the best solution!  Instead, consider something like the N1800SP-2S pack, which has almost identical form to a 7-cell 500mAh NiCd pack.  It weighs 83 grams, and that may be enough to get your model balanced (or require a minimum amount of lead added, anyway).  Now you are running the pack at 6C, for these advantages: (1) Higher delivered voltage [= POWER]  (2) Nearly twice the run time, or two flights without re-charging (3) longer pack lifetime.  If you are running a geared S400 model, or brushless, you can take this even further by going to a 3S 1800SP pack, and (1) be just about guaranteed the model will balance without additional weight and (2) get up to 50% more peak power output (because you added 50% more cells!).  Of course, some models, especially those specifically designed for Lithium cells, can balance with the lightest pack - so just remember to think the "balance"  issue through before you choose....

 General Tips:

Throttle management can be used to bring the average rate down, thereby reducing the load on the battery and increasing flight times.

If you are converting an existing model from NiMH batteries, for example, you should plan on supplying nearly the same voltage with lithium cells, or more, and changing propeller, gearing, or motor type if required to attain a discharge of 8C to 10C.

To get the most from your high output Poly-Quest batteries, you’ll need to match the battery size and arrangement to your model’s power system.  If you haven’t got the tools or experience necessary to do that, then we STRONGLY urge you to seek assistance from experienced modelers.

Series and Parallel?
Lithium batteries can be connected in series to increase voltage, and series packs can be connected in parallel to increase capacity (and therefore the maximum current available – remember “C”). 

A pack of 3 cells in series (3S1P, or simply "3S") has 3x1= 3 cells.  This pack has NO parallel connections.

If you take two 7.4V "2S1P" packs (PQ-2200-2S, for example) and wire them in parallel, it would be designated "2S2P", have 4 cells in the assembled pack (2S*2P=4), have 4400mAh total capacity, and be charged at the same 7.4V "2-cell" setting as before.

Manufacturers recommend that Lithium Cells be charged at "1C"; 1.1A for a PQ-1100 pack, for example.

Note that:
"S" affects charge VOLTAGE:
A 2S pack is ALWAYS charged at 2-cell setting, "3S" at 3-Cell, etc...
"P" affects max charge CURRENT:
A 2200-3S2P assembly has 4400mAh capacity, so max charge current is 4.4A

An example: A larger model may use an assembly of "6S2P" 2600mAh PolyQuest
(a total of 4 PQ-2600-3S packs, or 12 cells)

  • Multiply the "S" value of this pack by the nominal voltage for one cell (3.7V) to get the nominal voltage for the pack:
    6S x 3.7V = 22.2V
  • Multiply the "P" value by the capacity for one cell to get total capacity of the pack:
    2P x 2600mAh = 5200mAh
  • Multiply "C" ratings by the capacity of the new pack (5.2Ah) to get the max recommended rates:
    8C x 5.2A  = 41.6A  (a sensible max current level for many large brushless motors in sport models)
    10C x 5.2A = 52.0A  (for models like F3A aerobats, ducted fan jets, etc...)

BIG "UNIT" PACKS or HARNESSED PACKS?

We recommend that individual packs be harnessed together, in series or parallel, whenever you need to increase voltage or capacity.  Compared to a single "unit" pack, harnessed packs have these advantages:

1) Easy to check, easy to balance, easy and safe to charge:  Two PolyQuest packs harnessed in parallel - for example 2200-3S to achieve a 3S2P, 11.1V 4400mAh pack - can be disconnected at any time, so you retain the ability to check each individual cell through the multi-connectors, and to charge safely by separating the packs and using PCM Guard devices.  If you have a "hardwired" parallel pack in a single unit, you don't have the ability to clearly diagnose a single weak cell in the pack.  Charging a pack with a weak cell or cells can easily cause a fire during charging - and the danger is compounded by having so many cells in the pack for "fuel" on that fire.

2) Easy to separate for use as a single pack:  If you decide to retire that big model, you can instantly revert your 3S2P pack to a pair of 3S packs, for use in a smaller model.

3) Easy to re-wire.  Need to convert that 3S2P pack into 6S?  With a harness, it's a snap.  A hardwired pack would likely be damaged in the arduous job of re-soldering the individual cells, as required in such a conversion.

4) Easy to arrange.  Different models require different pack shapes to fit and balance the model.  Harnessed packs allow you to choose the optimal arrangement - front-to-back (inline), side-by-side, or whatever you need. 

Harnessing two packs together is easy. You simply choose connectors appropriate for the target amperage, and wire them up!  Here's an example made for a pair of 2200mAh 3S packs, wired in parallel.

The 2200mAh packs are expected to run a max or 22A each, so we have chosen AC-CONN-35 short 3.5mm gold bullet connectors on the pack side (right).  These are rated for 40A continuous on battery, so are well within spec.  When paralleled to 4400mAh (left side), max continuous current is doubled to 44A, so we are using AC-CONN-4A long 4.0mm gold bullet connectors here, which are rated for 60A+ continuous. (note: the female 4mm gold connector in the picture on left is fully insulated with transparent shrink tubing, fyi)

Performance Estimation:

 MotoCalc is a superb software program which can help estimate all performance parameters of a power system, and even the flight characteristics of a model.  It is a tool for estimation, and not a substitute for actual testing of the components and model in flight.  Nonetheless, it gives very useful approximations of the amperage a motor/prop combination might draw with a particular battery.

http://www.motocalc.com

PolyQuest Lithium Polymer Batteries are only approved for RC use, and may not be used in any other application.  Battery discharging, charging, electric motors, spinning propellers, and flying models all have the potential for serious injury to persons and damage to property.  In purchasing these products, the user agrees to accept responsibility for all such risks, and not to hold the PolyQuest manufacturer, distributors, or retailers - (all including owners and employees) - responsible for any accident, injury to persons, or damage to property. 

We check both the individual cell voltage and pack voltage for every Polyquest pack before we send them from Air Craft. Air Craft then warrantees all packs to have proper assembly and cell voltage at time of purchase. In the event that a customer finds defects in materials or assembly workmanship when goods are received, Air Craft will replace such packs directly from Japan. We don't offer a general warranty for packs which have been charged and discharged repeatedly, or for which claims are made more than one week after receipt of goods.

Because the majority of Lithium Battery problems after initial use are due to over charge/discharge of the packs, if is difficult to determine cause of failure "after the fact" in most cases, and really requires inspection at the manufacturer. For packs that have been used in models and which the customer believes are defective, Air Craft and Polyquest have agreed to have these inspected at the factory, and replaced from there if defects are found. In the event that the pack is found not defective, the pack may be returned to the customer at customer's expense, if desired.

If you'd like to have your pack inspected, please return it as below:

* Include a letter with your:
NAME
SHIPPING ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM
CREDIT CARD NUMBER and EXPIRY

* Wrap securely in 3~4 layers of "bubble wrap" and post to:
DO I TECH - POLYQUEST
#2-509 Doosan We've Centium 4-3
Soonae-dong Bunadng-Gu
Sungnam-City Kyonggi-Do 463-825
South Korea

The use of PolyQuest batteries in radio-controlled models is to be considered experimental, and there is no long-term warranty, expressed or implied, by the manufacturer, distributors, or retailers with respect to the capacity, life in cycles, storage, or discharge characteristics of PolyQuest cells in RC use, nor any other use nor aspect.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, AIR CRAFT - APRIL 15, 2004 - MAY NOT BE USED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION