Air Craft
Data Sheet

 
 
POLYQUEST XP 20/30 HIGH VOLT LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, AIR CRAFT - JULY 3, 2005 - MAY NOT BE USED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION
Lithium Polymer Charging, Handling, and Safety Information - SEE THIS!

Pictured on the left is the new PolyQuest XP 1200 2S, 7.4V 24A pack.  It is from the newest range of High-Output Lithium Polymer cells available at Air Craft, in a wide variety of capacities.

The pictured multi-connector (top right of pic) allows tapping into each cell individually to check cell voltage and re-balance when necessary, and supports the Hyperion LBA6 Cell Balance Adapter.  PolyQuest has also introduced a new PCM-Guard device which protects 2S to 4S packs from overcharge, and prevents accidents due to improper charger voltage settings.  Note that Polyquest XP packs may be charged via the main wires (right side) like any other lithium pack, but that the multi-connector also gives you additional diagnostic and charge safety options.

All packs come as pictured, with high-quality silicone cabling sized appropriately for expected current draw.  See chart for recommended connectors.

PolyQuest Advances Safety
These new XP 20C packs deliver the voltage and retained capacity at the top of their class, and in very slim format packs.  We've been working with them since early May 2005, and have been truly impressed by their performance.

On left is an independant test done at 15C continuous for the XP1200 cell, for example.  That is 18A continuous, yet the delivered capacity was 1192mA, essentially 100%!!  And 15C aging tests show that the packs are extremely robust, losing under 10% of capacity after 200 cycles, on average.

Look at the excellent voltage retention at 15C, too.  Almost 3.45V per cell average throughout the discharge. Superb!

Termperature at the 4-minute mark (just before the end of the test) was only 50 degrees celsius (123f).

If you want insane power-to-weight, slip an XP-1200-3S pack (99g, 3.5oz) in your 480-class model, and prop it for 20A (16.66C) static.  Whoooieee.....

All the XP series are rated for a 20C continuous for many cycles, and up to 30C in 30 second bursts for competition.  They outperform and outlast many other cells on the market which are (highly optimistically) rated at 20C or higher.

Polyquest has extended the cell settle-and-test routine, and implemented a new 10-step quality control procedure.  The result is uniform cell matching, and this results in very steady performance.

Specifications  (connectors are not included with packs)

 Weights include full-length silicone cable and multi-connector.
Be careful in comparisions, as some other makers give "bare" weights...

Type Volt
Nom		 Weight Dimensions
(W x H x D)
mm
PQ-0300XP-2S  7.4V 21.2 25*54*10
PQ-0300XP-3S 11.1V 31.8 25*54*14
PQ-0400XP-2S  7.4V 31.0 38*72*8
PQ-0400XP-3S 11.1V 44.0 38*72*12
PQ-0800XP-2S  7.4V 51.0 38*72*12
PQ-0800XP-3S 11.1V 74.0 38*72*18
PQ-1200XP-2S  7.4V 66.6 33*98*10.5
PQ-1200XP-3S 11.1V 99.5 33*98*16
PQ-1500XP-2S  7.4V 79.7 33*98*12.2
PQ-1500XP-3S 11.1V 117.7 33*98*19.4
PQ-1800XP-2S  7.4V 98.0 33*98*18
PQ-1800XP-3S 11.1V 144.0 33*98*26
PQ-1800XP-4S 14.8V 189.0 33*98*35
PQ-2100XP-2S  7.4V 116.4 41*121*11
PQ-2100XP-3S 11.1V 172.1 41*121*17
PQ-2100XP-4S 14.8V 216.7 41*121*22
PQ-2500XP-2S  7.4V 136.1 41*121*12.2
PQ-2500XP-3S 11.1V 200.8 41*121*19.6
PQ-2500XP-4S 14.8V 254.5 41*121*26.1
PQ-2500XP-5S 18.5V 318 41*121*32.6
PQ-3300XP-2S  7.4V 177 51*152*15
PQ-3300XP-3S  11.1V 257 51*152*22
PQ-3300XP-4S  14.8V 336 51*152*29
PQ-3300XP-5S 18.5V 415 51*152*36
PQ-3700XP-2S  7.4V 197 51*152*16
PQ-3700XP-3S  11.1V 292 51*152*24
PQ-3700XP-4S  14.8V 388 51*152*32
PQ-3700XP-5S 18.5V 484 51*152*40

Capacity and Current:

The rated capacity for each cell type is the minimum guaranteed by manufacturers at “2C” discharge rates, by industry practice. Capacity is a measure of how much energy can be drawn from the battery before it is completely discharged.  A 1200mAh cell (1.2Ah) can deliver 1.2 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. (see bottom of page for info on parallel harnessing).

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
nominal

12C

 15C

20C
continuous
max

30C
<30 sec
PQ-0300XP 0.30A/hr 3.6A 5.0A 6.0A 9.0A
PQ-0400XP 0.40A/hr 4.8A 6.0A 8.0A 12.0A
PQ-0800XP 0.80A/hr 9.6A 12.0A 16.0A 24.0A

PQ-1200XP

1.20A/hr

14.4A

18.0A

24.0A

 36.0A
PQ-1500XP 1.50A/hr 18.0A 22.5A 30.0A 45.0A
PQ-1800XP 1.80A/hr 21.6A 27.0A 36.0A 54.0A
PQ-2100XP 2.10A/hr 25.2A 31.5A 42.0A 63.0A

PQ-2500XP

2.50A/hr

30.0A

37.5A

50.0A

 75.0A

PQ-3300XP

3.30A/hr

39.6A

49.5

66.0A

 99.0A

PQ-3700XP

3.70A/hr

44.4A

59.2

74.0A

 111.0A

PQ-2500XP-2P
(2 packs in parallel)

5.00A/hr

60.0A

80.0A

100.0A

 150.0A


What "C" should I run??

First, keep in mind that all "C" are NOT created equal.  What matters is Watts ( = Current*Voltage), and the PolyQuest XP deliver extremely high voltage, for more power at any "C".

Second, you should know that many cells on the market today are over-rated.  That is, if you run at the true continuous max rate sugggested, not only will voltage performance be poor, but the pack won't last very long.

For the XP series, we decided instead to do a lot of testing to see what results we got based on the number of usable cycles the pack could make at various "C" rates.  We found that choosing a prop at 16.66C static was the "sweet spot", in which you can expect over 200 cycles with little loss in performance (16.66 is slightly arbitrary, but is convenient because it gives round numbers...). In fact, the cells deliver so near 100% capacity when new, that you can outperform many other brand-new "high rate" packs even after you've got a 100+ cycles on the XP!

 Our Poly-Quest "XP" type batteries are rated for 20C continuous. 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 prop for 20C+!"?  Maybe....but maybe not!  To decide what rate is appropriate you should use good sense, based on the facts, to meet your performance goals and match your model type!

At true 20C continuous, you'll get a safe-margin flight time of about 2.5 minutes max.  At 15C continuous, that stretches to more than 4 minutes, and the battery lifespan is long.  Assuming your model and flying style call for various power settings, propping your model such that 15~17C static is obtained on the ground means that your flights will likely average 6 to 10 minutes, or maybe more.  That's where we fly most of our own models on PolyQuest XP packs:  set for 10C~20C static on the ground, depending on model type.

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.

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 average 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 to select the lighest possible pack, and run it at the pack's max continuous rating.  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 XP1800SP-2S pack, which has almost identical form to a 7-cell 500mAh NiCd pack.  It weighs 98 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.  In fact, the voltage of the XP pack will be so high at this reduced rate that it will actually exceed the voltage of a 7-cell niCd pack!  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 to XP packs, 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 static discharge of 8C to 20C (or more in special cases).

 Target Rates: A static discharge on the ground with freshly charged XP pack of:
8C to 12C:  For slowflyer or long-duration models
12C to 15C: For most sport and scale models out there, this give excellent performance and long flights
15C to 20C: Extremely aerobatic models and EDF jets
20C to 25C: Pylon racing competition
20C to 30C: May be "best" for some competition classes, particularly club glider events

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 (see the Hyperion Emeter) 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" rate; 0.8A for a PQ-XP0800 pack, for example.  You can charge at lower rate but it will take a little longer, or up to 1.3C rate without harm if your charger does not have the exact setting you need for 1C.

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 (and discharge) 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 "10S2P" XP 2500mAh PolyQuest
(a total of four PQ-XP2500-5S packs, or 20 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:
    10S x 3.7V = 37.0V
  • Multiply the "P" value by the capacity for one cell to get total capacity of the pack:
    2P x 2500mAh = 5000mAh
  • Multiply "C" ratings by the capacity of the new pack (5.0Ah) to get rates:
    12C x 5.0A  = 60.0A  (a sensible max current level for many large brushless motors in sport models)
    16C x 5.0A = 80.0A  (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.

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.

KEEP LITHIUM BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS AT ALL TIMES, AND CLICK HERE TO READ FURTHER CAUTIONS

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, AIR CRAFT - JULY 3, 2004 - MAY NOT BE USED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION