Powergrid with 18v Batteries.

I'm looking at using an 18 volt power tool battery with a dock to run the electrics in my car, powergrid, tacho, logger and lighting for other gauges. I've heard some people have problems with their grids putting up fault codes with fully charged 18v power tool batteries. Some say the grids don't like anything over 18.5 volts. Has anyone had dramas with a grid or tacho running 18v.

 

Most of the electronics will work with a system that charges to 18.2 on an alternator, because at the same time there is some type of amperage draw on the battery. However they do not like a total direct voltage of 18v. I ran into this building a 16.5 small battery for the pro teams, my batteries come off the charger at 18.2 and if turned on right away some systems like a command module wont turn on until the initial voltage drop down to 17.1 which is where the batteries settle after a charge. Most of the electronics are designed to work correctly at 14.4 but will handle an operating voltage of 16.5. I would think from my experience that 20v consistently would be harmful.
Jonathan

 

Thanks. There's a local guy that makes a battery dock to suit the Makita batteries which fits the 18 and the 14.4 volt batteries. Guess I'll get that dock and just use the 14.4v

 

Anyone try running them through a resistor or diode?

 

rc battery 4 s

 

Will 18v cause problems with leahy timer and fuel log?
Emailed electromotion no reply as of yet.

 

Leahy told JFR not use anything over 16.8v his displays on the command module and 8 and 15 channels wont even register.
With the RC battery be careful depending on what type of cells they use, they can be very volatile and catch fire or explode, also tend to only have a 2 year life cycle. I believe one of DSR's teams had batteries catch on fire last year while charging in the trailer.
They also need to be completely discharged before you travel or go to the hotel, for safety. All depends on what type of cell they use.

 

rc 4s

 

Just get on of these. Also comes on 16 volt. Less than 4 lbs. I’ve run a 16 volt for over 3 years. All the electrical stuff works fine

 

Jody I run that same battery in my promod. I charge it before I leave for the track. Lasts all weekend. Excellent battery . Small and cheap!! I’ve had it for 3 years now. Feeling guilty might buy a new one just cuz

 

This is the 16v power pack battery being used weighs 14oz is finished the way it is not cased because the team it was developed for had tight size requirements to meet.

 

What I have done earlier is to measure the amp draw with a large car style battery and add everything up when it draws the maximum amps.

All solenoids in the fuel log activated etc.

Then you have a place to start with your power budget. It makes the most sense to look at the battery capacity to supply energy (not voltage). A large capacity 14.4 volt is a more suitable option than a lower capacity 18 V.

The power tool batteries are great in terms of capacity/weight and they can supply a huge amount of energy very very fast which makes them a great choice for what we do.

The down side is that a very large current quickly generates heat inside the battery and they can catch fire if they are not used in the right way.

The safe way is to go with the largest capacity 14.4 v you can get and don't worry about it.

 

do you start the engine with this single 16 volt battery???

 

Lord no ....!! It’s too little for that. Plus with a fresh Blower I’ve found that I need 24 volts. I jump it off a battery pack on my golf cart.