Vorpal The Hexapod Battery Recommendations - Revision history

Vorpalwiki: /* The Bottom Line */

2021-05-29T20:50:46Z

‎The Bottom Line

Vorpalwiki: /* Hexapod: Only Use Rechargeable Batteries */

2021-05-29T20:50:11Z

‎Hexapod: Only Use Rechargeable Batteries

Vorpalwiki at 20:48, 29 May 2021

2021-05-29T20:48:22Z

Vorpalwiki: /* Two 18650 Size LI-ON Batteries */

2020-06-25T17:31:34Z

‎Two 18650 Size LI-ON Batteries

Vorpalwiki: /* Battery Safety Tips */

2020-06-25T17:24:59Z

‎Battery Safety Tips

Vorpalwiki at 17:28, 28 January 2020

2020-01-28T17:28:48Z

Vorpalwiki at 15:14, 9 May 2019

2019-05-09T15:14:14Z

Vorpalwiki: /* Changing the Battery Connector */

2018-01-09T23:54:41Z

‎Changing the Battery Connector

Vorpalwiki: Vorpalwiki moved page Vorpal Combat Hexapod Battery Recommendations to Vorpal The Hexapod Battery Recommendations

2017-12-22T03:11:47Z

Vorpalwiki moved page Vorpal Combat Hexapod Battery Recommendations to Vorpal The Hexapod Battery Recommendations

Vorpalwiki: /* Two 18650 Size LI-ON Batteries */

2017-10-11T18:18:50Z

‎Two 18650 Size LI-ON Batteries

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 = Hexapod: Only Use Rechargeable Batteries =
 ==The Bottom Line==
-EBL brand 3000 mAh "white top" 18650 batteries are by far the best battery for the robot. The best place to get them in the USA as of this writing (May 2021) is [http://Newegg.com Newegg.com]
+EBL brand 3000 mAh "white top" 18650 batteries are by far the best battery for the robot. The best place to get them in the USA as of this writing (May 2021) is [http://Newegg.com Newegg.com] (go there and search for "EBL 18650" to find the current product page).
 If you can't get them in your location, other brands of 3000 mAh 18650 batteries will work as long as they're not counterfeit (cheap batteries from China from places like Banggood and Aliexpress often do not work as advertised, stay away). Avoid batteries with extremely aggressive "protection" circuits as they might cut out when motors temporarily surge in current consumption. Unprotected batteries will work a little better on this count, but you need to be more careful when using them.

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 EBL brand 3000 mAh "white top" 18650 batteries are by far the best battery for the robot. The best place to get them in the USA as of this writing (May 2021) is [http://Newegg.com Newegg.com]
-If you can't get them in your location, unprotected 3000 mAh 18650 batteries will work as long as they're not counterfeit (cheap batteries from China from places like Banggood and Aliexpress often do not work as advertised, stay away).
+If you can't get them in your location, other brands of 3000 mAh 18650 batteries will work as long as they're not counterfeit (cheap batteries from China from places like Banggood and Aliexpress often do not work as advertised, stay away). Avoid batteries with extremely aggressive "protection" circuits as they might cut out when motors temporarily surge in current consumption. Unprotected batteries will work a little better on this count, but you need to be more careful when using them.
 ==Discussion and More Info==

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 = Hexapod: Only Use Rechargeable Batteries =
 Non-rechargeable batteries, such as alkaline batteries, cannot produce enough current (amperes) to drive the robot reliably.
@@ Line 34: / Line 40: @@
 This is the type of battery holder we ship standard with our kits, because these are great batteries. You may have never heard of them before, but don't be put off by that, they are by far the best we've found. They balance run-time, cost, and weight very well for this project.
-These batteries can be found on Walmart.com, Ebay, and camping stores. While a little less common than AA or AAA, these are actually ideal batteries for this robot, giving you long run times at a reasonable weight and a bargain price. You can find them for about the same cost as the more common batteries (two 18650 cost about the same as six AAA but provide several times as much run time! The chargers are also about the same price as AA or AAA chargers.)
+These batteries can be found on [http://Newegg.com Newegg], [http://Ebay.com Ebay], and sometimes camping stores. While a little less common than AA or AAA, these are actually ideal batteries for this robot, giving you long run times at a reasonable weight and a bargain price. You can find them for about the same cost as the more common batteries (two 18650 cost about the same as six AAA but provide several times as much run time! The chargers are also about the same price as AA or AAA chargers.)
-NOTE: AMAZON.COM has, as of September 2019, discontinued all cylindrical LI-ON batteries, including the 18650.
+NOTE: AMAZON.COM has, as of September 2019, discontinued many cylindrical LI-ON batteries, including the 18650. As of May 2021 the best prices we've found in the USA for our preferred battery--EBL "white top" 18650 batteries--are from Newegg.com.
 The "18650" battery is commonly used in flashlights and many of these are made to output high currents which easily are high enough to power the hexapod. Two in series will provide 7.4 volts nominal (which is enough for the hexapod's needs). These batteries can provide very long battery life for the robot.  For example using two EBL "white top" 3000 mAh 18650 cells you can expect almost two full hours of continuous motion.  (However note: it is best to let the servos "rest" after several minutes of vigorous activity, you shouldn't run the robot full-out for two hours!)
@@ Line 48: / Line 54: @@
 **80 minutes to first "cut out" while running "demo mode".
 **Usable up to 110 minutes if you're willing to reboot the robot after cut outs every now and then
-**Currently cost about $3 per cell from Walmart.com in a 2 or 4 pack.
+**Currently cost about $3 per cell from Newegg.com in a 2 or 4 pack.
 *EBL brand 3000 mAh "Protected" 18650 batteries (red with yellow ring around the + terminal)
 **25 minutes to first "cut out" while running in demo mode.
 **Usable up to 60 minutes if you're willing to reboot the robot every now and then.
-**Currently cost about $4 per cell from Walmart in a 2 or 4 pack.
+**Currently cost about $4 per cell from Newegg.com in a 2 pack but the price drops dramatically with larger quantity and gets down to about $2 per cell at quantity 10.
-Just be careful, you will sometimes see 18650 (and other types of battery) advertised with outrageously high mAh ratings, like 5,000, 8,000 or even 10,000. Check customer ratings and make sure other people are confirming they are for real. The highest output legitimate 18650 is currently rated around 3600 mAh. If you see one higher than that, it's most likely a fake, low quality battery that won't work.
+Just be careful, you will sometimes see 18650 (and other types of battery) advertised on sites like Aliexpress or Banggood with outrageously high mAh ratings, like 5,000, 8,000 or even 10,000. Check customer ratings and make sure other people are confirming they are for real. The highest output legitimate 18650 is currently rated around 3600 mAh. If you see one higher than that, it's most likely a fake, low quality battery that won't work. Of course you could also find bad batteries at lower claimed output levels as well.
 ===Protected vs. Unprotected 18650 Batteries===
@@ Line 78: / Line 84: @@
 *In contrast, a protected EBL 3000 mAh battery (they have a yellow band around the + side) will work for about 20 minutes without any rest, but then will start cutting out every 5 to 10 minutes, and will stop working around the 60 minute mark.
-The conclusion is: unprotected cells actually work a little better in this robot.  Just be sure you do not leave them in the robot after use, to avoid the possibility the robot will be left on and drain the batteries to the point of damaging them.
+The conclusion is: unprotected cells actually work better in this robot.  Just be sure you do not leave them in the robot after use, to avoid the possibility the robot will be left on and drain the batteries to the point of damaging them.
 = For Makers Only: Alternative Batteries =
 == 6xAAA Rechargeable NIMH or NICAD Batteries ==
-You can use a 6xAAA battery holder to power the robot using NIMH or NICAD batteries. Typical battery life for continuous use after a full charge would be 15 to 20 minutes of continuous motion using batteries with 1000 mAh capacity. Of course, if the hexapod is moving sometimes and motionless other times, your actual time may be far longer.
+You can use a 6xAAA battery holder to power the robot using NIMH or NICAD batteries. Typical battery life for continuous use after a full charge would be 15 to 20 minutes of continuous motion using batteries with 1000 mAh capacity. Of course, if the hexapod is moving sometimes and motionless other times, your actual time may be longer.
 == 6xAA Rechargeable NIMH or NICAD Batteries ==

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 NOTE: AMAZON.COM has, as of September 2019, discontinued all cylindrical LI-ON batteries, including the 18650.
-The "18650" battery is commonly used in flashlights and many of these are made to output high currents which easily are high enough to power the hexapod. Two in series will provide 7.4 volts nominal (which is enough for the hexapod's needs). These batteries can provide very long battery life for the robot.  For example using two 3000 mAh 18650 cells you can expect about one full hour of continuous motion.  (However note: it is best to let the servos "rest" after several minutes of vigorous activity, you shouldn't run the robot full-out for an hour!)
+The "18650" battery is commonly used in flashlights and many of these are made to output high currents which easily are high enough to power the hexapod. Two in series will provide 7.4 volts nominal (which is enough for the hexapod's needs). These batteries can provide very long battery life for the robot.  For example using two EBL "white top" 3000 mAh 18650 cells you can expect almost two full hours of continuous motion.  (However note: it is best to let the servos "rest" after several minutes of vigorous activity, you shouldn't run the robot full-out for two hours!)
 Generally speaking, you should choose an 1865 with at least 2500 mAh capacity to ensure you are not overtaxing the batteries. Often manufacturers will publish the number of "Amps" the battery can safely output. The robot only needs at most about 3 Amps during short surges but it typically draws about 2 to 2.5 Amps.
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 We have done tests on the following brands and models:
-*OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION: EBL brand 3000 mAh 18650 batteries (they're red and have a white ring around the + terminal)
+*OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION: EBL brand "white top" 3000 mAh 18650 batteries (they're red and have a white ring around the + terminal. Do not use the yellow top ones!)
-**60 minutes to first "cut out" while running "demo mode".
+**80 minutes to first "cut out" while running "demo mode".
 **Usable up to 110 minutes if you're willing to reboot the robot after cut outs every now and then
 **Currently cost about $3 per cell from Walmart.com in a 2 or 4 pack.
@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 **Currently cost about $4 per cell from Walmart in a 2 or 4 pack.
-Just be careful, you will sometimes see 18650 (and other types of battery) advertised with outrageously high mAh ratings, like 6,000, 8,000 or even 10,000. Check customer ratings and make sure other people are confirming they are for real.
+Just be careful, you will sometimes see 18650 (and other types of battery) advertised with outrageously high mAh ratings, like 5,000, 8,000 or even 10,000. Check customer ratings and make sure other people are confirming they are for real. The highest output legitimate 18650 is currently rated around 3600 mAh. If you see one higher than that, it's most likely a fake, low quality battery that won't work.
 ===Protected vs. Unprotected 18650 Batteries===

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 Rechargeable batteries are by far the most cost effective and environmentally friendly kind of batteries, but some simple safety rules are recommended:
-* Never, ever put non-recharegable batteries in a battery charger!
+* Always remove the batteries from both the robot and gamepad when not in use. Don't just turn off the gamepad/robot and leave the batteries in. If somehow the switch gets flipped, then the rechargeable batteries will drain so low that they may be damaged or destroyed.
-* Do not mix different types of battery, do not mix old and new batteries.
+* Never, ever put non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger!
 * If you are using rechargeable batteries, make sure you are using the right kind of charger for the batteries you are using. Follow all manufacturer recommendations.
 * Never leave batteries charging unattended. Never charge batteries "overnight". It is safest to charge batteries in a place that will not be damaged by heat, just in case the rare instance of a damaged battery overheating during charging occurs.

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 We have done tests on the following brands and models:
-*EBL brand 3000 mAh 18650 batteries (they're red and have a white ring around the + terminal)
+*OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION: EBL brand 3000 mAh 18650 batteries (they're red and have a white ring around the + terminal)
 **60 minutes to first "cut out" while running "demo mode".
-**Usable up to 80 minutes if you're willing to reboot the robot after cut outs every now and then
+**Usable up to 110 minutes if you're willing to reboot the robot after cut outs every now and then
 **Currently cost about $3 per cell from Walmart.com in a 2 or 4 pack.
 *EBL brand 3000 mAh "Protected" 18650 batteries (red with yellow ring around the + terminal)
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 **This "cut off" effect will happen after long periods of intense use (such as demo mode or full-out competition).
 **As the battery drains, these random cut offs will get more and more frequent.
 Example:
-*An unprotected EBL 3000 mAh battery will last about 60 minutes under continuous motion like "demo mode", then will start experiencing random "cut off" situations (requiring a restart) more and more frequently until it won't start again at approximately the 80 minute mark.
+*Most unprotected EBL 3000 mAh battery will last about 60-90 minutes under continuous motion like "demo mode", then will start experiencing random "cut off" situations (requiring a restart) more and more frequently until it won't start again at approximately the 110 minute mark.
 *In contrast, a protected EBL 3000 mAh battery (they have a yellow band around the + side) will work for about 20 minutes without any rest, but then will start cutting out every 5 to 10 minutes, and will stop working around the 60 minute mark.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:54, 9 January 2018
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	= Changing the Battery Connector =		= Changing the Battery Connector =
	This is a build-it-yourself robot kit, so if you wish to use RC battery packs with battery connectors such as Tamiya, PowerPole, JST, or XT60, go right ahead and make the change. A few minutes with a soldering iron is all it takes to make the battery pack swappable using a connector.		This is a build-it-yourself robot kit, so if you wish to use RC battery packs with battery connectors such as Tamiya, PowerPole, JST, or XT60, go right ahead and make the change. A few minutes with a soldering iron is all it takes to make the battery pack swappable using a connector.
		+
		+	{{Vorpal Quick Links}}

← Older revision	Revision as of 03:11, 22 December 2017
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