"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
Bill Daniels wrote:
Lithium Ion rechargeables seem to have recently seen a 50% or so price
drop.
A 4-cell, 14.8V, 8AH with charger and mounting plate can be had for
$169.99
(USD).

Can you supply a URL? While I strongly discourage people from making up
their own Li-ion battery packs for their glider due to potential safety
problems, a _production_ battery pack with it's dedicated charger would
likely alleviate most of the concerns I have about using a large Li-ion
battery in a glider. I don't worry about the little ones in my PDA, cell
phone, or camera.

Sometimes Froogle doesn't find the same things on successive searches. Here
is an example of what I'm talking about.

http://store.linkexpresspc.com/de16liprbafo.html

Specifications:
- Rating: 14.8V == DOUBLE CAPACITY 8800mAH (8.8AH)
- Capacity : 132 WHR 16CELL
$149.00 @ LinkExpressPC

As for the warning videos and scary stories in the press, most people know
these are merely efforts at proactive legal defense. (Lawyer for the
plaintiff: "You sold these CHEMICAL FIRE BOMBS for use in CHILDREN'S TOY
AIRPLANES?) (Lawyer for the defense: "Gee, yer honor, we warned 'em - see
our scary video on the web.) It's an effort to immunize the manufacturer
against 'frivolous' lawsuits.

In fact, most technically savvy users know Li-Ion batteries are plenty safe
if a few simple precautions are used. Mainly, use the correct charger in a
fire safe location. Once charged, don't damage the case or short them.
That's pretty good advice for any rechargeable battery no matter the
chemistry.

Bill Daniels