[Noisebridge-discuss] A box full of rechargeable batteries on the hack shelf.

[Andy Isaacson]

On Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 02:50:13PM -0800, Martin Bogomolni wrote:
> It's a generic liPO charger available from a number of hobby stores.
> It has charge control circuitry, costs ~$150
> 
> http://www.tmenet.com/xtrema.htm

Lithium Polymer and Lithium Ion batteries are interesting beasts.  I
have a charger at 83c as well and am interested in discussing how to
best use them with other Noisebridgers.

In particular, they get very unhappy if you short them ("sparks and
fire" levels of unhappy), and if you drain the cell below its minimum
voltage, it'll never come back.  So a LiPo "manager" circuit is a good
idea; for example,

http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V426371

They're definitely not a simple drop-in replacement for AA, more's the
pity.

-andy