The most suitable batteries for 4x5V motors 1.2A

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting suitable rechargeable batteries for powering four 5V DC geared motors with a nominal current draw of 1.2A and peak current up to 3A for a robot. Participants explore various battery options, including Li-ion, NiMH, and alkaline cells, while considering charging methods and safety concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the type of motors being used, suggesting that the motor type may influence battery choice.
  • Another participant clarifies that the motors are normal DC geared motors and provides a link for reference.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the compatibility of the existing charger with the chosen battery type, particularly highlighting that the charger can only handle one LiPo cell at up to 1A and cannot charge NiMH cells.
  • One participant suggests starting with a battery holder for 5 AA rechargeable NiMH cells, citing their ease of charging and safety, while also mentioning the possibility of using two LiPo cells for increased capacity.
  • Another participant expresses hesitation about using LiPo batteries due to safety concerns and the need for proper knowledge when handling them.
  • There is a discussion about the current draw of the motors, with one participant noting that their current draw is 0.8C, which is higher than the typical 0.2C for standard batteries, leading to concerns about battery performance.
  • One participant mentions that they are currently using alkaline cells, which deplete quickly, and expresses that LiPo batteries may seem excessive for their project.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best battery option, as there are multiple competing views regarding the suitability of NiMH versus LiPo batteries, as well as differing opinions on safety and charging methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the limitations of their current charging setup and the implications of using different battery types, but do not resolve the technical details regarding the necessary modifications for charging configurations.

=SJ=
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Hello,

I'm looking for rechargeable batteries for 4x 5V motors of nominal current draw 1.2A and peak current up to 3A to power my robot.
I'm wondering about http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-3-7V-18650-UltraFire-Li-ion-6800mAh-Red-Rechargeable-Battery-for-LED-Torch-/111653427442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ff1018f2, http://www.ebay.com/itm/6x-AA-3000mAh-1-2-V-Ni-MH-rechargeable-battery-BTY-cell-for-MP3-RC-Toys-Camera-/200859881013?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2ec42e8e35 batteries or http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-7V-6000-mAh-Polymer-replacement-Lipo-Li-battery-For-GPS-ipod-Tablet-PC-3691155-/181640906205?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a4aa445dd batteries.
It should be price friendly.
What is you opinion?
 
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What sort of motors? Are they servo motors that have electronics in them that needs 5V ?
 
Do you have a charger already? What can it do?
 
They are PWM controlled mitors of my robot rover. I already have this simple linear charger: http://m.ebay.com/itm/5V-Mini-USB-1A-TP4056-Lithium-Battery-Charging-Board-Linear-Charger-Module-Cute-/331434903432?nav=SEARCH
 
=SJ= said:
They are PWM controlled mitors of my robot rover.

Ok what voltage does the PWM controller need?

That charger board will only charge one Lipo cell at upto 1A. (It won't charge NiMH cells). If you plan on using two Lipo cells in series you will have to reconfigure them for charging.

You can get this to work but I hesitate to give advice as messing with li batteries can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.
 
What I would do is join the forum at the top of this page..

http://www.dfrobot.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=97#.VaPesmdRHmR

On the "shipping list" and in this vid ...

https://opensourcehardwaregroup.com/assemble-dfrobot-pirate-4wd-mobile-platform/

..they mention a 5 * AA cell holder so it looks like the platform is designed for 5 NiMh cells (5 * 1.2V = 6V) or 5 Alkaline Cells (5 * 1.5V = 7.5V).

I think I would start with the recommended battery holder and 5 AA rechargeable NiMH cells as they are easy to charge, safe and reasonably cheap. If you want more capacity (more run time) ask on one of the forums what others are using. They probably use 2 Lipo cells (2 * 3.7V = 7.4V). However the wiring will need to be modified to suit your charger. The one you mentioned is for a single cell not two in series.

Also mentioned on the shipping list is a "PH-2.0 to DC-2.2 adapter". I don't know what that is but it sounds like might be some sort of DC-DC Voltage converter. You might want to ask on their forum what that is for.
 
I was wondering about NiMH at the first time but I was advised that my current draw is 0.8C whilst normall battery likes up to 0.2C. At the moment I use Alkaline cells but it is depleted within unreasonably short period of time. On the other hand Lipo seems me as overkill for my project.