Chinese Eye Chieftain

[Stephen White]

D Sqn, 4 RTR exercise in Denmark. OC’s tank, just before my time in command. That’s real “weathering”.

[Daniel Brooker]

Hi Stephen
Could you recommend a battery to use on a chieftain and a good place to purchase one ?

Regards
Dan

[Stephen White]

Dan, hi. Since others have asked too, I've put an answer on your other thread here:

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=8325

My choice for Centurion was a battery by Tracer. I may well go for the same for Chieftain but will have a good look around the market first. Tracer here:

https://www.tracerpower.com/24v-20ah-battery-slab.html

My experience with Centurion suggests 20Ah is perhaps too much capacity. An alternative array would be two of these, which would be much cheaper:

https://www.tracerpower.com/tracer-12v- ... ttery.html

Chieftain is heavier than Centurion (models that is) but on the other hand the latest motion packs are more efficient, so on balance I'd think the two battery solution would be more cost effective. Tracer are a very reliable brand, based in UK and specialising in packaging lithium solutions.

[Derek Attree]

Hi Stephen
Hope you are well and keeping safe.
I was just wondering if you have started building your Chieftain at the moment as you
normally do a really good build log.

I have a Famo on the go but stalled at 75% built ( I will probably sell this)

I also have an Elefant hull in build at the moment a Lee in boxes and a Universal carrier coming
before I get to old I hope

Regards

Derek

[John Clarke]

Stephen, Can you charge two 12v lithium type batteries in series or would you have to split them while charging?

I've used Li po type batteries in the past but never charged them in series.

It seems an expensive solution, having £1000 worth of batteries in just two models Chieftain and Centurion. Gerhard says their last up to 20 years, but I don't think I'll be around to appreciate that. On even funnier note, why is the warranty for only two years

[John Clarke]

Derek, your life seems to be mapped out for the next ten years
UC No option, Lipo all the way.
Wonder what happened to it?

[Stephen White]

Derek

Good to hear from you, hope all's well, pity we'll miss our annual reunion at Ally Pally. I've been taking a break from tanks, doing aeronautical stuff at Yeovilton and a bit of RC flying. I'll get back to Chieftain at some point when the mojo returns.

John, the Tracer 12v 7ah battery comes with a dedicated charger so you would charge the two simultaneously (having disconnected them from the circuit).

I was very clear LiPo batteries are utterly inappropriate for Armortek models. Anyone who is into RC aircraft or cars will almost certainly be using LiPo but they'll also be very mindful indeed of the risks. The choice for our models is between Lead Acid and Lithium Iron Phosphate only.

[John Clarke]

I realise not everyone likes Lipo batteries, but I use them in my fast electric boats. Like all batteries, treat them with respect, acknowledge their limitations and all should be well. They have a good capacity rating, light weight and are very compact.

What do you think we will be offered on the UC when it turns up, space will be quite limited, even Lifepo's becomes bulky on such a small model.