Just picked up 4 pckgs of Sanyo 2500 NiMh batteries at Costco. Each pkg contains 6 AA and 2 AAA batteries, and costs $16.00.
I am thinking of making some battery packs with these, is there a safe way to solder to batteries? ( I have read both yes and no arguments) or another way to create packs that does not require soldering?
Anyway, just thought I would spread the news about these at Costco.

[Chilton]

Good deal, I paid 19.99 last year at costco for the same packs. Our hobby store sells the same ones for 5.00 each, Add them up.

Don't know about soldering them, but you can get battery(4 pack) holders at store like the source.

[flysrcs]

If you are going to make a tx pack, just get an 8 cell holder from tyhe Source. The batteries snap in tight. It will fit most newer JR and Fut. Don't heat shrink it as it will to be to big to fit but without heatshrink it will drop right in. If you are making RX packs I have done this many times. Just scuff the ends lightly with some sandpaper and solder away.
Dave

[tech1]

You need an iron that will hold it's heat. When soldering, you need to add a lot of heat fast to make the connection and then remove the heat. Don't linger. This way the heat will not penetrate too far in and cause damage. If the iron is too small, it will not be able to heat the surface fast enough to melt the solder.

Scuffing the surface will take off the nickel plating. Solder does not bond to nickel.

Good luck

[Chilton]

I found that silver solder works best in this application, just my two cents.

[SteveM]

Silver solder is to be avoided when assembling battery packs as it it too corrosive. Standard 60/40 solder and a good iron is all you really need.

Originally Posted by Chilton

I found that silver solder works best in this application, just my two cents.

[Chilton]

I did a couple of packs with the s.s. but haven't noticed any corroding.
But I will be keeping an eye on them, just in case they do.

[Guest]

Quick question: The capacity looks good but what about the ability to handle high "C" rates?

[skypupnut]

this is what I found , some will take a 7 amp load ok
and most will just drop to almost nothing with a load above 2 amps
the voltage just drops to nothing.
let them rest a few seconds ( no load and they come back.
thase are ok for a transmitter.
the ones that will take 3 to more amps I use for receiver packs

[tech1]

SteveM

Silver solder is OK for electronics. What you mean is the silver solder used for plumbing should not be used. This type of solder uses acid.

Electronics silver solder still uses the rosin to prevent oxidization while soldering is in progress.

ALL consumer electronics should be using silver solder as of last year. you will see PBF (lead free) markings on all the PC boards.

Silver solder also has the advantage of being stronger than lead solder.