Dealextreme LiFePO4 batteries and a GT Power A8 charger update

Months ago I wrote a review on the GT Power A8 with a few charts of battery charging/discharging, namely on a NiCd battery pack and a single LiFePO4 cell. Recently I got around to assembling the remainder of my Dealextreme LiFePO4 packs into a 4S1P battery pack with balancing lead and set about testing both the charger and the batteries.

Review – Crosman 2289G ‘Backpacker’ Air rifle

So I finally got my hands on the Crosman 2289G ‘Backpacker’ air rifle and decided that I would write up a review for anyone interested. Its a multi-stroke pump, breech loading, removable stock pistol/rifle hybrid air rifle that is low weight, compact, and still capable at the end of the day.

Note: treat and handle any air rifle as you would a loaded firearm – apply proper firearm safety practices.*

Note 2: This air rifle model is no longer commonly available for sale in most areas, few retailers still carry it (Canadian Tire used to be the major retailer) – I purchased mine from http://www.scopesandammo.com

Review of the GT Power A8 Battery Charger

In the realm of intelligent battery chargers, there are far too many choices. Prices range from about $50USD to some in the $300 range and come with a whole variety of features. The problem is that the new emerging market is for cheap products that don’t perform, or don’t have the durability and quality expected for a complex device.

Most new intelligent battery chargers can charge, discharge, and cycle Pb, NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, LiPo, and more recently LiFePO4. These chargers feature control over charging/discharging current. Contrast this to your ‘dumb’ chargers that are essentially trickle charge wall warts that push in around 0.5C that can overcharge NiCd/NiMH, or slow LiPo balance trickle chargers that come with RC helis sometimes.

The GT Power A8 charger sells for about $80USD + S&H, I got mine from HobbyCity.com.

Review of the Xantrex XPower PowerPack 400 Plus / Motomaster Eliminator 600 PowerBox

So I promised a review of this little bad boy, and here it is! Essentially the two products are the same, minus the labelling as Canadian Tire has a deal to rebrand a few Xantrex products including smaller and larger power packs.

In a nutshell, its main features are:

1. 12V, 20Ah sealed lead acid battery
2. 400W AC inverter (square wave)
3. Air compressor with short hose and fittings
4. Separate jumper cable for boosting low car batteries