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Hobby Lobby CellMeter for Lithium Polymer Packs Review
Never launch a plane with a near empty pack again! Andy Willetts reviews this "gas gauge" for your LiPo packs from Hobby Lobby.
Introduction
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| Cells Supported: | CellMeter-4 - 2-4 cells, CellMeter-8 - 2-8 cells |
| Connector: | 2.5mm/0.1" exposed pin (use adapter for 2mm pin spacing) |
| Resolution: | One-Thousandth of a Volt |
| Features: | Charge state, balance state, cell voltage, high-low cell differential |
| Price: | CellMeter-4 - $89.90, CellMeter-8 - $119.90 |
| Available From: | Hobby-Lobby |
Hobby Lobby has introduced the CellMeter, a great little "Gas Gauge" for your LiPo packs. This handy little device is available in two models, the LBC400 "CellMeter-4" and LBC800 "CellMeter-8", capable of checking up to 4 and 8 cells respectively. Hobby-Lobby generously provided the 8-cell version for this review.
Most electric modelers know the importance of keeping your LiPo packs balanced. An unbalanced pack can have a significantly reduced life-span, and could lead to failure in flight or during charge. Having a tool that can, at a glance, show the charge and balance state of a pack is more than a convenience, and will help prevent damage to packs (or models) as a result.
Please note that this review will only identify the features and capabilities of the CellMeter, and does not provide recommendations for how to correct an out-of-balance condition. That information, as well as appropriate charging and balancing devices, is available from most battery manufacturers
and distributors.
In use
The CellMeter has an exposed-pin, 0.1"/2.5mm spacing connector, which fits the majority of manufacturer's balance connectors. Hobby Lobby can also provide adapters for the smaller Thunder-Power and Flight-power balance connectors. You use the CellMeter by simply plugging it in to a balance connector. You must use caution to ensure that you observe the correct polarity.
Some balance connectors use an unconventional pin layout, so that one or two pins are 'skipped' between the negative connection and the positive of the first cell. A very nice feature of this device is that you do not need to reconfigure those balance connectors, it will detect the "missing" cells and work correctly.
The CellMeter allows you to quickly to determine the battery charge state from an LCD screen that displays an analog "fuel gauge". It also clearly indicates the balance condition of the cells with a similar analog indicator. The pack voltage and cell-count are displayed alongside these gauges, and this first screen is all you need to check packs before flight or charging.
For more detailed information about a pack, more screens can be accessed by pressing the small button located underneath the shrink-wrap, below the balance connector. The CellMeter first displays the number of cells, the total voltage of the pack to one-thousandth of a volt, the percentage of charge, and the individual cell voltages to one-hundredth of a volt.
A third screen is displayed by pressing the button again, and this time shows individual cell voltages to one-thousandth of a volt. If there are more cells than can fit on the display, the cells are split between two screens, and the display indicates which "bank" of cells are being shown.
The CellMeter-8 has one feature that is not available on the 4-cell version. It has an additional screen which displays the voltage of the highest and lowest cells, along with the difference between them to one-thousandth of a volt.
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A low voltage message is accompanied by an alert tone
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A similar warning is provided for a high-voltage condition
If one or more cells' voltage is below 3.0 volts per cell, a warning message will flash on the LCD screen and an alert tone will be heard. A similar warning is provided if any cells' voltage is above 4.24 volts.
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An out-of-balance pack is immediately identified by the analog balance-state gauge
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A significant imbalance will result in a warning message
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The highest and lowest cells are compared
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Individual cell voltage makes it easy to identify the suspect cell
If cells in a pack are out of balance, the analog balance indicator will immediately reflect this. If the voltage difference between cells exceeds approximately 0.1V, another warning message is displayed along with an alert tone. The individual cell voltage and voltage difference screens come in handy for allowing quick identification of the suspect cell.
Serial connection
Another connector on the right-side of the unit allows for connection to a PC via serial link. This option was not available at time of review, however, so no details can be shared at this time.
Conclusion
Although the cost may seem daunting, I believe it will be a worthwhile investment over the long run. There are a handful of tools that become essential staples for the electric modeler. After only short time using this one, I certainly plan to keep it handy in the workshop and at the field!
Pluses:
- Immediate charge and balance state indication
- Powered from pack under test
- Accurate measurement of cell voltage
- Easy to use
Minuses:
- No 10-cell version available (some may wish for a 12 or 14-cell version!)
- Button could be more conveniently located
- A lighted display would help in dark corners of the workshop
Discussion
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Nov 07, 2007, 12:07 PM
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NJ
Joined Aug 2003
8,883 Posts
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Is the % of power remaining simply calculated from a comparison between measured voltage and what fully charged voltage would be for a pack of that cell count?
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Nov 07, 2007, 12:57 PM
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Marietta, GA
Joined Jun 1999
43,272 Posts
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I would have to assume so, yes - no different to the on-board monitors that indicate the charge state with a tone when connected..
..a |
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Nov 07, 2007, 01:15 PM
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NJ
Joined Aug 2003
8,883 Posts
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or simply putting a wattmeter or voltmeter to the pack if you knew the sliding scale of voltage to %.
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Nov 07, 2007, 04:14 PM
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San Jose Ca / RSA flyer
Joined May 2003
8,030 Posts
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too bad it can't be used as a watts up meter
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Nov 07, 2007, 06:23 PM
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USA, CA, Buena Park
Joined Oct 2006
599 Posts
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Seems we already have enough gizmo's that can read each cell individually.Way too expensive to boot.
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Nov 08, 2007, 08:29 AM
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United States, WA, Woodinville
Joined Mar 2007
7,504 Posts
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If this device could be used as a balancer, then it would be a very nifty tool. Otherwise, its an expensive voltmeter with a fuel gauge. Nice tool, but my Hyperion charger with the hyperion balance adapter and data cable does the same thing and more. the Hyperion setup can display individual voltages as well. I also have two Flightpower Flightbalance and these have an LED fuel guage. Of course not the same resolution, but at least I can quickly tell the charge state of a battery.
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Nov 08, 2007, 11:13 AM
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Marietta, GA
Joined Jun 1999
43,272 Posts
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I guess it depends on the price you're willing to pay for for convenience. I have 5 LiPo chargers, two can show cell voltages, but none are as convenient as just plugging this in and instantly seeing the state of a pack.
..a |
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Nov 08, 2007, 02:56 PM
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DFW, Tx
Joined May 2006
1,299 Posts
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I'd rather buy a $20 voltmeter and spend the rest of the money on something else...
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Nov 08, 2007, 03:21 PM
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Haralson County GA. USA
Joined Oct 2004
34,188 Posts
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Seems OK if one needs another gadget to carry around and keep track of.
My TP 1010C / TP210V shows indivual cell voltages ,up to 10 cells ,charges and balances. A $10 DVM will shows pack voltage as will any of the Watt meters. OT: MUS has close to 200 flights on it with 3S A123 2300 pack. Charles |
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Nov 08, 2007, 04:12 PM
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San Jose Ca / RSA flyer
Joined May 2003
8,030 Posts
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Quote:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLMV1&P=ML |
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Nov 08, 2007, 07:57 PM
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USA, CA, Buena Park
Joined Oct 2006
599 Posts
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Has anyone tried these yet. common sense cell spy..cell spy You can see individual cell voltage,and any cell count..
They are great,13.00 |
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Nov 09, 2007, 02:32 AM
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United States, AL
Joined Apr 2007
804 Posts
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Quote:
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Nov 09, 2007, 05:47 AM
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Indianapolis, IN
Joined Sep 2001
16,619 Posts
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Yep, I picked up one of the $10 cell-spy's at JRfest from Lazertoyz... great little gizmo
 Having all in one on a display like the CellMeter is cool, but a little too much $ for my taste. |
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Nov 09, 2007, 02:26 PM
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NY State
Joined Jan 2007
2,833 Posts
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Quote:
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