[StevePond]

Novak Electronics is preparing to release a dead short tray for their batteries. Many racers discharge their Ni-MH packs to 0 volts for storage as this has been thought to increase performance in both older and newer cells. Novak’s new #4520 FLATLINE Dead Short Battery Storage Tray was designed for racers looking to deep discharge, or completely discharge (or dead short) their battery packs. The FLATLINE works with single sub-C cells up to 6-cell packs. It discharges at a rate of 2.7 amps, and can completely discharge a pack to 0 volts utilizing Novak’s ICM (Individual Cell Monitoring) Circuitry, which discharges cells individually. A single LED indicates the discharge status. Battery packs can be inserted in either direction, as the FLATLINE is non-polarized.
Designed and built in the USA, the FLATLINE is small (16.0 x 8.0 x 3.6cm), lightweight (4.45 oz.), and low cost. The Novak name ensures it is a quality product. Multiple units can easily be stacked to minimize space in the pit area thanks to the included, easy-to-install posts that have locking tabs to hold the trays together. The FLATLINE uses the same high quality spring clips as the Novak Smart Tray. The spring clips allow convenient battery storage and allows you to travel with battery packs securely held in place.
The FLATLINE Dead Short Battery Storage Tray is scheduled to ship May 2005.

Part no. 4520
List price: $49 USD

FEATURES
• Spring clips for easy insertion and convenient battery storage (same as Smart Tray)
• Lightweight design
• Discharge status LED
• ICM Circuitry discharges cells individually
• Non-polarization allows batteries to be inserted in either direction
• Deep discharges and/or dead shorts single sub-C cells up to 6-cell packs (Ni-MH and Ni-Cd)
• Stackable design to save pit space

INCLUDED ITEMS
• One Battery Storage Tray and 4 posts with locking tabs for stacking trays

SPECIFICATIONS
• Length: 6.3 in. (16.0 cm)
• Width: 3.2 in. (8.0 cm)
• Height: 1.4 in. (3.6 cm)
• Weight: 4.45 oz. (126 grams)
• Discharge rate: 2.7 amps

For more information about this and other Novak products, visit the Novak Electronics website.

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This material may not be reproduced in any manner for any reason without the expressed written consent of Air Age Media.

[Casper]

Intersting. Now they need to make a case that the tray and battery will fit in for storage in a pit box!

[tallyrc]

50 bucks a pop is supposed to be cheap enough that i can buy multiple of these??? maybe The Donald can.

[Casper]

I think street price will be around $30.

[B4SnAkE]

whats so good about dead shorting the batteries?

[Casper]

It is supposed to increase average voltage, decrease internal resistance but you will sacrafice a small amount of run time.

[redsixer]

Is anybody using these? Nobody where I race is that I know of. Just wondering how they work. From the the reviews I have read on them, they do wake up old packs.

[Casper]

I have seen people that have them at the track but I have not yet asked to see how they work. These trays are really nothing new. There are some other dead shorting trays like this out there.

[AudiTT-Quattro]

Yes, these are nothing new at all. I've used the ZeroV tray from MuchMore/Integy and now I make my own. They are nothing more than cement resistors and doesn't cost more than $5 to make and it's even cheaper if I make a large order from DigiKey.

[Freem]

I that dead shorting was supposed to be bad for batteries? I have read that on several battery manufatures webs sights and I might have seen in RC car action. I understand the advantages, but with battery prices as high as they are, is dead shorting really work it in the long run?

[elcid4300]

Originally Posted by Freem

I that dead shorting was supposed to be bad for batteries? I have read that on several battery manufatures webs sights and I might have seen in RC car action. I understand the advantages, but with battery prices as high as they are, is dead shorting really work it in the long run?

Racers do it for that last little bit. I am sure it shortens the life of the pack but if you're racing and want every little edge, you'll probably do it. It's not the way to go for bashing mind you as you can do alot more harm than good (ruined pack or worse!) if you don't know what you are doing.