How to Make Your Own Quadcopter Battery

Instead of using LiPo batteries for my quadcopter i decided to try using Samsung 18650's. The battery performs well and has never got too hot. The battery will provide a constant current of 22Amps and a burst current of 35Amps. Here are step by step instructions how to make your own!

Step 1: Get the Goods

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1. The Batteries: Samsung 25R's 18650's Link: Authentic Samsung INR18650-25R 3.6V 2500mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries (2-Pack)
2. Balance Connector Link: 3S1P LiPo 11.1V Balance Cables
3. Silicone Wire Link: Soft Silicone Flexible Wire Cable (200cm / 2 Colors)
4. XT60 Male Connector Link: XT60 Male Battery Connector Cable for R/C
5. Heat Shrink Link: 6.0mm XLPO Heat Shrink Tubing for Electronics DIY (5m)
6. Solder and a soldering iron.

* You need three batteries. The above link is for two. You can use this link for the extra one (saves you buying 4).

Link: Authentic Samsung INR18650-25R 3.6V 2500mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

Step 2: Measure Wire Lengths

Negative (black) - 6.5cm

Positive (red) - 16.5cm

The positive is much longer than negative as it has to come from the other side as seen in the pic above. The above values are a guide, you can make them longer if you need to.

Step 3: Carefully Strip the Ends

Take about 0.5cm of silicone insulation off the ends and flatten the wires to allow for easier soldering. Be careful not to cut into the wire as the thin strands are easily cut.

Step 4: Cut the Joiners

Cut two pieces of wire both 2.5cm in length. These are to connect the batteries together. These connect batteries one to two and two to three.

Step 5: Hot Glue the Batteries Together

Make sure the batteries are lined up and close to each other and then apply some hot glue to both sides of the battery.

Step 6: Prepare Batteries for Soldering

Using a piece of sand paper sand each of the terminals. One can also use a knife to make it extra rough. This step is to ensure a secure soldering. It is vital that any dirt and oil is removed from the terminals before soldering, i recommend using an very pure alcohol.

Step 7: Solder

I find that having the iron on high works best. Be careful not to heat up the battery too much as it can damage the battery. Watch the video to see how i did it. Solder the balance cable as seen in the diagram. You can also spot weld the batteries together but most people don't have access to one and I find that soldering works just fine.

Link for the battery tester: 1S-8S LiPo Battery Voltage Tester with Low Voltage Buzzer Alarm

Step 8: Solder the XT60 Connector

Solder on the XT60 and heat shrink around the solder. Be careful with the wires as if they short it can damage equipment and the batteries.

Step 9: Insulate

It is important to prevent short circuiting. Ideally you should use some shrink wrap but i did not have any so insulation tape will have to do.

Step 10: Comparison and Weight

The battery weighs in at 144g (5.07oz).

See the image above which includes specs about a 2200mah (300mah less) battery. It weighs 57g more and has less capacity.

Step 11: You're Done!

Connect it up and enjoy!

I have great performance (about 15mins) from my 250 sized quad which is using DYS 2300KV motors and 5030 props.

Watch the video to see the performance (this was certainly not to its limits).