Lippo Batteries???

Ali in Austria · Mar 23, 2013

I use many re charge batteries in cameras, sat navs, power tools etc and they benefit from a breaking in cycle of fully charging, fully draining repeated a couple of times to condition them. It is then recommended to keep them in a fully charged state and certainly not leave them drained for lengthy periods.

This is my first use of Lippo Batteries. Does the same apply?

I have also read about the fire risk with Lippo's. Is it best to charge them on something fire resistant, keeping an eye on them of course. What about storage. Are they prone to just catching fire when not in use or connected? Is it advisable to store them in an air tight and fire proof container?

All advice welcome

Gizmo3000 · Mar 23, 2013

The Phantom is my first encounter wit Lipo's as well..
and I've learned a lot.

They're not at all like regular rechargeables.

they're best when stored in a cool environment, at 50% if planned to be left for long periods of time unused.
good idea to keep them in a Lipo bag when traveling, good idea to keep an eye/ear on them while charging

that's why I decided to get an extra charger (I now have 4 batteries, so it makes it easier).
even the relatively inexpensive digital chargers have so many more features and allow you to charge/discharge to 50%.

But all your questions and more can be answered on this great link (read it thru, and bookmark it!)

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-lipo-batteries.html

Ali in Austria · Mar 24, 2013

Thank you Gizmo. Excellent Link.

I am considering the http://thunderpowerrc.com/html/TP610CACDC.html

Gizmo3000 · Mar 24, 2013

Ali in Austria said:
Thank you Gizmo. Excellent Link.

I am considering the http://thunderpowerrc.com/html/TP610CACDC.html

anytime!
that thundpower looks like quite the charger! cool that it works off AC and DC.

I went pretty low budget,. but quite pleased with my charger, definitely does the job better than the one that comes with the Phantom (it beeps when it's done!),. really inexpensive too
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=18066

(tho had to order the 60w power supply separately for another $10.).
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=34125

Ali in Austria · Mar 24, 2013

I'm having a re think and looking at the iCharger 206B.

I have 6 Lipo's at the moment and like the idea of Parallel Charging.

Gizmo3000 · Mar 24, 2013

Ali in Austria said:
I'm having a re think and looking at the iCharger 206B.

I have 6 Lipo's at the moment and like the idea of Parallel Charging.

I don't quite see what that charger has over the lower costs chargers..(tho nice that it can run of DC
but if you have 6 batteries, perhaps look into one that can do 2 or 4 at a time
like this http://www.hobbyking.co.uk/hobbyking/st ... 200W_.html

Ali in Austria · Mar 24, 2013

That's the point mate, it can.

Parallel charging leads allow you to this. The charger has to have the power to do so and apparently this one does and can charge 6 phantom batteries at a time. Don't ask me to explain the physics, I kind of got my head round it but am assured it works. Used by many RC enthusiasts apparently.