Charging a LiPo
 

I have a Blade Dancer EPP that I put together last week. The battery I have for it is an Electrifly 1500 mah 3 cell. There is a sticker on the battery that, among other things, says not to charge it through the discharge leads, but to use the balance leads. That's fine, except it takes forever using the "wall wart" charger that came with the battery pack. By the way, the battery pack came with that Diablo I've been talking about in previous posts.

Well, I guess I'm somewhat confused because the rapid field chargers connect to the discharge leads, right? If so, then how do we safely and correctly charge this battery using the balance leads?

CGr

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Dick, get used to the fact that your LiPos are going to take a long time to charge.

Do a search on YouTube for "Exploding LiPo" and you'll understand why you don't want to mess with those things

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Yep... LiPo's cannot be quick charged....

While some people do..
you really shouldn't charge them at greater than 1C (c=capacity of the pack)

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Hi Mike.

Oh, I understand all the safety aspects of the LiPo's however, I used to use my ICE field charger, charging the thing at about .1C for an hour and that was that. Now, I see this warning sticker.. and was just wonering what changed with the old method of using the field chargers for one hour at .1C. The ICE is a sophisticated charger with peak detect, and all that stuff that is needed for LiPo charging, so it surprized me to see that warning. I always thought it was ok to charge them at .1C.

Dick.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

I use my TP610 charger on mine all the time. I hook the charger up to the discharge lead and the balancer hooks to the balance lead. I charge at 1C. Never experienced any ill effects.

Paul

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

My blade cx2 battery says to never charge with any other charger but the one that came with it. It's probably something they say to cover themselves and make you buy their charger. My fancy lipo charger charges it just fine using the discharge leads, and I'm sure yours will be fine as well. I charge mine just under 1C because I'm never in a hurry, and they have never even gotten warm. I have an old ammo can just in case though!:D

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

The problem with using an unbalanced charger is that the cells do not discharge at the same rate. A balanced charger will charge them evenly so that all of the cells are equal.

With an unbalanced charger, if one cell has more voltage than the other two, the charger can overcharge that cell and... Flame ON!

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Dick,
I use the discharge leads and charge at 1C when I am at the field.
when at home I use my balancer hooked to my charger and charge
directly through the balance plug, most batteries 3s 3000MAH and
under don't need to be hooked up to both the balance and discharge leads
(this depends on the type of charger you are using, and charge rates).

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

My charger from hobbycity balances the cells as it charges them, it has a display where you can watch each cells voltage. I is always within .01V of each other. The charger was only $37.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Do you not mean 1C (not .1C) as at .1C you will only put in 1/10 the maximum charge in one hour? Even at 1C you will not get a full charge on a discharged battery in one hour due to the inefficiencies of the charge cycle.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

If you are looking for something inexpensive you might try this one http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDH...alance/Charger it will charge a 1200mh pack in about 1 hour. If you charge without a balancer not only can the batteries flame out, but you recharge cycles will drop from about 600 to maybe 100 of less. I buy a couple of extra batteries and change out batteries for more flights

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Rodney has it right you charge at 1 C not .1C. I find it does best if a bit below 1C and always use the balance connectors. I use both the ICE and the FMA 10S. Depends on which pack has which node connector. Both chargers show the amount of voltage in each cell during and at end of charge. Considering the value of the aircraft and its equipment it's false economy to not use good chargers. As well as use them properly. Extra fast charges may be fine for cars but not for aircraft. Better to bring extra packs then to field charge.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Yeah, my mistake. I don't quite know where I got that .1C business.. it takes an hour to charge it on the ICE, so it MUST be 1C, which makes sense.. [X(] Thanks for correcting that.

What I will probably do is as what Chris, Overbored77, suggested. That too makes sense. But, I guarantee, after all the advice and the 'lectures' I've given about not charging it indoors, well, I will do it outside!!

CGr.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Hey CG it is about bed time for us old folks. When speaking for me of course. Got three flights in yesterday. Had to take momma shopping today. Ha, she bought lots of stuff so now it is my turn. One pair of socks and two planes.

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Hey Irish.

What do you mean, late!! Heck, it's only 8:12PM!!! It's the cocktail hour!!! :D Oh, I remember.. you guys only drink hard cider!! :D

What planes did you get?

Our local hobby shop owner was talking to me today. It seems that the internet has deeply cut into his business, and the economy has not helped much. He said that he is selling a lot of slot car and both gas and electric car/truck RC's. He is not doing much aircraft business. He told me that he is probably going to sell what he has then go on mail order for those that want stuff, but will pretty much fill his shelves with car/truck both glow and electric, and slot car stuff. It's a real shame. I spent about 200 bucks there today, and I do that on a regular basis (meaning that I give him my business where I can and that is almost 100% of the time). I do buy some stuff over the internet, but most of my purchases go to his hobby shop. He matches prices (including shipping which is amazing) so I don't save anything by going to Tower, or Horizon, or most others, he treats his customers very well.

Aaaaanyway, I was going to fly the Blade Dancer today, but did not trust the wind. It seems that most of my crashes occurred during the months of Feb and Mar.. wind mostly.

Later gater.... (Whole Wheat pancakes, real Vermont Maple Syrup, thick bacon, coffee, and good company for breakfast tomorrow!! Come on over and join!!!


Dick.

Oh, please pass on to the better half.. Happy Valentines Day!!

And, since I originated this thread, I ain't-a-hijacking it.. :D )

Dick (again).

RE: Charging a LiPo
 

Hey C G I was very concerned about charging Li Po's inside until I made myself what I think is a fire proof charging box. I had a Skill saw box about 10"x 10"x 12" with a hinged lockable lid. I never really use it anymore but even if I do need to it can still be used for the saw. Drilled a hole in one side to put wires from charger thru and walla great. I feel very safe now. Been lucky so far anyhow never had one blow but if it does where can it go?