Does anyone have any real information on the merits of and/or reasons for "breaking in" lipo batteries ? I've seen references to this but never any credible information.

Red ? I'd especially value your input.

Thanks, Dick

Yes, "breaking in" your Lipo batteries packs is very important.
I do the same for all my screw drivers:
The first year I only screw in one direction, the second year I screw in the opposite direction, and, finaly, the third year, I can scew in any directions !
I am also thinking about "breaking in" the new TV I just bought, only one porn movie a day.

Hi Dick -

At least two lipo makers, Thunder Power and Apogee, recommend breaking in or conditioning their lipos, so it's probably a good idea.

[link=http://thunderpowerrc.com/PDF/THPSafetyWarnings.pdf]Here are Thunder Power's instructions.[/link]
[link=http://www.pfmdistribution.com/files/ApogeeGuidelines.pdf]Here are Apogee's instructions.[/link]

- Jeff

Dick ?
Look like you never "broken in" you sens of humor.
You don't need to "breaking in" your lipos, but it's alway a good idea to not pushing them too hard.
For competitive reasons, manufacurers always boots the real batteries capacity and discharge rate (it's not my fault, my competitor started first...).
If you need a 20C 4000mah, buy a 30C 5000mah.
It may cost you a little bit more at first, but you will give your battery a longer life time.
Sincerly,
Dick.

Jeff Thank you the links. I've read them and they make sense.

Alexandre I've never thought of myself as lacking in sense of humor, but some folks say I'm a bit slow. After breaking in your screwdrivers, do you find that they make the screws tighter or just spin them in faster?

Dick -

There's been a lot of discussion about lipo conditioning and break-in over on RC Groups. Search for posts by "everydayflyer". He has made a science of battery testing. Also look for posts by "Charlie Wang". Charlie works for Thunder Power and is a frequent poster in the Batteries and Chargers forum.

Both conclude that you can maximize the useful life of a lipo by discharging at a modest rate (3C to 5C) for the first few cycles.

- Jeff

LOL !
No, they don't screw better after that )
Basicaly, you need to break in something that have a physical contact, like an engine piston inside the cylinder.
Electronic does not need breaking in.
About Lipo, manufacturers know about the "puffing" problem but they can't fix it (kind of like the dusts on a digital camera CCD)
So they try to get the customer not to overload the batteries to avoid having the product returned too soon.
Again, you don't need to "breaking in " Lipo batteries, but if you want to keep them healfy, avoid over discharge and heat.
The war between manufactures leaded to an over rating on Lipo capacity and discharge rate.
Peoples who buy the very expensives lipo batteries usualy don't have problems with them, they think that it's because they PAID ALOT it.
But in fact, thoses batteries (the very expensives ones) are NOT over rated, so customers don't push them too hard.
That was my 3 cents, now anyone can break in Lipo batteries if they feel like it.
Alex.

Hi Alex -

Can you share your test results that show no benefit from conditioning or breaking in lipos? Then we could compare your results to the results from other testers and see where the differences lie.

Thanks,

Jeff

I have seen no test data that supports breaking in LiPo batteries. I have seen a great deal of evidence that those selling them don't have a clue as to the technology. The "C" ratings they give them is a good example. I do know the harder you push the packs the shorter the overall service life. Charging without balancing also contributes to shorter service life. The larger the cell count the more critical is the balancing requirement.

Thanks, Guys.

What you all say about using the batteries at less than their full rating certainly agrees with my experience. Even the cheap ones last pretty well as long as you don't try to go 10C just because it says 10C on the label.
And not trying to get the last minute of flight duration seems to help too.

Dick