Lipo..
 

I received my Titan install kit today..

It included a 2500 Mah Lipo for the ECU/Kerostart.

As much as Lipo technology scares me Im going to give it a try. My NICAD setup is just too much work and requires over 2 ft of battery lead [:o]

How does one condition a Lipo? Does it need a slow charge for the first time? Can anyone tell me what type of connector the charge lead has on it?

I would just like some general info about a Lipo battery if you don't mind.

I know this could be in the battery forum but I trust you guys the most ;)

Thanks! Pete

RE: Lipo..
 

Here are two of the lipos that I use, the 2 cell ( long one ) was been used on my TJ F-16 for the ECU JetCat and the 3 cell on my small electric, if you noticed they have two diferent connectors, then on the other pic you can see three types of connectors.

The standar connectors around here are the Multiplex connector, if my batt. is dead it will be easy to use someone ealses batts. because we use the same connectors and charging, most chargers now day can charge anything. I use a mini balacer I got from the hobby shop since I don't do a ton of Lipos I ddin't see the need for heavy equipment.

I hope this helps.

RE: Lipo..
 

Thanks cars.

Pete

RE: Lipo..
 

The standar to charge a Lipo batt. is one capacity, the charger instructions will be of big help on this, since you are using kero start it may run down your batt. after 3 to 4 starts if you like you could recharge between flights or get another batt.
Try not to drain your Lipo all the way down, half way is good this way you know that you have enough for the nex flight and no cycling just charge and go but as you did with your NiCads keep and eye on them for the firsts 3 to 6 flights to make sure there are in good order.

I'm not the best on batts. or Lipos but so far in all my years of using batts of any kind I never had a problem that I coudn't fix regarding my batts or a crash, maintanace and inspections I say has kept me flying.

RE: Lipo..
 

For the type of currents we are drawing you don't have to know too much about lipo batteries.

I had the problem of charging 3 x 3 cell packs for a large electric scale model. After looking at
all the fancy, big cell number chargers I ended up buying a couple of these cheapy chargers.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/s.../Charger_2S~4S

They charge each cell individually through the balance plug on the battery so the charge is balanced &
it also indicates the battery charge as a percentage of capacity (the discharge curve on a lipo is almost
linear.) Works a treat on my 2 cell lipo ECU pack, simple to use (just set the current to one of three values,
for yours it would be 2 amps) & costs peanuts. Charges up to 4 cells. I take it your lipo has a balance plug?,
most current generation lipos do, worst case scenario you may need an adapter lead for the balance plug,
Hobby King carries them too. - John.

RE: Lipo..
 

Hey thanks!

I have a superbrain and I believe it charges lipos, Ill have to find the manual again. Anyone using this charger?

Pete

RE: Lipo..
 

If you have the Superbrain 989 or the pro-superbrain 977 you are OK to charge Lipos [sm=thumbup.gif] the other Superbrains are a no go for Lipos [sm=thumbs_down.gif].

http://www.modelrec.com/rc-products/...y-chargers.asp

RE: Lipo..
 

And you happily run turbines:D:D:D

I'm at the other end. I've run heaps of li-po's for many years and don't really bat an eye lid at them. But, just started running turbines and am still a little cautious.

Li-po's are just like when you started learning about how to run/maintain etc a turbine, once you understand the process it's pretty easy.

The boy's here are steering you in the right direction. Hobby city is the way to go for good, cost effective chargers. You don't "HAVE TO" ballance charge the li-po every time. Is it better, yes, but you don't have to do it every time. you will find a lot of the electric boys will charge their li-po's normally at the field, and when they get home and have the time up their sleeve they will then balance charge them. For example, The li-po on the electronic ignition in my Fw-190 get balanced only when i take the cowl off for maintenance, so every half a dozen charges or so. Deans connectors (terminals are flat and are in a "T" configuration) were the most common type of connector on electric models but there are a whole heap of different types out there now, depending on what kinds of current you are pulling. for an ECU, dean are more than good enough.

Most manufactures recommend not discharging Li-pos more than 75-80% or their rated capacity, but exceeding that just causes a reduction in the life of the li-po. Li-po's are only really a problem when charging, and if they get damaged, or shorted. li-pos can handle a fair deformation of the cell and still work, but a good hit or a puncture of a cell/cells is really bad news. If you can smell a "sweet" smell, then it has ruptured and you must dispose of it straight away. The way to destroy a li-po for safe disposal is to pop it into a bucket of salty water! don't just throw them into the garbage as they could explode and cause a fire in the dump truck!

Never leave a li-po on charge un-attended. Go to the warbirds thread a search for a thread of a guy who lost his garage and nearly the house because of a li-po left on charge while they were out for dinner. Technically speacking they should always be removed from the airframe for charging, and ultimately placed into a charging pouch. these are fibreglass lined and are designed to minimise any damage a li-po might cause. But removeal is not always feasable so that is where i charge the model while i'm in the workshop working on something else:)

They are great technology that has revolutionised our hobby on all fronts, so don't be afraid of them!;)

Thanks

dave

RE: Lipo..
 

Hello, :D

f you are scared by LIPO, use the famous LONGGO from Emcotec and don't forget to use a balancer !!!!!
Choose a slow load process (about 0,5C or better 0,25C !!!)


Regards
Jean-Philippe

RE: Lipo..
 

Hey Pete
get a Cellpro multi 4 charger they are the best they have a built in balancer and very easy to use

you can check them out at FMA direct ( fmadirect.com ) or get one from chad at sin city

RE: Lipo..
 

You can find discussions about the LiPo and balancing plug here > http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8402298/tm.htm


Jean I was told they stopped selling the safe circuit(S) a while ago and now they only carry the (N) type. :(

Mate of mine had one of his safe batteries stop working all of a sudden so he got a new pair(N), we think one of his balancers was broken as when he charged the new ones... well look below.
Luckily no major damage occured to the house or other models but only as he was close by when the "fun" started!

http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadp...1245864671.jpg

This one erupted.
http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadp...1245864724.jpg

This is the other battery.
http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadp...1245864775.jpg

RE: Lipo..
 

Considering the model has a tank of fuel right next to the (used to be) battery you are lucky you did not have a lot more 'fun'! [X(] - John.

RE: Lipo..
 

Lol, that "fuel tank" was acctually under the lipos and used to elevate them to get room to access the wing fastening screws so it never carried any fuel.
It also raised the main inferno above the fuel tank in front of the wing tube.