When to replace Lipo's??
 

When I got my T-Rex I bought 2 Apex 2100Mah batteries. Have about 20 or so flights on them. One pack is still flat on top and bottom, but the other looks a little bit swelled to me. It is still flat on one side, but the top of the pack looks like it has balooned up by just a bit to where it is slightly curved.

It does not seem to be getting any worse (it may have been like that from the start) The pack is not any hotter than the other when spent, nor does it get hot when charging. Should I stop using this pack and buy another? Or just keep using and monitor it closely for any additional swelling?

Thanks,
Pete

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

I have a pak that is slightly swelled. Happened during a crash. I left it sit outside on concrete for 24hrs to make sure it wasn't self destructing.

I carefully charged it and it has performed flawlessly ever since.

If it hasn't selfdestructed yet..you're probably ok.

As long as your comfortable fly it..if not dispose of properly.

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

It seems to have swelled just a little bit on one side of the pack. Most likely a result of my less than spectacular auto landing after ESC kicked in batt protect mode.

It charged fine last cycle, and I will charge it again and keep an eye on it for any change.

Is this a good deal? http://grandrc.com/inc/sdetail/38956

Pete

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

I haven't used Align batteries before so I can't really comment.

However, you might try this link. http://www.techmodelproducts.com/bat_charge.php

They are great sellers and have helped me plenty of times. There are several batteries to choose from depending on your needs and sometimes they give you a price break. Plus fast shipping.

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

Ok so I have flown another 2-3 times on the pack that is suspect. Today when finished flying the pack felt squishy. Pretty sure it has to go, I don't feel safe using it anymore. It has some knicks on one end where my canopy screw used to be (until I saw it scratching the packs and removed) I can see the foil, and looks like it may have a pinhole in the foil, which may be why that one cell is swelling.

So I wanted to order 2 new packs, so I have 3 to fly with, toss the old one. Techmodelproducts is sold out of the DN power 2 packs, grandrc has either the DN or the Align batteris in 2 packs, for 89.00

Which batteries are the best?

Thanks,
Pete

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

I can't speak to the Align packs, but the DN (get 20C) packs are pretty nice, I've flown about 5 times on each. I'm not into much heavy aerobatics - just hovering and forward flight, some inverted) however I honestly can't tell a difference between the DN 2 pack special and the $80 Thunder Power eXtreme battery.

RE: When to replace Lipo's??
 

Great, now how do i dispose of my old Lipo?? Some sites say cut the wires, tape them up and toss it, others say wrap the battery, and another says soak it in salt water for 2 weeks.

Pete