Problems Charging Li-Po Batteries

If you have a lithium battery you may find the battery will not charge using the lithium charger. Lithium batteries are quite sensitive and if this happens it means the battery has disscharged to much.

If this happens you can post the battery back to us and we will charge it up for you using a direct charger and then in the future you just need to make sure that you don't let the battery get to flat.

It is possible for you to direct charge the battery yourself to correct the problem but THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS and we advise you not to do it unless you know what you are doing. We will not be responsible for any damage or injury caused by direct charging a lithium battery. If done wrong it could cause the battery to explode. If you do decide to direct charge it yourself you should only give it a 5 minute direct charge using a normal direct charger (like used to charge normal heli batteries etc) and then use the lithium charger to fully charge the battery. WARNING - do not direct charge a lithium battery for more than 5 minutes which could be dangerous and cause the battery to explode.

You can stop this happening again in the future by stopping using the helicopter as soon as the battery is at a level where it does not have enough power to lift the heli off the ground.

 

Charging The Battery

• NEVER LEAVE A LIPO BATTERY UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME WHILE BEING CHARGED!

• NEVER charge a LiPo battery while it’s inside the model. A hot pack could ignite wood, foam, plastic, etc.

• NEVER charge LiPo batteries with a NiCd or NiMH peak charger!  ONLY use a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries which can apply the “constant current/constant voltage” charge technique (cc/cv).

 

ALWAYS discharge in a fi reproof location. 
Monitor the process, and have a lithium 
approved “class D” fi re extinguisher available 
at all times.

ALWAYS discharge in a fireproof location. Monitor the process, and have a lithium approved fire extinguisher available at all times

 

WARNING! Never allow a battery’s positive and negative leads to accidentally touch each other. This will result in a short circuit and cause permanent damage to the battery and/or charger.

 

 

 

Swollen Li-Po Batteries

Over Discharging then recharging is the number one problem that causes puffiness

 
VERY IMPORTANT: If  your Li Po becomes swollen you must not use it, we strongly advise you to dispose of it and just purchase a new one

Batteries Involved In A Crash

LiPo batteries involved in a crash can be dangerous. Even if no physical damage is visible, a delayed chemical reaction could cause the battery to ignite even after having been removed from the crash for some time. After a crash, place the battery in a fi reproof location

IF SAFE TO DO SO, and observe for at least 30 minutes. Carefully inspect it for cracks, splits, punctures, etc. Do not continue to use damaged batteries. Refer to the DISPOSAL OF LIPO BATTERIES section at the end of this manual.

 Storage & Transportation

• For long term storage, it’s recommended to charge the cells fully, then discharge them to a 50-60% of their rated capacity.

• Store battery at room temperature in a cool or shaded area, ideally between 40-80ºF. Temperatures exceeding 170ºF for greater than 1 hour may cause damage to the battery and cause a  fire.

• Do not expose battery packs to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, or place in a direct contact with any liquids. If batteries come in contact with water, immediately dry the battery with a clean towel.

• When transporting LiPo batteries, store them in a fireproof container. NEVER leave batteries lying loosely anywhere in the car (in the trunk, backseat, fl oor, etc.).

• ALWAYS make sure all plugs / connectors on the LiPo battery are covered, to prevent an accidental short. Small sections of fuel tubing make good insulators.

• NEVER leave LiPo batteries in the car indefinitely as temperatures inside the vehicle can easily rise far in excess of 120ºF which could damage the battery

 

Safety Precautions

• NEVER allow LiPo batteries to be charged or discharged on or near combustible materials,including paper, plastic, carpets, vinyl, leather, wood, inside an R/C model or full-sized automobile.

• NEVER put packs in the pocket of any clothing.

• NEVER allow LiPo cells to come in contact with moisture or water.

• NEVER store batteries near an open flame or heater.

• NEVER assemble LiPo cells or pre-assembled packs together with other LiPo cells/packs. Only a qualified battery assembly company should assemble or modify LiPo batteries.

• NEVER allow LiPo cells to become punctured, especially by metallic objects such as screwdrivers, T-pins, or hobby knives.

• ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation around LiPo batteries during charge, discharge, and during storage. If a battery becomes overheated IMMEDIATELY place it in a fi reproof location until it cools.

• ALWAYS store LiPo cells/packs in a secure location away from children.

• ALWAYS make sure that metallic objects, such as wristwatches, bracelets, or rings are removed from your hands when handling LiPo packs. Accidentally touching battery terminals to any such objects could create a short-circuit condition and possibly cause severe personal injury.

Caution

CAUTION! Cells may be hot! DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get in the eyes or on skin. Wash affected areas with soap and water immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte. If electrolyte makes contact with the eyes flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If a battery leaks electrolyte or gas vapours, do not inhale leaked material. Leave the area and allow the batteries to cool and the vapours to dissipate. Remove spilled liquid with absorbent and dispose

 

Disposing of Li-Po Batteries

Lithium-polymer batteries are environmentally friendly. For safety reasons LiPo cells should  be fully discharged before disposal (however, if physically damaged it is NOT recommended to  discharge LiPo cells before disposal - see below for details). The batteries must also be cool before proceeding with disposal instructions.

To dispose of LiPo cells and packs:

1. Place the LiPo battery in a fi reproof container or bucket of sand.

2. If any LiPo cell in the pack has been physically damaged, resulting in a swollen cell or a split or tear in a cell’s foil covering, do NOT discharge the battery. Jump to step 5.

3. Connect the battery to a LiPo discharger. Set the discharge cut off voltage to the lowest possible value, and the current as low as 20mA if possible. It’s also possible to discharge the battery by connecting it to an ESC/motor system and allowing the motor to run indefinitely until no power remains to further cause the system to function.

4. Discharge the battery until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or lower.

5. Disconnect the battery, and submerse it into bucket or tub of salt water. This container should have a lid, but it does not need to be air-tight. Prepare a bucket or tub containing 3 to 5 gallons of cold water, and mix in 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. Drop the battery into the salt water. Allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least 2 weeks.

6. Remove the LiPo battery from the salt water and place it in the normal trash.

 

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