Using Lipo batteries

Lithium polymer batteries require extra care and

attention both in use and during charging - when

compared with nicad or nickel metal hydride batteries.

The high ‘energy density’ of a Lithium polymer (Li-po)

rechargeable battery means that it can supply remarkable

power for use in radio control models but can be

dangerous if mistreated.

We recommend you read the following information carefully

before using your Li-po battery.

Before Charging Li-po’s

■ Before charging your battery check for any damage

e.g. check if the battery has expanded or swollen in

size or if the battery cells have been punctured. If any

of the above is true: DO NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY!

■ Always double-check the settings (if feature is

included) on your charger before you start to charge

to ensure you have the correct settings selected.

Using the wrong settings can damage your battery

and in some cases can cause the cells to catch fire!

Charging Li-po’s

■ Only use a charger designed to charge Lithium

polymer batteries. Never use a nicad or other charger

as this is very dangerous.

■ Never attempt to charge at a rate faster than that

recommended in the instructions. Check that the

battery cell count matches the charger cell count

switch (if feature is included).

■ Never charge unattended.

Never leave you battery whilst charging in case of

overheating or fire risk.

■ Charge on a safe surface or in a container (e.g. an

old unused microwave oven). Charge only on nonflammable

surfaces, e.g. concrete floor preferably

outdoors, or in a pyrex cooking dish with the battery

placed on a bed of sand, or in a fireplace.

Never charge a battery placed inside a car!

■ Switch off charger if battery gets too hot. If the

battery becomes hot to the touch during charging,

disconnect and switch off immediately.

Never charge a hot battery. Wait until it cools down.

■ Extinguish fires with sand. If something goes wrong

and your battery catches fire, always have sand from

a fire bucket at hand to douse the flames.

Do NOT use water!

WARNING Do not short circuit!

Battery may explode.

WARNING If you crash!

Carefully inspect the battery for damage and dispose of properly

if damaged. Always observe the battery carefully for at least

20 minutes after a crash. The pack may look fine but a perforation

or damaged wire means the pack must be disposed of.

Using Li-po’s

■ It is recommended that you use a Voltmeter to monitor

the condition of the cells. If you are unsure about

this, seek professional advice from your model shop

or flying club.

■ Never discharge Lithium polymer batteries to below

3 volts per cell and never charge at greater than 4.2

volts per cell. This is very important as damage will

occur if you discharge below 3V or charge above 4.2V

and the battery may not recover.

If the voltage does drop below 3V per cell and you

can get your battery to take a charge it may not give

its full capacity and deterioration in performance will

occur. This will invalidate all warranty claims.

■ Use the correct ESC (electronic speed controller)

with your Lithium polymer battery pack. This will help

prevent your battery from dropping below 3 volts per

cell and causing irreparable damage.

■ Do not modify/change any part of the battery or lead.

Do not remove its heat shrink protective covering.

Removal or modification may damage the battery and

will invalidate any warranty claim.

■ Do not place this battery near fires or anything with

high temperatures.

■ Do not charge batteries while you are driving and do

not store batteries in any type of motor vehicle.

■ Do not let the battery get wet or become submerged

in any type of liquid.

■ Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag as

they could short-circuit against other items.

■ If you do need to dispose of your Lithium polymer type

battery, discharge it fully first. You can do this by the

use of a light bulb, electric motor or suitable resistor.

■ Keep battery packs away from children!

■ If you should get electrolyte from the cells on your

skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If in your

eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical

assistance.

■ Only use the recommended charger for Lithium

polymer batteries. If you use the wrong charger this

will damage the cells and the cells may catch fire!