Lipo Batteries
Check out Greg Gimlicks article in Model Aviation (July 2015) on Lipo battery packs, very helpful
The Lipo Batteries that we fly with are great in terms of the power they have and how much they weigh. If the batteries are not handled correctly the result can be nasty fire
Be Gentle with the balance wires, the wire can break as shown below
My charger has a setting called “Storage”, this takes the battery down to the correct voltage when you are not using them
Be careful when it comes handling the Lipo batteries
Do not short the battery when fully charged
Do not store the batteries fully charged
Follow manufacturers instructions for charging and discharging rates
Store the batteries in a fire proof case with a latch
Never use a pack that has visible damage, dents or cracks
Charge the batteries in a fire proof safe or something similar
Do not charge the batteries with your hood open. While it is possible to use your car battery to power the charger if there is a problem with the battery the fire will consume the battery, charger and your car
If the battery is puffed up, stop using it and follow the instruction so that you get rid of it safely
Look at this website for more details about Lipo batteries
Click here for more details on Lipo Batteries
If you have to dispose of a battery following these instructions
Click here on how to dispose of Lipo Batteries
This is how I store and charge Lipo batteries
These are 3S batteries, the 1100 Mah is on top and the 3000 Mah on the bottom of the photo
All of my batteries are stored in this case with the latch shut when they are not being used. I take this case or another smaller case to the flying field.
Foam liner this case allows for quick access to the batteries at the field or at home
These are 2S batteries, the smaller 800 Mah is used with a RC park flyer while the 5000 Mah is used on my larger CL scale models
You can tell the voltage of the battery by the number of wires, this is 3S battery with one ground and three colored wires
batteries are charged in this fire proof safe, notice the slot for the wire so that the lid can be shut and locked
This can be repaired, but I am not going to attempt it. There is a circuit board below the plastic cover and the wire needs to be re-sodlered to the board
Lafayette Esquadrille Control Line Club 