Lithium Polymer cells. Whats the big deal?

[Old man]

What does this post has to do with our Hoby

[Whitegrass]

Becuase batteries power half of the helicopters.

As an airsoft/helicopter enthusiast, both of which use batteries to power a large portion of the replica's, I have been hearing a lot of things about Li-poly batteries. One main advantage is the light weight, and relatively high capacity for their size. (My Li-po has 800 mAh and is half the size of my 600 mah Ni-Hm) However, Li-poly's are extremely unstable compared to alkaline, etc. batteries. Overcharging or shaking them WILL cause a fire or explosion. Or both. Not to mention, Li-poly's can only be discharged in an approved device.

I use Li-po's in my Heli's, and Nihm's in my Airsoft Replica's. And I belive that all E-Flites come with a Li-poly.

[turco]

Has anyone used the new Apogee Magnum li-poly.

In april 07's Model Airplane News it claims No fire apon overcharge / No fire apon cell puncture. It seems to be the safest li poly on the market.

http://www.pfmdistribution.com/

The price is good cheaper than the ThunderPower

http://pfmdistribution.com/secure/sh...y.asp?catid=52

if anyone has tried these batteries please let us know how you like them?

[ay2007]

Just make sure the charger works properly. Otherwise, it could be bad. Google Video "lipo explosion" has some examples...

Originally Posted by Patrick

Hi Guys

Im quite new to the hobby (in fact i get my T-Rex tomorrow! YAY! )I was thinking of using Lipo batteries but after reading some warnings about "never charging them indoors or using them after a crash... so on and so on..." I am starting to second guess myself on the choice of batteries. Are these legitimate warnings that i have read or is that just what they print on the back of the batteries to remove any liability that may occur? if nothing else i am most concerned about not being able to charge them in my bedroom as that is where i will be keeping them and my living situations wont allow for much else with any ease. if you want to read the full list of warnings that i saw you can go to:
http://www.rchover.com/company_policy

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated

Thanks
-Patrick-

[vlam67]

I never have any problems so far with Walkera balance charger and GMB 2000mAh LiPos. The batteries only get warm after a full charge-to-run-down time of 15 - 20 minutes, and after waiting may be 5-10 minutes just to be safe, plugged in the charger. When the charger's LED stops flashing in 45 minutes to 1 hour more or less, charging was done, no drama at all. I always put the charging battery inside a steel coffee tin with a brick underneath, just in case it goes into meltdown!

Vinnie

[JukeBoxGuy]

My new E-Flite CP+ came with a LiPo battery. The manual has 3 pages of warnings and instructions. Charge only with the included charger. Charge away from flammable material. Don't charge un-attended. Don't charge in the heli. Don't allow the battery to discharge below 3V. In the event of a crash, remove the battery, place it far away and observe it for 15 minutes. It's downright scary! I almost went back to the hobby shop to see if they had a NiMH setup!

I notice though that toy helicopters like the Havoc Heli use LiPo. So can they really be that dangerous?

[3dee]

hi all the things you said are possible but unlikly. the manufactors have to put them on the instructions to cover them selves. if you balance them when charging and and give them abit of respect when conecting to regulator or receiver you will not have a problem. I have a raptor 90 with a full lipo set up in and a ic plane with the regulator and 7.2v lipo. I have even got a lipo in my tx. 11.1v lasts for days on one charge, even when i am instucting all day on saturday sometimes for eight hours none stop

[cedric]

heh heh, i forget what type of batteries i use on my stick, but im not going to be charging them in the house anymore, muchless while in my room while sleeping!