Lithium Polymer cells. Whats the big deal?

[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-

[motions]

LiPo batteries are not as fragile as they used to be. Yes, you can have problems with them exploding and/or catching fire but these are extreme circumstances. If you charge them correctly and follow the guidelines, you won't have a problem.

If you do crash, take the battery out and let it sit outside for 20-30 minutes. If it doesn't catch fire, inspect it carefully before using again. The reason for this is when the chemicals in the battery are exposed to air, they ignite. So a crash could puncture a small hole in the battery which will ignite the battery.

Never charge over 1C. It's usually best to charge at a lower rating to help extend the life of the battery.

[Nidrah]

Good info here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209187

Also within this forum.
Goto my site (see sig) goto links. TOP are battery links. Read them.
Educate yourself before you buy them and understand that not all manufacturers use the same quality. I use one that has been in a crash, it's deformed a bit, but it's ok cause I know what the battery will do or not do if it was damaged. I also charge my batteries outside or within a concrete block box that I made (hardscape pavers). Just in case. I've never had a problem. But I also do the best I can to follow the safety guildlines with ALL my batteries. They all have thier dangers. Get to know them and keep you and your family safe.

[Old man]

A good link also about bat http://www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm

[ANDY K]

..EXTREME END OF LI PO TROUBLE THIS ONE..
YOU JUST GOT TO FEEL FOR THE GUY ...
CANT GET THE PIC ANY BIGGER..BUT YOU GET THE IDEA.....

[hawkman]

I think that Li Po technology is the future...or part of it. Electric power is something I am only just starting to understand......I want to get into electric helis and I am deeply interested in Li Po stuff.

Question is, is Nimh slightly below in terms of performance compared to Li Po?
I realise that weight is an important factor.....given quite a few grams of nitro fuel...I can get 18 minutes or so out of my 30 size Hawk.
A couple of minutes or shutting down and refueling and I am flying again.....I realise that batterys can be recharged etc...but isnt Li Po expensive?...I would surely need several packs in order to get some decent flying sessions.

What sort of lifespan could I expect from a typical Li Po set?

Rob

[Patrick]

Thanks for the informitive sites everyone. Thats exactly what i was looking for plus some. I may need to read it a few times though to get it all... there sure is a lot more to electric than i thought Thats ok though. It actually makes me glad. I enjoy the challenge

-Patrick-

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

HI Rob/ Hawkman,

I have done it fella I have taken the plunge to my first lipo powered heli. I am just the same as yourself. I too like to be able to land refuel and get going again. I have to point out though that the flight times of most heli's today is comparable and with a good charger you can be up and flying again as soon as 1 hour safley. however the most convincing factor to me was thinking out the cost of fuel V Batteries and flights. I can get with my 4S charger 500 charges out of my battery. for the same amount of fuel to give me 500 flights it is far far more costly than the cost of my lipo's.
The difference is with lipo you pay before you fly and then hope to god you dont crash. I like yourself have been in heli's now for a long time and having watched the electrics develope I finaly took the plunge. I am still smiling and I still enjoy my nitro fix. I would recommend it and have done so.

The T rex is a great machine. 450 or 600 IN fact the 600 is awsume.

hope this helps mate.