New to LiPos and want to check something...

[skinnyj]

I am getting a 2S LiPo tomorrow and I want to check something before I attempt to charge it.

I have a Bantam E-Station BC6-DC - DC charger. The instructions are a little vague on balance charging. The manual and the website both state that it has an internal balance circuit. From the website:

"Like the BC6, the BC6-DC has an individual-cell-voltage balancer built in, so you won't need an external balancer when charging Lithium batteries (Li-Ion/LiPo/LiFe)."

However, it came with what I believe is a balancing board:

What gives?

Also, I want to put a charge in the battery so I can test servo and ESC setup, but I won't have time to really put a ton of use on the battery. From what I read, it is a no-no to to put a storage charge on a relatively full battery? How should I approach this?

Sorry for the noob questions, but I understand that LiPos need more attentive handling than NiCds ever did.

 

[mikemcE]

Balance board plugs into port on battery , balance board let’s the charger see all cells. Plug it and go .


Hang up and Drive

 

[skinnyj]

Balance board plugs into port on battery , balance board let’s the charger see all cells. Plug it and go .


Hang up and Drive

Thanks for the quick reply!

I'm just trying to figure out if it is needed when the manufacturer says the charger does it internally.

 

[Ninomaniac]

The charger needs to know and control individual cell voltages, and it can't do that using only the 2 main wires.

Nowadays it's a given for lipo chargers, but I guess it used to be that you had to charge your packs on your "big" charger then balance them on a separate thingy.

Testing on the bench won't use much juice so I wouldn't expect the voltage to drop significantly. What V are they at now?

It's best to keep them at storage voltage (3.8 ish per cell), charge before using and top up to storage voltage after use. I keep mine above 3.5V at all times, not hard to do in a crawler. Overdischarging cells will kill them fast.

 

[mewalsh100]

Yep - you definitely need that plugged in to the charger and then your pack plugged in to it. As Ninomaniac stated, it's a VERY good idea to store LiPos at around 30% charge as a rule of thumb. Also, make sure you charge and store them in a LiPo bag or equivalent. When not in use, I store my LiPos in old, surplus Ammo cans. Air tight and metal, so if one goes "off", it's totally contained. There have been many avoidable house/garage fires started with improper storage of LiPos.

This is also a very good idea and tool to have on hand. You can quickly check cell voltage and battery %.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/lipo-voltage-checker-and-balancer-hrc44173

 

[OldNASCARCrawler]

For Peace of Mind, Get a House SIzed Fire extinguished.

We keep it in the area of the charger when we are recharging LiPos

Good Luck

YRMV

 

[mikemcE]

For Peace of Mind, Get a House SIzed Fire extinguished.

We keep it in the area of the charger when we are recharging LiPos

Good Luck

YRMV

LIPOs don't explode or burst into flame without a lot of current, or a bad puffed pack.
Cannot factually recall any non charging fires started by them. I do love my ammo cans, work great for charging and storage.
As far as extinguishers go, I have them in the house and shop.

Respect LIPOS and they are quite safe.

 

[skinnyj]

Thanks for the replies...

I was pretty sure I had to use the board, as that is what I had been reading before I even bought a charger. The problem is, much like the Hobbywing 1080 ESC, the translated instructions leave a lot to be desired. Some stuff is not that clear.

I'm getting my battery today. I need to swap connectors and set up my radio/ESC. That will kill this evening. Then we have two days of rain coming , so I probably won't get outside until Thursday and really get any meaningful wheel time until Saturday. So, I'm just trying to figure out how I should approach this without damaging my battery.