[G-RIDE]

Questioning Lipo reliabilities and other High Volt issues was asked on the Electric Jet forum so I thought the long answer would be better served here.

The High Volt Lipo question is simply answered: What took so long.
Are they expensive – Yes. Does everybody need one – NO.

“Bang for the buck vs. Do I need It”

My 90mm EDF jet is at its available power limit (6 cell 110amps). The High Volt 6 cell increases thrust while still meeting these limits. That works for me.

I used HV lipos last season and I love the extra kick but there’s more!
Look at the right side of the attached photo and you’ll notice the High volt lipos have more kick and capacity for an equal or smaller size package
(I love new technology).

“Not all chargers and lipo batteries were created equal”

Look at the left side of the attached photo again. Can you tell me which set of the 4 cell/4a batteries are 8 years old with 400+ cycles and which set are 1 & 2 year olds with 50- 100 cycles? I can’t tell either without looking at their service dates written on the side. I have always followed Hyperions recommended use and care procedures for their lipo batteries (Including HV lipo) which applies to any and all manufacturers lipos.

HYPERION RECOMMENDED HANDLING:

Never charge a new lipo to 100% capacity (4.2v/cell) or (HighVolt 4.35v/cell) until after 5 short duration flights (Break-in period – Huh, same as glow).

Recommend: 95% charge capacity (4.17v/cell) TCS for the life time of the pack (400+cycles). You’ll never miss the 5% capacity if your power set-up is right for the airplane. If your charger doesn’t have TCS % - then - Enter “settings menu” and reduce lipo max 4.2v charge to 4.17v manually.

For High Volt lipos - 4.28v/cell = 95% - Use Terminal Voltage Control (TVC) and disregard the warning “Use at your Own Risk” but NEVER exceed 4.35v/cell).

Never store at full charge and always store at the end of the day (3.8 - 3.9).

One last thought; Beware of cheap knock-off’s – You’ll get what you paid for.

Happy Flying//g.

[G-RIDE]

Puffy lipos will eventually fail - Bloated lipos will fail soon.

STOP using % on battery checkers - Look at individual cell voltage to determine; What is the cell state of charge. IE> 4 cell battery says you have 70% charge. Now look at individual cell volts - you should see approx. 3.8 volts on all cells. If you do not see roughly equal voltages on all cells then keep a close eye on the cell with low volts as it will probably fail. When that cell fails it will cause the remaining good cells in the pack to also fail. The % value looks at total value but never gives you an indication of a whole pack that's about to fail.

DO NOT buy cheap liops on the internet - You get what you pay for...

Happy Electric Flying/g.

[ballast]

thanks Mike for the tips and assessment on battery maintenance.
I concur on the process you use to ensure maintaining good battery health. I have a similar Hyperion charger and your write up will help me set up the TCS settings properly which I have never done.

[G-RIDE]

October 2021: With respect to the above - The EF 6s/4400 was in my 70mm Viper jet yesterday (4.20v X 6 cells). The HV 3650 flew the P51 last week (4.20v X 4 cells). The 4000mah have retired after 8 years of service.

Take care of your lipos and they'll take care of you.//g.

[FlyingTye]

Originally Posted by G-RIDE

Puffy lipos will eventually fail - Bloated lipos will fail soon.

STOP using % on battery checkers -

I couldn't agree more with this. People get so hung up on these percentage checkers and they're just not accurate.

[G-RIDE]

Lipo - Inflight Fire!

https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/sho...25#post3886325