I have litium batteries - now what?

[Terry Caron]

I've recently been bitten by the ignition engine bug and bought Lipos in the interest of weight-saving.
They came with no information whatsoever and I know there are real safety concerns when it comes to charging them.
The ones I bought are 3.7v 1100mah, meant for use in a particular multi-rotor (Syma X5SC X5SW S39D) and have a minimalist, nonadjustable charger with a UBS connector for power but no input/output specs.
On the assumption I shouldn't plug into my computer, what are "Safe Practices" for charging?

Terry

[mike londke]

Terry I have "smart" LiPo balance charger that you, can use. I bought it when Larry drug me into electric R/C. It's pretty stupid proof. Even I figured out how to use it. Just come get it.  Mike

[Terry Caron]

Great and thanks, Mike!

Makes it simple.

Terry

[John Rist]

Just remember that LiPo batteries should not be discharged below 80% full charge.   Most speed controllers used in Eflight have a built in cutoff at a safe level.  When used as a battery in a ignition system it will up to you not to over use it.  However I suspect that the current draw in you application will be very low.  Battery run time should be very long.   good luck - it should work well     

[Terry Caron]

Thanks, John.
I can do manual checks on the voltage with the VOM.

Terry

[Dennis Toth]

I think John meant that the Lipo should only be discharged 80% leaving 20% still in the battery. The most important piece of equipment for electric power is the charger. You can get almost any brand of Lipo but you need a charger designed for Lipo packs. I like any of the charges from Thunder Power.

Best,     DennisT

[Terry Caron]

Correction noted, Dennis, thanks.
I picked up the smart charger from Mike today, so I'm good to go - if I'm smart enough to figure out the operating procedure. 

Terry

[John Rist]

I think John meant that the Lipo should only be discharged 80% leaving 20% still in the battery. The most important piece of equipment for electric power is the charger. You can get almost any brand of Lipo but you need a charger designed for Lipo packs. I like any of the charges from Thunder Power.

Best,     DennisT

Well said!  I was never known for my English skills.       

[john e. holliday]

Good article in Model Aviation on lipo's.   But, RC column that most don't look at.