Exploding LiPo and aircraft fire - scared my son.

[Russ2706]

Thanks so much all for this advice - this was my first go at high-power E-flight and I have learnt so much in the last few days. I will build the new plane with uprated propulsion system but treat the new 4,500mAh LiPo with the utmost respect.

 

[Littlemotor]

The charger is only part of the procedure/program.

Never allow your pack to be operated/DIScharged below the 3.2V per cell value.

Never assume that your on/off switch in your model is sufficient. If you’re not running/flying; disconnect the pack from your electronics.

Always bring your pack up to storage charge 3.8-3.85V per cell when not in use.

 

[Russ2706]

On the other point, young kids these days believe what they're told, and there is nothing in the box to say their new model might explode and catch fire. Back in my day, my dad explained that nitro-methanol fuel was highly reactive and I treated it with respect and never had an issue ....now though, kids just believe everything they see on their phones .......

 

[WickedFog]

The charger detected 4S/14.8V and suggested 1.0A and I just clicked yes. I assumed that was all I need to do, but am wising up now to there is a lot more to LiPo management than I'm used to ref NiCad

Sorry, I missed this. That B6 charger wasn't suggesting 1A. That is just the default value in that setting. And by the way, that is a really old charger. They were always pretty decent as far as the really cheap chargers went though. I still have 2 of them. But compared to today's chargers, they are super duper crap

The charge rate is something you have to set manually every time you charge a battery. So do that based on a 1C charge rate. That 1A that you were charging at is going to charge your batteries very, very slow. So always do 1C, If you're in a hurry... double that for a 2C charge rate. I dont do 2C very often. But I am never worried when I do.

But keep watching that silly Joshua dude. The more your brain absorbs from his videos, the more comfortable you'll get with all this nonsense. This is one of his best vids because he explains balance charging. Really good stuff to understand. And he does a great job of explaining this stuff.

This is why everyone needs to watch it. This guy learned something that day

 

[MrBeanCar]

May not have been the chargers fault. If it was a failure of the ESC, that would not be a charger problem.

 

[Dan B.]

First rule: NEVER charge a LiPo that’s still in the rig/plane, etc. Always remove them and charge them on a fireproof surface with no combustible material around them. LiPo fires are still fairly rare, but it absolutely happens.

 

[Rafatus]

This is why I keep all my lipos in ammo boxes. A lot cheaper than a new house.

I heard that if you get that cheap clone B6AC they can overcharge the batteries.

 

[22SSragtop]

New battery on order for replacement model has interesting advice - check items (5) and (7) on their sales advice attached.......View attachment 244755

All of my batteries and my charger lists #7

 

[Russ2706]

Thanks for the sympathy! I have now learned about 'balanced charging' with LiPo Multi battery packs (like my4S). I was charging it as per a single 14.8V unit rather than 4 individual cells in series.

However, my so-called 'intelligent charger' (IMAX B6AC) reports a 'connection fault' when I try to used the 4-way balance charge option on the replacement battery pack. I checked the pins on the battery 4S plug and can measure 14.8v across it, and approx 3.7v pin to pin, so it seems to me the battery pack is fine, but the charger is not very intelligent. Can anyone recommend a decent, reliable and affordable balance charger for 14.8V 4S, 4500mAh packs? Thanks,

 

[22SSragtop]

Thanks for the sympathy! I have now learned about 'balanced charging' with LiPo Multi battery packs (like my4S). I was charging it as per a single 14.8V unit rather than 4 individual cells in series.

However, my so-called 'intelligent charger' (IMAX B6AC) reports a 'connection fault' when I try to used the 4-way balance charge option on the replacement battery pack. I checked the pins on the battery 4S plug and can measure 14.8v across it, and approx 3.7v pin to pin, so it seems to me the battery pack is fine, but the charger is not very intelligent. Can anyone recommend a decent, reliable and affordable balance charger for 14.8V 4S, 4500mAh packs? Thanks,

Gens.ace.d300 charger... love it only 1 I recommend

 

[Russ2706]

p.s some folk have recommended the HOTA D6, but I can't find genuine ones in the UK new, and used ones are up to £100. I see new ones from China for a lot less but they don't look the same and I've already fallen into that trap before.

 

[22SSragtop]

A really hot d6 is supposed to be awesome. My 1st charger was a gens.ace 100watt ac only. When I looked into getting a ac/dc charger the d300 had good reviews so I bought one an it has been great.

 

[Dominator]

First off i would like to say, I am happy nobody was hurt and second that it didn't happen in your home. Yes its good to use a lipo bag. Personally i don't use lipo. I have been an active pilot for 34 years and have seen a few incidents. For me i use NMHs they store well, hold a good charge and are relatively safe. I get lots of power out of the 6 volt batteries for my higher torque servos, that i use in my giant aircraft. And it saves removing and replacing them in the plane when charging or discharging.