2
Charging LiPo Batteries
WARNING!! Charging LiPo batteries poses a risk of
FIRE!
NEVER treat LiPo batteries in the same manner
as other battery types. Misuse and overcharge can
quickly result in LiPo cells swelling and/or getting hot which could
lead to VIOLENT EXPLOSION, FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE! NEVER leave lithium batteries unattended
while being charged! It’s strongly recommended to have a Class
“D” fi re extinguisher nearby when charging a LiPo battery. Do
NOT use water or fi re extinguishers other than a “class D” to put
out a burning LiPo battery. Failure to follow all care and handling
instructions properly could result in quick, severe, permanent
damage to the batteries and all surroundings!! ALWAYS make
sure batteries are physically and electrically undamaged before
charge or discharge.
1. IMPORTANT! Choose an isolated, fi reproof area to charge
the battery. NEVER place the charger or battery on or near
flammable or combustible objects during the charge
process. Keep away from carpets, wood, paper, plastic,
cluttered workbenches, etc. Do NOT charge batteries in
the model, nor inside an automobile. Placing batteries
inside an army surplus ammunition can, ceramic fl ower
pot, or on a large concrete surface is recommended.
2. Use a LiPo compatible
charger that includes
balancing capabilities,
or use a LiPo compatible
charger in conjunction
with a separate LiPo
balancer. NEVER use a
NiCd or NiMH charger on
LiPo batteries!
3. Set the charger’s output voltage to EXACTLY match the nominal
rated voltage shown on the battery label.
4. Depending on the charger, set the charger’s charge current or
pack capacity to the appropriate level:
a. Some chargers require the setting of the actual charge
current
. It’s recommended to charge Onyx LiPos at the 1C
level as shown below.
WARNING: Make sure to heed all
warnings listed in these instructions if charging at
currents greater than 1C.
b. Instead of entering the
actual charge current
value, some chargers
require entering the
rated capacity of the
battery pack to be
charged into the
charger’s programming,
whereby the charger will then automatically set the charge
current value.
WARNING!!
NEVER enter a capacity or voltage value
into the charger that is higher than the value specifi ed
for the battery! Failure to follow this warning can cause
permanent damage to the battery, charger, and the surroundings
as a result of FIRE, and cause personal injury!!!
5. If possible, as another extra safety measure, use a charger that
also includes a temperature monitoring function that can stop
charge if the battery exceeds a specifi ed temperature. Set the
charger’s maximum temperature to 115°F (46°C).
6. Connect the battery’s main lead and balancing lead to the
charger as described in the charger’s instructions. ALWAYS
connect a charge adapter lead to the charger BEFORE
connecting the battery to the charger.
2S−4S Hardwired LiPo Packs
Power wires
Star Plug
Balance Lead
™
2S-4S Hardwired LiPo Packs:
For charging 2S-4S hardwired
LiPo batteries, the balance lead will need to be connected to
the proper balance adapter and the power wires will need to
be connected to the charger. It is imperative that the proper
balance adapter is chosen for charging.
7.
NEVER
leave the room where the battery is until charge has
fi nished.
IMPORTANT:
NEVER allow a battery’s positive and
negative leads to accidentally touch each other as a
short-circuit condition will result and permanently
damage the battery and/or charger. Disconnect the battery and
remove input power from the charger immediately if the battery
begins to swell or becomes hot!! Be sure to wear protective gloves
when moving the battery in case it has become hot.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR CHARGING LIPO BATTERIES:
■
NEVER allow a LiPo cell to exceed 4.20V maximum at
any time.
■
NEVER allow LiPo cells to exceed 140°F (60°C) during
charge, as they can and USUALLY WILL become
damaged and possibly catch FIRE!!
■
NEVER allow a LiPo to continue charging if the battery
begins to swell or smoke begins to emit from the pack,
as this is an indication the pack is damaged and a
catastrophic failure could occur soon. Disconnect the
battery and leave it in a safe, fi reproof location for
approximately 1 hour.
■
NEVER allow a LiPo to continue with the charge process
if the charger fails to recognize full charge. Disconnect
the battery immediately, as pack failure could result.
■
NEVER attempt to charge a battery that has previously
overheated, discharged below 2.50V, or which has been
damaged in any other way. Dispose of the battery.
■
LiPo cells should be charged about once per year at a
minimum to prevent over-discharge.
■
LiPo batteries should be stored with about 30%-50%
of capacity.
■
ALWAYS keep out of reach of children.
Battery
Nominal
Voltage
*Maximum
Charge
Voltage
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
7.4 V
11.1 V
14.8 V
18.5 V
22.2 V
8.4 V
12.6 V
16.8 V
21.0 V
25.2 V
* Recommended, based on 4.2 V per cell
Rated
Capacity
1C
Charge Current
4200 mAh
5000 mAh
5600 mAh
5800 mAh
4.2 amps
5.0 amps
5.6 amps
5.8 amps
