wantboost

iTrader: (4)

my buddies 4 cell 5000mah lipo seems to not give that much power, and sometimes inconsistent. cells all check ok??
yet when i try another battery on the same systems seems to be ok?

MarkA

iTrader: (21)

Is it puffed/swollen? Does it get hot when running? And finally, how old is it? Packs simply lose power over time yet if nothing is actually wrong with it, will still balance/charge/etc. ok, but will just be slow.

wantboost

iTrader: (4)

1.5 years old. i would have it stored properly only used it once.
no doesnt get hot and is not puffed or swollen

Dave H

Like Mark mentioned, lipos are affected by age, capacity and performance drops off. But might as well try cycling it a few times, could get some, not all, back. Just don't over discharge of course.

wantboost

iTrader: (4)

Cycling a few times?

brew99

iTrader: (6)

means charge then discharge = cycle

Dave H

Yep, just charge and run, repeat a few times.

wantboost

iTrader: (4)

Discharge by running or by discharging on the charger?
Is there any benefit to balance charge?

HBRob

iTrader: (61)

If you have not been balance charging, this could be part of the problem - more so with a multi cell (2s, 3s, 4s) lipo. You want to do this whenver possible. You could have a cell or two that is very weak and one that is overcharged.

Suggest discharging with your charger, then balance charge, - repeat 2-3 times.

wantboost

iTrader: (4)

I figured if u chose charge with the small white connector attached it would still balance it

I thought discharging was frowned on?

Dave H

Generally that works with most chargers, hook up the balance connector and choose lipo charge provides a balance charge. Which I agree is what you want. There are some variations though, which charger model do you have?

Generally discharging isn't needed, but this isn't generally. Need a reasonably high discharge rate to 'wake' the pack up, why I suggested just running it. Unless you have high rate discharging capability, up around 20 amps or so. Most lipo chargers don't even come close to that.

Be careful not to over discharge, stop short and be safe the first time or two. And check the cell voltages before starting the charge, most chargers will do that if you find the right screen. All cells should be at least 3.7V at rest before charging for best pack life.

wantboost

iTrader: (4)

I have accucell-6

Dave H

I'm not completely familiar with that charger, but I believe it works like most so you should be good.

Oh, one other time to discharge. Best to not store packs at full charge, should be somewhere around half charged. If you end up with a fully charged pack then discharge some. Use the storage setting if your charger has it. Resting voltage per cell in the 3.75 to 3.85V range works well.