Show871

iTrader: (6)

What lipo routine results in the best possible performance from your lipo batteries?

SteveM

iTrader: (165)

I am not sure my lipo packs end up with the 'best' performance during race days but here is what I do. I charge my packs at the 1C rate using a Thunder Power TP610c balance charger and I always balance change. My 5000mAh lipos are charged at 5 amps, 2400 lipos at 2.4 amps, etc.

If there is enough time between qualifiers I like to charge at lower amp settings of 1 amp or lower just to ensure both cells are at their highest voltage. I normally see 4.200 or slightly better per cell when charging at the 1 amp (or lower) setting.

elex300

iTrader: (110)

I just charge them on race day at 1c before the races start. I usually balance mine to 3.89 give or take after I race.

locked

iTrader: (1)

I found that charging at 10A or higher with an end voltage of 8.44 (4.22V/cell) gives a fair bit more rip than when I was charging my batteries before at 5A with an end voltage around 8.39.

My friends have chargers that will charge to around 8.44V, but they can't charge higher than 7A. When I charged their batteries at 12A (2C), they noticed the extra oomph.

I didn't expect it would make any difference, but it does.

Rocky8333

iTrader: (30)

I run mod and don't worry about it.

Seriously though, 10A charge, make sure they are balanced, and go.

AreCee

iTrader: (1)

I just make sure they're charged and go race.

Starteur

iTrader: (1)

I use a TP610C, I charge with the balancer on first charge of the dayn to practice and after that I use the Competition Car Mode and always get a charge at 8.44 volts. This is the CCM function on the charger.

Show871

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the heads up guys. The reason I asked is because I ran a few packs that had been charged for 5 days. I noticed them slower than a fresh raceday charge.

frozenpod

iTrader: (1)

Charging at higher current makes no direct difference to there performance.

You can charge the packs the day before and there will also be no difference in performance.

But lipos do not like the cold and charging at higher current can increase the packs temperature giving better performance, the exact same results can be achieved by charging at a lower current and warming the pack.

On my 30A discharger I always get better numbers when the packs are warmed by either leaving them in the sun for 15-20 minutes and they always perform better on there 2nd and even better on there 3rd cycle for the day.

There was lipo warmers available not sure if they still are but I haven't seen anyone using them in years. I know of people using lipos in very cold climates snow ect when using helis that have had to warm placed them in front of the heater them to stop hitting the voltage cut off on full charged packs.

So to sum up for best performance charge the way you are now and make sure the lipos are not cold.

1101

good to see some sanity

My best tip is not to forget batt tape or connectors.
And buy a metal toolbox to store them in for safety.

I have heard that you can safely leave them fully charged (within reason) if you put them in the fridge.

DesertRat

iTrader: (2)

The whole "maximizing the battery performance" argument went out with the NiMH pack. As long as your LiPo's have like ten charges on them before hand running more cycles through them wont do a thing, so just charge them up and go. You should think about spending the time you might take to do some weirdness to them on car tuning, practicing, or psyching out the opposition.