new to lipo ?
 

Hey guys, I am making the switch from nimh to LiPo. With my old cells I would always peak them before a race. Can and do you usually do the same with lipos?

Peaking a LiPo isn't needed. LiPo's act entirely different than NiMH and NiCD when they reach a full charge and thus the determination for the charger of a "full" battery is entirely different. LiPo's won't resist overcharging whereas NiMH and NiCD will, which is the whole purpose of "peak-detection" with NiMH/NiCD chargers.

Depending on how long it's been since the battery was charged I sometimes find myself "topping it off" before I run a LiPo. But peaking in the same way you would a NiMH or NiCD isn't recommended. Feel free to stick a LiPo battery back on the charger if it's been a few days/weeks since you've charged it. It certainly won't hurt it. But don't be suprised when the charger finishes in less than a minute saying the battery is full. A LiPo charger will only charge to 4.2V per cell and once that voltage is obtained, it will stop. It won't "peak" beyond that like it would for a NiMH or NiCD.

Also, peaking for the purpose of enhancing the battery's performance isn't applicable with LiPo's. LiPo's will provide a steady stream of power regardless of being topped off or not.

Lipo cell has a max voltage of 4.2v/cell. You can check cell voltage thru balance tap so you'll know what it is. Mine come off charger at 4.185v. They will stay at that voltage level for about 10days, then slowly lose voltage.

You def do not peak a lipo - asking for a damaged lipo batt that way. charge only using a lipo protocol - CC/CV. If you charge it before race and its been charged previously and not run, it will revert almost immediately to the constant voltage part of charge routine which usually takes a while to complete.

Less expensive lipos may lose voltage faster, I don't know. If you have a decent DVM, you can see exactly what your cell voltage is and know what you could gain by charging again. I think you'd have more to gain by looking into lipo heater or warmer - that seems to have more potential for performance gains than toppoing off for 10-15mv.