URGENT - 4s Minimum Voltage
 

Hey all,

What is the minimum discharged voltage for a 4s pack? Right now my total battery voltage is 9V (which turns out to be 2.3V per cell). I realise most manufacturers say that 3V is the minimum. However, will anything VERY bad happen if I try charging at this low voltage (ie will the pack puff up and catch fire?)

Thanks,
Ronan

Have you checked individual cell voltages? My guess is that one of the cells is dead and the others are around 3v. Either way, the pack is toast.

So there is absolutely no way to salvage this? The pack is only used for a starter box.

I can't check individual cell voltage as the charger won't even start. Is there any other way to do this?

Take it to battery world and let them recycle it safely, attempting to charge it from here is too risky, if you 'must' do it well outside on a concrete surface away from anything flammable, wearing adequate protection (face sheild, gloves etc) and have a bucket of sand handy to extinguish any flames.

Damn! What a shame. I've only had the pack for a week! I guess I've only got myself to blame for not being cautious enough with how far I was letting it discharge. I know I was the one who damaged it, but I think I might contact Hobby King and see if I can get them to exchange it if I pay postage costs.

Why should Hobbyking have to cop the loss for your actions?

I guess you're right.

Get a low voltage alarm so you don't do the same thing to the next pack.

From the point of view of a retailer let me say that it would be very wise of Hobbyking to help this guy out. Perhaps not a full warranty or such but any kind of additional break on a new battery would be over the top customer service and if I was their CS manager I would do it without hesitation. Go ahead and contact them, you have nothing to lose.

Every RCer should have a volt/ohm meter in their toolbox and if you are using LiPo batteries you should also have a cell checker / balancer that is available from just about any LHS or online store for about $15.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...01p?&I=LXCVEU#

Before you assume the battery is toast, find a meter and check individual cell voltages. If you have reasonable voltage in each cell (2.7 volts is the accepted min) you may be able to SLOWLY bring the battery back, just make sure you exercise all safety steps (LiPo sack or charging box). It will never be a good battery again but you may get a practice pack out of it.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=18987

Good Luck