Why do I keep exploding batteries????
 

I have a Venom PR2 charger and I have been using it for about a year charging many Nimh batteries.

I decided to try LiPo's and bought two hobby people 2s 5000mah 35c. I charged the first one with no problem with charger settings at 2s 7.4v and I did a slow charge rate of 3.5amps. The second battery was charged in the same manner but popped and 3 min later burst into flames. luckily I had it in a fire bag and when I heard it pop I put it out on the driveway later to be engulfed in flames. I then used the first charged batt ran it to 3.8v on each cell waited a day then charged it again with the same catastrophic result but without the fire.

I have tried charging with balancer plugged in and not plugged in.
I bought a voltage tester and noticed my two good charges brought the batteries to 9.3 volts, this seems high??

I have purchased a total of 4 batteries and only have one left. I have a total of 5 lipo charges and three times they have exploded. I am obviously doing something wrong or my charger is no bueno!! HELP! Thank you....

Are you sure the charger is in lipo mode for 2s? The battery should not get over 8.4v when full.

As DRTMI said check your charger settings. You are definitely over charging the packs significantly. Always charge with the balance board connected too.

Yup, definitely sounds like the charger is in another mode than for LiPo's...

Thanks for the input and yes not charging in Lipo mode is the first thing I thought as well. It seems to be charging in another mode but screen is for sure in LiPo mode. I have triple checked all settings and even went as far as taking charger to local HS to get another opinion.

I am so scared of burning my house down that I do the charging process outside with a lawn chair and a beer and wait for it to blow!!

The reason I went to the forums is to see if anyone has had a bad charger. Specifically a Venom pr2?? I guess I am hoping I have have a bad charger because I don't believe I could have three bad batteries out of 4?

My next step is purchasing a new charger and I know this is a loaded question but what is the best charger. Let's say price is not a factor, I have already seen $$ go up in flames. I'd like to know what the dream charging set up would be, haha.

Any info would be great

I just got a Venom Pro 2 not long ago. So far so good. No issues with it. Anyone else?

I know nothing of the venom charger but if it is like any one that I have you have to "ok" the cell count in Lipo Mode so it should be impossible to make an error. You should also be able to see what each cell is charging at. If it was me I would try one more battery and babysit it and watch each cell voltage. It should not get over 4.20v per cell ever. If it does stop charging. It's a bad charger or it has some settings wrong somewhere

I'm really glad you had a Lipo bag. They are dangerous if not handled properly. Never had an rc battery blow on me but we did have a laptop battery get overcharged in the house and start a fire a few years back. Pretty much a total loss an everything inside the house between fie, smoke and water damage

Just be safe

That is not right, the battery should be charged arround 8.40v, some do a little bit more but 8.44 is the max.
Time to send the charger for repairs if you are sure it is set to 2S-4.2v/cell.

Thank you everyone. I am going to get a new charger. Any ideas on a good charger. Defiantly not going to get a Venom again.

Try a Protek charger, Hitec has some decent ones too and you won't break the bank.

I got the Hitec X2 AC Plus

Its a great charger if you don't need to charge at 40 amps.

At 9.4V, that would be 4.7V per cell which is what LiHV spec calls for. I don't see an option for LiHV, or anything over a 3.7V nominal setting, in the manual though. I would call Venom.

LiHV is 4.35V/cell.

iCharger:cool:

If you want to take advantage of AE/Reedy's exchange program, you can exchange your current charger for a Reedy 1216-C2 charger at 50% off the MSRP.

Wow,I have had 3 of the Venom pro 2's and sold one with a RTR truck 2 months ago. I use them from once a week, to several times a week. Other than the typical fan chirping when cold, a known issue with these, their working great. On a lipo 4.2per cell is the top or max. Time for a different charger. If you go the I charger route, make sure it's not a knock off one. Someone can point out how to tell I think.

Glad you were cautious when charging!