Originally Posted by Scottrik
Thanks for the info Wes.
Approx. what level would 75% be?
So even though it's "recommended" to remove the battery it's not absolutely necessary? I know guys are leaving batteries in cars and racing all day just charging between heats. I don't even plan to charge at 1-C (maybe 1/2-C?) so should heat be an issue.
Similarly, balancing. On a battery subjected to such low charge/discharge rates is balancing done every charge? Every, say, third charge? Ever?
I've been very happy with the battery thus far but am not overly keen on having to ante up to replace it either. A local bought it figuring he could wedge it into his Nomadio. And couldn't. He sold it to me unused but fully charged and I've now done 3 club race days (2 classes of 1/12 each day), a test-n-tune day and a race down in Denver. Still shows over 11v. My NiMH batteries would NEVER last that long. A two-day was about all they were good for.
Balance charging is not required IMO. While it will keep the battery in optimal health, even Kokam has stated that balancing may not always be required. After several hundred cycles they are finding cells staying with 1% of one another, more than safe.
However I do balance every now and then because I have a balance charger, I might as well. Generally every 5 or so cycles I throw it on the balance charger because you might as well do it right if you are going to do it at all.
I would not let the battery go below 10v...that gives you plenty of radio time AND plenty of cushion so you don't over discharge. Most radios have some sort of low voltage warning.
I charge mine in my radio, my last radio (M8) I retro fitted a battery into the radio and had to take it apart to get the battery out, so I just made a charge lead and charged it in the radio. I did what you were saying, 1/2C charge and it never got warm.
Also there is no reason why you could not just open the bottom of the radio and plug your balance connector to the battery.
I've actually gone back to NIMH though because I like the weight of the radio, the ballast in the bottom keeps it from tipping over when I set it down.