R/C Tech Forums - View Single Post - new to lipo ?
Thread: new to lipo ?
View Single Post
Old 04-07-2009 | 09:12 AM
  #2  
Ryandrea
Tech Apprentice
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 67
Default

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.
Ryandrea is offline