Charging problem

[rchippie]

Are lipo's like nimh in respect to when the charger shows they are finished charging you have to use them right away to get the best performace, or can i use them two or 3 days latter ?.

[MetalMan]

You can use them three days later and they will still be almost fully charged, and there won't be a power difference after three days. However, it's best to keep Lipos at about 3.8v/cell when not in use (storage), so keep that in mind.

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by MetalMan

You can use them three days later and they will still be almost fully charged, and there won't be a power difference after three days. However, it's best to keep Lipos at about 3.8v/cell when not in use (storage), so keep that in mind.

Im new to this lipo stuff how can tell if each cell is 3.8 & will it hurt if i store them higher than 3.8 ?. I'm assuming i can just measure the pack voltage as a hole ?.

I just figured out i can use the balanceing tab to measure each indaviduel cell.

[BrianG]

I usually just run my vehicle for about 1/3 of the normal runtime. That typically sets the voltage right around 3.7-3.9v per cell. Yes, you can measure the pack as a whole and divide by the number of cells, but this assumes the pack is balanced.

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I usually just run my vehicle for about 1/3 of the normal runtime. That typically sets the voltage right around 3.7-3.9v per cell. Yes, you can measure the pack as a whole and divide by the number of cells, but this assumes the pack is balanced.

Does it hurt if you store them with more than 3.8 per cell ?.

[BrianG]

I can't remember exactly what happens when you store over 3.8v, but I do know it is better for the cell. I don't think it will explode or anything.

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I can't remember exactly what happens when you store over 3.8v, but I do know it is better for the cell. I don't think it will explode or anything.

So after your last run of the day what is your rutine for storing them ?.

[jnev]

Is it bad if they are stored for a couple days with no charge? I ask because I am waiting for my charger in the mail, and surprisingly, the battery came fully charged, so I ran it.

[jnev]

Anyone know? Sorry for the thread hijack...

[BrianG]

A couple of days is ok. A week, maybe. Longer; run it down to 3.8v/cell.

[jhautz]

Originally Posted by ***RC***

Is it bad if they are stored for a couple days with no charge? I ask because I am waiting for my charger in the mail, and surprisingly, the battery came fully charged, so I ran it.

I wouldnt leave it for longer than you need to. I forgot to throw a little charge in one of mine once and it was fine a few weeks later. But it wasnt 3.0v/cell to start with either. Its best to store them with a little voltage in them. but you will probably be ok as long as you didnt run it down to far.

[jnev]

I ran it down until about 12.5 volts. I hope the charger come within the next two days or so, so I don't have to start freaking out about the battery.

[rchippie]

what should the volatage be on a 4s 8000 pack be when fully charged ?. Thank's

[jhautz]

4.2v per cell.
16.8v total.

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by jhautz

4.2v per cell.
16.8v total.

Thank's thats what i thought. My charger shut off before it got to 16.8. I just called maxamps & they said sometimes that can happen. He said it was safe to put it back on the charger . I guess it might have false peeked or something. I did balance them before starting.