loftuz Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) Hi guys. I'm needing some help now. I've just bought a rc plane to learn how to fly. It's a lipo powered one. The problem I have is I'm totally clueless when it comes to electrics. I've read storm guides but still a little baffled. Ask me about nitro and I can answer most questions. But electric is all new to me. I've bought a etronix 80w balance charger. The instructions are awful. Very poor English and does not make sense to me. I've bought 2 overlander 3s lipos 2200mah 11.1v Can anyone tell me how to charge them? I was hoping to just be able to plug it in and off it goes but it would appear it's not so simple. Do I need to balance charge them, do I need to do anything different for there first charge? Please help. Edited April 11, 2014 by loftuz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noj Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 Have a read through the Lipo Guide on the forum, should help you get a clearer picture of what they are all about. For your packs, the correct charge rate to set the charger to is 2.2a, referred to as a rate of 1c. You don't have to balance charge each time, however, it is good practice to do so (and as the balance lead and board are there in front of you, kinda makes sense ) The lipos will have come at storage charge (60% of full), which is normal. Just put them onto charge, and use once ready. After use, the packs should be put back into storage, your charger may have a storage mode built on. They are safe to stay at storage for 'some' time....a charged lipo should not be left for more than 24 hours really, as the chemicals in the cells can start to degrade - this doesn't render the pack unsafe, however, it will shorten the lifespan of the pack. Does your ESC have an LVC (low voltage cut off)? The cells in a lipo should never be allowed to drop below 3.0v each...3.2v is better. Check your mannual before use! And check back if it hasn't!! I'll shurrup now, and let you digest the above (and the lipo guide); I'm sure the urge to get flying is great, worth taking a few moments to make sure that, as far as lipos go, all works as it should Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 11, 2014 Author Share Posted April 11, 2014 That's great advise. So a balance charge is advised yeah? Do you have this particular charger? Do I have to program the charge rate or will it do it automatically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 Help me out here guys. Does this look about right? First time ever with lipo battery's. Do I just uh it in now and off it goes? And do I need to use this little board? Think it's something to do with the balance charge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudball Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 Your screen is set fine for that battery. Connect the balance plug to the board in the appropriate slot and then connect the battery and start the charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 Thanks. Do you have the same charger? Once battery is plugged in will it start automatically ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudball Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 No, I have to press and hold the start/ enter button in mine, as I imagine you will. It will most likely sound an alarm when fully charged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 Right, think it's working. Only thing I'm worried about is the battery is 11.1v and the charger shows 12.1v is that right? I really ain't a clue. Just don't want to burn my house down. Right, think it's working. Only thing I'm worried about is the battery is 11.1v and the charger shows 11.97v is that right? I really ain't a clue. Just don't want to burn my house down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudball Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 It's fine. My 2s 7.4v batteries charge up to 8.4 v. I forget why, it's explained in the lipo guides I have read. That figure will get higher as the battery gets more charge. Expect the charge rate to fluctuate and drop towards the end too as the charger balances each cell and tops them up more slowly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 You've been a massive help. Thank you. 1 last question. If I do an automatic charge, will I need to change the charge rate or will it select it automatic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudball Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 Not sure as I always manually select my charge rates and type of charge ie. lipo balance, storage etc. just in case the charger malfunctions!! If you manually choose your options too it helps you get familiar with all your chargers functions and menu. Have a good flight when it's charged.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftuz Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 Again, thanks for your help this morning. I have 1 fully charged battery now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudball Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 No worries.. Don't forget to storage charge it when you've finished flying today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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