Battery Tips

Tips for using Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries for all aircraft.

Below are general tips and tricks for LiPo usage. These tips apply not only to PRISM and PRISM Sky; but they can be applied to all aircraft. LiPos can be dangerous if mishandled and below we outline

• Do not leave the battery fully charged for long periods of time. Leaving LiPos charged for long periods of time keeps a lot of energy stored inside of the cells. This not only gives "power" in the event of a combustion, but it also shortens the life of the cells themselves.

• Do not charge the batteries faster than manufacturer recommendation. Charge ratings are often referred to as "C", i.e. "charging at 1C". A 5,000 mAH battery charged at 1C would be 5A. 2C would be 10A, etc. Watts Innovations recommends charging all batteries at 1C. Charging batteries too fast can result in overcharging various cells and having an unbalanced battery.

• Do not leave the batteries exposed to heat (hot car, excessive sunlight, etc.) Leaving batteries exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time can heat up the cells internally; causing swelling and possible combustion.

• Do not over discharge the battery beyond 3.65v per cell. Discharging the battery below 3.65v per cell damages the cells and shortens their life. Not only a shorter life span, but it can make the cells behave unpredictably. Such as discharging faster than the other cells, not staying balanced with the other cells and producing less power.

• Place the batteries at storage charge if not using them for more than 2-3 days. Storage voltage is 3.8-3.85v per cell. This is the optimal voltage for long term storage, as it is about 50% of the battery's total voltage. It is recommended to cycle batteries every month; however when storing the batteries for longer than a few days, it is recommended to discharge them to about 3.8-3.85v per cell.