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Batteries notes

Danger

LiPo batteries are dangerous and can catch fire when they are damaged or badly maintained. What is written here is meant as a quick reminder and does not replace a fully comprehensive guide on battery management.

Calculating charging amperage

The safest amperage to charge a battery pack is 1C that we calculate by taking its mAh rating divided by 1000.

Quick examples of 1C calculation:

  • 1500 mAh battery = 1500 / 1000 = 1.5A charge
  • 850 mAh battery = 850 / 1000 = 0.8A or 0.9A charge

If you're in a hurry, you can charge at 2C which is basically twice the amperage you calculated above but do not do it too often.

Parallel charging reminder

Warning

All batteries charged in parallel should have the same cell count!

  • Preferably parallel charge batteries of the same brand and model.
  • Batteries cells voltage should not diverge from more than 0.1V per cell. This means that the sum of the cell voltage difference should not exceed 0.1 x (cell count).
  • Plug in the XT60 plug first on the parallel charging board, then the balance lead.
  • After you plug your batteries in the parallel charging board, allow a few minutes for them to settle as some current will naturally distribute over them.
  • The calculation of charging amperage should be multiplied by the number of batteries being charged in parallel but should not exceed 1C per battery.

Batteries operation voltages

The voltages below are listed per cell.

  • LiPo: safe voltage range is 3.0V to 4.2V (drone use keep above 3.5V)
  • LiPo HV: safe voltage range is 3.0V to 4.35V (drone use keep above 3.5V)
  • LiIon: safe voltage range is 2.5V to 4.2V