Starting to get very interested in RC planes again. (25 year hiatus) I
saw some videos of battery powered indoor planes, (Grand Wing Servo),
and was impressed. However, after reading the safety precautions for the
Lithium-Polymer cells, I'm concerned. See below. Anyone ever had
experience with Li-Po batteries?






1. Never fast-charge any battery type unattended.
2. Never charge LiPo cells/packs at any rate unattended.
3. Only charge LiPo cells/packs with a charger designed specifically for
lithium polymer chemistry. Example chargers include the Kokam LIPO
402, and Schulze chargers with lithium charging capability.
4. LiPo cells can ignite because of unmatched cell capacity or voltage,
cell damage, charger failure, incorrect charger settings and other factors.
5. Always use the correct charging voltage. LiPo cells/packs may ignite
if connected to a charger supplying more than 6 volts per cell.
6. Always assure the charger is working properly.
7. Always charge LiPo cells/packs where no harm can result, no matter
what happens.
8. Never charge a cell/pack in a model. A hot pack may ignite wood, foam
or plastic.
9. Never charge a cell/pack inside a motor vehicle, or in a vehicle’s
engine compartment.
10. Never charge a cell/pack on a wooden workbench, or on any flammable
material.
11. If a cell/pack is involved in a crash:

a. Remove the cell/pack from the model.
b. Carefully inspect the cell/pack for shorts in the wiring or
connections. If in doubt, cut all wires from the cell/pack.
c. Disassemble the pack.
d. Inspect cells for dents, cracks and splits. Dispose of damaged cells
(see below).

12. Dispose of cells/packs as follows:

a. Discharge: with the cell/pack in a safe area, connect a moderate
resistance across the terminals until the cell/pack is discharged.
CAUTION: cell/pack may be hot!
b. Discard:

- NiMH: place in regular trash.
- NiCd: recycle (cadmium is toxic).
- LiPo: puncture plastic envelope, immerse in salt water for several
hours, place in regular trash.

13. Handle all cells/packs with care, as they can deliver high currents
if shorted. Shorting by a ring, for example, will remove a finger.
14. Always store cells/packs in a secure location where they cannot be
shorted or handled by children.
15. When constructing a pack, use only cells of the same capacity (mAh).


Steve Walker
(remove wallet to reply)