Muchmore LiPo Batteries User Manual

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Lithium-Polymer Battery Series
Safety and Handling Instructions
Lithium-polymer batteries offer a variety of significant advantages over NiCd, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries for use in R/C electric devices. It is very important to have a good understanding of the operating characteristics of LiPo batteries - especially how to charge and care for them safely. Always read the specifications printed on the battery’s label and this instruction sheet in their entirety prior to use. Failure to follow these instructions can quickly result in severe, permanent damage to the batteries and its surroundings and even start a FIRE!
WARNING! Lithium-polymer batteries (LiPo) are ENTIRELY DIFFERENT than NiCd and NiMH batteries and must be handled differently as well!! MuchMore Racing will not be held responsible for any and all incidental damages and bodily harm that may result from improper use of MuchMore™ brand lithium-polymer batteries. In purchasing these products, the buyer/user agrees to bear all responsibilities of these risks and not hold MuchMore™, its distributors (owners and employees) and/or retailers responsible for any accidents, injury to persons, or property damage. If you do not agree with these conditions, please return the battery to the place of purchase.
Before and after every use of your LiPo battery, inspect all cells in the pack as much as possible to ensure no physical damage or swelling is evident. Such signs can often indicate a dangerous problem exists with the battery that could lead to failure.
LOW-HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTOR
MuchMore Matched LiPo battery packs include a very small,lightwe circuit w in the pack during charg pack r protector circuit will automatically stop the charge process for all cells in the pack entirely. The Low-High voltage protector circuit protects every cell in the pack from accidental overcharge, if accidentally connected to a non-compatible charger, and helps to make the pack more sturdy and rigid.
MuchMore LiPo packs which contain the
protector
2-pin connector which is battery. Packs with the circuitry are NOT designed for balancing of the individual cells in the pack.
WARNING! NEVER
1C or apply a voltage greater than 20V DC to the charge­lead of any MuchMore LiPo battery which contains the built-in
Low-High voltage protector
preventing the battery from receiving a proper charge and rendering all safety features in operable.
ight built-in “ Low-High voltage protector”
hich constantly monitors the voltage of each cell
e-discharge. If any cell in the
eaches 4.20V (+/- 0.05V), the Low-High voltage
Low-High voltage
circuitry are easily recognizable as they have a red
used for charging the
Low-High voltage protector
apply a current of greater than
Low-High voltage protector
circuitry. Otherwise, the
circuit can become damaged,
BALANCING PLUGS
MuchMore LiPo battery packs are configured for balancing. Such packs do NOT include the SafeCharge protection circuit, and do not include a red 2-pin connector as described earlier. Instead, balancing packs include a unique white connector which includes multiple wires (more than 2) similar to the type of plug shown below.
WARNING!
Packs with the balancing connector do NOT include the
Low-High voltage protector
charge a pack which has the balancing connector with a charger that is not capable of balance charging! Failure to do so could result in damage to the battery and its surround­ings, and result in personal injury.
BATTERY VOLTAGES, RATINGS & APPLICATIONS
LiPo batteries can be assembled in many configurations. Packs are most commonly found with cells assembled in series, normally denoted with an “S”. For example, 3 cells in series are often denoted as “3S”. Each LiPo cell has a
ominal voltage rating of 3.7V (with a minimum
es, the higher the total voltage of the pack. But assembling in series does not affect the overall rated capacity of the pack as shown in the dia
circuit. NEVER attempt to
gram on page 2.
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• ALWAYS discontinue charging a LiPo immediately if at any time you witness smoke or see the battery starting to swell up. This may cause the battery to rupture and/or leak, and the reaction with air may cause the chemicals to ignite, resulting in fire. Disconnect the battery and leave it in a safe fireproof location for approximately 15 minutes.
• ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a fireproof location, which could be a container made of metal (such as an ammunition box), ceramic tile, or a bucket of sand. ALWAYS have an “ABC type” fire extinguisher available at all times.
Charging LiPo batteries:
se a charge lead that directly mates to the connector on the
1. U LiPo b
attery.It is strongly recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads which can be found at most hobby retailers. Hand made connectors can be unreliable and hazardous, provid-
oor physical and/or electrical connections. Muchmore’s
ing p “Docking Station”(#MR-SDS) is directly compatible with Much­More LiPo
batteries which have the 2-pin charge connector
(non-balanced packs).
2. Connect the charge lead to the charger first.Then connect the battery to the charge lead. NEVER connect the battery to the charge lead if the charge lead is not connected to the charger! WARNING! Never allow a battery’s positive and
negative leads to accidentally touch each other.This will result in a short circuit and cause permanent damage to your battery and or charger.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANT WARNINGS: Be sure to follow these important
warning statements regarding the charging of LiPo batteries:
• NEVER LEAVE A LIPO BATTERY UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME WHILE BEING CHARGED!!
• NEVER charge a LiPo battery while it’s inside the model. A
hot pack could ignite wood, foam, plastic, etc.
• NEVER
charge LiPo batteries with a NiCd or NiMH peak
charger!
ONLY
use a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries which can apply the “constant current / constantvoltage” charge technique (cc/cv). MuchMore offers several LiPo compatible chargers (www.much-more.co.kr) which can be found at your local retailer.
• NEVER charge LiPo batteries at currents greater than the “1C” rating of the battery (“C” equals the rated capacity of the battery).
EVER allow LiPo cells to overheat at any time! Cells which
• N
exceed 140°F (60°C) during charge can and USUALLY WILL become damaged physically and possibly catch FIRE!! Always inspect a b
attery which has previously overheated and do not
re-use if you suspect it has been damaged in any way.
or batteries having the RED 2-PIN CHARGE
a. F CONNECTO
R: Connect the red positive (+) lead to the
charger’s red positive (+) output jack, and the black negative (-) lead to the charger’s black negative (-) jack. ALWAYS charge the battery t
hrough the connector. NEVER charge the battery through the connector which goes to the ESC. For safety purp
oses, do not cut or modify wires on the battery in any way.
or batteries having the BALANCING CONNECTOR: You
b. F
mu
st know how many cells are in the battery pack, and then
choose an adapter lead which matches your pack. For
ample, a 3-cell LiPo configured for balancing MUST use a
ex charge adapter which has enough wires to monitor the voltage of all 3 cells in the pack (an adapter designed for 2 or 4 cells will NOT work p
roperly). A 2-cell LiPo configured for balancing must use a balancing charge adapter that is designed for 2-cell pack
s only, and so on. Failure to choose the proper balancing adapter could result in improperly charged and improperly balanced packs. MuchMore “Cell Balancer” (#MR-SBL) is directly compatible with batteries having the balancing connector.
3. Set the charger’s output voltage to match the nominal rated voltage of the entire LiPo battery pack. NEVER set the
charger to a voltage which is greater than the nominal voltage rating of the LiPo pack or allow LiPo cells to charge to greater than 4.20V per cell at any time!!
Overcharging LiPo cells usually will result in a permanent, catastrophic failure in the LiPo cells which can result in permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and cause personal injury!
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4. Set the charger’s output current to NO GREATER than the “1C” rating of the battery. A battery’s “1C” rating equals the amount of current needed to fully charge the battery in one hour. For example, a battery with a capacity rating of 1200mAh has a 1C charge current rating of 1200mA (or 1.2 amps). A battery rated at 640mAh of capacity has a 1C rating of 640mA (or 0.6 amps).
5. Command the charger to start the charge process.
6. ALWAYS monitor the battery and charger during the entire charge process! NEVER leave the battery and charger unattended during charge!
7. NEVER continue to charge LiPo batteries if the charger fails to recognize full charge. Overheating or swelling of the LiPo cells is an indication that a problem exists and the batteries should be disconnected from the charger immediately and placed in a fireproof location!!
8. NEVER apply a trickle charge to LiPo batteries.
BATTERIES INVOLVED IN A CRASH
It is very important to remember that crash damage to LiPo batteries is much more dangerous than with NiCd or NiMH cells. It might appear that no physical damage occurred to a pack after a crash. However, LiPo batteries can often have a delayed chemical reaction, and while they may appear to be safe immediately after removing them from the crash they can suddenly begin to smolder, emit smoke and catch fire even after 30 minutes or an hour!! After a crash, remove the LiPo battery from the model but DO NOT immediately place it in a car, po fireproof location and observe it for safety reasons. If possible, leave the battery in the safe location for 24 hours.
CAUTION! Cells may be hot! DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get in the e affected areas with soap and water immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte. If electrolyte makes contact with the e minutes and seek medical attention immediately!
cket or flight box. Instead, place the battery in a
yes or on skin – wash
yes, flush with large amounts of water for 15
9. Using a charger which has a battery temperature monitor is very helpful for charging LiPo batteries. This can help to ensure a full charge and also prevent unwanted heating at t
he s
ame time. Set the charger’s maximum battery
temperature to approximately 115°F (46°C).
CONNECTING TO AN ESC & DISCHARGING
IMPORTA
warn
• NEVER LEAVE A LIPO BATTERY UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME WHILE BEING DISCHARGED!!!
• ALWAYS discharge LiPo batteries in a fireproof location,
which could be a container made of metal (such as an ammunition box) or on ceramic tile. Monitor the charge area with a smoke or fire alarm, and have a lithium approved “ABC type” fire extinguisher available at all times.
1. It is strongly recommended to use an ESC which is designed to handle the low voltage cutoff points for LiPo batteries (always follow the instructions provided with the ESC for proper operation). Discharging LiPo batteries below
2.5V per cell can cause permanent damage and limit the number of times the battery can effectively be used again.
NT WARNINGS: Be sure to follow these important
ing statements regarding the discharging of LiPo batteries:
Carefully inspect LiPo batteries which have been involved in a crash for even the smallest of cracks, splits, punctures or damage to the wiring and connectors.
STORAGE & TRANSPORT
For long term storage it is recommended to charge the cells
fully, then discharge them to 50-60% of their capacity.
Store battery at room temperature in cool or shaded area, ideally between 40-80°F.Temperatures exceeding 170°F for greater than 1 hour may cause damage to battery and cause a fire.
Do not expose battery packs to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, or place in direct contact with any liquids. If batteries come in contact with water, immediately dry the battery with a clean towel.
When transporting LiPo batteries, store them in a fireproof container. NEVER leave batteries lying loosely anywhere in the car (in the trunk, backseat, floor, etc.).
• ALWAYS make sure all plugs / connectors on the LiPo battery are covered, to prevent an accidental short. Small sections of fuel tubing make good insulators.
• NEVER leave LiPo batteries in the car indefinitely as temperatures inside the vehicle can easily rise far in excess of 120°F which could damage the battery.
ATION
2.NEVER
the discharge current rating of the battery as this can often cause a cell to overheat. Do not allow a LiPo cell to exceed 140°F (60°C) during discharge.
discharge LiPo batteries at currents which exceed
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HANDLING & FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
• NEVER allow LiPo batteries to be charged or discharged on
or near combustible materials, including paper, plastic, carpets, vinyl, leather, wood, inside an R/C model or full­sized automobile!
• NEVER put loose cells or packs in the po
cket of any
clothing!
• NEVER allow LiPo cells to come in contact with moisture or water at any time.
• NEVER store batteries near an open flame or heater.
• N
EVER assemble LiPo cells or pre-assembled packs together
with o
ther LiPo cells/packs. Only a qualified battery assembly
company should assemble or modify LiPo batteries.
• NEVER allow LiPo cells to become punctured, especially by metallic objects such as screw
drivers, T-pins, or hobby knives.
• NEVER charge or discharge a LiPo battery without having an “ABC type” lithium approved fire extinguisher readily available in case of a fire.
• DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get in the e
yes or on skin. Wash affected areas with soap and water immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte. If electrolyte makes contact with the e
yes, flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately! If a battery leaks electrolyte or gas vapors, do not inhale leaked material. Leave the area and allow the batteries to cool and the vapors to dissipate. Remove spilled liquid with absorbent and dispose.
• ALWAY
S provide adequate ventilation around LiPo
batteries during charge, discharge, and during storage. If a battery becomes overheated IMMEDIATELY place it in a fire-proof location until it cools.
• ALWAYS store LiPo cells/packs in a secure location away from children.
• ALWAY
S make sure that metallic objects, such as
wristwatches, bracelets, or rings are removed from your hands when handling LiPo packs. Accidentally touching battery terminals to any such objects could create a short­circuit condition and possibly cause severe personal injury.
DISPOSAL OF LIPO BATTERIES
U
nlike N
iCd batteries, lithium-polymer batteries are environmentally friendly. For safety reasons, it’s best that LiPo cells be fully discharged before disposal (however, if physically damaged it is NOT recommended to discharge LiPo cells before disposal - see below for details). The batteries must also be cool before proceeding with disposal instructions. To dispose of LiPo cells and packs:
1. If any LiPo cell in the pack has been physically damaged, resulting in a swollen cell or a split or tear in a cell’s foil covering, do NOT discharge the battery. Jump to step 5.
2. Place the LiPo battery in a fireproof container or bucket of sand.
3. Connect the battery to a LiPo discharger. Set the discharge cutoff voltage to the lowest possible value. Set the discharge current to a C/10 value, with “C” being the capacity rating of the pack. For example, the “1C” rating for a 1200mAh battery is 1.2A, and that battery’s C/10 current value is (1.2A / 10)
0.12A or 120mA. Or, a simple resistive type of discharge load can be used, such as a power resistor or set of light bulbs as
long as the discharge current doesn’t exceed the C/10 value and cause an overheating condition. For LiPo packs
rated at 7.4V and 11.1V, connect a 150 ohm resistor with a power rating of 2 watts (commonly found at Radio Shack) to the pack’s positive and negative terminals to safely discharge the battery. It’s also possible to discharge the battery by connecting it to an ESC/motor system and allowing the motor to run indefinitely until no power remains to further cause the system to function.
4. Discharge the battery until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or lower. For resistive load type discharges, discharge the battery for up to 24 hours.
5. Submerse the battery into bucket or tub of salt water. This container should have a lid, but it does not need to be air­tight. Prepare a bucket or tub containing 3 to 5 gallons of cold water, and mix in 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. Drop the battery into the salt water. Allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least 2 weeks.
6. Remove the LiPo battery from the salt water and place it in the normal trash.
CONTACT
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