™
LITHIUM-POLYMER
BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT!! Great care should be observed when
handling lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries as they
are entirely di erent than NiCd or NiMH batteries!!
Read all included instructions to ensure the proper operation,
and avoid all possible causes of failure!
These batteries are intended for use with radio controlled models
only. R/C applications vary too greatly to cover every possible use
in these instructions. The user must accept the responsibility to
make smart and safe decisions about their desired application to
avoid possible abuse and misuse. Non-R/C uses are not intended
nor approved.
By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and
understood the safety precautions printed here and on each
product, and agree to bear full responsibility for any injury, loss
or damage resulting from all circumstances surrounding your use
or misuse of this product. You agree not to hold TrakPower, its
distributors (owners and employees) and/or retailers responsible
for any accidents, injury to persons, or property damage. You
accept the responsibility for inspecting and detecting any signs
of damage or defect before and after use and prior to charging
and to discontinue use immediately if any such issue arises. If you
do not agree to these terms of use, return the item in its original
condition to the place of purchase.
CAPACITY: A way to rate a battery’s maximum energy storage limit,
typically listed in “mAh” (milliamp-hours) and being the amount
of energy the battery can deliver constantly over a period of one
hour. Capacity rating is typically a way to gauge how much run
time a battery can provide. The greater the rated capacity, the
longer the run time.
C-RATING: A multiple of the battery’s capacity rating, calculated
as the battery’s rated milliamp-hours (mAh) divided by 1000.
C-ratings are used to establish various limits for a LiPo battery,
such as a battery’s maximum charge and discharge current values.
A battery rated at 2100mAh (1C = 2.1A) with a maximum charge
rating of 3C could be charged at (2.1A x 3) 6.3 amps. A battery rated
at 3200mAh with a maximum discharge rating of “25C” should be
able to deliver (3.2A x 25) 80 amps of current during discharge.
11.1V 5000 mAh
7. 4 V 5000 mAh
Series Connection:
Example total = 18.5V 5000 mAh
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
When Handling LiPo Batteries
LiPo batteries can be damaged and CATCH FIRE
if overcharged, shorted, damaged physically, or
over-discharged!
■ Over-charging, using an incompatible charger, or charging
a battery that was previously damaged either physically or
electrically can result in a catastrophic failure of the battery in
the form of swelling, emission of smoke, and FIRE.
■ Over-discharging a LiPo (to a voltage lower than its rated
minimum voltage) can damage a LiPo internally – even without
the damage being visible in any way. Yet, a catastrophic failure
(FIRE) could occur when attempting to re-charge the battery later.
■ LiPo failures are often a result of human error. Reading and
understanding these instructions is CRUCIAL for avoiding
problems, and to ensure personal safety and the protection
of the surroundings.
Glossary – Understanding Terms
PACK: Multiple battery cells connected together electronically
form a pack.
VOLTAGE: A way to rate a battery’s energy potential. Individual
LiPo cells have a nominal voltage rating of 3.70V per cell, with a
maximum charge voltage of 4.20V per cell. A pack marked “11.1V”
has a nominal voltage rating of 11.1V, etc. The more cells wired in
series, the higher the voltage. See page 2 for a listing of di erent
size LiPo packs and voltages.
SERIES PACK CONFIGURATIONS “S”: Electrically connecting
multiple cells end-to-end places cells in “series”, with the resulting
total pack voltage being the SUM of all cell voltages. Connecting
packs in series is usually done to deliver more power (torque and/
or speed) to the motor. A 3-series LiPo pack (3S) would have a
total nominal voltage of (3 x 3.7V) 11.1V. A 4S pack has a total
nominal pack voltage of (4 x 3.7V) 14.8V, etc. Connecting an
11.1V battery in series with a 7.4V battery will result in an overall
voltage of 18.5V. Do not connect multiple packs together in series
unless each has the same rated capacity (regardless of the rated
voltage of each pack).
14.8V 5600 mAh
14.8V 5600 mAh
PARALLEL PACK CONFIGURATIONS “P”: Electrically connecting
multiple cells side-by-side places cells in “parallel”, with the resulting
total pack voltage being identical to the rated voltage of each
individual battery (not the sum of all battery voltages). However,
the resulting total CAPACITY is the sum of all battery capacities.
Connecting two 14.8V 5600mAh packs in parallel would result in
a total voltage of 14.8V (same as each pack), but the total capacity
would be 11200mAh (total of both pack capacities). Connecting
packs in parallel is usually done to lengthen the run-time of the
model. Do not connect packs of di erent voltage ratings together
in parallel.
Parallel Connection:
Example total = 14.8V 11200mAh
Charging LiPo Batteries
WARNING!! Charging LiPo batteries poses a risk of
FIRE! NEVER treat LiPo batteries in the same manner
as other battery types. Misuse and overcharge can
quickly result in LiPo cells swelling and/or getting hot which could
lead to VIOLENT EXPLOSION, FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE! NEVER leave lithium batteries unattended
while being charged! It’s strongly recommended to have a Class
“D” re extinguisher nearby when charging a LiPo battery. Do
NOT use water or re extinguishers other than a “class D” to put
out a burning LiPo battery. Failure to follow all care and handling
instructions properly could result in quick, severe, permanent
damage to the batteries and all surroundings!! ALWAYS make
sure batteries are physically and electrically undamaged before
charge or discharge.
1. IMPORTANT! Choose an isolated, reproof area to charge
the battery. NEVER place the charger or battery on or near
flammable or combustible objects during the charge
process. Keep away from carpets, wood, paper, plastic,
cluttered workbenches, etc. Do NOT charge batteries in
the model, nor inside an automobile. Placing batteries
inside an army surplus ammunition can, ceramic ower
pot, or on a large concrete surface is recommended.
2. Use a LiPo compatible
charger that includes
balancing capabilities,
or use a LiPo compatible
charger in conjunction
with a separate LiPo
balancer. NEVER use a
NiCd or NiMH charger on
LiPo batteries!
Battery
* Recommended, based on 4.2 V per cell
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
Nominal
Volt age
7.4 V
11.1 V
14. 8 V
18. 5 V
22.2 V
3. Set the charger’s output voltage to EXACTLY match the nominal
rated voltage shown on the battery label.
4. Depending on the charger, set the charger’s charge current or
pack capacity to the appropriate level:
a. Some chargers require the setting of the actual charge
current. It’s recommended to charge TrakPower batteries at
the 1C level as shown below. WARNING: Make sure to
heed all warnings listed in these instructions if charging
at currents greater than 1C.
b. Instead of entering the
actual charge current
value, some chargers
require entering the
rated capacity of the
battery pack to be
charged into the
Rated
Capacity1CCharge Current
5000 mAh
5600 mAh
5800 mAh
6200 mAh
charger’s programming,
whereby the charger will then automatically set the charge
current value.
WARNING!! NEVER enter a capacity or voltage value
into the charger that is higher than the value speci ed
for the battery! Failure to follow this warning can cause
permanent damage to the battery, charger, and the surroundings
as a result of FIRE, and cause personal injury!!!
5. If possible, as another extra safety measure, use a charger that
also includes a temperature monitoring function that can stop
charge if the battery exceeds a speci ed temperature. Set the
charger’s maximum temperature to 115°F (46°C).
*Maximum
Charge
Volt age
8.4 V
12.6 V
16. 8 V
21.0 V
25.2 V
5.0 amps
5.6 amps
5.8 amps
6.2 amps
6. Connect the battery’s main lead and balancing lead to the
charger as described in the charger’s instructions. ALWAYS
connect a charge adapter lead to the charger BEFORE
connecting the battery to the charger.
7. Di erent battery types require di erent balance adapters.
Failure to choose the proper balancing adapter could result
in improperly charged and improperly balanced packs. Please
see the diagrams below for information regarding di erent
con gurations and types.
TrakPower o ers a variety of charge leads and adapters:
TKPP5605 Battery Lead Star Female/5mm Bullet
TKPP5606 Battery/Balance Lead Star Female/5mm Bullet
TKPP5607 XH-XH Balance Adapter 4S LiPo
TKPP5610 2S Balance Lead Star TrakPower Adapter
TKPP5612 4S Balance Lead Star TrakPower Adapter
TKPP5614 6S Balance Lead Star TrakPower Adapter
TKPP5618 Balance Lead Banana to 4mm Bullet
™
A 3.7V Hardwired LiPo Pack
Power wires
3.7V Packs: These style packs do not need to be balanced. The
power wires are used for charging and discharging.
™
B 7.4V Unwired LiPo Pack
7. 4 V
Connect 4mm adapter
with RED wire
Connect 2mm adapter
Connect 4mm adapter
with BLACK wire
+
-
0.0V
Packs with 4mm Female Bullets: Connect the battery’s
positive (+) terminal to the red lead from the balance adapter,
and the battery’s negative (-) terminal to the black lead from
the balance adapter. Connect the adapter’s smaller 2mm male
pin to the small jack in the center of the battery as shown.
™
C 7.4V LiPo Saddle Pack
-
) 0.0V
3.7V
+
Connect
4mm adapter
with RED wire
Connect modules as
shown with jumper wire
Saddle Packs: A 7.4V saddle pack actually consists of two 3.7V
modules that must be connected in series as shown. Connect
the negative (-) terminal from one module to the positive (+)
terminal of the second module using the included jumper
lead. This connection will then transform the two 3.7V modules
0.0V
-
Connect
4mm adapter
with BLACK wire
3.7V (+)(
Connect 2mm
adapter
2
into one 7.4V pack. Once wired in series, connect the battery’s
open 4mm positive (+) terminal to the LiPo balancer’s red (+)
lead, and the battery’s open 4mm negative (-) terminal to the
balancer’s black (-) lead. Connect the adapter’s smaller (2mm)
male terminal to the small jack that is attached to the jumper
lead as shown. IMPORTANT: You MUST charge saddle packs as
one 7.4V pack. Do NOT charge the 3.7V modules separately.
™
D
Balance Lead
2S−4S Hardwired LiPo Packs
Power wires
2S-4S Hardwired LiPo Packs: For charging 2S-4S hardwired
LiPo batteries, the balance lead will need to be connected to
the proper balance adapter and the power wires will need to
be connected to the charger. It is imperative that the proper
balance adapter is chosen for charging.
™
E
Balance Lead
2S LiPo Receiver Packs
Power wires
2S LiPo Receiver Packs: For charging 2S LiPo receiver
packs, the balance lead will need to be connected to the
proper balance adapter and the power wires will need to be
connected to the charger via radio jack or universal charge
lead adapter. It is imperative that the proper balance adapter
is chosen for charging.
8. NEVER leave the room where the battery is until charge has
nished.
IMPORTANT: NEVER allow a battery’s positive and
negative leads to accidentally touch each other, as
a short-circuit condition will result and permanently
damage the battery and/or charger. Disconnect the battery and
remove input power from the charger immediately if the battery
begins to swell or becomes hot!! Be sure to wear protective gloves
when moving the battery in case it has become hot.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR CHARGING LIPO BATTERIES:
■ NEVER allow a LiPo cell to exceed 4.20V maximum at
any time.
■ NEVER allow LiPo cells to exceed 140°F (60°C) during
charge, as they can and USUALLY WILL become
damaged and possibly catch FIRE!!
■ NEVER allow a LiPo to continue charging if the battery
begins to swell or smoke begins to emit from the pack,
as this is an indication the pack is damaged and a
catastrophic failure could occur soon. Disconnect the
battery and leave it in a safe, reproof location for
approximately 1 hour.
■ NEVER allow a LiPo to continue with the charge process
if the charger fails to recognize full charge. Disconnect
the battery immediately, as pack failure could result.
■ NEVER attempt to charge a battery that has previously
overheated, discharged below 2.50V, or which has been
damaged in any other way. Dispose of the battery.
■ LiPo cells should be charged about once per year at a
minimum to prevent over-discharge.
■ LiPo batteries should be stored with about 30%-50%
of capacity.
■ ALWAYS keep out of reach of children.
Discharging LiPo Batteries
WARNING!! NEVER allow TrakPower LiPo cells to
discharge below 2.5V per cell as permanent cell damage
could result. This can also result in some chargers not
recognizing the battery upon recharge, preventing the battery
from being charged again. ALWAYS make sure batteries are
physically and electrically undamaged before charge or discharge.
1. When powering an ESC:
a. Do NOT use an ESC unless it’s LiPo compatible.
b. Follow the ESC’s instructions carefully to set the proper low
voltage cuto point for the battery. As an extra measure of
safety and to maximize the lifespan of the TrakPower battery,
it’s recommended to not allow the battery to discharge
below 3.20V per cell.
c. ALWAYS disconnect LiPo batteries completely from
electronic speed controls when not in use to prevent
accidental over-discharge.
2. When using a battery discharger:
a. Choose an isolated, re-
proof area to discharge
the battery as explained
on page 2.
b. Choose a LiPo compat-
ible discharger which
has balancing capabilities. Or, use a LiPo compatible discharger in
Battery
* Recommended, based on 3.2 V per cell
2S
3S
4S
5S
6S
Nominal
Volt age
7.4 V
11.1 V
14. 8 V
18. 5 V
22.2 V
conjunction with a separate LiPo balancer.
c. Set the discharge cuto voltage to 3.20V to 3.40V per cell for
TrakPower LiPo batteries. NEVER discharge a LiPo to 2.5V or
below at any time as permanent failure will result.
d. Set the discharger’s output current to an appropriate value
for the battery.
e. Connect the battery’s main lead and balancing lead to the
discharger as described in the discharger’s instructions.
ALWAYS connect a charge adapter lead to the charger BEFORE
connecting the battery to the charger.
f. If possible, as another extra safety measure, use a discharger
that also includes a temperature monitoring function that can
stop charge if the battery exceeds a speci ed temperature.
Set the discharger’s maximum temperature to 115°F (46°C).
g. NEVER leave the room where the battery is being discharged.
*Minimum
Discharge
Volt age
6.4 V
9.6 V
12. 8 V
16.0 V
19.2 V
3
WARNING!! NEVER enter a discharge cuto voltage
value into the discharger or ESC that is lower than
the value speci ed for the battery! Failure to follow
this warning can cause permanent damage to the battery and
might result in a FIRE when attempting to recharge the battery
afterwards!!! Do not discharge LiPo batteries at currents that
exceed the maximum rating of the pack, as overheating could
occur. Do not allow a LiPo to exceed 140°F (60°C) during discharge.
Batteries Involved in a Crash
Carefully inspect a LiPo battery which has been involved in a crash
to determine that no physical damage has occurred. Look for even
the smallest of cracks, splits, punctures, or damage to the wiring
and connectors. Failure to do so could result in a battery failing
at some point afterward, resulting in a total loss of power in the
battery or even a FIRE. It’s possible that sometime after removing
it from a crash a LiPo battery might begin to smolder, emit smoke
and catch re even after 30 minutes or an hour. Remove the LiPo
battery from the crashed model but DO NOT immediately place
it in a model, full size automobile, pocket, pit bag, etc. Place the
battery in a reproof location instead, for up to 24 hours if possible,
and observe it for safety reasons.
CAUTION: Cells may be hot! Refer to the following section for
important handling and rst aid instructions.
before disposal (however, if physically damaged it is NOT
recommended to discharge LiPo cells before disposal - see
below for details). Allow batteries to cool before proceeding
with disposal instructions.
Storage and Transportation
■ For long term storage it is recommended to charge the cells
fully, then discharge them to 50-60% of their capacity.
■ Store batteries at room temperature in a cool or shaded area,
ideally between 40-80°F.
■ NEVER allow LiPo batteries to freeze. This will damage the cells
and reduce performance.
■ 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.
■ Transport LiPo batteries in a reproof container. NEVER leave
batteries lying loosely anywhere in the car (in the trunk,
backseat, oor, etc.). NEVER leave LiPo batteries in the car
inde nitely as temperatures inside the vehicle can easily rise
far in excess of 120°F which could damage the battery.
■ 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.
Handling & First Aid Instructions
■ NEVER put loose cells or packs in the pocket of any
clothing!
■ NEVER allow LiPo cells to come in contact with
moisture or water at any time.
■ NEVER store batteries near an open ame or heater.
■ NEVER assemble LiPo cells or pre-assembled packs together
with other LiPo cells/packs. Only a quali ed battery assembler
should assemble or modify LiPo battery packs.
■ NEVER allow LiPo cells to become punctured, especially by
metallic objects such as screwdrivers, T-pins, or hobby knives.
■ DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get in the
eyes or on skin. Wash a ected areas with soap and water
immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte.
If electrolyte makes contact with the eyes, ush 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
an absorbent material and dispose.
■ ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation around LiPo batteries
during charge, discharge, and during storage. If a battery
becomes overheated, IMMEDIATELY place it in a re-proof
location until it cools.
■ ALWAYS store LiPo cells/packs in a secure location away
from children.
■ ALWAYS 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 short-circuit condition and possibly
cause severe personal injury.
■ LiPo batteries are environmentally friendly. For safety
reasons, it’s best that LiPo cells be fully discharged
Disposal of LiPo Batteries
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
cuto voltage to the lowest possible value. Set the discharge
current to a C/10 value. For example, a battery rated at
1200mAh has a “C/10” rating of 0.12 amps, or 120mAh….
calculated as [(1200 divided by 1000) divided by 10] = 0.12A. As
an alternative, a battery can also be discharged by connecting
it to an ESC/motor system and allowing the motor to run
inde nitely 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.
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.
See http://www.trakpowerusa.com/techsupport.html for the
latest warranty and support information.
Hobby Services (217) 398-0007
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
hobbyservices@hobbico.com
www.trakpowerusa.com
Made in China Contents and speci cations subject to change without notice
© 2014 TrakPower, a Hobbico® company. TKPC0212 v3
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