MAAA Wingspan - Quarterly Magazine

27 4. Use the taps. These are available on almost all modern LiPo batteries to let you check the voltage of each individual cell within the battery, and to charge them individually. It’s important to keep all the cells at the same voltage as each other (literally – within 0.1 volts of each other at most), because unbalanced battery packs are known to explode. Again, if you’re finding different voltages often, keep amuch closer eye on the battery and consider replacing it. 5. Check your batteries for damage. Batteries that have been damaged by a crash, or even by being dropped, have been known to cause fires, so give thema good check over. If you’re in any doubt whatsoever, keep an eye on them in a well-ventilated, fire-safe place for at least twenty minutes. Any punctures, fissures, or even hair’s-breadth cracks are highly dangerous due to the toxic and reactive chemicals inside. 6. Know the warning signs. If a battery/cell starts swelling, (especially if it does so while you’re charging it), treat it as a serious hazard. Disconnect it fromall power immediately, place it on a fire-safe surface if it isn’t already on one and have a bucket of sand nearby. Never use it again after an incident like this, but dispose of it safely (see below). 7. Dispose of retired batteries properly. For LiPos, ensure they’re drained of all charge before throwing themout, unless they’re physically damaged (swollen, cracked, etc). Then, submerge the battery in salt water, (half a cup of salt per bucket) in a plastic container and leave it there for a fortnight. After this it will be landfill safe. And last but not least… 8. Always, always pay attention. If the batteries are in any formof use, (including charging) you should be watching them. If they have just finished being used and are cooling down, you should be watching them. If they have given off any sign that something is not quite right (uneven cell voltages, excessive heat, bulging, etc) you should be watching them. You get the idea! Hopefully, by keeping these things inmind you should be fine. But never forget to use your smarts and keep your wits about you. Some words of wisdom from your mate Joe Wise Wangid! MAAALogo. AUGUST WING SPAN