10 mistakes you want to avoid - LiPo BatteryUpdated 5 months ago

This video is on YouTube posted by AMain Hobbies. It explains 10 mistakes people make with their LiPo batteries. Things you MUST KNOW to get the most out of your LiPo battery.

The chargers shipped with your SwiftPaws kit are balance chargers but they are not the type that allow you to change settings, nor do they have a discharge mode (things he mentions in the video) - so you may want to consider purchasing one if it seems like something you'd like to have. 

Click the word "YouTube" on the bottom right side of the video to view this video on YouTube to see the links he mentions at the end.

Ten mistakes to avoid - bullet points from the video

• Not balance charging it - every single time (using it in an imbalanced state will damage it)
• Discharging down to zero - this is dangerous and destroys battery - each cell should be at least 3v
• Set appropriate low voltage cut off - Your SwiftPaws Drive is programmed with the appropriate cut off voltage - just be sure to stop to recharge when needed & always start with a fully charged battery 
• Using the battery NOT fully charged first - this causes cell degradation which leads to swelling
• Failing to charge to the storage voltage after every use - habit: charge to storage voltage and then to full just before use.
• Buying a new battery and not using it right away. The battery ships with a storage voltage, which degrades over time and will go bad sitting in the closet. Only buy the quantity that you will use and only when you need it.
• Charging the battery when the battery is hot (like just after use) - it must cool down first - charging it hot will degrade it.
• Storing the battery in the fridge or freezer creates condensation inside the battery - NOT RECOMMENDED
• Leaving the battery in a hot car will permanently damage them and could cause a fire - NOT RECOMMENDED
• Buying used LiPo battery - you do not know how it was used or abused. It's not a good idea to buy them if you don't know its history 
• Letting the battery sit around unused. Both short term and long term - is NOT RECOMMENDED. For storage, it must be taken out of storage, charged and discharged back to storage voltage periodically - The battery manufacturers of the batteries sold by SwiftPwas recommend every 3 months
• Throwing away LiPo batteries in the trash - it must be drained 100% if they have any energy inside, they can be a fire hazard. We recommend dropping the battery off at a battery recycle center. Many places it's illegal to throw them in the trash. Check your local regulations for proper disposal.