It's not easy to determine if the charger is bad if it seems to be working. But knowing how the charger works will help you determine of something's not working as expected.
This article addresses both chargers that SwifPaws sells or has sold in the past. Refer to the information related to the charger that you have. Scroll down for information on the B3Pro charger (the one with tree lights)
If the charger pops, smokes, emits a bad odor - unplug it and discontinue using it. It must be replaced.
Note: during a certain charging phase the charger does get hot, this is normal. But if it gets too hot to hold, or if the case warps, unplug it and do not continue using it. Replace the charger.
Always use the charger on a fireproof surface, away from flammables, and monitor the charging. Do not leave a battery charging unattended.
HotRC charger
START by plugging in the HotRC charger without a battery attached.
- The display will show all three zeros. Note: it may take a few moments for the display to light up after plugging it in. This is normal.
If the voltage display lights up 000 - go ahead and connect the battery. The battery's actual voltage will display.
- The display readout will show the actual voltage of the battery.
- If the display shows 000 - that may be the actual voltage of the battery
- You can try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to the charger several times to make sure it's connecting properly.
- If it still shows 000 - the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
- If the voltage shown in the display is lower than your particular battery's minimum voltage - the battery is bad - do not attempt to charge or use it.
- To learn what that voltage is for your specific battery. This information can be found in this support center under the specific SwiftPaws kit that you have.
To charge a battery, plug the battery's charging connector into the appropriate port on the charger until it reaches full capacity.
- Always monitor charging, do not leave a battery charging unattended.
- The maximum capacity naturally declines over time and with use - so once the voltage stops increasing - you can consider the battery fully charged.
- Once the capacity drops to 80% - the battery has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
- Keep the battery away from flammables and inside a fireproof bag until it can be dropped off for safe disposal.
- Google for local regulations for disposal of LiPo batteries.
If the battery fails to charge or hold a charge, the battery is bad.
NOTES:
The HotRC charger does get quite hot during a certain stage of the charging cycle - this is normal. But if it gets too hot to hold or you see the case beginning to warp - unplug it and replace the charger.
The HotRC case is fireproof. But you should always use the charger on a fireproof surface away from flammables and do not leave the charger unattended when in use. Discontinue charging when you cannot be present and continue charging when you get back if necessary.
B3 Pro charger
START by plugging in the charger without a battery attached.
- All three LEDs should light up. If one or more do not, it's bad.
If all three LEDs do light up - plug in the battery
- If one or more LEDs do not turn green after about an hour - the corresponding cell inside the battery is bad. The battery needs to be replaced.
- Do not attempt to charge or use a bad battery.
- Keep it away from flammables and inside a fireproof bag until it can be dropped off for safe disposal.
If the battery fails to charge or hold a charge, the battery is bad.
NOTES:
Always use the charger on a fireproof surface away from flammables and do not leave the charger unattended when in use.
Discontinue charging when you cannot be present and continue charging when you get back.
CAUTION: The battery should always be allowed to come to room temperature before charging. Charging a hot or cold battery might delay charging or damage the battery. For best results, charge the battery at temperatures between 50º and 80ºF (10º-30ºC).
Disclaimer
The advice given above is general in nature and you are responsible for the safety of your batteries. SwiftPaws is not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages and personal injuries, including that to property, life, and health, resulting from the customer’s application and use of batteries.