Storing and using Lithium polymer batteries:
All packs and cells are delivered in 30 % charged state. We advice you to charge and balance them once you get them. Batteries should be stored in around 30 % charged state (3.85 v) and if stored for a longer period, one should charge them a little after 3-6 months, to avoid the cell voltage go below 2,75 v (LiPo cells selfdischarge about 5 % in one month).
Lithium polymer cells will get damaged, if fully discharged!. Minimum voltage per cell must always be over 2,75 volts per cell (we suggest using 3,2V per cell cut-off). Make sure you use a ESC that supports correct cut-off voltages for LiPo packs. Lithium polymer cells can be used for 2-3 years with moderate discharge, but continous high discharge use will shorten the lifespan. With 1 C discharge current after 500 charge cycles the cells still give 90 % discharge. Note that cell C values also get lower by age and therefore it's always good to buy packs that give more current than needed.
Important!, read the instructions that come with the batteries before use.
Charging:
Use only chargers that are made for charging Lithiumpolymer cells. Cells should be charged at 0.5 C to 1 C charge rate (ie. for 1200 mAh cell use 600 mA to 1200 mA charge current). We suggest using 0.5 C charge. We strongly suggest that you use a charger which balances the cells while charging or use a charger that monitors battery pack temperature and stops the charging process if the pack temperature get over 40 celsius.
Charge and store the batteries in a fireproof place. Place the cells in a fireproof container during the charging process and make sure there are no flammable things next to charging place. Do not leave the cells unattended when charging. Lithium polymer cells are safe to use, if used correctly, but as the cells have very high energy, they can cause fire if misused or over charged. If you use an automatic charger, which automatically detect the number of cells, then ALWAYS check that the charger detected the pack correctly!. Wrong settings (automatic or manual) can cause a fire.
If a cell is damaged or is swollen, DO NOT use the cell. Discharge it with a small current (ie. with small 12 v light bulb) and after a complete discharge place it in salt water for one day and recycle it afterwards.