How To Discharge Your R/C LiPo Batteries - Fast!

For optimal LiPo health, it's best to never let a fully charged LiPo sit idle. Let's discuss how to remedy that.

Got Watts?
Check out dischargers here:

All R/C'ers should have a Cell Checker of some kind; this is my go-to:

Did you miss our 10 LiPo Mistakes video?

[drummerdad]

Wierd i just put a battery on discharge and this video shows up. Is my phone creeping on me🤔

[NitroStarGT]

I've had mine for a while. Helps a LOT. I've got to make me a chart for each cell lipo and state what amps and what volts to set it at. You have to set the volts lower than storage (but not much) so they will be at or near storage when they rest after discharging at a high amp load. This can be a safety issue so be VERY careful and pay close attention when discharging each battery on this device. And this all depends on the resistance in the discharge lead that you use for each different connector.

[charlesbonkley]

"Back in my day..." we called that "dumping" the battery, and it was also thought to help break the "hairs" and "memory" of the older NiCd packs.

[sangamonriverrats]

great video as always ... i used to use a light bar and battery checker to discharge my lipos, but i lost a few getting side tracked. sooo i bought a bd200 .... i love it, i use it to cycle my race batteries before race day ... best 100 bucks ever!

[RMJ]

0:17 seriously can't stop laughing. Comedy gold, putting on the sunglasses.

[robbryan]

While a charger's discharge ability is "decent", I'm in complete agreement on using a dedicated discharger. A lot of people will probably recommend the iSDT FD100, or even the FD200. After reading several reviews on iSDT products, I decided to avoid their entire product line. Searching around, something led me to checking out the Maylibet a12. Even though it has a maximum discharge rate of 120W, it discharges at approximately 8A (I've seen it discharging at 8.2A). Some of its benefits are as follows:


1) It has its own built-in balance board - It accepts 2S-6S, with balancing plug plugged directly into the a12.
2) It doesn't require a power supply - The battery being discharged "IS" the power supply.
3) One-button operation - Press once to turn unit on, press again to start the discharging. If you need to stop discharging, just press the button again.
4) Auto shut-off - This is a "smart discharger", programmed to automatically stop when cells are at 3.80-3.85V, and then it shuts off after cooling (approx another 20 seconds).
5) Informative backlit LCD display - Display shows total voltage, voltage/cell, discharge amperage, elapsed time, mAh discharged, and cell count.


The only down side (if you choose to count this as a "down side") is the price - $70. Compared to the iSDT FD100's $35-40 price, the Maylibet is expensive...but, compared to the iSDT FD200, it's somewhat more affordable. Of course, when you compare the Maylibet a12 against either iSDT discharger, and consider the five benefits mentioned above, the Maqylibet a12 starts looking like a "smart investment". Now, all we need is for AMain to start carrying it (hint, hint).

[ExcelCannabisLimited]

Thanks... this video just saved my butt from screwing up my new 6s lipos (ya I’m new to the whole lipo battery thing lol)

[rcflo]

I always discharge them to storage mode with a lipo checker and a 12 V light bulb, works perfect for me.

[FarmerFpv]

According to your math, I need that Skyrc BD200! Going to use my amain points before they expire. :)

[drjavogel]

Excellent information but I got lost with the math -- as usual. I'm sure the manual that comes with the device will help or I'll just watch this video again. Thanks, Brett.

[LargeeeScaleLife]

I didn’t even know these existed I’m definitely going to be ordering one I have a lot of crawlers and trail trucks also some large monster trucks sometimes I end up not using all the batteries are charged and my desktop charger takes for ever to discharge because it will only discharge at one amp

[ericmdk]

Usually most chargers on storage mode will automatically discharge. Also cheaper chargers the discharge mode takes the battery below storage voltage. So just try using the storage mode for discharging to storage voltage. It will take a while but it's also quite safe because the amp rate is low. ALWAYS CONNECT THE BALANCE LEAD TO THE CHARGER FOR DOING ANYTHING. Simple insurance against many things that can go wrong with the cells.

[SebastianLong]

You forgot to mention for the low budget people in mind, if they have a small lipo charger and a cell checker, some cell checkers also have a discharger built in. While it may be a lot slower than a charger with a discharge feature, it will still get the lipo to the storage capacity.

[MrRockzilla]

AmainHobbies is the best and most informative hobbyshop you will ever find!..Bought lots of stuff from you guys online on eBay and you have great YouTube informational videos..My question is how do you properly discharge a Traxxas 2s or 3s lipo ID connector style battery, after you only use about half of its power running your RC..WITHOUT having to fully run it down through your RC model?.. meaning I just want to run a crawler for 20 or 30 minutes and be done..How do you discharge LiPo battery pack to a safe level (3.4-3.2 volts per cell I believe)
WITHOUT running it down in your RC?...Thanks

[roynorthcutt]

Great video. Always helpful videos. Wish I lived in chico

[birminghamgtrc]

Very well explain my friend thank you for the breakdown 💯👌🏾 very useful info 👊🏾👑

[tlfbshti]

"DISCHARGE LASAGNA" IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER, EVER BE SAID OUT LOUD

[RazorRC]

Funny and informative video, well done Brett!

[RCsRCCars]

I know every Amain video is trying to sell me something. Good thing I like buying RC gadgets!

[robertmonty]

I have an I charger 406duo with a 40 Amp discharge and it seems to work great. I'm new to the whole lipo thing. Is a 40 Amp discharge to much for mudboss racing and what are good batteries for 12t mudboss racing that will deliver good power. Also, how many times can I use the same pck in a race day and how long should it rest between charges.