RC LiPo Battery Basics Balance & Storage Charging Pt. 2 - TheRcSaylors

After our most recent video covering battery basics just a couple days ago, we had a lot of questions, so it only made sense to do a follow up video with some answers and more helpful tips and tricks to keeping your Lipo batteries healthy over a long period of time! These methods have worked well for us for many years now, but are by no means the absolute best way to manage your batteries. Please be careful with LiPos and always handle and store them in a very safe location.

Have we ever saved you money or helped you pick out your favorite RC? Consider saying thanks by supporting us with one of these awesome options below!
------------------------------------------

Want to send something to TheRcSaylors and see it on the channel? Send it to P.O. Box 361 Ashland, KY 41105

[edes]

As a noob these two videos have been really good. Thanks for making these for beginners.

[jefftothwmizzle]

Just started getting back into RC and I appreciate how informative your videos are. Thanks.

[steveclark]

Nate, wanted to say thanks. Been in the hobby since the early 80's, first RC was Tamiya Hornet, got out, back in with Clod & Hornet, then frog then Big Bear and many from there. I was in, out again, back in, long story short, been back for 5 yrs now, and Lipos were like vodoo to me because when I last was in, it was Nicd or Nimd batts, cant think what we had but the old stuf. So I was so confused on Lipos. Long story short bud, my first lipo 5 yrs ago when I got back in again, I killed it lol...I never ":storage charged it" just because I had no lipo knowledge.. I'm actually big into custom RC, I have a custom rc 1/5 scale I fully custom build using 5/16" .062 steel tube for the monster truck frame I built from scratch...BUT, you just helped me big time bud. I have a pair of 4s 9700mah 130c smc lipos I run in that truck I built, paid around $220 for my pair but didn't understand how to care for them properly, and for 5 yrs I had a 3s and just killed it because I NEVER storage charged it.. But wanted to tell you. I watched this and the other vid. I bought two of the voltage checkers you suggested ( I never understood voltage or storage charges/etc) But FYI ...after watching your lipo vids, this one and the other, a couple times each. I now own two voltage checkers, I am now checking my batts, I am now also storage charging my batt's and I finally understand what a storage charge is and the sweet spot to keep it at .Tonight for the first time ever I have 4 lipos in storage charge because of you Nate ;) Mine are now in storage at 3.8 and I know why they are at 3.8 now lol. So just wanted to say. You helped an old RC guy understand this new lipo stuff ;) BTW you and Abby are great, love your vids and you guys seem to have a great marriage/relationship that comes through in your vids. Keep the vids coming.

[bryanbryant]

Thank you for this great information! I always follow your recommendation of not charging batteries unattended. However, once I was charging a single cell battery of a H8 using the USB charger that came with it. The battery was in the H8 while charging. I was quite nearby in the same room, but I fell asleep. When I woke up, the room was smoky with a burnt smell. I went over to the battery, and it was black and semi-melted. The H8 was melted, and a heavy layer of black soot surrounded the area. I was very thankful a full-scale fire did not break out! It showed me the danger is real. Now I never leave the battery in the quad, so if the battery burns, it won't destroy the quad. That incident was the only LiPo mishap I've had so far.

[dominicchesterman]

Thanks Nate and Abbey, I bet you're saving people hassle, money and maybe lives with these Lipo videos.

[htnttf]

Just love how your wife supports your hobby.

[incubrian]

nate- youre fine! it should go without saying, that anytime you do a tutorial video, youre going to get every armchair expert in the hobby coming along telling you the things you missed, or what they think is the right way to do something. what those people don't realize is that it's actually hard to make a 30 minute video that covers EVERY little thing, without scripts, editing, production staff, and writers :) just realize that the internet armchair experts are just "part of the hobby :) keep killing it!

[giddyrightonup]

Your videos on battery usage / care have been invaluable to me. You manage to explain things in a clear and concise way.
Thank you

[rogerwilco]

Good follow up video guys and you showed me I was wrong in my previous comment about your battery tester. I have since amended that so as to not confuse people. I have a few of those testers/alarms and I've since tested them all and only 1 was reasonably accurate at measuring voltages. I've never actually used them for comparing cell voltages as I have more accurate devices for that, so even if they are slightly inaccurate they will still do their primary job as a low voltage alarm. Please keep up the good work, it's much appreciated.

[dustenthebeau]

I just got back into the hobbie again after 15 years, and this was a great video for my wife and I to learn from! Thanks for doing this!!

[maximoreeves]

"A little island by Australia " hilarious.lol. thanks for the information it really helps a newbie like me.

[johnscott]

Great video! Keep up the good work! Thank you for all you do for this hobby!

[allan]

Excellent information for me. I am new to RC planes and am confused by all the electronic information. Your videos make it clear how I can be safe and extend the life of my batteries.

[lloyderc]

I always come back to this vid for reminders. Y’all do a great job. Thanks.

[kcmk]

How long can my LiPos sit uncharged before I should storage charge them?...say I run my rc car an I run it till they hit the shutdown mode ..how long can they sit in that state before I should put a storage charge on them??

[DKoppJr]

I own the Venom Pro Quad charger and have had it for 5+ years, and I still stand by the accuracy.

[martinjacoby]

Well, after being away from the model airplane hobby for about 60 years, I've decided that you are my go-to guy to catch me up. I have a lot to catch up on!

[jordyjords]

This is the best info I’ve come across about battery storage

[markhorsburgh]

Excellent video, thanks for taking the time to explain the basics of storage charging.
You just got a new subscriber 😊

[YNTGUNS]

What if i dont use my battery for 3 or 4 days? Do i need to store charge. Also before i use the battery again i have to fully charge it?