Hi, If I don't use my H for let say, 3-6month or more shall I just leave the batteries in storage mode 15.3V or charge / discharge them now and then? Your view please.
Battery "Maintinance"?
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Hi Eagle´s Eye, thanx, have you read/heard that this is the best way to keep the batteries in good shape or how do you know..?
I asked the same question a few months ago when UltraX was having a battery sale & I was considering getting 2 more as pure backups for the future, and not to be put into the current cycle rotation. PatR, who I consider along with ArnhemAnt, to be the 2 most knowledgeable members in regards to Lipo use and care... he suggested that time frame. If nothing else, to periodically monitor both storage voltage levels and IR readings.
PatR
Premium Pilot
As batteries have a self discharge rate it’s very easy to verify what Eagle mentioned. After discharging the batteries to storage level, note the individual cell voltages. Every two weeks thereafter check the individual cell voltages again to see if they remain the same or decrease. If you see a decrease, and you eventually will, you will have established the batteries will not maintain a stable charge state indefinitely and over time they will self discharge to a level that will damage the cells. Should you arrive at that conclusion your logical course of action would be to periodically cycle your batteries to assist long term cell health. As battery quality varies considerably you might find different brands have different discharge rates, which alters the battery cycling time frame a little
While your waiting to perform the periodic voltage checks you’ll have time to visit a few web sites that provide battery chemistry specific information for people to gain knowledge from.
Eagle is correct with the only real question being the time between cycles but the above provides a means to see and prove it for yourself which removes any doubt. A lipo is not a charge and forget battery, something a few, including myself, learned the hard and expensive way.
While your waiting to perform the periodic voltage checks you’ll have time to visit a few web sites that provide battery chemistry specific information for people to gain knowledge from.
Eagle is correct with the only real question being the time between cycles but the above provides a means to see and prove it for yourself which removes any doubt. A lipo is not a charge and forget battery, something a few, including myself, learned the hard and expensive way.
PatR
Premium Pilot
Any time. BTW, the closest thing we have to a charge and forget battery is a lithium ion, or li-on. They can be left stored fully charged but even those self discharge over time, but at a lower rate. Camera makers love them for that reason. Your ST-16 uses one so you can charge it up and put it away for several months without much concern. Do turn it on and check the charge level once in awhile though.
