Lipos getting too hot after a flight

[Aussie newbie]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping someone could help me out with a possible problem. After flying my X400 for about 10 mins the battery becomes extremely hot. Almost too hot to touch, in fact I cannot handle the battery for more than a few seconds. Is this normal?

My power system is:

2750kv brushless motor (stock motor from ARK)
25A speed controller
1800mah 11.1V Lipo

Thanks.

[Motions]

What batteries are you using?

[Aussie newbie]

Lipo brand is LSE. Not sure if this is in Australia only.

1800mah 11.1V.

[Aussie newbie]

Lipo brand is LSE. Not sure if this is in Australia only.

1800mah 11.1V.

[skysoljah]

happened to me and in my case it was bad solders on the connectors.

[Aussie newbie]

checked the connectors and they're all good.

[jrohland]

There is probably one or two reasons for this:

The C rating for the batteries is most likely the problem. If you can find out what the C rating is you may find it is 10 or 12. You may need a minimum 15C for your setup.

The other possible problem is you are discharging the pack too far. You might wish to set a timer and reduce your flights by a minute or two. Check the pack temp after a shorter flight. If the pack is not as hot, you may be flying too long on the pack.

I strongly recommend a lipo alarm such as this (http://www.customidea.com/hrpolyx.php) one.

The good news is those batteries are not going to last very long. The bad news is those batteries are not going to last very long. No the pack should not get that hot. Maximum of 54C (130F) for a pack. Over that and real damage is happening.

jrohland

[Aussie newbie]

thanks for that info jrohland. The packs have a rating of 15C. I think the problem is that I'm flying too long. I was under the impression that my speed controller (stock ARK 25A controller) had a safety feature that would cause it to cut off before the battery voltage got too low. Hence I have been flying the pack untill it will no longer hover the heli. Is this the wrong thing to do?

[Gizmo6035]

You need a meter or charger that measure mAh used to recharge the battery, then you can adjust your flight time to not exceed 80% discharge 1440mAh for an 1800 pack. Try 5 min flight then see how much charge is required and adjust flight time based on the 80% of max discharge rule.
The stock ARK controller will kill your batteries in short order if you fly to cutoff, it allows too low a cut off voltage.
I learned this the hard way, 3 destroyed batteries in about 40 flights each.

[fedex]

My transmitter times my flights. Its very helpful, I just get used to the same flight times, check the transmitter after each flight. Usually if it won't fly the battery has discharged too much. I like to leave a little juice in the battery.

I fly on 4 DN power 11.1v 2150's 3 cell batterys 2 15c and 2 20c. I get average of 6 min flight times. Depending on my style of flying. I like to leave around 11.6 volts in the battery. 10.8v is the lowest after that you can damage the performance, DN power recommends that you leave 3.6V - 3.9V per cell. Keep in mind this is what DN power lipos call for. My packs are warm, but never real hot after flight.

[CT4]

I have the same set up and the same problem. Changed to a Hecell 2200mah pack and that ran a lot cooler and gives 10 minutes of flying with a good reserve

[fedex]

I have the same set up and the same problem. Changed to a Hecell 2200mah pack and that ran a lot cooler and gives 10 minutes of flying with a good reserve

Parkbec 20$

http://www.dimensionengineering.com/ParkBEC.htm