Can we still use our li-polys in the winter?

[jimRC]

We recently got a new apache helicopter and it uses a standard li-poly battery. The manual says not to operate the copter in less than 50 degree F weather.

Do you guys just not fly in the winter? or is this merely unnecessary fine print?
thanks for your opinions

[TheBum]

The secret is not to let them sit idly in the cold. When not using them, keep them in a warm car; or do what I do and use a 12V thermoelectric cooler set on the Heat setting and put a rack of some sort in it to elevate the packs above the heat exchanger plates. If you use the cooler idea, make sure to only run it for a few minutes and then turn it off for a while to avoid overheating. Once they're in the heli and you're flying, they'll heat up.

[beeflyer2]

Yea, just don't charge in the cold and don't expose charged lipos to the cold for longer than necessary.

[jcwing123]

Operating Li-Po batteries in cold weather, you have to remember that current flow generates heat. Alot of it... While the heli motor is running, the battery stays quite warm and there is no issue with the cold. Just do as the other guys said though and never leave the battery out in the cold for an extended time.

Also, a tip on charging Li_po's. Never charge them immeditely after a run. The battery is too hot. Let it cool down for about30 minutes, then charge it again. What can happen is that a hot battery can get even hotter under charge conditions, and a possible fire may result. At the very least, you will wear the battery out faster by stressing the Lithium Polymer layers with excess heat. :)

My 2 cents worth...

Joel