LiPo Break In Period Required???

[mrhumble1]

Greetings all-

I am new to LiPos and have a question about breaking them in.

I only have 2 packs now and they are the 6s Align 2600 packs. They recommend a 5-cycle break in period where the packs are only discharged 50%.

Is this necessary for all LiPo brands or something specific just to the Align packs? I have read around and don't remember seeing this break in period for other packs.

I'm asking because I just bought one of these ---> http://www.rchelicoptershop.com/catalog/hyperlithium-222v-2500mah-25c-lithium-polymer-lipo-battery-for-trex-500-p-440.html

I know they are no-name LiPos, but for $85 I am willing to risk trying out something new. I just want to make sure I take care of them properly from the beginning.

Do you guys think I should break them in easily or just start running them down until I find the right flight time to get to 80% usage??

Thanks everyone,

Jason

[th3tick]

I've always heard you should break in all packs. I'm still doing that with some new FP packs, and it can be a pain to remember which packs need it still or not, but I'm getting there.

John

[Pinecone]

There are those who say you need to and others who say you don't need to. I figure it can't hurt, so I hover only, to about 50% dishcarge for the first 3 -5 cycles of a pack. The 3 - 5 depends on how bored I get. :)

[mlucia]

I would like to know more about this topic.

Can someone explain what exactly the purpose is to breaking in a battery? There must be a scientific reason. Otherwise it would be a standard and everyone would do it right?

For instance, will you get 50 more cycles out of the pack? If so, where is the data to prove this?
Things like that....

Don't get me wrong...I will try about anything to make my lipos happy and last a long time but still would like some concrete evidence regarding break in.

[Helipsyko]

http://helifreak.com/showpost.php?p=591341&postcount=6

[kianhon]

The Lipo you got there is a good quality Lipo, it is cheap but it is TOUGH!! I started this hobby only like 4 months ago & that Lipo came with my Belt-CP (Bought my heli from the this same vendor too). No experience in flying any Heli before, no idea how Lipo works and how to take care of it. On average I charge it for 5-6 hours with Esky stock charger. Got a battery monitor weeks later but I sitll have no idea how and when a Lipo is fully charge and when to stop flying it. I drain it till my heli cant really spin, charge it for 5-6 hours. Each cell only contains 3.8v, then I go on using it again till my heli cant spin. I crash my heli and bend that Lipo almost 40 degrees twice. Then guess what?

My esky stock Lipo dead, but this Lipo still working until today. Still holding his capacity, no puff yet. Of course now I have climbed up the learning curve, no more those horrible practice on Lipos :happyd

[mlucia]

http://helifreak.com/showpost.php?p=591341&postcount=6

Great info. and thanks!!

Guess this answers the question then:


OK here is my input. Any more questions just ask away!

Ian Watson
FlightPower/FlightTech UK Tech Support


2) Li-Po batteries require a "break-in" process this is a slightly more grey area. older packs used to need so, yes, but with modern cell matching which the bigger brands all include in their manufacturing process, it isnt so much the case. However, the first cycle of the pack IS NOT the best cycle. it takes about 3 cycles to get the best performance out of the pack, and it will stay at this level for many more cycles. We have noted this happens with all discharge rates from ultra high currents to low currents.

[mrhumble1]

Greetings all-

Thanks for the great information.

I got that pack in and flew it once yesterday and it performed as well as my Align 2600 packs. I can't test it any more since 2 flights later I played a game called "Let's dig a hole!" with my 500 (boom first). Even though the hei tried (mightily) to dig to China, the hole was not nearly as impressive as the damage it took. Fortunately, the frame and electronics are ok. Everything else is toast. :bawl

I'll write up a review after I get the heli rebuilt and have more cycles on the battery. For about $100 shipped, that's a great deal if the pack lasts.

Jason

[igorek82]

Anyone else has any experience with the said battery?

Thanks!

[Ultraviolet]

Anyone else has any experience with the said battery?

Thanks!

No experience with that lipo, but here is an even cheaper option ( around $58 for 2 3S 2350mah packs. ). Keep in mind that Hobby City can be a pain in the butt, and they mislead there customers from time to time.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7294&Product_Name=Rhino_2350mAh_3S_11.1v_20C_Lipoly_Pac k

Kind of a hit or miss proposition.

[Ultraviolet]

Sorry I went off topic.

I agree with Pinecone, it certainly does not hurt to break them in ( discharge 50% ) for the first 3 -5 flights.