lipo batteries ?

[look 171]

Someone posted about quad rotor RC helicopters about a week back. I ended up buying a small helicopter for my little boys' birthday. There's the warning sign about these lipo batteries that needs to be charge in a fire proof bag. How dangerous are they? Anyone have any experience with them? I don't want it blowing up on my kid. Any advice on overcharging or undercharging? He's 6 and can't tell time yet, so overcharging maybe an issue. These are the Xheli, assuming cheap Chinese imports for 28 bucks.

[Chocaholic]

My son is big into this stuff (he's 19). You need to be involved and will need a proper charger. I don't recall all the requirements but you are not supposed to leave the batteries fully charged or fully discharged. Most chargers have are programmable so that you can back off of full charge for storage.

He uses a bag when charging, but we've never had one go off. We have had them go bad (they get puffy) and new ones aren't cheap. Best to read up and get the right gear, and do not let your six year old recharge without your supervision.

[wdfifteen]

I've overcharged a couple and they didn't do anything but not work anymore. Just 2 data points.

[look 171]

there's a cable that goes into the helicopter directly from an USB port. I can safely assume there's some type of overcharge protection somewhere. We will open it today and see if there are any specific instructions. I am not sure if the battery can be taken out of the toy itself for charging.

[aschen]

it is fine. They can be dangerous in the larger sizes, like multiple amp hour range. My guess is that anything in the 28$ range is a single cell in the couple hundred mah range.

Have him place it in a ceramic bowl while charging if you want to be extra safe. I would be more worried about the spining blades and Eyes.

[red-beard]

Are these LiFePo4 batteries? Lithium-Cobalt are much more likely to catch fire than LiFePo4.

[aschen]

Lithium polymer, which I think have the same chem as standard li-ion but have flexible electrodes for super high power density. I think some of them can discharge at around 40C

[red-beard]

OK. Lithium "Polymer" are Lithium Cobalt batteries.

I'm moving our Remote solar energy systems from AGM to LiFePo4

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by aschen

Lithium polymer, which I think have the same chem as standard li-ion but have flexible electrodes for super high power density. I think some of them can discharge at around 40C

40c is pretty common, but you can get up to like 120c in RC car batteries. Insane how much faster the cars are with LiPo packs in them

[look 171]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Are these LiFePo4 batteries? Lithium-Cobalt are much more likely to catch fire than LiFePo4.

I have no clue, but will try and find out.

[look 171]

These are the little helicopters you see sales guy that fly them inside the mall for a few bucks. They had a ball this evening trying to fly it but can get it up in the air without crashing within about 15 second of hovering.

[afterburn 549]

IF you are going to use Lipo Batt much, Buy the 100.00 dollar charger for two reasons.
It will charge the batt with "ballance" and is much safer.
The charger they sell with the kits are junk, will ruin your Batt in a short time........and a FIRE hazard !

[onewhippedpuppy]

We've been buying the little cheapo Syma helicopters off of Ebay for years, my kids love them. Trust me, if you have a 6-year old flying it there won't be any need for worrying about the battery. If you're lucky you'll charge it a few times before he destroys it.

[Chocaholic]

These are the little helicopters you see sales guy that fly them inside the mall for a few bucks. They had a ball this evening trying to fly it but can get it up in the air without crashing within about 15 second of hovering.

Ah...those use tiny batteries. No worries.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I have had about 5 of the Syma copters that charge via USB.

Have a new one unopened ready for Christmas.

Never had a battery issue yet.

Every other piece has broke - just not the batteries.

Just paid $18 for this last one. We usually get a couple dozen flights before some component of the motor / blade stops working. They tend to crash pretty hard against the walls, tables, light fixtures, ceilings and ultimately the wood floor.