Lipo Batteries equipment and knowledge for newbie

Hi All,

I'm completely new to the RC world and would appreciate your help.
I bought an RTF Bixler about 2 months ago, and I'm having so many problems with the batteries.
Let's say that I never managed to recharge my 2 batteries and I really don't know whether it's the betteries who are faulty, or it's the basic 800mAh charger/balancer it came with the Bixler, or maybe something I did due to my lack of knowledge.

When I received the plane and tried to charge the 2 batteries (both 3S, one is 1300mAh that can with the plane and additional Turnigy 3S 1600mAh), both red and green lights on the charger were on.
now after using the batteries, whenever I try charging again, both lights are always on again. After waiting a couple of hours for the 1.6 battery, I connect it to the Bixler and the engine turns on and loses power almost immediately...
Any idea?


Following a claim I submitted, HK are asking to send a picture showing the low-voltage on the battery using a cell meter, but I still don't such device.

1) Can you please advice where I could learn the essentials on these batteries. Any links would really help.

2) What is the equipment I need to have in order to be able to "manage" them?
I'm thinking about ordering the following 2 products (and new batteries of course):
a) GT A-6 Charger/balancer/discharger: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__6590__GT_A_6_Charger_balancer_discharger.html
b) HXT Lipo Monitor 3: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__4175__HXT_Lipo_Monitor_3S_A_must_have_for_all_lipo_users_.html
Are these enough for being able to recharge batteries and analyzing future problems?

Thanks a million,
Krimbu

Originally posted by airwave have you tryed it with just a 12 volt battery?? the supply you have may not be right??

If you mean the car bettery, then yes. But I connected both croc leads to the car battery.
Only lately I read somewhere that only one lead should be connected to the car and the other should be connected to the car's body.

In both cases, the result was the same...

The battery charger you've picked out looks OK, I'd be more inclined to get THIS CELL KEY instead of that lipo monitor since it can tell you actual individual cell voltages and it works on up to a 6 cell pack. I's also get a couple or few new batteries. LiPos that have been run down the way those ones you've got sound like they've been are probably not going to be much if any good now.

One thing to remember about LiPos is never to let them completely discharge (they need about one volt left). Flattening them completely can destroy them. Also, never leave one unattended while charging - put it on metal or concrete (something fireproof). If they sswwell badly during charge - put them outside in a bucket of water for 24 hours. NEVER try to puncture them

Some LiPo safe bags might be a good idea for charging and storing your batteries in too. Large ones HERE and smaller ones HERE.