IMPORTANT: Lithium technology has provided the Electric Flyer with many benefits such as lighter weights and larger capacities, however like any new technology there are points which must be observed.  Please read the following guidelines from BRC Hobbies BEFORE use.

80% for a LONGER LIFE:  As a general rule lithium polymer cells do not have the cycle life of NiCad/NiMH cells especially when they are pushed to the limit. We recommend you use the 80% rule.  Simply assume your cells are 80% of stated capacity.  Example: 80% of a 2200 pack = 1760 then times by the max discharge capacity of the pack say 20C =35.2 Amps.  If you ensure your motor does not draw more than 35.2 A you will dramatically increase the cycle life of your lithium pack.  Push your lithium packs to the limit often and the cycle life reduces dramatically.  It’s ‘best practice’ to fit as big a capacity battery as you can into your model to ensure they are ‘working’ much less - they will last much longer.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Never store Lipo Packs in a car or shed/exposed workshop during HOT WEATHER! Never leave a Lithium Pack exposed to the sun, even in a model.  At the flying site in hot weather, store your Lipo packs in a cool place in the shade.  In the winter keep Lithium packs in a warm place do not allow to freeze in an outside shed/workshop for example.

Charge at 1C ONLY, (1C is the 1 hour rate for the pack I.e. 1C for a 2000mAh pack is 2A, 10C is 20A and 20C is 40A.  Be aware that all lithium cells from all manufacturers lose capacity with use. (50-100 cycles is the normal cycle life one can expect from a Lithium pack).  The loss in capacity is related to the current drawn from the pack.  As little as only 30 cycles may be achieved if pushed hard all their life! - For a longer cycle life we suggest buying packs with a bigger capacity than you actually need.  Never run lithium packs on the limit!  Remember the discharge rating quoted is the absolute maximum  - not the norm!  If you want to run a model at say 20A you are better off buying a pack which can do this easily say a 2000 20C pack which can deliver 40A.  This means the pack is discharging at around HALF it’s limit and as a result will cycle more times lasting longer.

Never
* Store lithium packs in a car, shed, workshop, model or place which may get too HOT.
* Expose to direct sunlight in hot weather (don’t leave them in you model in sunlight or hot days)
* Charge lithium batteries inside a car, model, or near flammable material.
* Use a charger that does not have the facility to confirm the number of cells in the pack.
* Overcharge Lithium Cells.
* Modify lithium battery packs.
* Puncture a lithium cell/pack.
* Short circuit a lithium cell/pack even for a split second.
* Over discharge a pack. (Do not use an ESC only designed for NiMH or NiCad)

Always
* Store lithium cells in a charged state in a warmed dry environment out of reach of children
* Keep warm in cold winter weather.
* Only use a dedicated lithium charger.
* Charge a lithium battery on a non conductive and non flammable surface.
* Charge lithium batteries in a safe place.
* Always monitor lithium batteries during charging, never leave them unattended.
* Only use lithium packs as supplied by the manufacturer do not perform any modifications.
* Use a speed controller (ESC) suitable for lithium cells, with a cut-off voltage designed for lithium cells.