How to select the right Lithium Polymer battery

Selecting the right lithium polymer (Lipo) battery can be difficult. Get one too small and it won't power your plane for long. Get one too big and it will weigh the plane down.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• calculator

1. Find the maximum current in the specifications for the motor. Example: 36a

2. Find the burst C rating, continuous C rating and capacity in the specifications for the battery. Example: burst = 35C, continuous = 25C, 2250ma

3. Multiply the burst C rating by the capacity. Example: 35 x 2250 = 78,750

4. Multiply the continuous C rating by the capacity. Example: 25 x 2250 = 56,250ma

5. These numbers are in milliamps, while the motor rating is in amps. 1,000ma = 1a so divide this number by 1,000. Example: 56,250ma / 1,000 = 56.25a and 78,750ma = 78.75a

6. The example battery can supply 56a continuously and 78a in a burst lasting less then a minute. This is well over the 36a required by the motor. It will provide approximately 10 mins of flight time.