How to Charge Orion Lipo Batteries

Always use a LiPo battery charger to charge your Orion LiPo batteries.

LiPo is the abbreviation for lithium polymer. While LiPo batteries were originally developed for use in cell phones and laptops, they are now the battery of choice for many RC enthusiasts. LiPo batteries are light and produce higher voltage than many other types of rechargeable batteries. Orion is a major producer of LiPo batteries, available as single cell batteries or as battery packs. A single cell Orion LiPo battery produces 3.7 volts, compared to 1.5 volts for batteries such as NiCad. Orion LiPo battery packs vary from 7.4 volts to 11.1 volts or higher. You can charge your Orion LiPo batteries using any suitable LiPo charger.

Things You'll Need

• LiPo battery charger

Instructions

1. Remove your Orion battery from the device it is in. Let the battery cool before recharging. LiPo batteries get hot while in use, particularly if they are used in devices that require a lot of energy such an RC airplane.

2. Check the output voltage on the Orion LiPo battery. Compare it to the settings on your LiPo charger. Some chargers are preset while others have variable settings. It's important that you set your charger to the same volts as your battery, otherwise the battery will be damaged.

3. Set the amperes to 5 or less, if your LiPo charger has variable ampere settings. Setting it higher will result in damage. If you set it too low your battery will take a long while to charge.

4. Insert or connect your Orion LiPo battery to the charger. Turn on the charger and check the rate of voltage and amperes are correct, if your charger has variable settings.

5. Check the charge rate regularly, if your charger has a voltmeter. Most LiPo charges automatically detect when a battery is fully charged, and will turn off and display a green light. Chargers made for more complex LiPo battery packs require you to manage the charge and turn them off. Never allow the charge to exceed the output of your battery.

6. Turn off your charger and remove the LiPo batteries. Insert the charged batteries in your device.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a LiPo battery charging bag to store and charge your batteries. It keeps them safe and protects you in the event that they become unstable while charging.

• Only use a charger made for charging LiPo batteries. Other types of chargers will damage your batteries and may be dangerous.

References

• RC Car tips.com: RC LiPo Battery Review
• Hooked-On-RC-Airplanes.com: Fundamentals of LiPo Battery Packs