RC Planes -- Proper Care Will Maximize Cell Capacity and Extend Battery Life

If you’re new to RC planes, something you’ll want to pay close attention to is battery care. Failure to charge, discharge and store batteries correctly leads to under-performance and short cell life; worst case scenario, they could catch fire or explode. Even the least expensive rechargeable isn’t cheap, and having to replace one before its time is wasteful. Learning proper battery maintenance will keep you safe, improve performance, enhance cell life, and save money.

The 3 most common types of batteries for RC planes are Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Polymer (LiPo). Each has distinctive characteristics and performance attributes and also different requirements for care and maintenance. First, there were NiCads; tough, dependable and less expensive than NiMHs or LiPos, NiCads are also heavier and less powerful, with the lowest capacity of the three. If not fully discharged before recharging, NiCads will develop “memory” problems. In effect, the battery won’t “remember” that it has the capacity to fully discharge and will eventually fail to hold a charge altogether. For best capacity and longer flight times, NiCads should be fully cycled 2-3 times before flying. Before storage, they should always be completely discharged. NiCads don’t like dampness or extremes of temperature and should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

NiMH cells were a significant improvement for RC planes over NiCads. Cadmium-free, they pose less of a disposal problem and have more capacity. More expensive than NiCads, they also last twice as long and don’t have the memory problem. Unlike NiCads, NiMH cells should not be fully discharged before recharging or storing them. Overcharging can ruin them but you don’t want to undercharge them either—be sure to charge NiMHs to full capacity. Slow charging works best and make sure to let them cool down first—charging when hot can damage or ruin them.

LiPo cells came next and are primarily responsible for the popularity that electric RC planes and helicopters enjoy today. Lighter in weight but with higher capacity, LiPos made possible smaller batteries with significantly more juice, allowing electrics to rival the performance of gas models.  Lipos do have some drawbacks; they are a good bit more expensive and special attention must be paid to charging, discharging and storing. Do not overcharge a LiPo—this can cause them to burst into flames and explode. Use a fire-proof container or bag when charging and don’t leave the charger unattended—if you can’t stay in the room, check in frequently. If your pack has more than one cell, use a balancer to insure that all cells charge at the same rate. Charging a hot LiPo can damage or destroy it, so always give it time to cool down first. A Lipo shouldn’t be fully discharged but also shouldn’t be fully charged for storage--consult your user guide for detailed instructions.

Coming improvements in battery technology will hopefully address most LiPo safety concerns and prices should continue to come down. The type of battery you should use depends on what you fly and how often you fly RC planes. Whichever you choose, remember that each has different requirements for care and maintenance. Following the proper steps for charging, discharging and storing will not only keep you safe, but also save you money.