Blade mCX2 Manual

6
7
Battery Warnings and Guidelines
The 1S 3.7V DC Lithium Polymer Battery Charger (PKZ3240) included with
the Blade mCX2 has been specifically designed to safely charge the
included 150mAh 3.7V 14C Li-Po battery. You may also use the E-flite
®
Celectra
™
4-Port Charger (EFLC1004). You must read the following
safety instructions and warnings before handling, charging or using the
Li-Po battery.
CAUTION: Li-Po batteries are significantly more volatile than the
alkaline, Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications. All
instructions and warnings must be followed exactly. Mishandling of Li-Po
batteries can result in a fire, personal injury, and/or property damage.
By handling, charging or using the included Li-Po battery you assume all risks •
associated with lithium batteries. If you do not agree with these conditions,
return your complete Blade mCX2 model in new, unused condition to the place of
purchase immediately.
You must charge the included Li-Po battery in a safe area away from •
flammable materials.
Never charge the battery unattended. When charging the battery you should •
always remain in constant observation to monitor the charging process and react
to potential problems that may occur.
After flight, the battery must be cooled to ambient temperature before charging.•
DO NOT USE A Ni-Cd OR Ni-MH CHARGER. Failure to charge the battery •
with a compatible charger may cause fire resulting in personal injury
and/or property damage.
If at any time during the charge or discharge process the battery begins to •
balloon or swell, discontinue charging or discharging immediately. Quickly and
safely disconnect the battery, then place it in a safe, open area away from
flammable materials to observe it for at least 15 minutes. Continuing to charge
or discharge a battery that has begun to balloon or swell can result in a fire. A
battery that has ballooned or swollen even a small amount must be removed
from service completely.
Store the battery at room temperature in a dry area for best results.•
When transporting or temporarily storing the battery, the temperature range •
should be from 40–120º F. Do not store the battery or model in a car or direct
sunlight whenever possible. If stored in a hot car, the battery can be damaged or
even catch fire.
Do not over-discharge the Li-Po flight battery. Discharging the battery too low can •
cause damage to the battery resulting in reduced power, duration or failure of the
battery entirely.
Li-Po cells should not be discharged to below 3V each under load. In the case of
the Li-Po battery used for the Blade mCX2, do not allow the battery to fall below
3V during flight.
The Blade mCX2’s 5-in-1 control unit features a soft low voltage cutoff (LVC) that
occurs when the battery reaches 3V under load. When the soft cutoff occurs,
the ESCs of the 5-in-1 unit reduce power to the motors (regardless of the power
level set with the throttle stick) in order to prevent the voltage of the battery from
dropping below 3V. This power reduction usually requires you to land the model
immediately, at which point you should power down the model and unplug the
flight battery.
And while it is possible to power the model up and to fly again after the soft LVC
occurs, this is NOT recommended as continued discharging to the soft LVC will
cause permanent damage to the Li-Po battery resulting in lost power and
duration in subsequent flights, or failure of the battery entirely. Continued
attempts to further discharge the battery may also result in loss of control while
the motors are running as the voltage may drop below the minimum operating
voltage of the receiver and other electronics.
Also, it is not recommended that you fly to the soft LVC every time you fly.
Instead, be aware of the power level of the battery/helicopter throughout the
flight, and if at any time the helicopter begins to require more throttle than typical
to maintain hover or flight, land the helicopter immediately. Routinely discharging
the battery to the soft LVC can still cause permanent damage to the battery.
Note: When the battery power/voltage is getting low, you will typically find that
significant rudder trim and/or rudder stick adjustments are needed to pre-
vent the helicopter from spinning. This usually occurs before soft LVC, and
indicates a good time to stop flying.