User Manual

9
It is somewhat conservative; aiming at a max continuous current
which should ensure that your LiPos have a good lifespan. In real
flying the LiPo will be subjected to surges and a practical safe surge
is probably about 40% greater than the safe continuous current for
the region of 10 seconds or so. This represents doubling the heat
dissipated within the pack for the duration of the surge.
Where cells in a pack produce different maximum current or “C”
readings, you should always rate a pack at the lower value as this is
the weakest cell in the pack. (The weakest link in the chain.)
Readings of Real “αC” values from your meter may well
disappoint, but this is generally because they have been so wildly
exaggerated by so many suppliers that they have become a joke.
Some LiPos, generally in the 20C and 25C categories are genuinely
rated but I have never yet tested a LiPo capable of a genuine 40C
continuous discharge without dangerously excessive temperature
rise. Be suspicious of any claims of >35C.
(h) Internal battery
The internal electronics within the meter require a voltage of at least
6.5V to process the measurement, which is normally supplied by the
Lipo under test, but a single Lipo cell (or a very weak or discharged
2S pack) is incapable of supplying this voltage. In this case the
internal battery in the meter will supply the necessary voltage
automatically as required but is not used at all in general use. The
internal (PP3) battery should last for years depending on usage but is
capable of about 8000 measurements of 1S lipos based on a 10
second time to take a reading. Avoid leaving a single cell connected
to the power leads for long periods as this will deplete the internal
battery.