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To reduce the chance of frustration, a new modeler should become involved with other modelers in order to learn the necessary skills. This may involve simply by joining the club and becoming acquainted with experienced modelers. These modelers are a source of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable to the new modeler when he begins to build his first aircraft and when he begins to learn to fly. An experienced modeler can act, as an R/C flight instructor to teach a new person the skills required to fly the aircraft properly and to avoid the inevitable crash.
New modelers must realize that a radio controlled model aircraft is not a toy. It is a true aircraft in that it flies and operates by the same principles as a full-scale aircraft with the difference being the size and weight. We want you to be a safe pilot, for yourself, your fellow club members, and the sport itself. Unsafe practices and procedures can result in serious injury. The average model will fly in a range of 30 to 100 km/h and weigh 2,5 to 2,7 kg. The force of the model hitting an object can be devastating especially if it hits a person. Models must be controlled properly both for enjoyment and for safety. The skills required to accomplish this must be learned from an experienced modeler. We are happy to provide all the assistance needed for you to get the most out of this hobby.
Lithium Polymer Charging, Handling, Safety Information
Charging:
Lithium Polymer batteries have specific charging requirements and ONLY chargers rated for Lithium Polymer cells may be used. The best chargers are those which require the user to manually select cell count and charge rate for each pack of cells, then automatically check to see that the settings are correct. The E-Tec line of chargers belongs to this category. Chargers which use only automatic detection of cell count (and on that basis set charge voltage) are prone to error, and can damage cells or cause a fire due to over-voltage charging of cells. We recommend that these chargers be set manually, if used. Other chargers are set manually, but do not include a safety circuit to oversee that setting. These are prone to user error, and should also be checked very carefully to insure proper use.
For best results, a CC/CV charger, like those in the E-Tec line, should be used. These charge initially at a constant 4.2V and constant 1C rate, then taper the charge rate as the battery nears full capacity. Cells are about 90% charged in one hour, and can be left connected for another 40-50 minutes to complete the charge. The maximum permissible charge voltage per cell is 4.25V. The maximum charge rate for Lithium Polymer cells is 1C (ex: 0.7A for the ET-0700 cell). Please do not charge your lithium polymer at any rate higher than 1C. Doing so may reduce the capacity and life cycle of the cells, with very little savings in charge time.
Charging Safety Tips
Lithium Polymer cells are a tremendous advance in battery technology for RC flight. However, due to the chemistry of lithium cells, there is a possibility of fire if charging is not properly done. It is unavoidable due to the nature of lithium itself. This is no different from many things we use in daily life – knives, kitchen cleaners, automobiles, for a few examples – which are inherently dangerous, but which can be used very safely by adhering to simple rules and precautions.
Be absolutely sure that the Lithium Polymer charger settings are correct for the battery pack being charged – both voltage and current settings
Care should be taken to charge on a fireproof surface, such as brick.
Do not charge batteries near flammable items or liquids
Keep a dry fire extinguisher nearby - or a large bucket of dry sand, which is a cheap and effective extinguisher.
Do not charge inside an automobile, especially while driving
Batteries should NEVER be left unattended while charging
Handling Cautions:
New cells may have a high initial charge, and care must always be taken to insure that loose cells are not short circuited. Please:
Do not put the loose cells in a pocket, bag, or drawer where they could short-circuit against other items, or the battery tabs could be pressed against each other.
Do not place the loose cells on any conductive surface, such as a metal-topped table.
Keep loose cells and battery packs WELL out of reach of children!
Buy pre-assembled packs from an authorized dealer, rather than assembling packs from loose cells
Take care that the cells are not punctured, especially by metallic objects like hobby knives.
If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and water. If in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention for this, or for burns.
Although environmentally friendly, lithium polymer cells must be FULLY discharged before disposal. Use a resistor setup (light bulbs, for example) to accomplish this, to avoid the possibility of a short-induced fire after disposal.
The following is from the safety information provided by a Li-Po battery manufacturer, and is typical of the safety tests we found. This does NOT necessarily mean that all Li-Po batteries would have the same result, but does show that Li-Poly batteries may be robust against various conditions found in RC use. Most interesting was one test we found in which the battery, when fully charged, was penetrated by a large nail, then discharged and gave 60% of normal capacity. On the subsequent charge/discharge cycle the same battery gave 90% of capacity. These tests were conducted in a laboratory by professionals, and should not be duplicated at home.
Lithium Polymer Batteries are only approved for RC use, and may not be used in any other application. Battery discharging, charging, electric motors, spinning propellers, and flying models all have the potential for serious injury to persons and damage to property. In purchasing these products, the user agrees to accept responsibility for all such risks, and not to hold the E-Tec manufacturer, distributors, or retailers - (all including owners and employees) - responsible for any accident, injury to persons, or damage to property.
As used in radio-controlled model aircraft, discharge rates exceed the manufacturer’s specified maximum rates for these cells. Therefore, the use of E-Tec batteries in radio-controlled models is to be considered experimental, and there is no warranty, expressed or implied, by the manufacturer, distributors, or retailers with respect to the capacity, life in cycles, storage, or discharge characteristics of E-Tec cells in RC use, nor any other use nor aspect.
Safety Precautions for Lithium Polymer, NiMh and NiCD cells or battery packs offered by TanicPacks.com.
1. Never fast-charge any battery type unattended.
2. Never charge Li-Po cells/packs at any rate unattended.
3. Only charge Li-Po cells/packs with a charger designed specifically for lithium polymer chemistry. Example chargers include the Kokam USA, LIPO 402, LIPO 102 and LIPO 202; Bishop Power Products Apache S1215 and S1500; Great Planes Triton; and Schulze chargers with lithium charging capability.
4. Li-Po cells can ignite because of unmatched cell capacity or voltage, cell damage, charger failure, incorrect charger settings and other factors.
5. Always use the correct charging voltage. Li-Po cells or battery packs may ignite if connected to a charger supplying more than 6 volts per cell.
6. Always assure the charger is working properly.
7. Always charge Li-Po cells or battery packs where no harm can result, no matter what happens. We suggest a brick box or likeness. Have sand handy in a bucket for any need to extinguish any fire. NEVER use water on any cells or battery pack.
8. Never charge a cell/pack in a model. A hot pack may ignite wood, foam, plastic, etc.
9. Never charge a cell/pack inside a motor vehicle, or in a vehicle’s engine compartment.
10. Never charge a cell/pack on a wooden workbench, or on any flammable material.
11. If a cell/pack is involved in a crash:
a. Remove the cell or battery pack from the model.
b. Carefully inspect the cell or battery pack for shorts in the wiring or connections. If in doubt, cut all wires from the cell or battery pack.
c. Disassemble the pack.
d. Inspect cells for dents, cracks and splits. Dispose of damaged cells (see below).
12. Dispose of cells or battery packs as follows:
a. Discharge: with the cell or battery pack in a safe area, connect a moderate resistance across the terminals until the cell or battery pack is discharged. CAUTION: the cell or battery pack may be hot!
b. Discard:
- NiMH: place in regular trash.
- NiCd: recycle (cadmium is toxic).
- Li-Po: puncture plastic envelope, immerse in salt water for several hours and place in regular trash.
13. Handle all cells or battery packs with care, as they can deliver high currents if shorted. Shorting by a wedding ring, for example, will remove a finger.
14. Always store cells or battery packs in a secure location where they cannot be shorted or handled by children.
15. When constructing a pack, use only cells of the same capacity (mAh).
Glues, rubber cement, epoxy, and other adhesives
Glues, rubber cement, epoxy, and other adhesives contain a solvent which, when applied, evaporates out leaving the solid adhesive portion behind. Rubber cement, epoxy, instant glues, model glues, and plastic adhesives contains five dangerous solvents. Many adhesives are extremely flammable. Some adhesives are skin and lung irritants and allergy-sensitizers while others can cause burns to skin and eyes. Many of the solvents used in adhesives and glues have narcotic, possibly fatal, effects when inhaled in high concentrations. Inhalation of fumes from cured epoxy resins may result in coughing and bronchial spasms for several days.
Instant glues contain small amounts of solvent which rapidly dissolve. This product is considered to be of low toxicity, but there are other concerns to be noted. Instant glues bond so rapidly and strongly that the least sloppiness can result in an undesirable and sometimes dangerous situation. A drop of glue on the finger followed by a touch to the eye can end with a semi-permanent finger in the eye (which will release in less than 24 hours). The safest glues on the market are white glue, library paste, yellow wood glue, and glue sticks. White glue effectively bonds most porous and semi-porous materials such as paper, cloth, wood, and pottery. White glue can also be used for big jobs such as laying hardwood floors.
Use: Use white glue, glue sticks, or yellow glue when ever possible. Never use toxic adhesives on laminated cutting boards, bowls, or a product which contacts food. Carefully read the label. Wear protective gloves with adhesives and cements. If the glue contains solvents, use only in a well ventilated area with plenty of fresh air. Avoid wearing soft contacts, which may absorb solvent vapors. If the adhesive is flammable be certain to extinguish sources of ignition (such as pilot lights) if you will be using a large quantity of the solvent in a room where a source of flame is located. Keep the lid tightly closed when the glue is not in use.
Storage: Store away from children and sources of flame. Make sure cap or lid is tightly secured.
Disposal: The best way to avoid a waste disposal problem is to use it up as intended. If the adhesive or glue is anything other than instant, white, or yellow glue, it is recommended that this product be disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste handler or saved for a house hold hazardous waste collection. However, if the glue or adhesive has hardened, it may be thrown in the trash destined for the landfill.
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