I received my Multistar lipos from hobbyking the other day and had tested out all cells in each pack over the weekend. Out of the box, everything was at 3.75V +/- 0.05 except for one pack where one cell was at 3.6V. Based on what I read in Neptronix's Lipo tutorial, I felt like this is probably a bad sign for the pack. I filed for a return of this 4s pack with HK but they rejected the RMA request today. This was the response I received:
Does anyone know if this is accurate? It sounded to me like it could be a strategy to see if the customer can correct a manufacturing problem by doing repetitive balance charging, or to get them to give up on a return after an extended period of time.
I was wondering if I should even be using this pack when it will be connected with 5 other packs for a 14s2p configuration (20 Ah total capacity). Should I just buy a replacement and keep this one for powering accessories like lights, phone charger, etc.? I would appreciate any suggestions for how to deal with this. I'm glad I stayed with the 10Ah capacity instead of the more costly 16 or 20Ah. Something others may want to consider if this is normal for HK quality and customer service.
-Tim
Hello, From the information you have provided, we cannot determine your battery as defective. Lipo batteries have a storage chemical in the cells when they are new. This chemical dissipates after the battery is used for 5 to 10 cycles of normal use. This is called the "break in period". This chemical can cause the battery to not balance well in the beginning. Therefore, I would respectfully ask you to cycle (actually use the battery then balance charge it , do not just discharge on the charger and then charge) the battery between 5-10 times and see what the individual cell voltage readings are then.
Does anyone know if this is accurate? It sounded to me like it could be a strategy to see if the customer can correct a manufacturing problem by doing repetitive balance charging, or to get them to give up on a return after an extended period of time.
I was wondering if I should even be using this pack when it will be connected with 5 other packs for a 14s2p configuration (20 Ah total capacity). Should I just buy a replacement and keep this one for powering accessories like lights, phone charger, etc.? I would appreciate any suggestions for how to deal with this. I'm glad I stayed with the 10Ah capacity instead of the more costly 16 or 20Ah. Something others may want to consider if this is normal for HK quality and customer service.
-Tim