questions about LiPo upgrade

M

miky94

Well-Known Member
I'd like to upgrade my drone's LiPo from 3S to 4S.
my configuration is:
- 330mm frame
- 8045 propellers
- 2212 920Kv motors
- 30A ESCs
- 3S 4500mAh 30C LiPo (a little less than 280g)
- weight around 970g
I think now the battery is a bit too heavy even if of big capacity and that using a lower capacity 4S LiPo I can get more speed and same flying time, what battery do you advise?
the ESCs are 4S suitable, is there anything else I have to check is compatible?
also I've seen little drones with USB rechargeable batteries, do 4S USB rechargeable LiPos exist? or can I use USB LiPos charger like this as unbalanced travel charger, and then use a normal balanced LiPos charger when back at home? is it harmful to batteries or I can do it occasionally (holidays)?

Thanks
 
Actually, for a build with those specs, I would recommend a 4S lipo with roughly the same mah rating you're using now. Because you have more power (watts) your efficiency will increase so you should in theory get a little better flight time and definitely more punch. As for your settings, there is isn't really anything you need to change typically but depending on what flight controller you are using, you may have to tweak a few things as far as voltage monitoring. And to answer your last question, no there aren't any USB chargeable lipos available but no worries, just straight charge them and balance them when you get home. Unless you're charging them like a million times, you won't hurt them
 
RENOV8R said:
Actually, for a build with those specs, I would recommend a 4S lipo with roughly the same mah rating you're using now. Because you have more power (watts) your efficiency will increase so you should in theory get a little better flight time and definitely more punch. As for your settings, there is isn't really anything you need to change typically but depending on what flight controller you are using, you may have to tweak a few things as far as voltage monitoring. And to answer your last question, no there aren't any USB chargeable lipos available but no worries, just straight charge them and balance them when you get home. Unless you're charging them like a million times, you won't hurt them
Click to expand...
So a lighter battery wouldn't compensate the minor capacity?
I'm having difficulty finding batteries with these specs.
I noticed only now that the specs of motors says voltage: 11.1V, so I can't use them with a 4S? in that case should I still buy 2212 motors or what else?

for C rating should I consider current draw of motors or ESCs amperage?
I'm using a MultiWii Se 2.5, I know is an old one but I'm just practicing
do you think the USB charger I linked is ok for my goal?
 
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No that charger is for 1S 3.7v Lipo's only.

It's not possible to charge a 4S (14.2v) Lipo with a usb charger. The 4S 4500mah (or any size) is too large. a usb adapter only puts 5v max at 0.5 amps or 1 amp. It would take forever. Also you need a minimum of 14.2v for 14.2v battery to begin charging. You will not find any 4S usb chargers on the market. You need a bigger more powerful power supply that can provide more volts, amps and watts for 4S.

What are you using to charge your 3S lipo ?

11.1v rated motors may overheat and fail on 4S. But they might be fine. Do a test flight and feel how hot the motors get.
 
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SLFLY said:
No that charger is for 1S 3.7v Lipo's only.

It's not possible to charge a 4S (14.2v) Lipo with a usb charger. The 4S 4500mah (or any size) is too large. a usb adapter only puts 5v max at 0.5 amps or 1 amp. It would take forever. Also you need a minimum of 14.2v for 14.2v battery to begin charging. You will not find any 4S usb chargers on the market. You need a bigger more powerful power supply that can provide more volts, amps and watts for 4S.

What are you using to charge your 3S lipo ?

11.1v rated motors may overheat and fail on 4S. But they might be fine. Do a test flight and feel how hot the motors get.
Click to expand...


now I'm using a SKYRC IMAX B6 MINI, I know it is for 1S only, I meant to ask if there are for 4S.
I have a USB power supply on my motorbike that puts 3.1A, but maybe is there a charger I can directly connect to the 12V battery?

so in the worst case the motors could overheat and burn?
considering the endless shipping times I'd probably better order battery and motors together, do you always suggest 2212 920kV or something else?
 
miky94 said:
now I'm using a SKYRC IMAX B6 MINI, I know it is for 1S only, I meant to ask if there are for 4S.
I have a USB power supply on my motorbike that puts 3.1A, but maybe is there a charger I can directly connect to the 12V battery?
Click to expand...

No it doesn't exist.

The IMAX B6 is the best thing to use. but you still need the power supply unit. On the power supply, remove the plug, then solder the +/- wires to alligator clips, then you can hook those up to the 12v motorcycle battery +/- terminals.

If you want to charge multiple 4s lipo's at the same time. You have to use a Xt60 4S parallel balance charging board, with the IMAX B6.
 
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SLFLY said:
No it doesn't exist.

The IMAX B6 is the best thing to use. but you still need the power supply unit. On the power supply, remove the plug, then solder the +/- wires to alligator clips, then you can hook those up to the 12v motorcycle battery +/- terminals.

If you want to charge multiple 4s lipo's at the same time. You have to use a Xt60 4S parallel balance charging board, with the IMAX B6 , with the power supply.
Click to expand...
I'll think about creating a cable with ring terminals to plug the IMAX to the motorcycle battery, even it wouldn't be very practical.
the motors load current is 14.5A then I need a C rating of at least 58A. considering other components 62,4A could be fine?
I found this one https://hobbyking.com/it_it/multistar-high-capacity-5200mah-4s-12c-multi-rotor-lipo-pack-w-xt60.html
 
What is a good price for a LiPo 4S 5000mah 20C or similar (excluding shipping)?
Do you know anyone or some good site where to look for?
 
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I'm looking for a way to power the iMAX from my motorbike battery, such as a cable from ring terminals to 5X2mm jack but I can't find it... any ideas?
 
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