Charging Phantom 2 Batteries

[Pyrojim]

I've got a new Phantom 2. If I take a few short flights and only run the battery down to 75%, am I better off to recharge to the battery up to 100% right away, or continue to use the battery on a later day and wait to recharge it once I get it down to 25% or so first?

 

[rilot]

It depends on how long you are going to wait before flying again. LiPos don't like being stored for long periods at 100%.
If you're going to fly again within a couple of weeks I'd charge the batteries again so you're ready to go.

 

[ElGuano]

I would store the battery at whatever you end the flight at, and recharge to 100% prior to the next flight. I don't like having shortened flight times due to partially-discharged batteries.

 

[Pyrojim]

It depends on how long you are going to wait before flying again. LiPos don't like being stored for long periods at 100%.
If you're going to fly again within a couple of weeks I'd charge the batteries again so you're ready to go.

Is it generally better to run them down to a 20% or so and then leave them there during storage and then charge them up the night before? I've been told that we should not drain them either. Can't leave 'em charged, can't drain them. Anyone else want to weigh in here?

 

[Pyrojim]

Although the factory docs don't answer my questions, here is what the instructions say. I am still wondering about storage though.

When all else fails, read the directions:

4.5 Correct Battery Usage Notes
1. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on.
2. The battery should be charged in an environment that is between 0℃ to 40℃, and be discharged in an
environment that is between -20℃ to 50℃. Both charging and discharging should be in an environment
where the relative humidity is lower than 80%.
3. It’s recommended to charge and discharge the battery thoroughly once every 20 charge/discharge cycles.
Users should discharge the battery until there is less than 8% power left or until the battery can no longer
be turned on. Users should then fully recharge the battery to maximum capacity. This power cycling
procedure will ensure the battery is working at its optimal level.
4. For long term storage please place the battery with only a 40~50% capacity in a strong battery box
securely. We recommend discharging and charging the battery completely once every 3 months to keep it
in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).
5. It’s suggested you purchase a new battery after you have discharged your current battery over 300 times.
Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal.
6. It’s suggested that you purchase a new battery if the current battery is swollen or damaged in any way.
7. Never try to recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.
8. Never charge the battery unattended. Always charge the battery on a non-flammable surface such as
concrete and never near any flammable materials.
9. Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER.

 

[OI Photography]

It depends on how long you are going to wait before flying again. LiPos don't like being stored for long periods at 100%.
If you're going to fly again within a couple of weeks I'd charge the batteries again so you're ready to go.

Is it generally better to run them down to a 20% or so and then leave them there during storage and then charge them up the night before? I've been told that we should not drain them either. Can't leave 'em charged, can't drain them. Anyone else want to weigh in here?

rilot and ElGuano know batts as well as anybody here pretty much, and the advice from both of them is solid. I too just store my batts at whatever level they're at after a flight, and charge them whenever I'm ready to fly again.