SMSA
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    • How do I join the SMSA and how much does it cost?
    • Do I need insurance to fly?
    • What radio equipment would you recommend for a beginner?
    • When am I likely to meet other SMSA members flying?
    • Can the SMSA help get beginners flying?
    • What models and advice would you recommend for a beginner?
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      • Slopehunter

How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?

The following practices will ensure maximum battery performance:

Breaking In New Batteries - new batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge your new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity.

Preventing the Memory Effect - Keep your battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.

Keep Your Batteries Clean - It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and your devise connection.

Exercise Your Battery - Do not leave your battery dormant for long periods of time between flying. 
I recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described above.

Battery Storage - If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or more, I recommend storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.

How Long Do Batteries Last (What is the Life Span of My New Battery)?
The life of a rechargeable battery operating under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 charge-discharge cycles. This translates into one and a half to three years of battery life for the average user. As your rechargeable battery begins to die, you will notice a decline in the running time of the battery. When your two hour battery is only supplying you with an hour's worth of use, it's time for a new one.

Original text and info by Corona Sloperdudes

Contact us

  • About
  • Site
  • Club
  • Membership
  • Weather
    • XCWeather
    • Wellesbourne Live
  • Gallery
    • Club Members
    • Club Gliders
    • Golden Oldies
  • How To
    • Automate D-Connectors
    • Batteries >
      • Charging
      • What is the "Memory Effect"
      • How Are Batteries Rated? (What Are Volts and Amps?)
      • How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
    • Build a fly-powered plane
    • Build a Pibros foam model
    • Build straight & true
    • Cast lead nose weight
    • Crimp servo cable connectors
    • Cut ailerons (or flaps) into moulded wing
    • Design and calculate almost anything
    • Debond CA
    • Digital Camera/RX Interface
    • Digital Photography by Radio Control
    • General Tips for building
    • How does a wing work
    • Install wing servos
    • Lipo balance connectors
    • Make NiMH battery packs
    • Make servo linkages
    • Make silicon hinges
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make wing bags
    • Run your aerial in your model
    • Spektrum Useful Tips
    • Set-Up a Racing Glider
    • What do thermals look like
  • FAQ
    • How do I join the SMSA and how much does it cost?
    • Do I need insurance to fly?
    • What radio equipment would you recommend for a beginner?
    • When am I likely to meet other SMSA members flying?
    • Can the SMSA help get beginners flying?
    • What models and advice would you recommend for a beginner?
  • AGM
    • AGM Location
    • 2020 December (not held)
    • 2019 December
    • 2019 March
    • 2018 (not held)
    • 2017 (not held)
    • 2016 Minutes
    • 2015 Minutes (not held)
    • 2014 Minutes
    • 2013 Minutes
    • 2012 Minutes
    • 2011 Minutes
    • 2010 Minutes
    • 2009 Minutes
    • 2008 Minutes
    • 2007 Minutes
  • Links
    • RC Glider Blogs >
      • Bwlch Blog - Kevin Newton'
      • Pierre Rondel Glider Reviews >
        • Archived Glider Reviews
        • Current Glider Reviews
      • South Wales Soaring - Steve Houghton'
    • RC Glider Classifieds >
      • BARCS For Sale
      • BMFA Classified Glider Ads
      • eSoaring For Sale
    • RC Glider Clubs >
      • Ivinghoe Soaring Association
      • Leek & Moorland Model Glider Association
      • Long Mynd Soaring Association
      • Malvern Soaring Association
      • South Wales Soaring Association
      • Thames Valley Silent Flyers
    • RC Glider Manufacturers >
      • Aeromod
      • Aero-o-tec Shinto Crossfire
      • Baudis Models
      • Breta Tanga Furio NYX
      • Flightech Optimus
      • JiTom
      • Lesky Pace
      • NAN Models
      • NCFM Models
      • Pace Lesky Composites
      • Pike Samba
      • RCRCM Models
      • RTGModel Rotmilan
      • Sanda Arsen Mach
      • Stinger Dingo
      • Stratair
      • Vampire
      • Vladimir's Models
      • Willow F3F
    • RC Glider Shops >
      • Ace Model
      • Ace Wing Wing Bags
      • Hyperflight
      • Phoenix MP
      • Revoc Bags
      • Soaring USA
      • South Coast Sailplanes
      • T9 Hobby Sport
    • RC Manufacturers >
      • Airtronics Sanwa
      • Frsky
      • Futaba site
      • Hitec Multiplex
      • Hyperion
      • JR
      • KST servos
      • MKS servos
      • Multiplex
      • Overlander Batteries
      • Savox servos
      • Spektrum
    • RC Shops >
      • Align-Trex
      • Al's Hobbies
      • BRC Hobbies
      • Brentford Radio Control
      • Easy Composites
      • Inwood Models
      • Kings Lynn Models
      • Modelfixings.co.uk
      • Model Shop Leeds
      • Nexus Models
      • Plug Molds
      • Servo Shop
      • Slough RC Models
      • Sussex Model Centre
      • West System/Wessex
      • Vapex Tech Batteries
      • Zepsus magnetic switches
    • RC Websites >
      • BARCS British Association of Radio Control Soarers
      • BMFA British Model Flying Association
      • eSoaring.net
      • RC Groups
      • RCMF (glider section)
      • Scale Soaring
      • Slopehunter