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L IPO OWDOWN R I D E T H E L I G H T N I N G

IS MY GUN LIPO READY?

more things to watch out for. Many long term
LiPo or Lithium-Polymer batteries are a (reasonably) new generation of cell technology. NiMh users have poor experiences with LiPo
batteries and this is based on ignorance of the
Unlike other types of battery, they are comprised of a laminate design or “pouch” type
cell. This is opposed to the metal cylinder that is commonly found around other types technology. LiPo batteries MUST be treated and
charged in accordance with specific guidelines
of batteries, like the more traditional Nickel-Metal Hydride cells. The result of this is a
battery that can be manufactured in a whole host of shapes and sizes, and is far smaller and you can’t FORCE charge into them until they
are warm like you can a NiHm battery, abuse
and lighter than other batteries of equivalent power. If you’ve not made the switch to LiPo
batteries yet, there’s a chance you are using one in your mobile phone already, as they are WILL cause batteries to rupture and potentially
burst into flames.
synonymous with decreasing the size of such devices.
In terms of airsoft, which is the reason we are all here, this means that battery powered LiPo cells must be balanced to avoid problems,
meaning they must all be topped up equally and
guns that traditionally required some space within or around them to connect and store
a heavy and bulky battery can be designed with far smaller storage spaces inside, giving they must not be discharged below 3v, although
you will notice performance loss at around 3.6v.
more freedom to create replicas of guns that wouldn’t have been possible before. For
example, the inside of the buffer tube of an M4-variant AEG is space sufficient to store a To balance a LiPo you MUST use a specific charger
set to the correct programme. Always refer to
battery that will last most an entire day.
the instructions provided and as a rule LiPos are
safely charged at 1C, for example; if your battery
So what does it mean when we see guns battery with a “C” rating of between 20 and 30. is a 7.4v 1200mAh – set your charger to 2 cell
advertised as “LiPo Ready?” On the most part, This type of battery will give you performance (7.4v) 1.2amps, balance charge.
it’s marketing jargon, but there are some pitfalls. that straddles between an 8.4v and a 9.6v NiMh Some users claim to only balance charge every
LiPos come in a limited amount of voltage battery, but in a much smaller package. ten or so cycles, but we think it’s best to balance
ratings, which is a result of the way the battery Only upgraded guns should be fitted with 11.1v each time. It might take a little longer to fill your
technology works. They come in 7.4v, 11.1v (which LiPo batteries as the additional power and speed batteries, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
are actually the MINIMUM voltage output by the will require stronger, more precise components An over discharged battery will be more likely to
battery) and higher, but we’ve not encountered and set-up. If not, you’ll probably find you’ll be expand, rupture and catch fire. Some LiPo users
many guns that have required such high voltages, on the receiving end of a stripped piston before employ cell monitors that plug into the battery,
they are the preserve of model planes and RC Car long. The myth about LiPos destroying guns is but in airsoft use, we have found guns stop firing
enthusiasts and perhaps those with advanced born from the fact that it’s much easier to find long before the battery reaches a critical level. If
MOSFET systems installed in their guns. the space to plug a high voltage, powerful battery the gun sounds like it is struggling and the rate of
LiPo batteries also have a mAh capacity (how into. It’s like filling your little Citroen Saxo with fire slows, switch the battery immediately.
much storage capacity they have) and a “C” kerosene and not expecting there to be problems! It’s also unadvisable to charge physically
rating (how quickly they are able to deliver the damaged, pierced or puffed up batteries, or ones
power they store). Most quality stock guns from “My house isn’t going to burn down is it?” with bad wiring that could short out. This can also
manufacturers like G&P, Tokyo Marui and ICS Fitting an appropriately rated LiPo battery is cause fires but it shouldn’t be news to anyone
will be perfectly capable of handling a 7.4v Lipo only half of the battle though, there are a few familiar with charging batteries.

✔ ALWAYS use a quality LiPo ✔ ALWAYS charge in a fire ✔ ALWAYS ensure your wiring ✔ ALWAYS remember that LiPo
battery from a reputable safe area (preferably in a fire and connectors are sound on batteries are powerful. Use
manufacturer. Use a specific safe bag) and NEVER attempt your gun and your battery. one suited to your set-up and
LiPo-capable charger on the to rush your batteries charge (We recommend switching to if in doubt, we recommend
correct blanace programme. cycle by upping the amps. Deans connectors). defaulting with a 7.4v.

MOST AIRSOFT PLAYERS ARE CURRENTLY
USING AEGS OR AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC
GUNS THESE DAYS BECAUSE THEY ARE
PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE. THEY NEED A
POWER SOURCE THOUGH AND AS SOON AS
YOU START DIGGING AROUND IN BATTERY
TECHNOLOGY, YOU WILL PROBABLY COME
ACROSS THE TERM “LIPO READY”... ABOVE
IS WHAT THAT MEANS IN CASE YOU FELT
TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK.

050 W W W . A I - M A G . C O M