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Source: http://www.rctoys.com/pdf/thunder-power-disposal-of-old-damaged-lipo-batteries.pdf

** DISPOSAL OF LIPO BATTERIES **

Unlike NiCd batteries, lithium-polymer batteries are environmentally friendly.

For safety reasons, it’s best that LiPo cells be fully discharged before disposal (however,

if physically damaged it is NOT recommended to discharge LiPo cells before disposal -

see below for details). The batteries must also be cool before proceeding with disposal

instructions. To dispose of LiPo cells and packs:

1. If any LiPo cell in the pack has been physically damaged, resulting

in a swollen cell or a split or tear in a cell’s foil covering, do NOT discharge the battery.

Jump to step 5.

2. Place the LiPo battery in a fireproof container or bucket of sand.

3. Connect the battery to a LiPo discharger. Set the discharge cutoff

voltage to the

lowest possible value. Set the discharge current to a C/10 value, with “C” being the

capacity rating of the pack. For example, the “1C” rating for a 1200mAh battery is 1.2A,

and that battery’s C/10 current value is (1.2A / 10) can be used,

such as a power resistor or set of light bulbs as long as the discharge current doesn’t

exceed the C/10 value and cause an overheating condition.

For LiPo packs rated at 7.4V and 11.1V , connect a 150 ohm resistor with a power rating

of 2 watts (commonly found at Radio Shack)to the pack’s positive and negative terminals

to safely discharge connecting it to an ESC/ motor system and allowing the motor to run

indefinitely until no power remains to further cause the system to function.

4. Discharge the battery until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or

lower. For resistive load type discharges, discharge the battery for up to 24 hours.

5. Submerse the battery into bucket or tub of salt water. This container should have a lid,

but it should not need to be air-tight. Prepare a plastic container (do not use metal) of cold

water. And mix in 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. Drop the battery into the salt water.

Allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least 2 weeks.

6. Remove the LiPo battery from the salt water, wrap it in newspaper or paper towels and

place it in the normal trash. They are landfill safe.

From this thread at RCG http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1208472&page=2

Finally a use for the FPV gear you bought.

I added rudders to the Stryker and added a good amount of D term on yaw. Seemed to make a huge difference. I will keep tuning to see how good we can get it.

Enjoy and comments are welcome.

Second Stryker flight over lake from Chris McNair on Vimeo.

Chris

How do I embed the videos?

Hobbyking has launched 4 new camera systems on their website today.

1. 1/3-inch SONY CCD Video Camera

2. 900 MHz 200mW Tx/Rx & 1/3-inch CCD Camera

3. 900MHz 100mW Tx/Rx & 1/3-inch CCD Camera

4. 2.4GHz 100mW Tx/Rx & 1/3-inch CCD Camera

Grassroots Mapping: Kickstarter Pitch from TungstenMonkey on Vimeo.

I have a lot of work still to do adding graphic controls and mission planning via GSM/google. Both board options have an oboard SD card, both support touch screens, both run at 100mhz from a 5 volt supply. There are some much faster 3.3v versions (with 5 serial) due later this year that will make connecivity simpler.

I'm still travelling and haven't finished mine, but here are some build log photos.

Also, the good EPO one is on sale for $99 right now here.

Some interesting reports from RCG that the Futaba FASST and Spektrum DSM/DSM2 2.4 Ghz RC standards have been reverse engineered and cheaper clones with more features are going to be coming out of China soon.

Here's one report from Germany:

"Simprop Electronic will offer two new RXes, which are Fasst compatible, but offer more features. Interesting features:

- compatible to most Futaba 2.4GHz transmitters
- programmable via USB interface (channel assignment, dual rate, frame time, etc.)
- Failsafe adjustable for all channels on power-up
- updates via PC interface"

And another analysis about the trend:

"Seems like DSM/DSM2 and FASST compatible rx'es are being pumped out of China now. Listings on Ebay and certain big HongKong retailers seems to be proof of this. There's also first hand accounts of people talking to the factories involved.