RC Model Reviews

I had one of my electric gliders up today. I had in a new altimeter and reached a best 996 feet from ground level. I few minutes later I lost orinataion and my glider nose dived into the ground. The body/wings can be fixed with some glue and the motor still works. But I a few minutes ago I tried charging the 3 cell lipo
battery and it will not charge. I get a warning and when I check the individual cells, two of them say 4.0 and 3.9 but the other says 1.2. There is damage at the rear end of the battery, the part that faced the nose and probably rammed into the motor.

Is this battery savable at all? Is there anything I can try to save it? I'm willing to try even if it's a little dangerous. I would charge it outside and be very careful.

Thanks

If one cell has plunged to 1.2V then I'd say you're better off disposing of that battery and getting a new one.

Damaged lipos can (but don't always) pose a major fire risk so put it in a bucket of salt water for a few days then toss it out.

A new battery is cheaper than a burnt-up model or house!

Ouch,

Don't take any risks with Li-pol batteries, they can burn your house down
Here is a site that has good info
http://radiocontrol.wikia.com/wiki/Lithium_polymer

If the pack is starting to bulge I suggest you ditch it ASAP, some guys hang onto their puffy packs and they charge/discharge fine, however don't bet your house on it.

could you take of the low cell,and use the remainder as a 2-cell pack?

It *could* be done -- but if it were mine I'd always be wondering if one or both of the other cells were just waiting to fail -- after suffering the same impact as the dud one. Batteries aren't expensive these days -- I like to sleep without worrying if I'll be woken by sirens