Sometimes it's difficult to tell sometimes - but knowing how the charger works should help.
Use the information associated with the charger you have. Scroll down for information on the B3Pro charger.
Note: If either charger pops, smokes, emits a bad odor, or gets too hot to touch - unplug it and discontinue using it. It must be replaced. A bad battery can damage the battery.
HotRC charger
START by plugging in the HotRC charger without a battery attached.
- If the display shows all three zeros - it's working. Note: it may take a few moments for the display to light up after plugging it in. This is normal.
If the voltage display lights up 000 - go ahead and connect the battery. The battery's actual voltage will display.
- If the voltage shown in the display is lower than your particular battery's minimum voltage - the battery is bad.
- To learn what that voltage is - click the appropriate link for your battery:
If the voltage is somewhere between the minimum and maximum voltages - leave it on the charger until it reaches full capacity.
- The maximum capacity naturally declines over time and with use - so once the voltage stops increasing - you can consider the battery fully charged.
- Once the capacity drops to 80% the battery has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
- Keep the battery away from flammables and inside a fireproof bag until it can be dropped off for safe disposal.
If the battery fails to charge or hold a charge, the battery is bad. Dispose of LiPo Battery Responsibly
NOTES:
The HotRC charger does get quite hot during a certain stage of the charging cycle - this is normal. But if it gets too hot to touch or you see the case beginning to warp - unplug it and replace the charger.
The HotRC case is fireproof. But you should always use the charger on a fireproof surface away from flammables and do not leave the charger unattended when in use. Discontinue charging when you cannot be present and continue charging when you get back.
B3 Pro charger
START by plugging in the charger without a battery attached.
- All three LEDs should light up. If one or more do not, it's bad.
If all three LEDs do light up - plug in the battery
- If one or more LEDs do not turn green after about an hour - the corresponding cell inside the battery is bad.
- Do not attempt to charge or use a bad battery.
- Keep it away from flammables and inside a fireproof bag until it can be dropped off for safe disposal.
If the battery fails to charge or hold a charge, the battery is bad. Dispose of LiPo Battery Responsibly
NOTES:
Always use the charger on a fireproof surface away from flammables and do not leave the charger unattended when in use.
Discontinue charging when you cannot be present and continue charging when you get back.