[Espeefan]

Some other little tid bits to know about LiPo packs is that a single LiPo cell is usually rated at a nominal 3.7 volts. Compare that to a NiMh cell, which is rated at a nonimal 1.2 volts. So a 2 cell LiPo pack can provide 7.4 volts, and a 3 cell LiPo pack will supply 11.1 volts. Most brushed ESCs that came out before LiPos did are rated for at least 7.2 volts, if not a little more. A 2 cell LiPo pack can be run safely on any ESC that will handle the typical 7.2 volt, six cell NiMh pack. The extra .2 volts of a LiPo is no concern. As previosuly mentioned, if your ESC does not have a LiPo cut-off programmed into it, or a LiPo mode, then you will want to invest in a stand alone LiPo cut-off unit. You may run any type of motor on LiPo packs, as long as the motor can handle the voltage. Just about all 540 can motors will be fine running up to 12 volts, so unless you run a 4 cell LiPo, there should be no problem. 550 can motors will usually handle 18 volts. Certain brushless motors should be more closely watched, as they do have specific RPM and voltage limits.

One thing about charging the LiPo packs is that they require a balancer, in addition to a LiPo capable charger. The balancer monitors the voltage of each LiPo cell, to prevent any one cell from being over charged. LiPos require some special care. No overcharging, and no over discharging. It is also recommended that you keep LiPos in a fire proof container or bag, while charging and storing them. They are pretty safe and chances are slim that they will burst and start a fire, but it does happen once in a while. More often due to lack of care, or abuse, on the owner's part.

If you are worried about the potential for fires with LiPos, consider LiFe cells instead. They are more robust and forgiving. Similar to NiMh packs, yet the LiFe packs are smaller and more compact too. LiFe cells have only 3.3 volt per cell, so a 2 cell LiFe pack will only supply about 6.6 volts. A 3 cell LiFe pack, 9.9 volts. The LiFe technology is still pretty new, and some of the higher capacity packs are quite pricey, but the dangers that LiPos have are not a concern with the LiFe packs. Also, some places like Max Amps have a gaurantee you can buy with the LiFe packs. So many charge cycles. I don't remember how many, but LiFe packs have the advantage of being charged multiple times a day, if you like, at higher current rates, which means they can be charged faster also. Might be worth looking into, if all that sounds good. Like LiPos, LiFe packs require a charger and balancer capable of handling them.