I know lipo's have been in higher-end RC for a long time, and drones always, because of energy density. (Longest operating time from smallest and lightest package...)
But here is a charger and "battery pack" from a low-end RC. My son just used some birthday money to get a "cheap" RC Truck. This is neither high energy density, or needed. I feel this use of lipo's is asking for property damage from bad charging and disposal practices by the "unknowing".
Battery pack. (2) 18650's with each terminal brought out to a 4 terminal plug. So while it's labeled as 7.4V it really is (2) 3.7V batteries with all the connections available. Notice how LOW the capacity is for 18650's. These are very low for that size battery.
The charger is a tiny USB adapter. It outputs (2) 3.7V connections. (I have not figured out if they are just in parallel, or independent outputs. There appears to be very little "smarts" on the PCB, and it gets HOT charging the battery. (Not to melting the housing, but hot to the touch )
Then the plug on the truck uses the 2 outside terminals for it's supply. And jumpers the middle 2; putting the batteries in series to get the 7.4V for the truck.
Hopefully I am overthinking this and it's not as bad as I am thinking. But what are your thoughts?
But here is a charger and "battery pack" from a low-end RC. My son just used some birthday money to get a "cheap" RC Truck. This is neither high energy density, or needed. I feel this use of lipo's is asking for property damage from bad charging and disposal practices by the "unknowing".
Battery pack. (2) 18650's with each terminal brought out to a 4 terminal plug. So while it's labeled as 7.4V it really is (2) 3.7V batteries with all the connections available. Notice how LOW the capacity is for 18650's. These are very low for that size battery.
The charger is a tiny USB adapter. It outputs (2) 3.7V connections. (I have not figured out if they are just in parallel, or independent outputs. There appears to be very little "smarts" on the PCB, and it gets HOT charging the battery. (Not to melting the housing, but hot to the touch )
Then the plug on the truck uses the 2 outside terminals for it's supply. And jumpers the middle 2; putting the batteries in series to get the 7.4V for the truck.
Hopefully I am overthinking this and it's not as bad as I am thinking. But what are your thoughts?