Li-Po Battery Pack
The rechargeable energy source of the LT200 transmitter used in the ST100 and ST200 sets. Lithium polymer cells typically have a life of 300–500 charge cycles; the operating temperature is generally kept in the 0–40 °C range and the charging temperature in the 0–45 °C range. Capacity and charging time data have not been published for the product.
Charging a Li-Po cell has two stages. First the cell voltage is raised to 4.2 V at constant current, then 4.2 V is held constant and charging continues until the current falls to about 0.05 C. Standard charge rate is taken as 0.5 C and fast charge as 1.0 C; fast charging shortens the time but adversely affects cycle life.
Practices that extend life:
- If it will not be used for a long time, store it at 40–60% charge; leaving it fully charged or fully empty shortens life.
- Store it in the -20…+25 °C range.
- Do not charge below 0 °C; charging at low temperature leaves permanent damage in the cell.
- Avoid deep discharge; do not leave a fully discharged cell sitting for a long time.
Capacity fade is a natural part of life: as the cycle count rises, the time worked on the same charge gets shorter. This is the origin of the complaint "the remote control used to last a shift, now it lasts half a shift", and it usually requires a battery replacement. Do not use a pack that is swollen or deformed.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide