[HelpDesk]

1. What is Lithium Polymer C rating?

A lot of radio-control fliers quickly grasp the meaning of most of the battery-associated acronyms but one: the C rating. In fact, many experts have tripped over themselves trying to explain it. However, I've heard a graspable explanation of it from an old Chinese battery manufacturer/expert very recently. Which is: The "C Rating" is the number which you multiply to the capacity of the battery to get its discharge rate.

Still confused? Basically, a 1000 mAh battery rated at 1C will provide 1000 mA of power for 1 hour. On the other hand, if the same pack was rated at 2C, it would provide 2000 mA of power for 30 minutes.

2. How fast can I charge a Li-Polymer pack?

Each Lithium Polymer battery pack has a different maximum charge rate. It is very important to never ever charge at a rating above the specified rate! Most batteries have a label that specifies this vital information. However, if the maximum charge rate is not specified, keep in mind that most Lipos are made to be charged at a rate of 1C. Which means a 1000 mAh pack can be charged at 1A and a 500mAh pack can be charged at 0.5A. Once again, never ever exceed the maximum charge rate lest the battery explodes!