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How to Troubleshoot a Hyperion LBA10 Balancer

Lithium polymer (LiPo) battery cells greatly benefit radio controlled electric-powered airplanes and helicopters. The power capacity-to-weight ratio of LiPo is extremely favorable for aviation applications. However, when multiple 3.7-volt LiPo cells are combined into a battery pack, charging imbalance can develop among individual cells. This results in inconsistent or unpredictable flight duration from the pack and reduced cell life. The Hyperion LBA10 balancer connects to a lithium polymer battery pack, analyzes the state of charge of the cells then balances the pack so all cells carry a charge within 5 millivolts of each other. The LBA10 operates as a standalone balancer or in-line with a charger to balance the pack during charging. It also balances the new lithium iron phosphate batteries known as A123 cells.

Instructions

- 1
  Verify the type of lithium batteries in the pack if the balancer does not appear to function. The LBA10 defaults to the lithium polymer mode when powered up. If your pack contains A123 lithium iron phosphate cells instead, press and hold the Mode/Reset button on the balancer for two seconds. Verify that the A123 LED is illuminated.
- 2
  Check the voltage and health of individual cells in the pack if the LBA10 shuts down as soon as the battery pack is connected. If one or more cells in the pack have a voltage which falls below the protection limit, the balancer is programmed to automatically terminate balancing and power down.
- 3
  Make sure the balancer has not simply timed-out and automatically powered down if it does not function. For example, when connecting a charger to two LBA10s linked in master-slave arrangement to balance multiple battery packs simultaneously, the slave LBA10 may automatically time-out during the lengthy idle period required to make so many connections. Unplug the LBA10 from the power source and plug it back in to restore power.
- 4
  Check the 10 automotive-style plug-in fuse in the LBA10 if the unit loses power. If the gold connectors that link the balancer to a charger touch when the unit is in the "Connection" mode, the fuse may blow. Keep the supplied insulated connector covers on the gold charger connectors when the balancer is not connected to a charger.
- 5
  Observe the mode LED if it is flashing to indicate an error. If the mode LED flashes twice, the voltage of the pack is higher than expected. If the mode LED flashes three times, the voltage of the pack is lower than expected. If the mode LED flashes four times, a wiring or connection fault exists.

Aviation