LiPo battery dischargers—an often overlooked tool for maximizing the performance and lifespan of your LiPo batteries. The LiPo battery is the standard power source for everything from RC vehicles to drones to electronic gadgets. Known for their compact size and high energy density, these batteries hold an insane amount of energy.
However, to ensure their longevity and safety, proper maintenance is key. This is where LiPo battery dischargers come into play. Using these devices, batteries are safely discharged to around 3.7V per cell, preventing damage and extending battery life. Ready to explore your options? We’ve handpicked three top-notch LiPo battery dischargers just for you!
What Lipo Battery Discharger?
LiPo battery dischargers are handy tools used to safely drain the energy from lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries to a storage-friendly voltage level. These batteries, commonly found in RC vehicles, drones, and electronic devices, require careful handling to maintain their performance and longevity.
Discharging them at a specific voltage helps prevent damage and extends their lifespan. LiPo battery dischargers come in various forms, from simple standalone units to more advanced devices with additional features. Dischargers keep LiPo batteries in good shape longer, ensuring reliable power when you need it.
What’s the right discharge rate per LiPo cell?
Let’s start by noting that many battery chargers can also discharge batteries, although their discharge capabilities are typically lower than their charging capabilities. This limitation is determined by the charger’s amp and watt capacities, which also apply when discharging. Therefore, when buying a new charger, it’s crucial to consider its discharge capabilities.
Now, let’s look at three of the best lipo battery dischargers available in the market.
Hobby Balance Charger/Discharger for 1S-6S LiPo
Hobby Fans B6 Mini Professional Balance Charger/Discharger is a great choice for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts with an affordable price range. This charger has achieved Amazon’s overall pick status and has tons of satisfied customer reviews. One of the most stand out features of this product is, that you can use it for both charger and discharger.
While it can charge and discharge, most of its features emphasize its charging ability. Here are some of these features.
Key Features:
Versatile Compatibility: This charger is compatible with a wide range of rechargeable batteries, including NiCd/NiMH, Li-ion, LiPo, LiFe, LiHV, and Pb batteries. It simplifies the charging process by letting you choose the right battery type.
LCD Display: The B6 charger features an LCD display that provides users with real-time charging status and settings. This intuitive interface makes it effortless to navigate through different modes and settings.
Safety Features: It is built with high-quality materials and equipped with multiple safety protections, including short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, overcurrent protection, and overheat protection, ensuring safe and reliable charging every time.
Multiple Functions: In addition to standard charging, the B6 Mini offers Li-ion and LiPo balancing, fast charging, data storage, cyclic charging, and discharging options.
Pros:
- Even beginners can set up and use the charger because of the intuitive controls.
- It’s small, but the B6 Mini has powerful charging and discharging capabilities.
- Sturdy construction and durable components make this charger reliable and long-lasting.
Cons:
- It may generate heat during operation, but it works fine without damaging batteries.
- No warranty information is provided, which may be a drawback for some users.
ISDT Smart Discharger from 2-8S Lipo
The ISDT FD-200 Smart Discharger is another reliable discharger that stands out in the market. You can control it with the app and Bluetooth wireless connection, making it a convenient RC controller. The charger supports 2-8s 7-35v discharging, and has a maximum discharging capacity of 200W.
Key Features:
Smart Fix Current Control Chip: It is designed with smart fix current control chip for automatic cutoff after discharge.
XT60 Port Compatibility: You can use it without an adapter for this XT60 Port for easy connection
Temperature-controlled ball bearing fan: Industrial-level high-speed ball bearing fan with temperature control for efficient heat dissipation.
Mobile Phone Bluetooth Control: Mobile phone Bluetooth control with optimized touch screen UI for clear data display. However, many users reported the app connection always does not connect properly.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient discharging, bringing batteries to safe levels quickly.
- App control allows for fine-tuning and convenient operation.
- Automatically discharges batteries to safe levels for peace of mind.
Cons:
- The fan can be loud during operation.
HTRC C150 LiPo Charger/Discharger for 1-6S Lipo
The HTRC lipo discharger is another good one when balancing the price and performance. It can be used as a charger or a discharger depending on your needs. This discharger is designed to cater to a variety of battery types, including LiPo, LiFe, LiIon, LiHV, NiCd, NiMH, and Pb Smart Batteries.
This battery charger and discharger is compatible with 1-6S RC batteries and offers a balance of charging and discharging capability. It provides a power output of 150W and a charging current of up to 10A, with support for both AC and DC power sources.
However, as it is also a charger and discharger most of its features point out its charging capabilities, let’s look at some of them.
Key Features:
Automatic Identification of Li-Po Battery Cell Counts: The charger automatically detects the number of cells in your Li-Po battery, simplifying the charging process.
Multiple Charging Modes: This discharger offers various charging modes for different battery types, including balance charge, fast charge, storage, discharge, and more.
Extra Functions: The battery meter displays cell counts and voltage, terminal voltage control, and internal resistance check of lithium batteries.
USB DC Output Port: You can also use this charger as a power supply for other gadgets with the 5V 2.1A USB DC output port.
Dual Power Support: The charger supports dual power inputs, which allows you to power it via DC 11-18V or AC 100-240V sources for added flexibility.
Pros:
- Well-packaged with a bundle of accessories
- Can charge 2-6 packs with either Deans or XT60 connectors
- Can deliver up to 10A or 150W of power
- User-friendly interface similar to popular chargers like the Imax B6
Cons:
- Cooling fans can be noisy.
Takeaway
A LiPo battery discharger is a valuable tool for safely managing and prolonging the lifespan of your LiPo batteries. They help prevent damage and ensure long-term battery reliability by safely discharging batteries. With so many choices available, you can easily find a discharger that suits your needs and budget. Make sure to choose one that offers the features and functionality you require for your battery maintenance routine.
