Charge safely. Store sensibly.

Learn with your own battery and charger

Some of us learn best by doing. You are welcome to call us or bring your battery, charger, power supply and charging leads into our Hayling Island store. We can run through your questions together on your own equipment, including charging settings, balance connections and storage mode.

Call 0330 053 2007 before your visit so we can arrange a suitable time. You do not need to work it all out from a manual on your own.

Visit Noah’s RC Ark: Unit 6, Furniss Business Centre, Furniss Way, Hayling Island, PO11 0FG.

If a battery is swollen, damaged or leaking, call before bringing it in so we can discuss safe handling. Never transport a hot, smoking or unstable pack.

Call us for hands-on helpFind a charger manual

Charger manuals & instructions

Use the instructions for your exact charger model and version. Similar-looking chargers can have different menus, connections and limits. These official links provide a starting point; if yours is not listed, call us with the make and model and we will help you find the right instructions.

Can’t find your charger?Email its make and model, or bring it into the store and we can go through it together.

Battery disposal at Noah’s RC Ark

We offer a battery disposal service for a small charge. Call 0330 053 2007 to confirm the charge and tell us the type, size and condition of your battery before bringing it into the store.

There is no need to attempt a DIY discharge first. Ask us what preparation is needed. For swollen, damaged or leaking packs, contact us before travelling; never transport a hot, smoking or unstable battery.

1. Check the battery first

• Read the chemistry, cell count (S), capacity (mAh), charging limits and connector information on the pack. Never guess from the plug alone.
• Inspect the casing, insulation, main lead and balance lead. Stop if there is swelling, damage, corrosion or a loose connection.
• Let a pack cool after use. Charge only within the maker’s temperature limits. Never charge a frozen or wet pack.
• If the charger reports a low cell, incorrect cell count or another error, stop and investigate. Do not bypass protection or use a different chemistry mode to revive a pack.

2. Build a safer charging setup

Containment reduces risk; it does not make unattended charging safe. Follow the containment maker’s limits and keep the area clear. Containment guidance · Fire service advice

3. Charge a healthy RC lithium pack

1. Prepare. Remove a removable pack from the model. Follow the charger’s connection order and check polarity. With exposed banana charge leads, connect them to the charger before the battery; disconnect the battery first afterwards.
2. Select the exact chemistry. Standard LiPo is normally charged to 4.20V per cell. Only use LiHV mode for packs explicitly approved for it. LiFe and Li-ion settings differ.
3. Confirm the cell count. It must match the pack label and the charger’s detected count. Stop if they disagree.
4. Set the charge current. Use the battery maker’s limit. A common conservative setting is 1C where permitted: capacity in mAh ÷ 1,000 = amps. For example, 5,000mAh at 1C is 5A. Use a lower rate if required. The large discharge C-rating is not the charging rate.
5. Balance charge. For a conventional multi-cell pack, connect its main and balance leads to the same charger channel. Follow the maker’s method for 1S and proprietary smart packs. Do not disable balancing to avoid an error.
6. Monitor until complete. Keep the pack in suitable containment. Stop for abnormal heat, swelling, smell or errors. At completion, disconnect safely; do not leave it continuously connected.

Connection guidance: SkyRC charger manual. Charge limits: Spektrum battery safety sheet. These are examples; your own manuals take priority. New users should charge one pack per channel, without parallel charging boards.

4. Storage mode & everyday storage

A healthy LiPo should not be left full or deeply discharged between outings. Use the charger’s Storage programme with the correct chemistry and cell count. It may charge or discharge the pack to its storage target. Supervise this just like charging, then disconnect.

Standard LiPo storage is commonly around 3.8V per cell. The figures below are examples, not settings for other chemistries.

Check each cell, not just the total. Use the battery and charger maker’s specified target for LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion. NiMH packs need a NiMH charging programme and their own storage instructions; do not apply LiPo voltage targets.

• Store disconnected packs in a cool, dry place away from direct sun, heat and flammable items. Keep terminals protected and packs separated against shorts.
• Use suitable battery storage containment as directed. Keep it away from escape routes and children; never store packs loose with metal tools.
• Inspect and check voltage periodically at the maker’s recommended interval. Storage mode is not permanent maintenance; self-discharge can still occur.

Sources: Reedy LiPo care · SkyRC chemistry and storage programmes

5. Warning signs: stop, don’t experiment

Swelling, unusual heat, leaks, a strong smell, hissing, cracking or smoke can indicate a failing battery. Stop using it and switch off charging power only if safe. Do not handle or carry a hot, venting or smoking pack. Do not open, squeeze, puncture or attempt to repair it.

For a cool, stable but damaged pack, ask the manufacturer and your local waste authority how to isolate, package and hand it over safely. Do not bring or post a damaged pack to a shop without prior agreement. Fire service warning signs

6. Discharging & responsible disposal

Ask the receiving recycling service first. Tell them the battery chemistry, size and condition, and ask whether they accept RC packs, require any preparation and how damaged packs must be handed over. Local rules and accepted battery types vary.

Never short terminals, puncture a pack, cut leads or use a salt-water bath to try to make it safe. Do not bypass a charger’s cut-off or run a model until the battery is completely flat.

For a cool, stable pack, insulate exposed terminals with non-conductive tape or suitable caps, without dismantling it, and follow the recycler’s packaging and transport instructions. Keep terminals from touching metal or other packs. Reduced charge does not eliminate fire risk.

Do not put batteries in household rubbish or mixed home recycling. Hampshire accepts household batteries at its HWRCs; check arrangements for your particular RC pack before travelling. Outside Hampshire or the UK, use your local authority’s current guidance.

Hampshire battery recycling guidance · UK battery recycling guidance

Not sure which setting or lead to use?

Tell us your battery’s make, chemistry, S count and capacity, plus your charger model. We can help you find compatible equipment and the right manual.

Call 0330 053 2007Email the shop

Guidance checked 7 November 2026. Equipment shown here describes a recommended setup, not a claim that a particular product makes charging risk-free. Always follow your product manuals and current local waste guidance.