How to tell if all cells in a lipo are balanced

[mikejbb]

So I've read that some people can tell if a cell is really out of balance when the charger is finished and thinks the cells are in balance.

Can wattsup tell?

Do you just comparing volts for each cell? That doesn't seem good enough, volts are deceiving.

Mike

[duck9191]

you would have to check the individual cell voltage at the balance tap. you want them to be close to the same voltage for all 3 cells.

i don't believe that a wattsup meter can read individual cells voltage, just the pack voltage.

[mrmugen]

www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?cPath=32_40&products_id=548

[mikejbb]

Thanks mrmugen for the link to "Cell Spy Plus lipo voltage tester". That's good info. Also, another device that would be useful if the esc doesn't have it is a cell monitor low voltage cutoff. My esc is set to 3v, but I've read here that 3.1v would be better.

I've tested my lipo cells individually and one is 4.05v and the other 2 are 4.09v. Is that close enough or am I headed for trouble?

You can test individual cells by connecting to adjecent wires on the balancing tap. If you measure across all of them, that is from the pin on one end and the pin on the other end of the balancing tap, you get the voltage for the whole pack.

Mike