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SR2024 - Update Section - Batteries #514

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Sep 17, 2023
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SR2024 - Update Section - Batteries #514

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a91deb9
Update battery page
8BitJosh Sep 15, 2023
7558777
page formatting
8BitJosh Sep 15, 2023
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9 changes: 3 additions & 6 deletions kit/batteries/hke4_charger.md
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Expand Up @@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ HobbyKing HKE4 Chargers
![hobby king e4 charger]({{ site.baseurl }}/images/content/kit/battery_charger_HKE4.png "A HobbyKing E4 battery charger")

Some kits will contain a black HobbyKing HKE4 charger.
This charger is simpler and easier to use than the iMAX B6 charger,
while retaining all of the functionality required for charging the batteries supplied with the kit.
This charger is simpler and easier to use than the iMAX B6 charger, while retaining all of the functionality required for charging the batteries supplied with the kit.
The charging lead is cable-tied to the charger and you must not remove this cable.
The charging lead is terminated with 4mm bullet connectors, which present a very high risk of shorting the battery if removed from the charger.

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -41,7 +40,5 @@ You must then:
1. Unplug the battery from the charging lead, do not unplug the charging lead from the charger.
1. Unplug the charger from the mains.

Generally, the battery does not have to be charged to 100% every time you want
to use it. However, before storing the battery for longer periods of time, it
is best to charge it to approximately 70% because storing it with 100% charge
puts stress on the battery, reducing its life.
Generally, the battery does not have to be charged to 100% every time you want to use it.
However, before storing the battery for longer periods of time, it is best to charge it to approximately 70% because storing it with 100% charge puts stress on the battery, reducing its life.
42 changes: 22 additions & 20 deletions kit/batteries/index.md
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Expand Up @@ -28,33 +28,22 @@ If you have any doubts or wish to request permission to use a battery, charger,
* Always place the batteries in the provided battery safety bag when charging or when being stored.
* Always follow the charging checklist precisely to make sure the charger is correctly configured.
See the [Charging Batteries](#charging-batteries) section for more details.
* Do not charge or use a damaged battery.
* If a battery has any cuts, nicks, exposed copper on the wires or is bulging to the point of no longer being squishy, contact <{{ site.emails.kit-support }}> immediately.
* Do not charge or use a damaged battery.
* Always leave the charging leads connected to the battery charger at all times.
</div>


## Storing Batteries

When your batteries are not actively in use, they should be safely stored.
To do this you must disconnect the batteries from all electrical equipment, and place them in the battery safety bag.
You should then store the battery safety bag in a safe location.

If you are not going to use the batteries for a long period of time, such as more than a week, then you should charge the batteries before hand.
By themselves, batteries will discharge very slowly, and over-discharging will lead to damage.
We recommend that you charge all batteries to at least 70% of capacity before being stored for a long period.


## Operating Batteries

To use your batteries, you must connect them to the Student Robotics power board.
Do not tamper with the cable or connect the batteries to anything other than the power board (or the charger when charging).
To use your batteries, you must connect them to the Student Robotics Power Board.
Do not tamper with the cable or connect the batteries to anything other than the Power Board (or the charger when charging).

During operation, the battery is protected by over-current protection and a fuse in the power board.
During operation, the battery is protected by over-current protection and a fuse in the Power Board.
If any equipment is short circuited, the over-current protection will activate - protecting the battery.
In extreme circumstances the fuse may blow to prevent damage to the battery.
This is an important safety feature: do **not**, under any circumstances, bypass the fuse.
The fuse is not user serviceable and if the fuse has blown then the power board must be replaced.
The fuse is not user serviceable and if the fuse has blown then the Power Board must be replaced.
If you suspect the fuse has blown then please contact <{{ site.emails.kit-support }}> straight away.

Mechanical damage to a battery can be dangerous, and a puncture or large force applied to a battery causes a serious risk of fire.
Expand All @@ -67,12 +56,25 @@ The smaller lead is only used for voltage measurement when charging and must **n
</div>


### Flat Batteries
## Storing Batteries

When the battery has been almost completely discharged, the Power Board will automatically turn off and the LED marked "Power / Flat Battery Indicator" in the [diagram](/docs/kit/power_board#BoardDiagram) will flash red and green.
You should immediately disconnect the battery, and begin charging it.
You should keep your second battery charged, so that you can immediately switch to using it.
When your batteries are not actively in use, they should be safely stored.
To do this you must disconnect the batteries from all electrical equipment, and place them in the battery safety bag.
You should then store the battery safety bag in a safe location, away from anything flammable and where it wont be physically damaged.


### Fully charged batteries

Storing a battery at 100% charge puts stress on the battery, reducing its life.
If you are planning on storing you battery for a long time (greater than 1 week) its best to discharge it to approximately 70%.
This can be done by running your robot.


### Flat batteries

When the battery has been almost completely discharged, the Power Board will automatically turn off and the LED marked "Power / Flat Battery Indicator" in the [diagram](/docs/kit/power_board#BoardDiagram) will flash red and green.
You should disconnect the battery, and begin charging it.
By themselves, batteries will discharge very slowly, and over-discharging will lead to damage.
Do not store a discharged battery for more than a few days without charging it, as it may discharge further and become damaged.


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