Here are some basic tips I apply to my LiPos to reduce problems flying FPV. 

Fastener Strip

This seems a common practice now, but is so valuable I had to add it. It greatly improves the battery strap function, prevents battery slipping and ejecting during flight and crashes. This, in conjunction with a good strap, has all but eliminated unintended battery ejection on my quads.

The strips are plastic interlocking recloseable strips. Most hardware stores sell them. Walmart and Target has them too. Amazon is also a good online source. The 1" roll is a bargain and will cover a lot of batteries and frames. http://amzn.com/B00JHKTDMA

1. Cut a strip about the size of back of the battery and apply
2. Cut a strip for the frame. You might cut two strips for the frame to accommodate any openings and frame design. I've also used an X-Acto knife to cut around screws and straps. The strips are surprisingly sticky, as long as there is some area to grab on to, it will be ok.
3. Snap the battery on the frame and tighten it with the strap - it is not going anywhere 

 

Balance Plug Protection

It is extremely annoying and even dangerous for the balance plug fly loose into the spinning propellers. That used to happen to me way too often for comfort. Below are two simple steps that have completely solved that problem.

1. Plug protector - those little plastic caps that some high-end LiPo are starting to ship with now. 

They are available for 2S, 3S and 4S and a bag of 10 usually sells for under $10. I buy mine from Amazon, here is the 4S version - http://amzn.com/B00YGO2D42

They are easy to install. Just line up the balance cables in the channels and make sure the side with the two notches meets the same on the plug.
 
Take care to not crimp the cable as you close and snap the protector. If you do, use a small screw driver to lift the locking tabs, open the connector and redo.

2. Plug fastener - I have not seen many other folks do this, and I usually get weird looks, but it has worked great. I have not had to repair a balance plug in months.

A while back I accidentally bought the wrong kind of velcro. It is much weaker and could never be used for the whole battery. However it turned out just right for the balance plug. It's width is perfect for the flat side of the plastic protector described above - match made in heaven.


Cut a strip of both the plastic and the fuzzy sides wide enough to cover the balance plug. I prefer to put the plastic side on the plug and the fuzzy on the battery. Find a good spot the plug can still reach but be "out of the way". Depending on the length of the balance cable, I usually prefer the side of the battery.
 

The end result

A happy and trouble resistant battery. I hope this is helpful and prevents the heap of LiPo problems I used to deal with a sometime ago.

I didn't even know those balance protectors existed. This is a great idea, thanks for the tutorial.

Great idea would certainly save a lot of balance plugs

Hmm ... how much weight does it add?
i like the balance plug saver, the Tattus have one standard.

But instead of velcro i just use a neoprene stripe and a rubber coated LiPo band (MRP.nl)
Less weight and easier to move around the pack for the CG but once it's tight it won't move.

I used those balance plug protector before, it works 3 out of 10 times... most of the times the balance plug will get damaged by props along with the protector...

still it's best to tuck your balance lead somewhere as safe as you can...

The velcro applied to the balance lead keeps it immobile and out of the props. Since I started doing that, I've never had a broken connector.



I'm away on business for a week, so I can't weigh the additions but I'd be surprised if it totaled more than 5-10g.

I never even had a balance lead damaged
Just a rubber band - weight is insignificant.

nice tip on those balance protectors, I havent killed any (yet) but plenty of my friends have destroyed them completly.

ill pass the tip along

You guys gave me great ideas thank you Jordan and Konrad

Forgot to secure the lipo plug at the weekend, opps!

The rubber band is a great tip too - quick and simple I need to get a few rubber bands in my flight bag, for this and other purposes.

I wanted to buy these balancer port protectors but it looks like it's not possible in germany. Damn it!

(02-Mar-2016, 11:16 AM)Alexander Bierbrauer Wrote: I wanted to buy these balancer port protectors but it looks like it's not possible in germany. Damn it!

Hobbyking has them i think..

I used to get them from HobbyKing too… but looks like they don't carry them anymore!

Amazon have a few in stock.