Updated April 20 2010

  HYPERION G3 Lithium Polymer Batteries

NEWS!  The new G3 EX 45C series will be at dealers worldwide on about May 1st 2010!

 (see product list and specs for full details on the new G3 EX 45C lineup)
 
Hyperion released the new Generation 3 Lithium Polymer packs in March of 2009.  Since then, they have taken the R/C world by storm, and well more than 130,000 packs have been sold!  Why are they so popular, and why do so many users come back to buy more?
  • When properly used and stored, they provide extremely consistent performance.  Some users have reported as many as 500 strong cycles so far, and still going strong. While some other "bargain" brands start to rapidly decrease in performance after as few as 10 cycles, the G3 typically improve in voltage performance during the initial 50~100 discharges.
     
  • G3 Performance is consistent over many cycles, and that performance is at a very high loaded voltage level.  That means more power delivered per capacity of the pack.
     
  • Extreme quality control procedures at all steps has delivered a cell failure rate of less than one in one thousand over 300 cycles.
     
  • The quality materials used and robust physical design of the packs helps protect them from damage, and they look great (we think!)
  • Super-fast charge time (as fast as 12 minutes!) with absolutely no negative impact on lifespan or reliability.
    (6C max,  but 5C advised as "best practice" , see below)
     
  • They are the best overall value in Lipo, given their price, performance, and lifespan.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT G3 PRODUCT LIST AND SPECIFICATIONS (acrobat PDF format)   
NEWS!

On the left is the tiny new G3 CX 130mAh "UM" pack, which is a great plug-in performance upgrade for Eflite Ultra Micro and Kyosho Minium series micro models.  Click here to read an Ezone thread by an independent tester.

Click HERE for info on the 6-Port Parallel Adapter for Micro 1S packs (Hyperion "UM" and "M" series G3 Lipo and compatible)

Hyperion has also released new 70mAh, 100mAh, and 160mAh UM, 180mAh cells and packs, and 6S/7S/8S/10S/12S "split packs". (see below for more on split packs).
BACKGROUND

The G3 packs were the first to introduce the new Hybrid RS (rolled/stacked) construction technology, super-fine "nano" substrate materials, and an extremely rigorous Quality Control and cell matching process, in order to guarantee you not only superb performance, but also very tightly balanced and long-lasting packs.  No other brand has yet exceeded our specifications - regardless of their marketing claims - nor value pricing.  Hyperion makes a point of bringing the best to market, at the lowest possible pricing for you.

G3 deliver the highest voltage and flattest discharge curves under load, which makes them the best performer you can buy. And tests have shown that at the 70%-discharged point in flight, they are delivering as much as 40% more power than previous generation LiPo.

The fact that they can be safely charged at up to 6C rates with absolutely no negative impact on lifespan - for charge times as low as 10 to 12 minutes - is just icing on a very tasty cake. (G3 have been certified for 6C without cycle decrease. However, charge time difference between 6C and 5C is negligible (or often zero) due to CC/CV curves, so we believe 5C to be the ideal fast-charge setting for quality Lipo).

The G3 LiPo come in three series. "CX" 25C are appropriate for most models and deliver high capacity and power per gram at low cost. The "VX" 35C series is the one for applications that need higher voltage maintained at high discharge rates; for example highly aerobatic 3D airplanes and helicopters. "EX" 45C provide extreme voltage-holding capability for high output applications like pylon racers or other very fast models, LMR glider competition, extreme 3D helicopters, and many EDF jets.

 



 
"SPLIT" LIPO PACKS
Recent changes in international shipping regulations limit single cells to 20Wh, and packs to 100Wh.  That means that the largest legal cell capacity is 5400mAh, and packs 4000mAh and up are internally "split" depending on their total Watt-Hours contained. Split packs can be identified on dealer websites by an extra "S" in the  part number at the end:

Non-Split end in "-xS", like HP-LG325-4000-7S
while Split end in "-SxS", like HP-LG325-4000-S7S

While Split packs do weigh 18g~28g more than their non-split predecessors, their is a big advantage to be had, too.  6S and higher packs are limited in max charge rates. While a charger may have a high 20A maximum, they also have a watt limit per port.  High-S packs always run into the watt limit before they hit the current limit.  So a 20A charger, for example, may only be able to achieve 8A max with a 6S pack.

By splitting the 6S pack into two separate 3S packs, it can be charged on a Hyperion DUO charger (or 2x NET connected by net cable) across BOTH ports in SYNC MODE, therefore DOUBLING the maximum wattage and therefore charge rate you can achieve in many cases.

Hyperion G3 Split packs in 6S and 7S types come with a "Y" harness included, as shown in Figure #3.  This allows the packs to be charged on a single-port charger, such as the EOS NET series. See details below for Figure #3.

Split packs have small labels on each of the leads, as shown in the diagrams to left.  As such, it is quite simple to match the "A" wires and "B" wires as shown.

FIGURE #1 - See above left.  This shows the proper connection setup for SYNC MODE charging on DUO or dual-NET chargers. 

NOTE: This is an artist's rendering and meant to show basic setup for ALL split packs, 6S to 12S. The colors/arrangement of balance wiring is not important. What is important is that "A" Main wires and Balance connector are attached to one port set on the charger, and all "B" to the other port, as shown in FIG #1.  MIXED CONNECTION WILL DAMAGE CHARGER and BATTERY and that damage will not be covered by warranty
(except by discounted replacement)





 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE #2 - NEVER try to use the "Y" harness when connecting to a DUAL PORT charger setup. Damage to pack and charger will result, and neither will be covered by warranty.  And it is dangerous!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE #3 - Correct Connection for SINGLE-Port Charging, using the supplied Y harness with 6S and 7S split packs.

Figure #3 shows an original NET0610i charger, with 6S max capability.  A 6S split pack can therefore plug directly into the charger, using the supplied "Y" harness.

Note that 7S chargers, such as NET0720i, will need the supplied Hyperion 2S~7S Multi-Adapter connected between the charger and Y harness, for 6S Split pack charging (see image right).

But EOS 7S max chargers can charge 7S split packs directly via the "Y" , without using the 2S~7S multi-adapter. (or you may use the multi-adapter in between, if you prefer).
 

 




8S to 12S split packs do not come with "Y" adapter, because we assume that our customers will want to charge these on DUO (or 2x NET with net cable) via SYNC MODE for the fastest possible charge times.  We will, however, introduce adapters (~Mar 2010) allowing these to be charged on other-brand single-port chargers.


When ready for flight, remove the "Y" adapter from the pack (if it was used during charging), connect SERIES A and SERIES B Leads together (if the pack was charged in dual-port SYNC MODE), and then connect MAIN A and MAIN B to the ESC (after the radio is turned on!)



 

LIPO CARE

Break-In Procedure - Hyperion G3 LiPo are robust and do not need a complicated break-in procedure.  We recommend that the first 5 uses are limited to 3C charge rates, and that pilots use throttle management to avoid long periods of max-rate discharge for those first 5 flights.  Note also the other care suggestions below.  Those apply pretty generally to any LiPo pack, not just Hyperion G3...

Discharge - Analysis of damaged packs returned to us by users shows that nearly 70% have suffered from "capacity over-discharge" conditions.  This simply means that the pack has been run too long, allowing resting voltage to fall too low.  Such damage is visible upon cell inspection at the factory.  Every type of battery has a minimum recommended discharge level.  For example, even deep-cycle lead-acid batteries should not be regularly discharged down to less than 30%~40% of capacity.  In the case of lithium polymer, it is best practice to always leave 20% of rated capacity in the pack at the end of a flight, with 10% as an absolute minimum.

To avoid capacity over-discharge, we recommend the setting of an appropriate cut-off voltage (LVC) AND the use of a transmitter flight timer.  For LVC, the appropriate voltage cut-off depends in large on how high the max and average discharge rates are.  For very high discharge applications, like F5B competition, something around 3.2V (or even lower) may be desirable.  For standard aerobatic flight, start at 3.4V to 3.5V/cell, and set your timer to 4 minutes initially.  Then note the capacity charged back IN to the pack on next charge.  If the pack is 1000mAh, for example, there should be no more than 800mAh charged back in, meaning that 200mAh remained at the end of the flight (20% of capacity).  If the charged IN capacity is less than 800mAh, set the timer a little longer, and check again the next flight.  Of course, having  the Hyperion Emeter II Remote Data Logger (RDU) makes this even easier, as you can more accurately log the exact mAh Out used each flight and make quick adjustments...

Charge - All Hyperion G3 packs can be charged at 6C rates, with no reduction in cycle life or performance.  However, given the negligible difference in charge time for 6C rate vs. 5C, we believe 5C to be the ideal max charge rate for any high-performance Lipo pack.  We strongly recommend the use of quality-brand charger, such as the Hyperion EOS lineup, as some generic brand chargers have been shown to use poor components, and may therefore not control charge voltage properly.  Hyperion holds that 4.20V/cell (+/- 0.05V) is the proper terminal voltage for Hyperion G3 packs (and all other Lipo).  Use of terminal voltages higher than this (for racing, etc) is not covered under warranty, and may be dangerous.  (note: some G3 packaging may still state 5C max on front or rear. However, all G3 are rated for 6C max no-loss.)

PLEASE be sure that charging is always done such that in case of fire, no damage nor injury can occur.  Keep LiPo well separated (minimum 2M or 7') from flammables, and always use a brick enclosure or "LiPo sack" to insure that any possible fire can be contained.  We strongly discourage charging within or near living spaces, or inside automobiles. LiPo charging should be monitored closely at all times.

Temperature - For best performance and cycle life, your Hyperion G3 battery packs should have a resting temperature no lower than 10 °C (50 °F) at the beginning of a Flight, or beginning of Charging.  Keep the batteries inside your vehicle or a warmer of some kind on very cold days, to insure best performance and life (this is true for any LiPo, not just G3).  If you have any concerns about the temperature on cold days and you have Hyperion NET or DUO charger, you can use the TCS function set to 90% to help insure that the batteries do not suffer over-voltage condition due to the temperature.

Physical - Never cause indentations to the covering of the pack, or cells underneath.  Do not use a ball-point pen to write on the pack, for example. Use a felt-tip pen with light pressure instead.  When installing packs in the model, insure that they have the best protection possible from impact and pressure damage.  Use foam casing if possible. Do not over-tighten hold down straps. Straps should be cloth (velcro) as opposed to hard plastic, such as zip ties.  External damage to any Lipo pack can cause salts formations which reduce performance, and in more severe cases can cause fires during charging.  Impact Damaged packs should be fully discharged, and disposed of immediately. See below for Hyperion Warranty, and Crash Replacement Program details.

Storage - Lipo should never be stored fully charged, or with less than 50% of capacity remaining.  We strongly recommend Hyperion EOS chargers, as they have automatic STORE functions to insure that the packs are in the range of about 60%~70% capacity (3.78V~3.92V resting voltage per cell).  After returning home for the day, simply use STORE MODE to achieve this automatically. Batteries are best stored in a cool, dry environment (2~20 °C or 37~68 °F).
 
Cables & Adapters

The Balance Connectors installed on Hyperion G3 Battery Packs are compatible with all Hyperion Chargers, and any charger which includes a balance adapter for Hyperion (or Hyperion compatible, see list below).

If you are NOT using a Hyperion charger (or Hyperion compatible charger), and you want to charge G3 packs, you have two options:

1) Contact your charger seller to get a Hyperion-Compatible balance multi-adapter, which fits your charger. Hyperion is a leading LiPo brand, so most charger brands come with (or have optional) adapter for Hyperion G3 lipo packs.

OR

2) Purchase a Hyperion adapter harness to suit your charger.  If you don't know what type of adapter your charger already has, see the list below.  If you are using any of these packs, then note the associated type of balance adapter for that pack.  For example, if you are charging KOKAM packs on your charger now, then you will want to purchase our JST EH  harness below, for the "S" matching your new G3 pack.  If you are charging any of the brands in the "Hyperion Type" column with your charger already, then you do not need an adapter for your G3 Lipo pack.
 

JST XH

Hyperion Type

Thunder Power
FlightPower Type

JST EH

ALIGN

HYPERION

THUNDER POWER

KOKAM

DUALSKY

POLYQUEST

FLIGHTPOWER

GRAUPNER

E-FLIGHT

E-TEC

APEX

ROBBE

ELECTRIFLY

POLY RC

VISLERO

NEU

HEXTRONIC

XCITE

DANLIONS

APOGEE

TURNIGY

MAX AMPS

MPX

VAMPOWER

COMMON SENSE

TRUE RC

 

 

ZIPPY

IMPULSE

 

 


Adapt G3 Lipo to XH-Based Charger Adapt G3 Lipo to ThunderPower Charger Adapt G3 Lipo to EH-Based Charger

2S to 6S versions in each type - CLICK photos for larger view

Warranty Coverage


Hyperion G3 LiPo Packs are guaranteed as follows:
• Defects in materials and workmanship (solder joints, etc) for one year from date of purchase.
• Persistent imbalance of one cell of greater than 0.06V compared to average of other cell(s) in the pack. Must be reported within 2 months of date of purchase.

Hyperion G3 Packs are NOT guaranteed for the following:
• Physical Damage to the pack occurring after purchase (impact, water/moisture/salt, etc)
• Over-voltage charging, or other error by charger or user setting of charger.
• Use outside of specifications
• Damage due to improper storage (very hot locations, fully charged storage, etc)
• Short circuit
• Improper balance connections to charger
• Returns without copy of Original Receipt
• Returns without accompanying note stating the reason for return.

Note that a pack in which ALL cells have "ballooned" will not qualify for free warranty replacement.  Given a cell failure rate of less than 1/1000, it is statistically impossible that all cells in a pack will balloon together while being properly used and maintained. In virtually all such cases, the problem can be identified over-capacity discharge, radical over-current discharge, improper storage, or charge voltage in excess of 4.205V/cell.   In such cases, the Crash Replacement Policy is available to you.  If you have experienced this problem, you will need to troubleshoot your charger and power system to determine the cause, so it does not happen again.

Your selling dealer is your first point of contact for warranty issues. Please contact your dealer for advice BEFORE returning any item.  In many cases your dealer can help you solve a problem without return.  Return postage is the responsibility of the user in all cases.

You MUST Submit a copy of original, dated receipt, and explanation of the problem with the return. Returned units should be examined by the Hyperion dealer’s tech department within 10 days of arrival, and contact made with the user to explain the findings.
 
Crash Replacement Policy

If you have damaged your Lipo pack for any reason which is NOT covered by free warranty replacement (i.e due to crash, water damage, etc), and within the first year after original purchase, your nearest Hyperion Regional Distributor can exchange your pack for a brand new one of the same type (or lesser value pack), at 40% discount from original Hyperion suggested retail price for the replacement pack, plus return shipping.

• The Pack must be fully discharged before shipping to the Distributor.
• The Return pack must have the original dated receipt (or email confirmation of sale date from original dealer)
• Include the following in a letter, enclosed with your return package:

FULL NAME
SHIPPING ADDRESS
TEL#
EMAIL ADDRESS
DESIRED REPLACEMENT PACK
METHOD of PAYMENT (Paypal email address, or Credit Card details)

(for Hong Kong resident's Crash Replacement service, email Hyperion HK Ltd. for return address info.)