Battery Care

The CloudBox uses high-quality lithium batteries to ensure reliable performance during race timing events. Proper care and maintenance of these batteries are essential to extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. This article will cover key points about the first use, charging, discharging, storage and monitoring, of the CloudBox battery.

First Use

When you receive a new CloudBox, the lithium battery will have some charge remaining. You can start using the system immediately and recharge the battery after using up the remaining power. After 2-3 full charge and discharge cycles, the lithium battery will be fully activated, and you’ll achieve the battery’s full capacity and performance.

Charging the Battery

Proper charging habits are essential for maintaining the long-term health of the CloudBox battery. Follow these tips to charge your device correctly:

1. Unplug When Fully Charged:

   • When the battery reaches full charge, unplug the charger as soon as possible to avoid slow trickle charging. Leaving the battery connected at full charge for extended periods can increase the battery's stress level, which may lead to degradation over time.

2. Avoid Recharging When Already at 80% or Higher:

   • If the battery level is already at 80% or higher, it’s best not to recharge it immediately before use. Instead, wait until the battery is lower to recharge for better long-term performance.

3. Charge the Battery Above 30%:

   • If the battery level is low, make sure to recharge it to at least 30% or higher before using the CloudBox again. Avoid charging the battery only partially (e.g., 20%) and then using it, as this can impact performance.

4. Post-Charge Wait Time:

   • After fully charging the CloudBox, let it rest for about 30 seconds before putting it back into use. This allows the battery to stabilize, ensuring better performance during operation.

5. Temperature Considerations:

   • The charging temperature for lithium batteries should be between 0°C and 45°C, and the discharge temperature should be between -20°C and 60°C. Always be mindful of these temperature limits to prevent damage.

Discharging the Battery

Avoid over-discharging the CloudBox battery, as this can cause permanent damage and reduce the battery's overall capacity.

1. Charge Immediately When Low:

   • When the CloudBox indicates that the battery level is low, start charging it immediately. Continuous usage on a low battery can lead to an irreversible loss of capacity.

2. Impact of Environment:

   • High temperature and humidity can accelerate the self-discharge rate of lithium batteries. Make sure to store and operate the CloudBox in a controlled environment to prevent this from happening. The ideal operating temperature is 0°C to 20°C.

Storing the Battery

If you need to store the CloudBox for an extended period, follow these guidelines to maintain battery health:

1. Storage Charge Level:

   • Store the CloudBox battery at 50-80% charge if you plan to store it for a long time. This ensures the battery remains in good condition while minimizing stress on the cells.

2. Recharge Every Three Months:

   • Lithium batteries naturally self-discharge over time. To avoid excessive capacity loss, recharge the battery every three months during long-term storage. This helps prevent irreversible capacity loss caused by self-discharge.

3. Optimal Storage Environment:

   • Store the CloudBox in a dry environment with temperatures between 0°C and 20°C. Avoid storing the CloudBox in extremely hot or humid conditions, as this can accelerate battery degradation.

Monitoring the CloudBox Battery and Charging Status

When the System is On:

To check if your CloudBox is charging while powered on:

• Go to the STATUS interface in the CloudBox dashboard.

• Look for the hasPower indicator. If it shows true, your CloudBox is charging.

When the System is Off:

To check the charging status while the system is off:

• Press and hold the START button.

• If the START LED flashes every 1 second, this indicates the system is actively charging.

By following these steps, you can ensure your CloudBox is properly charging both when it’s on or off.

Summary

By following these simple guidelines for charging, discharging, and storing the CloudBox battery, you’ll extend its lifespan and maintain peak performance. Proper battery care ensures that your CloudBox will be ready for action whenever you need it, whether it’s at the start of a major race or during long-term storage between events.