I purchased a decent amount of batteries from Tenergy as they had some high-capacity options. Specifically, I purchased a Polymer Li-ion Cell with the stats below:
Voltage: 3.7V
Capacity: 5,500mAh
Continuous discharge current: 1,100mA
Maximum discharge current: 5,500mA
That brings us to our issue...
These came with no 2-pin connector for batteries, so I wired one up (red to red, black to black).
Then, attaching these to multiple types of Arduino and other boards (FIO, Adafruit Adalogger, ect.), I got the dreaded blue smoke. 
What happened?!
Battery pushing too much power? Could I have wired it backwards?
I am sure the solution is pretty obvious and that I am over thinking this, but I want a definite answer.
You need a multimeter to check the polarity of the battery. Batteries have been known to turn up with the wrong wire colours.
BTW did you really keep trying it over and over again with loads of different devices after it killed the first one? Check out Einstein's definition of insanity ;).
Steve
slipstick:
You need a multimeter to check the polarity of the battery. Batteries have been known to turn up with the wrong wire colours.
Well, that isn't polite of them... I tested one of the batteries in question and it seems to be polarized correctly where as GND is black, VCC is red. Which pin (left or right) is to be which in the two pin connectors? I am just making sure that the pin wires, which came red and black, are not backwards in reference to the board.
slipstick:
BTW did you really keep trying it over and over again with loads of different devices after it killed the first one? Check out Einstein's definition of insanity ;).
I tried it twice, okay! The FIO was my old, trial board, so I convinced myself that perhaps I previously did damage to it in some way... Yes, embarrassing.
Did the smoke always appear when you connected to multiple types of Arduino and other boards (FIO, Adafruit Adalogger, ect.) or did it appear only for a specific board?
Also, the smoke came form the batteries or from the boards?
AnonymousPig:
Well, that isn't polite of them... I tested one of the batteries in question and it seems to be polarized correctly where as GND is black, VCC is red. Which pin (left or right) is to be which in the two pin connectors? I am just making sure that the pin wires, which came red and black, are not backwards in reference to the board.
To be picky batteries don't have a GND or VCC. It's just that one terminal/wire is positive with respect to the other ;). But yes, I'd expect the +ve wire to be red and the -ve wire to be black.
As for which pin is which...what 2-pin connectors are you using? None of the Arduino-type boards I've seen come with 2-pin power plugs but their GND (-ve) and VCC (+ve) connections are always marked on the boards.
Steve
Hi,
Then, attaching these to multiple types of Arduino and other boards (FIO, Adafruit Adalogger, ect.), I got the dreaded blue smoke. 
Where did the smoke come from?
Can you show us how you connected the batteries, picture or diagram please.
attaching these to multiple types of Arduino and other boards
All at once? ? ? ?
Please explain.
Do you have a DMM?
If not, do not attempt anymore testing/experimenting until you do.
Thanks.. Tom... 
New intel!
So my terminology isn't the best, so I cannot thank you enough for correcting me (seriously, it is how I will learn)!
To clarify, I was hooking the battery to one board at a time, and I saw the smoke from the FIO, primarily. I am trying to protect the Adalogger, more so, as it is more important for a current project. I do have a multimeter, the battery is coming in at about 3.8V, which is pretty standard for a LiPo/LI, and seemingly within the range of all two-pin connector equipped boards.
In other news, I found out that either my two-pin connectors are backwards. Checking with the +/- signs on the FIO, on closer examination, lead me to this finding.
So reversed polarity fried the FIO, but I am still skittish about plugging it in the to precious Adalogger. Am I being ridiculous and paranoid?
Another question that may show my lack of knowledge about batteries (always learning), could it be dumping in too much amperage? Is that possible?
could it be dumping in too much amperage?
No. Circuits draw current, according to the input voltage and the circuit properties.
It is possible that a battery cannot supply the required current.
If a circuit is functioning correctly and the battery voltage is of the correct polarity and within the specified limits, it should work.
jremington:
No. Circuits draw current, according to the input voltage and the circuit properties.
Noted! Thank you!
jremington:
It is possible that a battery cannot supply the required current.
It has the Maximum discharge current of 5,500mA (listed above) and the Continuous discharge current of 1,100mA (also listed above). My current draw rate is sitting about 200mA, so I believe I am well within the bounds.
so I believe I am well within the bounds
Only if the battery is charged.
jremington:
Only if the battery is charged.
And at 3.8V it isn't fully charged, it's about 50%. It will be more like 4.1V-4.2V when charged. But it should still be capable of delivering 200mA.
Steve
slipstick:
And at 3.8V it isn't fully charged, it's about 50%. It will be more like 4.1V-4.2V when charged. But it should still be capable of delivering 200mA.
So do I have the "Steve Stamp of Approval" to try this battery with the Adalogger?
Hi,
AnonymousPig:
Noted! Thank you!
It has the Maximum discharge current of 5,500mA (listed above) and the Continuous discharge current of 1,100mA (also listed above). My current draw rate is sitting about 200mA, so I believe I am well within the bounds.
Your current rating is within the battery LIMITs.
The battery CAN and WILL discharge at a higher current than 5.5Amps if the load is heavy enough.
The 5,500mA is a RECOMMENDED max discharge.
Before you do anymore experimenting, you need to put a fuse in the positive lead of the battery.
If you are drawing about 200mA, then a 1A fuse will be enough protection.
- What are you connecting the battery to?
- What model Arduino are you using?
- How are you connecting power to it?
- What is FIO?
- Please a picture of your components and how you were connecting them.
- Please list your other boards.
- Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
- Can you tell us your electronics, programming, Arduino, hardware experience?
Thanks.. Tom...
Sounds to me as if you got the polarity backwards.
Check very carefully!
I''vw run loads of little projects with 18650 cells and various arduinos with no problems
Allan