power TX with usb while using sim?

[tukkus]

I have a JR 6102 with a 2700Mah battery, when I use my flight sim it seems that it drains the battery much more than just flying. I was thinking a USB cable with a connector going to the charge jack could power it instead of the battery but I don't know if something like that is feasible, so I'd thought I should ask the DIY'ers if there's a possibility of it working and whether it's been done yet?

When I plug the sim cord in the TX (TX switch is off and crystal is out) it turns the TX on. I'm guessing some mod would have to be done to prevent the circuit from turning on with that connector and just have the signal working.

I don't have any experience in electronics so if it's feasible and not too difficult, then I'll buy a used 6102 and experiment with it.

What do you think?

[slipstick]

If your Tx really drains the battery faster when using the sim than it does when flying then there's something VERY wrong with. I suggest you actually do some time measurements rather than just guessing (most likely it's just that you only fly for 10-15 min a time but you use the sim for much longer). When it is plugged in and not switched on, and particularly if the crystal is out, the Tx will not be producing any RF and that's what normally uses most of the power.

External power is possible but I don't think you can get the right voltage from USB so you'd need a separate power supply. You'll also need to get inside and solder a few connections because JRs aren't set up to allow them to be powered externally, unlike most other makes of Tx.

Steve

[Malc C]

Few pointers:

1) - always remove the crystal or RF module from the TX when using a sim as it saves battery life as you are not actually transmitting.

2) - As you have no need to transmit, removing the crystal / module means that you won't interfear with anyone who may be using a model in the range of the TX

3) - Depending on the interface, using the wall charger to power the TX when connected to the PC via USB / serial ports can damage the interface and or possibly the TX. This can be due to ground loops or sometimes different glounding levels. Its very rare, but there has been some reported cases over the years.

4) - Yes, with JR tx's the connection of the interface sets the tx into trainer mode and the unit powers up.

5) - with 2700 mAh battery you should be getting weeks worth of siming. I use a 3810 with a standard 600mAh battery and it lasts for ages with the module removed. I tend to charge my TX via my SupaNova charger (takes about half an hour) rather than use the trickle charger that came with the TX.

6) - the max current you can draw from a USB socket is 500mA and that is pushing it, and that is at 5v. The TX needs 9.6v to power it so you would not be able to power the TX directly from the USB port

Hope this helps

[tukkus]

slipstick- I use the sim for about 20-30 minutes at a time and I'm guessing I had about 2-3 hours use from my last charge which was only 4-5 days ago. I really don't use the sim for long periods of time(headaches). So maybe there is something wrong.

Malc- I was thinking the Usb might not be enough juice for the TX but I really wasn't sure.


I'm going to try and get more info about a separate power source for the TX, There has to be a way to power it without batteries or maybe mine is just defective....I'll find out today, it's a nice day for flying :)

thanks for the input

[Pinecone]

Something seems wrong. My 6102 runs many hours in sim use. And that is with the stock 600mAH pack.

No need to remove the crystal/RF deck on JR, because the sim powers up in a non-RF mode.