Ok I guess I should get with the times. Is using Nimh RX packs a thing of the past? Currently Im using 2500mah 6v Nimh packs. Should I be using different and better cell types.

If they're working well for you, keep using them. If they're tired, I would replace with 2 cell LiFePO4 or 5 cell Eneloops and live happily ever after.

Mark

I've been partial to 1500mah Elite 2/3A cells. Good power output and they're very robust.

mw

Originally Posted by azflyingguy

Ok I guess I should get with the times. Is using Nimh RX packs a thing of the past? Currently Im using 2500mah 6v Nimh packs. Should I be using different and better cell types.

It really depends on what you're powering, servo type, number of servos, load on servos, external accessories. Some servos are more efficient than others.

If a 2500mAh NiMH pack has been working well, a 2 cell 2300mAh A123 pack would absolutely work equally as well, if not better. It'll be lighter and allow for sub-10 minute charges.

A two cell lipoly pack in conjunction with a BEC to regulate to 5 or 6 volts would work great as well.

Mark

I need to order more RX packs so where is a good place to order 2 cell LiFePO4 packs?

Go to eBay and do a search on "A123 6.6" or simply "A123 2300".

A123 Systems cells are widely recognized as the best and most durable LiFePO4 cells for receiver use.

Mark

Thanks.

hangtimes.com or fromeco.org are my favorite pack assemblers for A123 packs. For non-A123 I use Hyperion from allerc.com or lipos.com.

I've never used a Rx battery before but now I find myself wanting one to use in a test stand. I'm building it to test motor and servo setups. Or just test a servo before I put it in something. What do I need and where to buy? Thanks for your help.

Tom

I use a simple 4 cell AA holder available at most electrical shops ... or via ebay ...
4 AA NiMH rechargeable cells

Take an old servo that is no use anymore and cut of the lead ... seal of the signal lead, usually white or yellow - this is not necessary. Solder or connect the + and - leads to the holder ...

Bingo - a Rx power pack. You can use your clever LiPo charger to charge it or just use a Supermarket Wall charger by removing the cells as reqd. The charge will last ages in standard AA's as usually you wouldn't use much when testing.

Simple and works.

The next thing to get is a Servo Tester - so you don't have to fire up a Rx / Tx to do the testing ... for a few $ from Hobby King - brilliant item.

Nigel

Thanks Nigel. Thats a great idea.

Tom

NiCad and NiMh packs have worked for me for nearly forty years so they can't be all bad. And.... I've never lost a plane due to a battery failure but that is only because of careful management.

Twice this past year, a preflight battery check showed a battery pack with a dead cell that hadn't taken the overnight charge, which of course meant that plane didn't get flown and ounce it was the single plane I'd carried to the field.

The story is a bit bigger than that as I do an annual battery test on the twenty planes in the hanger and usually find 2-3 packs that need replaced. If a person has more than a few planes in the hanger, managing NiCad or NiMh packs is tough and unless quite vigilant can get into trouble. Even so, many of the planes in the fleet are not flight ready at any given time because of batteries that need cycled to be sure they are ok.

I recently decided it was time to convert to LiFe in hopes that they are more durable and will keep the fleet flight ready.

So far I've converted six of twenty and only one so far had older 4.8v only servos and needed voltage reduction done with two diodes.

I think I'm going to like the change.

If one has a couple of planes that can be left on a float charger... NiCads will do great.

Originally Posted by carr52

I've never used a Rx battery before but now I find myself wanting one to use in a test stand. I'm building it to test motor and servo setups. Or just test a servo before I put it in something. What do I need and where to buy? Thanks for your help.

Tom

Good for you Tom!
Much safer when setting up an E-powered plane on the bench than plugging in the motor battery.

In addition to the suggestion to get a 4 cell battery box, if you know any glow/gas flyers, you can usually snag an old 4 cell pack off one of them that's been retired from active flying duty. You can easily keep it charged with the basic wall wart that comes with most radios.
Pete

Well I guess Im old school. I went ahead and ordered 6V Nimh rx Packs from headsup rc.