Help with Firebird Commander to Piper J-3 Cub conversion???
07-12-2004, 01:16 AM
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Help with Firebird Commander to Piper J-3 Cub conversion???
Hello. I posted this on the general discussion board before I realized there was a board dedicated to electric power sources - there are a LOT of boards on here!
I recently upgraded from hobbyzone's Firebird Commander to Parkzone's J3 Cub. I LOVE IT!! It is a million times more responsive than my beat-up/taped-up Commander. It flies like a dream. My problem is that it doesn't fly long enough. I thought this wouldn't be a problem since I had two battery packs from my Commander. But the Commander batteries (7 cell, 8.4v, 900 mAh, NiMH) are bigger (slightly taller and slightly fatter cells) and have a different connector than the J3 batteries (smaller 7 cell, 8.4V, 600mAh, Ni-MH). They won't fit in the J3 battery "hole," but they will fit under the wing with all the other electronics, which will probably upset the center-of-gravity somewhat.
Center-of-gravity aside, I'm just wondering if I can get or make an adapter so that I can use my extra Commander battery in my J3. Also, if I can do this, will it burn any of the electronics up? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I think the Commander batteries have the small Tamiya type connector. I don't know what type of connector the J3 batteries have but it is a small black connector. The Commander batteries also have a slightly larger wire.
ps - I know the batteries are only about 20 bucks direct from Parkzone but I used all my budgeted $ this month on the plane.
I recently upgraded from hobbyzone's Firebird Commander to Parkzone's J3 Cub. I LOVE IT!! It is a million times more responsive than my beat-up/taped-up Commander. It flies like a dream. My problem is that it doesn't fly long enough. I thought this wouldn't be a problem since I had two battery packs from my Commander. But the Commander batteries (7 cell, 8.4v, 900 mAh, NiMH) are bigger (slightly taller and slightly fatter cells) and have a different connector than the J3 batteries (smaller 7 cell, 8.4V, 600mAh, Ni-MH). They won't fit in the J3 battery "hole," but they will fit under the wing with all the other electronics, which will probably upset the center-of-gravity somewhat.
Center-of-gravity aside, I'm just wondering if I can get or make an adapter so that I can use my extra Commander battery in my J3. Also, if I can do this, will it burn any of the electronics up? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I think the Commander batteries have the small Tamiya type connector. I don't know what type of connector the J3 batteries have but it is a small black connector. The Commander batteries also have a slightly larger wire.
ps - I know the batteries are only about 20 bucks direct from Parkzone but I used all my budgeted $ this month on the plane.
07-13-2004, 03:34 PM
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RE: Help with Firebird Commander to Piper J-3 Cub conversion???
The Firebird Commander uses a 6-cell, 7.2v, 900mAh (green) pack with a Tamiya connector. These are heavier cells than used by the J-3 Cub.
The (blue) 7-cell, 600mAh, NiMH pack for the J-3 Cub is lighter and a smaller size.
I would not recommend swapping their intended use.
The black connectors are likely the same as the FMA (FMAC3B) 3mm connectors sold at [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/kokam.htm]Hobby Lobby[/link].
The (blue) 7-cell, 600mAh, NiMH pack for the J-3 Cub is lighter and a smaller size.
I would not recommend swapping their intended use.
The black connectors are likely the same as the FMA (FMAC3B) 3mm connectors sold at [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/kokam.htm]Hobby Lobby[/link].
07-14-2004, 08:09 PM
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RE: Help with Firebird Commander to Piper J-3 Cub conversion???
I reccomend you just buy a couple of spare Cub packs.... you should be able to get 14-18 minutes of cruising flight....
David
David
07-14-2004, 08:20 PM
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RE: Help with Firebird Commander to Piper J-3 Cub conversion???
I'm putting a 2 CELL 7.2V 1300MAH LIPO PACK in my J3. Also, just for anyone who might be interested, the stock prop is an 8X4 with a 2mm shaft.
