azalner

My Feedback: (8)

+1 on the IBEC - an extra ignition battery on these little planes adds too much extra weight. Use a 2100 mAh Life to power everything.

thailazer

Great info and links on this thread. Thanks all.

Pete1burn

Azalner, sthill,

I have a Hobbico Accu-cycle Elite charger, which apparently will not work with Life batteries. I'm spending a fortune here and don't want to also buy a new charger. Is there a comparable LiPo I can use with the iBec? Just ordered one because I like the idea of less weight, especially with the added weight of an ignition module.

Thanks.

OliverJacob

My Feedback: (12)

I had a 15 cc gasser in my 60 size Seagull Extra. This engine had enough power, but the plane was heavy and it felt heavy. Later I decided to put a .90 Magnum 4 stroke on and it made a huge difference. This is one of my favorite planes now.
Most 60 size planes can not handle the extra vibration you'll get from a gas engine, very likely you have to beef up your firewall and a few other areas.

Other then that - the DLE is a great engine. Life batteries help to keep the weight down, they hold the charge for a very long time and can be recharged quickly. They are well worth the money. Of course you can use a Lipo, just check the voltage your IBec can handle. Lipos just need some more attention - I'd always charge them outside or on a safe container.

Pete1burn

I have used LiPos for a long time in a Typhoon electric I used to have. I still have some, but they are 3s 11.1v. Probably too much for this.

If LiFe is that much better, can you recommend a cheap LiFe charger and battery for me to get?

OliverJacob

My Feedback: (12)

http://www.valuehobby.com/power-systems/chargers.html

I have ordered quite a lot from here, they ship fast and have great prices

Lipos are good for high current applications, like electric motors. They are not bad, they just need some extra caution.
LiFes are are great for rx and ingniton, where you don't need that much current.

azalner

My Feedback: (8)

Here is a comparable LiPo.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...iver_Pack.html

You will probably have to use a regulator depending on how much voltage your servos can handle. The IBEC has a built in regulator for the ignition.

Do as you see fit, but I would never charge a LiPo in the plane. That's the beauty of Life

Pete1burn

Found this, that seems to be good. Nothing says if it comes with an AC charger though.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._GENUINE_.html

Now the search begins for a good LiFe receiver pack from their site. Any suggestions?

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Any charger where you can set the cell count and the per-cell voltage will work just fine. I don't cycle LIFE batteries, but I do use a balancer.

MTK

The IBEC I use and recommend is the Tech Aero Designs unit. I helped develop the unit some 5 years ago and know first hand the unit's quality. I'm still using the original hand soldered prototype and it has been flawless. This gizmo has undergone a couple revisions/improvements since; there are literaly thousands out there being used and Ed has not had any complaints.

One thing to keep in mind is the input voltage to the IBEC should not exceed about 7 volts. If you are driving the airborne system with a LiPo or a Li-ion, it must first be regulated down to less than 7 volts. A LiFe battery will not require regulation. The IBEC's built in regulator is regulating the output voltage to the CDI from about 5 volts up to about 6.5 volts (this is settable).

ahicks

My Feedback: (2)

Pete, that's a decent charger (I had one for a while) that will charge batteries if plugged it to AC or from a good 12v source - like a car battery.

Pete1burn

Thanks MTK. I ordered an IBEC already. Now I'm looking for a good, but CHEAP LiFe charger and battery pack to finish it up.

Pete1burn

Great, thanks ahicks. All that's left is a LiFe battery pack. That's all I need help with.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

This has been my charger of choice for about 6 years.

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...cessories.html

azalner

My Feedback: (8)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...tter_Pack.html

Pete1burn

That's ok to use even though it says transmitter pack instead of receiver pack?

Pete1burn

Was looking at this one at 2100 mah. Says receiver pack.

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...arehouse_.html

ahicks

My Feedback: (2)

That one will work. The only difference is the connectors they put on it.

Pete1burn

Awesome. Ordered the 2100 mah receiver and the Turnigy charger. Boy I hope I didn't forget anything. My wife is gonna flip a nutty. I'll have to let her buy a purse or something. :P

azalner

My Feedback: (8)

As Al said, the only difference is the connectors. Been using these in my 30cc planes for the past two years.

CARS II

My Feedback: (7)

http://www.electrodynam.com/rc/index.shtml

For LiFe batts

vertical grimmace

My Feedback: (1)

Just use a 2s LiPo. The Ibec is a regulator as well, but that will probably not be an issue, as the new ignitions will take 7.4 volts

Pete1burn

Is it true that you shouldn't use mixed oil that's more than 30 days old? That's about all I get to fly in a month, and I don't want to mix a gallon of it and waste most of it if it can't sit around for a while.

ahicks

My Feedback: (2)

No, not true at all. Decent 2 stroke oil has a fuel stabilizer built into it. I don't know why people try to turn these friendly little engines into something perceived as high strung and picky when it comes to fuel. Couldn't be further from the truth!

Pete1burn

Thumbs up to you, sir! I've been reading up on mixing the fuel. Apparently to get 32:1, I would mix 4oz of oil into 1 gallon of gas. Sound right?