VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust  
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Tower Hobbies
Enter up to 4 keywords or Tower stock numbers
Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
       


FISHER FUEL PRODUCTS 5 GALLON & 2.5 GAS FUELERS
Seller:  hunternfla
Details:   $220.00   |  10/2/2008   |  Classified Ad
We will rotate YOUR AD in this spot if you select "Forum Featured" when placing or editing your ad!

All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust
Page: [1]

Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/8/2003 8:59:41 PM   
Q-Ball



Posts: 554
Joined: 1/6/2002
From: Beaumont, TX, USA
Status: offline 		I've heard a lot of minus's for the Volt Watch but bought one anyway..After four flights (short) this morning the Volt Watch was already occasionally hitting the red end when sticks were moved around just to put a load on it while it was on the table. I always back it up with a Hobbico MK III. It was a 5.1..I'm inclined to go with the MK III...I'm running a Sanyo pack.1200 M's. What is yall's oppinion?? The battery was charged yesterday.Should I trash this Volt Watch thingy. Thanx Walt

_____________________________

Winter Sucks!Wind does too!!
Speed Freak Bro.#6
       Post #: 1

VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/8/2003 9:45:29 PM   
JPMacG


 

Posts: 1183
Joined: 1/2/2002
From: Ivyland, PA, USA
Status: offline 		It is probably ok for the voltwatch to show very brief red flashes during servo movement. Mine does the same thing. Your servos can put an instantaneous load on the battery that draws more current than your Hobbico loaded meter.

You need to learn through experience how to interpert the voltwatch readings. Keep comparing it to the Hobbico and you will learn what to expect from a good battery and from a discharged battery. The voltwatch is a different tool than the Hobbico. It can give more information than the hobbico but you need to learn how to use it through experience.

(in reply to Q-Ball)
       Post #: 2

VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/11/2003 7:57:58 AM   
aeajr



Posts: 5583
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline 		I don't have any experience with a volt watch, but it is possible that your voltage could momentarily drop during heavy work.

I have gone a different route. I use a combination battery watch and plane locator. A little device you put in the plane that gets attached to the receiver.

The two I have tried have dual purposes. When you first turn your receiver on they check the voltage and let you know if you are OK or not by a series of beep tones.

Likewise if the battery falls below a certain level while in the air, it will sound a waring while in the air.

Third, if you lose your plane in the woods/swamp/high grass/on a roof somewhere, you turn your transmitter off and it starts beeping loudly to help you find the plane.

Typically they cost from $15-$30.

This is in my Electrajet which is a delta wing parkflyer with an electric motor.
http://www.hobbico.com/accys/hcap0335.html
The Air alert is intended for electric planes. It connects to the throttle channel.

I have this installed in my Glider
http://www.foamfly.com/customer/product.php?productid=18173&cat=&page=1&XCARTS
ESSID=247447e257cd206601b76b2716efe0b5
It hooks to any channel or it can share a channel with one of your servos. It has the connector to pass through to the servo with no impact on the servo. This will work in any plane with a 72 MHZ receiver.

Low Voltage Watch

As I stated above, in addition to helping me find the planes, both of these devices also monitor my battery pack voltage and sound an alarm if the pack voltage gets below a safe level. So, even if the plane is in the air, if the pack voltage drops below safe levels, they beep so I can land the plane before the battery runs out.

This is especially valuable on my glider. If I catch a good thermal, I could be in the air for over an hour, so a pack that tested good on the ground could run low during the flight.

Channel Conflict Warning!

They can also serve as a test to make sure no one is flying on your channel. Turn on the receiver only. If the device does not go into lost plane mode, then someone else is on your frequency.

The volt watch may be a good device, but I think this is the better device for me.

Safe flying!

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to Q-Ball)
       Post #: 3

VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/23/2003 9:07:32 PM   
Geistware



Posts: 12946
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: Locust Grove, GA, USA
Status: offline 		I use the Volt Watch (4.8) or the Expert (6.0) on every application. I would recommend that you first check the pack with the load on (look at voltwatch) then turn the load off and then move the sticks and look at the Hobbico. Which application gives you the lower voltage. You may find that you are dropping down as low as 4.6 volts when you move all your surfaces.

_____________________________

Aircraft Proving Grounds
http://www.rcaircraft.net/
Information on the building and flying of Radio Control Aircraft.
Site for hobbyist in the R.C. Aircraft modeling world.

(in reply to Q-Ball)
       Post #: 4

VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/24/2003 12:15:07 AM   
KB9STD


 

Posts: 220
Joined: 4/26/2002
From: Evansville, IN, USA
Status: offline 		The lost plane beepers also work gteat when doing a range check.When you move far enough back to lose the transmitter signal,it starts to beep.You don't even have to be able to See the plane.Just listen for the beep.

(in reply to Q-Ball)
       Post #: 5

VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust - 8/24/2003 7:39:19 AM   
aeajr



Posts: 5583
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline 		[QUOTE]Originally posted by KB9STD
The lost plane beepers also work gteat when doing a range check.When you move far enough back to lose the transmitter signal,it starts to beep.You don't even have to be able to See the plane.Just listen for the beep. [/QUOTE]

I hadn't thought of that. What a great idea! Thanks KB9STD!

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to Q-Ball)
       Post #: 6

Page:   [1]
All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> VoltWatch/Hobbico MK III?? Who to trust
Page: [1]





Jump to:


Google 



Search | Marketplace | Event Calendar | Local Clubs | Magazine | Product Ratings | New Products | Discussion Forums

Photo Gallery | Member Video Posts | RCU Video Gallery | Instructor Search | Field|Track|Marina Search

Advertisers | Hobby Vendor Resources | Rate Manufacturers | Sign In/Sign Up

SITE MAP!   : :   FORUM RULES

© 2001 - 2007 24-7 RC, LLC, all rights reserved.

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America

Kaango.com Classifieds

0.406RCU5