Two battery questions.
04-15-2007, 09:05 AM
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Two battery questions.
I bought a basic Futaba controller for a beginner plane two years ago. It has sat in the basement with the plane all that time. The plane is almost done and I’m concerned about the batteries.
Are they still good? I have no chargers or test equipment except the chargers that came with them.
I need to buy a spare set for the transmitter and receiver anyway so if they are no good I will buy two sets if I have to. So what type of batteries should I buy and any good web sites to buy from? Thanks.
I did not see a battery forum so if there is a better place to post this please let me know.
Are they still good? I have no chargers or test equipment except the chargers that came with them.
I need to buy a spare set for the transmitter and receiver anyway so if they are no good I will buy two sets if I have to. So what type of batteries should I buy and any good web sites to buy from? Thanks.
I did not see a battery forum so if there is a better place to post this please let me know.
04-15-2007, 09:22 AM
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RE: Two battery questions.
Unless you have a leak or other physical damage to the battery there should be no real problems with the battery. NiCad batteries live 5-6 years with normal usage in your case there shouldn't be any problems - BUT!!
That having been said, if you are concerned check around at your local club or hobby shop for someone that has a 'Battery Cycler'. This Little Magic Device charges and discharges the battery to gain optimum preformance and lifespan from the batteries. They will tell you when a battery is working well and when it is dieing long before you loose an AC.
IMO they are well worth the cost of purchase and should be standard in everyone's workshop.
Next, why are you planning to buy a second set of batteries?
A normal Transmitter battery will give you well over an hour of operation as will a receiver battery. On a good day a RC pilot will get three or four, 10 -15 minute flights.
Unless you are flying electric AC, you don't really need a second set of batteries.
That having been said, if you are concerned check around at your local club or hobby shop for someone that has a 'Battery Cycler'. This Little Magic Device charges and discharges the battery to gain optimum preformance and lifespan from the batteries. They will tell you when a battery is working well and when it is dieing long before you loose an AC.
IMO they are well worth the cost of purchase and should be standard in everyone's workshop.
Next, why are you planning to buy a second set of batteries?
A normal Transmitter battery will give you well over an hour of operation as will a receiver battery. On a good day a RC pilot will get three or four, 10 -15 minute flights.
Unless you are flying electric AC, you don't really need a second set of batteries.
04-15-2007, 09:35 AM
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RE: Two battery questions.
ORIGINAL: bbbair
Next, why are you planning to buy a second set of batteries?
A normal Transmitter battery will give you well over an hour of operation as will a receiver battery. On a good day a RC pilot will get three or four, 10 -15 minute flights.
Unless you are flying electric AC, you don't really need a second set of batteries.
Next, why are you planning to buy a second set of batteries?
A normal Transmitter battery will give you well over an hour of operation as will a receiver battery. On a good day a RC pilot will get three or four, 10 -15 minute flights.
Unless you are flying electric AC, you don't really need a second set of batteries.
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
04-15-2007, 01:57 PM
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RE: Two battery questions.
since battery placement is so important to the planes CG make sure you can get the batteries back inside the aircraft where they came from. I recommended you dont just change batteries, instead get a field charger. good luck
04-15-2007, 03:46 PM
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RE: Two battery questions.
ORIGINAL: jetmech05
since battery placement is so important to the planes CG make sure you can get the batteries back inside the aircraft where they came from. I recommended you dont just change batteries, instead get a field charger. good luck
since battery placement is so important to the planes CG make sure you can get the batteries back inside the aircraft where they came from. I recommended you dont just change batteries, instead get a field charger. good luck
What type of field charger would you recommend?
04-15-2007, 08:06 PM
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RE: Two battery questions.
ORIGINAL: Gstan
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
04-15-2007, 09:12 PM
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RE: Two battery questions.
ORIGINAL: bbbair
Another very good investment would be an 'On Board' battery tester or other means to check your receiver battery at the field. This takes all of the guess work out of how good the battery is and the problems that can occur with, "I thought I could get ...ONE MORE FLIGHT!"
ORIGINAL: Gstan
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
04-15-2007, 09:24 PM
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RE: Two battery questions.
ORIGINAL: Gstan
Could you recommend one?
ORIGINAL: bbbair
Another very good investment would be an 'On Board' battery tester or other means to check your receiver battery at the field. This takes all of the guess work out of how good the battery is and the problems that can occur with, "I thought I could get ...ONE MORE FLIGHT!"
ORIGINAL: Gstan
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
Thanks for the reply. My boy and I will both be flying this plane. Three to four flights in one day might not be enough.
I don't even install mine on the plane any more I just leave it in my tool box and plug it in as required. Cheap insurance.
