ORIGINAL: JPMacG
A loaded voltage reading can give you a rough go-nogo decision. Of course, it is best to both know the expected flying time of your packs by cycling and use a voltage measurement at the field.
Only when the pack is nearly dead is this correct. So check away, just be aware that it is next to meaningless unless you are at the very end of the discharge curve,
Once again, the simple (loaded) voltage reading tells you absolutely nothing about the remaining capacity of the pack. You can use voltage IF you have developed a discharge curve for your system and then monitor flight time. But once again you are using time and not voltage alone. Voltage alone ONLY tells you that the pack is working, period.
Sorry, but this is just the reality of how batteries work.
Bill