You have to put an initial formatting charge on your Nimh batteries. Then every other charge, do a complete discharge/charge cycle to keep the batteries in top condition. I had the same problem as you, but with a new 2200mah 8 cell Nimh pack for my transmitter. There's nothing worse that getting the dreaded low-voltage warning and know that you have about 30 seconds to get the plane on the ground before your transmitter shuts off. I've had the receiver packs get wimpy after 6 months of continuous charging on a Hobbico quick charger.

As with other support equipment, I have found that as the planes get bigger, more expensive, with more reliance on the batteries, upgrading to a good charger and voltmeter is well worth the money.

Go to http://www.hangtimes.com/nobsbatteries.html for great batteries and information. I now use a Miniron charger (http://www.rcbatteryclinic.com/Minron.pdf) with a 25A power supply to keep all my battery packs in good condition. Yes, it's a $400 investment, but it's good insurance when flying my $2000 W-H.

Also, use a good voltmeter like the Ace or H9 that not only gives you the voltage output, but puts an adjustable load on the batteries that tells the true condition of the pack. Also, don't go cheap on the RX switches. Power issues are sometimes a switch issue.

I flew electrics with Nicad, Nimh and Lipoly batteries for a couple of years before getting into glow and gas planes. I got by with a Hobbico quick charger and the 200mah wall chargers for a long time, but the batteries only lasted one season. I've tried the Ace chargers, but they just charge for a set rating at a set period of time. The Miniron actually detects the cell count and adjusts charge rate and time automatically and even allows you to manually modify the charge programs to meet your specific needs.

Sometimes there is some truth to the old saying,"You get what you pay for." On the other hand, it's all relative to the way you view the hobby.

Good Luck,

Jim in Dallas