Go Back  RCU Forums > Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more > Batteries & Chargers
Reload this Page >

Which NiMetal battery, 5 cell, for airplanes of all sizes....

Notices
Batteries & Chargers Nicads, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium, LiPoly, Chargers, Cyclers, etc...

Which NiMetal battery, 5 cell, for airplanes of all sizes....

Old 11-25-2015, 04:42 AM
  #1  
Richard39
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (14)
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Which NiMetal battery, 5 cell, for airplanes of all sizes....

I need to replace about 10 batteries in 10 different airplanes.... I am comfortable with the NiMh batteries but have had problems with some makes of these batteries... Anyone really happy with their batteries and could you recommend them to me... Thanks...
Old 11-25-2015, 06:49 AM
  #2  
Gizmo-RCU
My Feedback: (27)
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Athol, ID
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Gone to LIFE batterys, good as long as you have the proper charger. HK has very good buys on them and so far no problems (about a year). The 6.6 volt works well as my receiver and ignition power sources....
Old 11-25-2015, 08:32 AM
  #3  
Richard39
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (14)
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have two life batteries, 2 cell , that I have not used yet but would I have to take them out of the airplane before charging...?
Old 11-25-2015, 08:59 AM
  #4  
pilotpete2
 
pilotpete2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Lyndonville, VT
Posts: 3,305
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Nope!
That, and the fact that they can be left fully charged for long periods makes them great for receiver packs.
Pete
Old 11-25-2015, 01:42 PM
  #5  
tacx
My Feedback: (1)
 
tacx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: washington twp., MI
Posts: 890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Nicads and nimh have been the standard for years, but they are on their way out.

Life's are the only way to go.
Old 11-25-2015, 02:03 PM
  #6  
kmeyers
 
kmeyers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: lake in the Hills, IL
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Nihm are last decades news.

Lifes where invented to solve the problems of Lipos. The only draw back that they have is less capacity at the same weight as Lipos.

But their advantages beat Nicds and Nihm.
Old 11-25-2015, 02:15 PM
  #7  
KaP2011
My Feedback: (17)
 
KaP2011's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calhoun, GA
Posts: 969
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I've had pretty good luck with Venom brand packs in my planes and the price is not too bad.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSFS5&P=SM
Old 11-25-2015, 03:31 PM
  #8  
Richard39
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (14)
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Again, thanks to all.... I am going to look at the Life and NiMh batteries and try a couple of each... ...
Old 11-25-2015, 04:44 PM
  #9  
Gizmo-RCU
My Feedback: (27)
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Athol, ID
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Remember, Life must be charged with a proper charger..........
Old 11-25-2015, 04:51 PM
  #10  
kmeyers
 
kmeyers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: lake in the Hills, IL
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

The only batteries that have repeatedly been (user caused) responsible for airplane loss where I fly, are NiMHs.

I once stood up and followed another flyer at meeting who was reporting on the wonders on Eneloops, that with the others available he was wrong. If looks could kill his look at me would have dropped me dead. I really recommend against them now.

They just have the ability to getcha.

I have one buddy that has an trickle charger an all his planes, some 15-20 years old. All Nicds and all still good.

Last edited by kmeyers; 11-25-2015 at 04:55 PM.
Old 11-25-2015, 05:42 PM
  #11  
All Day Dan
My Feedback: (5)
 
All Day Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MANHATTAN BEACH, CA
Posts: 4,606
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Get the best NiMh battery packs at nobs batteries. The lithium based based batteries are a hazard. Ask Boeing and the USPS. Dan.
Old 11-25-2015, 06:20 PM
  #12  
jetmaven
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Fl.
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Eneloops from Hangtime Hobbies , can't beat 'em .
Old 11-25-2015, 09:49 PM
  #13  
flycatch
Senior Member
My Feedback: (26)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Barstow, CA
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

MAXXPACKS.com
Old 11-26-2015, 07:48 AM
  #14  
jeffEE
My Feedback: (5)
 
jeffEE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Lakeille MN
Posts: 1,572
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

JR batteries. Flown them for years. NEVER an issue.
Old 11-26-2015, 08:01 AM
  #15  
wnewbury
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Durant OK
Posts: 159
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Radical RC NiMH work great for me but he sells Life and A123 also.
Old 11-26-2015, 03:00 PM
  #16  
felker14
My Feedback: (50)
 
felker14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 571
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Richard39
I need to replace about 10 batteries in 10 different airplanes.... I am comfortable with the NiMh batteries but have had problems with some makes of these batteries... Anyone really happy with their batteries and could you recommend them to me... Thanks...
This is place for batteries. http://hangtimes.com/giantrxpacks.html
Old 12-03-2015, 06:22 AM
  #17  
Rocketman612
My Feedback: (85)
 
Rocketman612's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Enterprise, AL
Posts: 2,733
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by felker14
This is place for batteries. http://hangtimes.com/giantrxpacks.html
+1

I have their LIFE system in several planes and am pleased. I can charge thru the switch like you would a NiCd or NiMh.

Pete
Old 01-11-2016, 11:21 AM
  #18  
Richard39
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (14)
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Would you hook up two LIFE batteries each with it's own charging switch/plug and connect both to the receiver via y harness...? or what do you recommend....
Old 01-11-2016, 11:39 AM
  #19  
All Day Dan
My Feedback: (5)
 
All Day Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MANHATTAN BEACH, CA
Posts: 4,606
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Richard, that is connecting two batteries in parallel. It is an undesirable situation. The weaker battery will always pull down the stronger battery. If one battery fails, it will cause the other one to fail. Dan
Old 01-11-2016, 02:14 PM
  #20  
Rodney
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: FL
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Yes, you can safely charge LiFe in place, the only difficult part is making sure you have access to the balancing port as it is most desirable to ALWAYS do a balance charge to get the longest life out of a battery (battery being defined as two or more cells connected to be used as a power source).
Old 01-12-2016, 11:42 AM
  #21  
kmeyers
 
kmeyers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: lake in the Hills, IL
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Richard39
Would you hook up two LIFE batteries each with it's own charging switch/plug and connect both to the receiver via y harness...? or what do you recommend....
It would be nice if in a tech question you include clear info.
Original question has nothing about redundant batteries.
Why are there now 2 batteries and a Y harness?

You like Nimh's but have issues with some vendors.

Nimh are now old school. Some have given vendors they trust. I will never buy Nimh's again, they are last decades tech. IMHO

Life's are tech superior in most opinions. Which includes me. You need a good modern charger that does CVVC @ 6.6 volts. It is also recommended to "balance" charge them. This requires an extra battery connection to the jumper between the 2 cells in the 2s configuration. This is commonly provided as a "balance" jack (3 wire jst).

Please give more info on what your thinking is.
Old 01-12-2016, 04:18 PM
  #22  
felker14
My Feedback: (50)
 
felker14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 571
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Richard39
Would you hook up two LIFE batteries each with it's own charging switch/plug and connect both to the receiver via y harness...? or what do you recommend....
Read this article. http://hangtimes.com/parallel_packs.html
Old 01-12-2016, 05:15 PM
  #23  
marksz1
My Feedback: (2)
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Get some LIFePO4 batteries from a good source. Hangar9 has a digital servo and receiver current meter (HAN172) that will enlighten you to how much your servos and receiver need available when moving all surfaces. I found quite surprising results. Also there is a LiFe-source battery charger (HCAM6375) that costs around 35 or 40 $$ and will charge these correctly from either household current or from your car battery at the field. My NIMH are in the recycle bin at Radio Shack. I found the digital servos can require a lot more power than is available from a NIMH. I had used NiCads before and did not initially understand the NIMH battery's voltage sagged under a higher flight load. Lost an airplane to voltage sag/brownout. Also get educated in "impedance" which is more important than "capacity" -it will surprise you.

Recycle old batteries before they recycle your airplane!!!

I have used one lifepo4 for months now setting up 5 different airplanes, with no loss in voltage, and have placed loads far in excess of flight loads on it, and have not needed to recharge it yet. I will charge before flying, but I am just stress testing it here on the workbench and I am quite happily surprised by its abilities. It is holding its voltage very well and has a lot of time on one charge.

I have also purchased high voltage servos for my next build, may use lipo's but I dont always make the battery packs easily removable, so that may be a deciding factor, lifepo4's can stay in place in your aircraft during charging.

Last edited by marksz1; 01-12-2016 at 05:40 PM.
Old 01-14-2016, 01:24 AM
  #24  
chuckk2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

"The weaker battery will always pull down the stronger battery." if the "weaker battery" is defective, true. Otherwise, assuming the batteries are identical in chemical composition, not so true.
They will equalize in voltage, true. But, a smaller capacity battery usually has a slightly larger internal impedance/resistance, so the discharge current during use will be unequal.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.