voyager_663rd

Getting back into the hobby after a 5 yr hiatus. First thing I started to do was check status of my NiMH batteries. I know that "expected" life is 3-4 years but I've got some that are 15 yr and still do a full cycle on my cycler.

However, one 5 cell pack has issues. It was always used as a Rx pack on a 60 size bird with 4 std servos.

So, it's a 5 cell 2700mah sanyo nimh.

1)On the load multimeter, using the 5 cell selection, it hardly registers. On the 4 cell selection, shows fully charged.
2)when I cycle it, it puts in 2000mah . A second time--2000mah.

So my question is: can this function reliably as a 4cell rx pack? Or just toss it and replace? It would still be in the 60size Chip with 4 std servos.

I've included a poll but I'd prefer "explanations".

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

How much is the model you're flying it worth, versus the cost of a new battery?

If it were me it would be relegated to bench setup duty

voyager_663rd

Ya, penny-wise pound foolish had occured to me.

In retrospect, should relegate it to flying coroplast. BUT that would pose a safety issue if/when it does fail.

Not going to use. Tks for confirming for me.

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

I would quickly toss that battery in the recycle bin.

voyager_663rd

Yes, I have come to that conclusion.

Seeing as I have to replace several nimh, I'm doing my research on A123/life PLUS a new charger. Unfortunate, but new(er) battery technology requires newer charging technology (I can only do up to lipo).

No point in going back to nimh at this point as I"m getting back into the hobby again.

Thanks for your input.

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

A123 Batteries are excellent technology. Good choice.

jester_s1

LiFe requiring their own charger is not big deal to me. I bought a LiFe/Lipo charger from HobbyKing for $13 that is perfect for doing receiver batteries. It charges directly through the balance port, is AC/DC, and is compact. I'm going to buy a second one next time I place an order just to make the logistics easier when getting ready to go to the flying field.

tedsander

The original question - can it be reused reliably? NO.
If you were industrious, you could check the voltage of each individual cell under load. If lucky, you'll find just one that was significantly lower than the other 4. Then just cut out the bad one, rewire, and use the remaining. But...I'd never trust that pack for flight, and would relegate it to use in bench testing only, a kids toy, or something like that.
If unlucky, more than one tests bad....

voyager_663rd

Ordinarily, I would consider that but what with the "beer"virus and shipping shutdowns, I hesitate for now. Read of others who've ordered stuff from HK recently and gotten a "shipping delayed" message in regards to their order. Card has been charged though.

jester_s1

There's always Ebay. Plenty of US sellers.

voyager_663rd

Closing this discussion: I am fully committed to (8) new A123 batteries for my fleet (plus two new 4.8 metals) for my 2 gassers plus a new charger all of which arrived yesterday and in the process of learning it's workings while charging these batts.

Thanks all for your input.

PS B4 questions arise, I thought I would elaborate:

gassers-orig used a 4.8 for ign and paired 6.0 for the servos. With this power change, I waffled between sticking with a 4.8 and 2 2S for power and going with an IBEC and 2 2S. As my ignitions are "older", they could not handle the 6.6V. AND as I didn't want to really re-balance because of the reduced weight, I stuck with the new metal for ign.

Other 123's are singles to go into my glow.

Happy flying (if our field ever opens--soggy driveway so cars are prohibited for the present).