I've owned the Hobbico digital voltmeter and it served me fine before leaving the hobby. I'm back and getting the DX7 for Christmas.

Is there any reason to change voltmeters to the Hanger 9 model? The Hobbico puts on a 250mA simulated load and the Hanger 9 has .5A, 1A, and 2A simulated load. Do I need the variable loads. What is the conversion to mAs - 50, 100, and 200????

Thanks in advance!!

0.5A=500 ma, 1A=1000 ma etc.

The conversion for amps to mah is 1 AMP=1000ma. So the hangar 9 unit puts 4,8 or 16 times the load on your batteries that your current unit does.I don't know of a reason You ould need to change your volmeter.Perhaps if You are flying Giant size planes,with huge D-size packs.
I noticed that You said You are getting a DX7 radio.The transmitter uses reverse polarity on it's charge jack.The center pin is nagative like JR transmitters,NOT positive like Futaba and Hitec.If You use a voltmeter or any aftermarket chargers with the radio,You will have to buy a wiring harness for JR type or reverse the leads on you Futaba/Hitec harness. ( This applies to the Transmitter only.The receiver pack has standard polarity.)

I thought that was the conversion rate, but had difficulty thinking the load difference between the two was so great! (anyone know why?) And yes, I am aware of the polarity difference. I appreciate your feedback. I wanted to make sure the Hobbico was up to the demands of more modern equipment, and from what you've said, I shouldn't need to rebuy. A 250mA load should be enough for general sport flying, right?

Thanks

harphunt:

You might take a look at the "Ace RC Voltmaster", analog meeter lets you watch whats going on under load and how quick the battery comes back to voltage, 2 loads, 250 and 500 I think, you can check up to a 10 cell pack. Yes, old tec, but very good old tec. Lets you see when your pack is getting tired but will still put out the volts, but for a very short time. ENJOY

I think the 0.5A 1A and 2A load's for rx packs is probably a more realistic load than 250mA for most planes. Personally I think it would be worth it for the bigger load.