what is the best device to check my batteries- in plane, transmitter etc. Is there one that checks all types of batteries and puts a load on the battery to get a true reading- is the Futaba BR 2000 a good one ?

I would recommend that you get an on-board unit. They are great.

Hobbico Voltwatch. Or if you don't mind just having three LED's, the MPI combo switch/charge jack/volt meter is nice too. A little large, but nice.

Andy

Hi,

Just got one of those Futaba BR 2000 checkers and i would say its the best yet, it give a spot on voltage reading and also acts as a discharger, i dont think you can go wrong with one of these.........

I agree with the voltwatch for 4.8V batteries, but with the popularity of 6V packs why on earth doesn't Hobbico produce one that works with 6V packs. The futaba checker costs $40. For that price just get a good multimeter. It's far more versatile.

Horizon sells a 6 volt unit under the Expert brand.

Thanks geist. I didn't know that. They are currently OOS.

SteveB52,
Go to Radio Shack and by their yellow digital meter - I think it's $19.95.
This checks A/C D/C current and resistance so it will work with all of your batteries and more.
Then get some of the double banana plug connectors that are stackable.
Use one for the leads and set up some with leads for the different battery ends you use.
Then set up some with resistors so you can put a load on the battery you are checking.
I have 2 47 ohm 1 watt resistors in parallel giving me about 24 ohms of resistance at 2 watts capacity.
On a 4.8 volt receiver battery this puts a 200 mah load on it. You can tailor this to whatever load you want.
Make up as many as you need. You now have the most versatile piece of equipment around and haven't spent a lot of money.

The nice thing about the stacking plugs is you can easily plug and unplug them to see what effect the load is having.

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