How do you cycle a battery? I just got an old radio and I need to cycle the batts 3 times before using. Also where do I send it to the factory? I heard they will check the radio for you, for a price. what is this price? The radio is a Futaba FP-T7UAP PCM/PPM 1024. I am not sure if the batts still even work.
Karter

Karter, you can cycle the battery by charging it and then leaving the radio on for a while. If you do this, extend the antenna and watch the voltage so it doesn't go too low. A better way is to use a charger that allows you to cycle. For example, the Accucycle Elite measures the capacity of the battery as it's discharging it. If the battery pack doesn't seem to work well it's better to just replace it than have it die while your plane is in the air.

[link=http://www.radiosouthrc.com/]Radio South[/link] can check out your radio for you.

Another option for gettin the radio checked out would be futaba.

http://www.hobbyservices.com/futaba-rates.html
-John

GoKart,
Pay attention to Piper Chuck. He is old enough to know what he's talkin about. You can make a battery drain by using a 12v light bulb and wiring it to an old battery plug. I would put a provision for a voltmeter in the circuit. Do not take your batteries past 1.1 volts per cell during discharge. I just bought new TX and receiver batteries, and on the 1st cycle, they were at less than 1/2 capacity. (the receiver battery is a 2400 JR airborne pack, 4.8v-4 cell (sub c) and the time on my accu cycle was at about 250 minutes at 500 mah drain. Rhe TX battery was only at 48 minutes. After the 4th cycle, the TX is at 170.7 minutes, and the RX is good for 590.9 minutes. Not too shabby. If you do the math for these batteries, you will see that they have peaked at slightly over 100% of rated capacity. I wish that you would get a good cycler/charger. I know that a lot of people laugh at the old accu-cycle, but it is really a good unit. (for nicads) The accu-cycle elite that Piper Chuck mentioned is in a different league. The old accu-cycle can still be had for around 79 bucks at most hobby shops, and I'll bet that you can pick one up at a swap meet, or in the used bin at the LHS for a fraction of that. Just a note, Pick the charger/cycler up and smell it. (no joke) if it has been shorted out, your nose will tell you. It will have an unmistakeable odor to it. It smells (of all things) like an electrical short. This odor will linger for a long time. If it stinks, pass on it. (IMHO)

You'll like the 7UAP, I have the FM version ("super" though-7UAFS) and it is great also. Remember that yours will also work with FM recievers (cost less) but you need to remember to change the modulation in the TX (programming). The 7UAPS is a little better, more mixes.

Piper, So, your old then! Good to know!

I agree with Piper's response and would add the best place to get answers about your radio is the manufacturer.

Guess so! [] I wonder if anyone can figure out the new addition to my sig.

What does "old enough" have to do with anything? I dont' know how old Chuck is, but I do know he knows quite a bit about RC airplanes. Does that mean he's old? Not necessarily. This is the problem with some "old timers." Some of them think that the young crowd is reckless, doesn't know what they are talking about, and have no working knowledge of airplanes, or the hobby. Some people reak of this attitude. We have several older guys at our field, and they are all awesome. None of them act that way. I dont' know why some people feel as though they have to act that way. Sometimes, then inadvertent things that come out of ones mouth is the true insight into what's going on inside of their head.
No, I am not old. No, I am not young. I guess that disqualifies me from helping any others on the forum (in some eyes).
Sorry to get off course, and I'm sure I'll be scolded for it, but I had to say it.

later

Yeah...hey Chuck, question for you. Are dinosaurs real? Or were they created as a worldwide governement conspiracy aimed to alter the real age of the Earth? Are you God's brother? Just kidding, old timer!

Interesting discussion, although not at all related to the topic. This isn't the first time someone has assumed I'm "older". I'm actually in the not old, not young category too! I guess to a 16 year old, I'm old, but to someone who has been flying for 60 years, I'm just a young pup. It's interesting that age, real or perceived, results in respect from some people, but "old farts" comments from others.

Funny thing you should mention dinosaurs. I wrote a couple articles about this very topic. I won't bother posting the links, but the titles were: "Jurassic Networking: SNA Applications in an IP World" and "Business Networking: Penguins and Dinosaurs" Anyway, this is Karter's thread, let's get back to the original topic!

Regarding the question of where to send a radio for maintenance. . .

I have been very happy with the service from Radio South, Tony Stillman, prop.. You can find info at the bottom of page 88 of the current Model Aviation . For you who call yourselves "Outlaws, and do not have the mag, the phone number is 850-434-0909.

Ken, AMA 19352

For some reason my virus-blocker blows out the Spell Check. Please forgive any typos.

Got to learn to reply to the guy to whom I actually want to reply.

Laugh At Old Chuck? Languishing and Old Chuck?

2slow2matter, On behalf of all us old-timers everywhere, thanks for coming to our defense!

Now, if I could only remember where I put my Airocept!

Ill check Radiosouth. I am cycling the batts right now.
Karter

Nope!

Loser And Odd Chuck? Lame and Outdated Chuck? Left Arthritis Olfactory Chuck? (that means you have arthritis in your left nostril)
Karter

At this rate it's going to take a long time for y'all to figure this out. Here's a subtle hint, I bet forestroke and maybe tianci would get it immediately!

edit: corrected spelling of member name.

Yep, consider yourself scolded. It was just my way of pickin on ol' Chuck

Hmmmmmmmmmmm , [:-]

That's Lao Chuck! [sm=wink.gif]

GoKart,
How is the cycling coming? Do you have any means to check how long it takes to reach discharge to 1.1 volts per cell?

I have to get a new battery. The current one has leaked all over everything. The terminals are really corroded.
Karter

If the corrosion has migrated to the fixed contacts in the radio, they must be repaired or replaced. Otherwise you will have an intermittent connection. I just went through that with my 7UAFS. If you send your radio in to a shop, they will fix that too. Be sure to mention it in an accompanying letter.
If the corrosion/leakage has gotten to the circuit board then the condition could be much worse.
Long term storage - remove the battery pack. Long term = more than a month without use/examination.