I just got my radio gear, and was charging the batterys (RX and TX). The TX (Futaba 6AX Computer) was showing at 10.0V.


I plugged both the RX and TX into the charger, and the LED red lights came on. I believe this is indicating that it's charging. How will I know when they are fully charged? Will the lights go off?

Charger model is: Futaba FBC-8B(4)

Thanks!

No, the lights stay on forever. Basically they are just showing that a connection has been made and give NO indication of the state of charge of the batteries. With a new set follow the instructions of course. But I would also recommend charging 24 hrs the first time. After that charge starting the evening (@6pm) before you plan to fly and take off charge as you load your vehicle. At the field an ESV is recommended to monitor the RX batteries and the TX has it's own meter built in.

Basic rule of thumb is 16 hours for a fully depleted battery.

I usually go by my own rule of "Overnight will easily give me two flights"

With the wall-wart chargers that come with a radio, it is almost impossible to over-charge, but try to avoid charging for more than 24 - 48 hours.

Fewski,

MinnFlyer and Bruce have givin you good advice. Here is more:

You are a fortunate person. After checking my stock of old chargers, I find that the FBC-8B(4) puts out 50 mAh to both the Tx and Rx batteries. As you probably have 500 mAh batteries with your 6AX system, you have the ideal non-peak charger for the first, forming, charge. This is also the ideal setup for that 16 hour charge on the night before flying. If you have 600mAh packs, you will still be OK. If larger than that, I suggest you look into a new, peak detect, charger.

The newer FBC-19B(4) charger puts out slightly too much current (70 mAh)for the standard Tx pack and really too much current (100 mAh)for the standard Rx pack. That charger should be used on a 700 mAh Tx pack and a 1000 mAh Rx pack. You probably did not need to know about that, but it still upsets me. Currently, most radios come with 600 mAh packs. Only the ones with digital servos have the 1000 mAh Rx packs

Both Ni-Cad and Ni-MH packs should be charged the first time (or 2) at 1/10th capacity. A 500 mAh pack at 50 mAh, a 1200 mAh pack at 120 mAh, etc.

A peak charger will switch to a lower rate when the pack is fully charged. Properly used, they will not cook a pack, like it is possible to do with the older, less expensive constant voltage (wall wart) chargers.

Ni-Cads are happiest if charged at 1/10th the pack mAh capacity. They benefit from being charged at the same charge rate each time they are charged. It is a good thing not to charge them too often. Many of us flew for many years, using these batteries and the 1/10th chargers.

Ni-MH packs can be charged at varied rates (stay under 2 times capacity) and as often as you want, without damage. They are ideal for use with the peak chargers.

That is probably way more info than you wanted. I have found it useful over time.

About 2 years ago, I broke down and bought the Hobbico Accu-Cycle Elite. It can be set from 50 mAh up. It uses 12 V. DC, and it has a power supply, which uses house current as well.

Both of my 6EXA transmitters have Ni-MH packs and I have almost converted to Ni-MH Rx packs. Thus I also recently bought the Hobbico Quick Field Charger, which can be set for 200 mAh and up.

These chargers have outputs for two (2) packs each, Wonderful!!

Good luck,

Ken Erickson
San Antonio, TX

Fewski.....maybe this link will help you with charging your batteries...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_40...tm.htm#4022121