TX Battery
 

I did charge my TX a couple times this winter. Now when I put a charge to take it out this spring the meter only reads 90 to 95%.

My question is do you think it can be saved or am I better off just getting a new battery. It's an old AM Futaba. Probably not worth the price of the battery. But that would still be cheaper than a reciever and crystal to work with my other radio. (I think)

Would discharging it completely work? I left it on the charger for 2 days and it wouldn't read any higher than 95%

Thanks for your input.

Del

RE: TX Battery
 

Sounds like a dead cell, after charge should read over 100% on TX meter at least for a few seconds. You could tear into pack with a volt meter and find the low voltage cell to verify. Their are lots of low cost batteries that would work if you do not use this unit a lot. Or up grade to 2500mAH NiMH Sanyo and use later in other unts.
Rich

RE: TX Battery
 

If you decide to go with a new radio and you only have one RX to replace you should consider Futaba's new 2.4 GHz set.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPZT8&P=SM
Only $220 for TX and RX. You can use your existing flight pack (check that battery too).
Use Tower discount 010HA and get $20 off that for under $200 for a new system.:)

RE: TX Battery
 

Or you could get the spektrum DX 7--a much better offering than the Futaba, IMO.
Or, for around 160 bucks, JR sells a fully loaded 6 channel sport radio complete with flight pack. You'd have everything (pretty much) that you need for your next plane already--plus a new radio. The radio stores 10 configurations for you. Nice setup for a great price!

RE: TX Battery
 

Most TX packs use NiCD's so they are subject to the dreaded "memory effect".

95% is not bad for a used pack so try reconditioning the battery will a full discharge recharge cycle or two.

RE: TX Battery
 

if it is the gold futaba the battery is about $30 most of the others are $20-$25.buy a new one .just compare the cost of the battery which should last about 5 years to the cost of replacing the plane at most it is about $6 a year investment.