I am thinking of using parallel batteries for my gas engine ignition. It pulls a Nimh 1500 down in 3-4 flights. What problems would I have using two 4.8v connected to a Y-extension and then into the receiver battery port? Just using one switch how would the voltage read as the capacity is used up?
I realize to charge the batteries I would have to separate them at the Y-extension for individual charging.
Thanks,

Do not connect the ignition battery to the receiver in any way it will cause interference and a crash

What type of engine are you using? On my Da85 after 3 20 minute flights I only use 400 ma of battery.

AirWizard - oops, sorry you are correct. I got confused on connecting. I did not connect the ignition through the receiver. My other questions are still valid, I think.

I am using a Zenoah G20ei.

Your engine shouldn't use that much. I suspect your battery isn't very healthy, or it isn't getting a full charge. Why not try a new one. I'd go to a 2000 MAH instead of using two, but even that is a lot. On my 55cc, I have a 2000MAH LiPo and only charge it once in a whole week and week end of flying. On my Zenoahs, I use 1400 4.8 Nicads and fly all day.

by putting your batteries in parallel you increase capacity not voltage,I would assume it would read the higest voltage.

Like mentioned above if your battery is fine I would get a new battery with increased capacity.....2000 or 2500 mah.

I think I read somewhere that this ignition uses more mah than other ignitions.

The G20ei ignition module is well known for a very high (and, comparing to other ignition modules, unreasonanble) current consumption.
there arent many solutions - you can use a higher capacity battery, a 2500mAh will do the trick.
you can also change you ignition module to a differnt brand - like CH, their current consumption is approximately 350mA at WOT, your ignition draws more then 1200mA at WOT.
changing the ignition module requiers you to re-time the engine for a proper operation.

edit:
did some reading - it seems that the g20ei ignition module draws 1.6A for 4500rpm and up ... this is crazy...

found it here
http://www.toni-clark.com/ftp/ZG20_english.pdf

Yes it will work just fine to parallel two batteries in order to increase capacity. A single high capacity battery would probably be a better but your solution will work. If it were mine I'd fit it with an RcExcel ignition from Ralph at RCIGN.

That's exactly what I did with mine and power the RC exl ignition with a 700 mAh nicad pack which gives a min of 1.5 hrs. of flying time between charges.

Karol

Fast:

Have you looked at the A123 battery pack for your ignition. I have a Wild Hare Extra 300 with a DA-50. I use a separate 2300 mah A123 battery pack for the ignition. I easily get 5 flights out of the pack and can re-charge it in 5 minutes. They are rated for more flights but I play it safe and recharge after 5. If you want some info on them go to www.sincityjets.com Since I bought them, I do not use nimh or nicad batteries and they are safer than lipos as A123 betteries do not have the fire or explosion issues of lipos

If you go A123 use the Fromeco Kodiak switch it has a digital read out of the Mah you have used during the flight and is cumalitive until you reset.

Mike