I'm in the process of converting to Futaba. What are most using for QM40 Rx and Servos? I prefer a 2s straight LIPO setup or LIFE

Thanks
Mike DeNeve

I use this for the RX battery. I raced all week end with 1 pack.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ever_Pack.html

Sorry I need to clarify, what RX and Servos are recomended for 2sLIPO or LIFE in a QM40 setup.

Typical Futaba QM40 setup:

1) RX - R617FS
2) Elevator Servo - S9650
3) Rudder and Engine Kill - S3102
4) Aileron Servo - S3002 (or replacement) or S9650

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11349006

I've been using the 700 mAH Life pack with good results. No regulator is needed.

Mike,

I second Scott's set-up. The replacement for the 3002 is the 3016. Like the 3002, the 3016 is very durable but a bit slower and the metal gears eventually will develop more slop than the plastic gears of the 9650 and it's a bit heavier and analog. The I've also used the digital 3150's for rudder and shutoff, as well as for the "V" servos on a Sweet V or quickie. As with all 2 screw servos, it's a good idea to use servo tape and a balsa spacer between two servos to tighten up the mounting side to side but, they work great.

For all of these servos you'll need to use a LiFe if you don't want to use a regulator. For a LiPo, you'll want to use a regulator. The RX is fine on the higher voltage but these servos aren't happy with the higher LiPo voltage. Don't have mini HV servos yet but I prefer LiFe's anyway. The regulator is just one more piece that can develop a problem and several have had problems with them. I actually still have NiMH's in several of my birds at this point.

Jim Allen

Thank you Scott and Jim. That's what I was looking for. No regulators for me ill stick with LIFE or NIMHS for now.

Since Futaba and JR don't recommend operating servos above 6.0 volts, and a life battery will charge up to 7.2 volts, isn't there a risk of premature sevo failure?

I'm not aware of premature failures of servos when using the 2 cell Life batteries.

Bruce,

What LiFe packs are using that you see 7.2V's ?? The Orion packs I have been using are right at 6.7 - 6.9 volts peak.. Either way, I wouldn't worry about performance issues at 7.2V's..

Randy

I was in error, I'm using the orion pack too and the voltage is 6.9v after charge. Dare I take all my regulators out!

Bruce, I've been running the LiFe's without regulators...no issues.

im guilty for passing this on to bruce, a few months ago i tried a life and no regulater, i lost a couple servos, so i contacted futaba, and horrizon, the both advised me not to, it was to high a voltage for a substained time, this came from ther tech dept

OK, I'm taking the regulator out of Joanne's airplane!!

It certainly wouldn't hurt to run a regulator with a LiFe pack. I personally don't. I have used a LiFe pack while using 3121's, 3421's, and 341's, and I haven't seen an issue yet. All my new planes for the past year I only run the 3711 high voltage servos, and no failure.

So if it makes you nervous to apply more than 6V's to what ever servos you use.. add the regulator and be safe.

Randy

I agree with Randy. I've been running the LiFe's with Futaba 9650, 3150, and 3102 servos. The manufacturers are pretty much always going to error on the safe side recommending not exceeding the voltage ratings of the servos, so I'm not surprised to see the answers from Futaba and Horizon. As I said, I've had no issues, and as Randy said, if it makes you feel better, use a regulator.