How long does a glow starter last??
05-27-2003 | 07:50 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Pasadena, CA
How long does a glow starter last??
I've been using a sub-c rechargable, but it seems to only last about 5-8 starts before the voltage goes way down an barely lights the plug. I tried an alkaline starter and it didnt last too long either.
Thanks.
Thanks.
05-28-2003 | 01:59 AM
#3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Atlanta, GA
Charger
Lots of factors here, first look at the battery and determine its rating. Will be in MAH milliamp hours.
I use a 1700mah cell and it lasts for a month or more of every weekend flying.
It could be that you are not charging it properly, if you are using the wall charger, it needs to be on there overnight, not just a couple of hours.
The post above is indicating what we call memory. Often times batteries are charged then used but are not depleted of energy, then charged again. Batteries begin to develop memory in that they will no longer provide the full charge that they once did in the begining.
The easiest way to test is to fully charge the battery then discharge the battery under controlled settings (Discharger).
I use a Great Planes Triton for my cells and packs, the Triton will depict the charge and discharge rates and show the behavior of the battery.
I dont think this is your problem though, I think it may be that the cell is not getting a full charge.
If it is getting full charge and you dont have a charger that will cycle, use a #44 light bulb from radio shack and wire it up to the cell to discharge it, then recharge it, discharge it, recharge it.
This will eradicate the memory that has built up and your cell should be fine. If not then its time for a new cell.
Keep in mind that you do not have to charge your glow cell every time before you run. Charge it up and dont charge it again until it runs itself out.
Dbow
I use a 1700mah cell and it lasts for a month or more of every weekend flying.
It could be that you are not charging it properly, if you are using the wall charger, it needs to be on there overnight, not just a couple of hours.
The post above is indicating what we call memory. Often times batteries are charged then used but are not depleted of energy, then charged again. Batteries begin to develop memory in that they will no longer provide the full charge that they once did in the begining.
The easiest way to test is to fully charge the battery then discharge the battery under controlled settings (Discharger).
I use a Great Planes Triton for my cells and packs, the Triton will depict the charge and discharge rates and show the behavior of the battery.
I dont think this is your problem though, I think it may be that the cell is not getting a full charge.
If it is getting full charge and you dont have a charger that will cycle, use a #44 light bulb from radio shack and wire it up to the cell to discharge it, then recharge it, discharge it, recharge it.
This will eradicate the memory that has built up and your cell should be fine. If not then its time for a new cell.
Keep in mind that you do not have to charge your glow cell every time before you run. Charge it up and dont charge it again until it runs itself out.
Dbow
05-28-2003 | 12:57 PM
#4
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Anytown,
NJ
How long does a glow starter last??
Use anything with a "D" sized battery and it will last the longest. I bought one of them cheap $10 aluminum "D" sized glow starters, put a radio shack rechargable metal hydrate battery in it, and it's been working fine for over 1 year. Nicd's develop memory and sometimes don't recharge correctly. Any rechargable battery will only last 300-500 charges.
