I almost hate to even post this, as it kind of reminds me of Jeremy's "Better or just new?" post. But, either way, it is new information....

I noticed my invoice from Sanyo was a little higher on this last order, and when I opened the package I see why.....The eneloops are now advertised to be able to be recharged 1500 times, opposed to the 1000 times of the previous generation. They also hold 75% of their charge for 3 YEARS opposed to 1 year of the last generation!!

I have to tell you, if these batteries deliver HALF of their rated performance, they are pretty phenomenal!

Should you upgrade you old pack just because? No.
Should you make the switch to eneloops if you haven't already? Yes
Should you get a spare pack? Why Not!?

For the orders already shipped/received, you will enjoy your batteries for many, many seasons.....for those whose orders have not yet shipped, you will be receiving the new "1500" packs. If you are wondering what the external (visual) difference is, there is a three pointed crown next to the "+" symbol on the battery, on the "1500" version. Other than that, there is not much of a difference.

As always, feel free to call, email, or PM with any questions.

Chad

interesting, this is the 1st I have heard of these. What application are the jet guys using them for? I have not seen anyone use AA type batteries in awhile and then usually only small 90 size or less planes

Tx welded pack for JR/Spektrum radios.

ahhh okay kinda what i figured, I just use a lipo in my spectrum. Learn something new everyday.

Well, I use them in all my jets for ECU and rx battery packs.....

Frank

I use eneloop AAs for the Rx in several of my smaller jets. I use 2 packs of 5 cells, through an Emcotec BIC switch, which is a regulator electronic switch which also has voltage and current and mah consumed recording. The radio system is Weatronic which has voltage logging thus allowing me to check even further that system voltage has held up. I use the eneloop AAs in my Grumania Typhoon (6 analogue servos and ECU, plus ACT 2 channel gyro operating the ailerons), Trim Sabre (10 servos 1 of which is digital, and ECU) and Avonds Starfighter (10 servos 1 of which is digital, and ECU). The 2 packs in parallel make 4000 mAh capacity. As an example, last time I flew the Typhoon I had 10 flights, total mAh consumed was 800mAh (out of the 4000), highest current recorded was 4.8Amps, lowest input battery voltage recorded was 6V (i.e. nominal voltage). So in my experience the Eneloop AAs in parallel are perfectly adequate for the some jets.

Harry

I'd second what Harry & Frank say. I use the 4 cell 2000 mAh packs in small jets & 2 packs in my slightly larger jets as well as my prop driven models. Transmitters run them too. No problems whatsoever, I guess the new ones will be even better.

I don't 'bury' my packs in models, they live on my bench & I fit them to the model/models I'm flying on that day after charging.
I think by using the packs often you can keep a closer eye on their performance & pick up problems earlier. - John.

I have been using these 'newer' cells for a while in my MX-22 Tx and getting great results.

Just for your info Sanyo announced about these 'newer' cells HR-3UTGA on May 6th 2010.

Alan

I have a question...

I use a Futaba 8-channel radio (with a Spektrum module) for my bind-n-fly aircraft.

If I construct a tx pack for this radio using 8 Eneloops cells in series, can I use the stock Futaba tx slow charger in this situation without any problems?

Sanyo makes a reference to using their charger only.

Thanks,
Bob

You can use any charger you want. Use the NmHi setting charging at no more than 300 mah.

Nimh batteries REQUIRE a minimum charge of C/10 so 200mah in this case, this is the big difference in NiMh and Nicad which can be charged a 1ma if you want it will just take longer, so if your charger is at least 200ma it will be ok.
Dont use a peak detect charger at low current charges, i.e. 200, 300ma as Nimh wont peak properly and will get too hot, (unless charger also has a temp cut off probe) use 1000ma charge instead.
Eneloops can be safely charged at 2000ma with the correct charger.

I don't see how they can get any better. Going to Eneloops is like going from night to day. I bought some from Chad and installed them in my converted 10X and never looked back. These are well worth the money they cost.

A couple of points to address real quick:

DON'T charge your eneloops at 2000ma (1C) with ANY charger. I have found the sweet spot to be 250-350 mah. They can be used in any xmitter (that I am aware of) in 8 cell series. As has been pointed out already, use a good computerized nimh charger. Stay away from wall-warts, most continue to charge even after the pack has finished charging.....this will destroy nimh batteries.

One final thought, please be very careful using these packs as receiver packs. Their discharge "C" rating is not very high and you may find yourself drawing more amps than these batteries can supply (especially in the larger birds with a high servo count). If it works for you, great, just BE CAREFUL!!!

Chad

Thanks for the warning Chad. Yes, I did notice that from the Sanyo website and it must be taken into consideration. I think for the larger jets with very powerful servos these would not be up to the task but for smaller size models they look to be a good option for flight pack. - John.,

I would not charge them at 2000ma but SANYO themselves say it is ok to charge at 2000ma with the proper charger.

I have been charging/using them for two years now and always use 1000ma on a Nimh peak detect set at 6mv, with no issues and perfect just starting to get warm at peak which is the indication of fully charged, if they dont get warm they are not fully charged, again as stated by SANYO.

This should be observed for all AA size battery packs the internal resistance has a big effect when trying to draw larger currents, C and Sub C packs should only be used for high current draws. Now if Sanyo could come out with a Sub C size 3000mah+ Eneloop battery we would have the perfect Model aircraft battery.