Futaba dropping all NiCads?
#26
Thread Starter
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R
I have not used a NiCad pack in years and contrary to what Summerwind says I had superb results using NiMH cells for almost the last 20 years or so.
I have not used a NiCad pack in years and contrary to what Summerwind says I had superb results using NiMH cells for almost the last 20 years or so.
you seem to have some idea of what you are talking about, but throughout almost all of your past and present posts to topics you quote spec's that are already available to anyone on the net.
i do wonder however if you have used NiMH cells exclusively over the last 20 years, why you suddenly changed to LifePo?
didn't you run mostly RC Boats all of the time?
what Tx are you using Eneloops in?.........i thought you had a 14MZ............
#27
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: summerwind
i never said i used NiMH in my systems, so i'm not sure that what you are trying to add to the original discussion other than to start your usual backbiting.
i never said i used NiMH in my systems, so i'm not sure that what you are trying to add to the original discussion other than to start your usual backbiting.
you seem to have some idea of what you are talking about, but throughout almost all of your past and present posts to topics you quote spec's that are already available to anyone on the net.
i do wonder however if you have used NiMH cells exclusively over the last 20 years, why you suddenly changed to LifePo?
didn't you run mostly RC Boats all of the time?
didn't you run mostly RC Boats all of the time?
As far as what I do in RC, I have been flying since I was 11 years old, which is now 44 years in the hobby. I have flown almost everything except turbine including a wide variety of sport planes, pattern (electric and IC), IMAC (biggest plane was a 45% Extra), helicopters, and lots of gliders (thermal duration, hand launch, giant scale). I did play around with boats for about 2 years, but was still very actively flying during that time. But even boats need RX and TX packs. So I am not sure exactly what your point is.
To be clear, I think your dislike of NiMH is counter to the proven results of thousands of modelers over an extended time period.
#28
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: summerwind
what Tx are you using Eneloops in?.........i thought you had a 14MZ............
what Tx are you using Eneloops in?.........i thought you had a 14MZ............
You were editing to add this while I was typing my last post. Allow me to answer.
I own 6 radios right now. A Futaba 3PM, Futaba 4PK, Futaba 6EX-FASST, Futaba 9ZAP, JR 9303, and the Futaba 14MZ you noted.
I use the Eneloops in the 3PM, 6EX, 9ZAP, and 9303. I have changed my 4PK over to the Hyperion LiFePO4 pack and it is working very well. In addition I have 6 5-cell Eneloop RX packs that I have used in both boats and aircraft.
As I noted, I now use the Hyperion LiFePO4 packs in all my planes. I no longer use conventional NiMH packs in any plane, boat, or transmitter. But that is only because of not liking the self discharge that is typical of them.
#29
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: BuschBarber
What is the best way to monitor the voltage of A123 packs so you know when to recharge? I had been told that because they have such a flat power curve, that you do not see a gradual drop in voltage such as with other battery types and therefore it requires special attention to determine when to recharge.
What is the best way to monitor the voltage of A123 packs so you know when to recharge? I had been told that because they have such a flat power curve, that you do not see a gradual drop in voltage such as with other battery types and therefore it requires special attention to determine when to recharge.
Having said that, what I do is develop a discharge curve under a known or typical load. I then use a timer to keep track of the time that pack has been flown and stop well short of when they hit the drop off. I check voltage to make sure the packs are still working correctly. Always check voltage under a decent load, at least 500 mA or even 1 amp. Unloaded voltage is next to meaningless. I will not fly a LiFePO4 pack that is at or below 6.3 volts, and that is way out at the end of the discharge curve. Given how fast they can be charged I see no reason to run them down to their last useful moment. When in doubt, throw them on the charger.
#31
Thread Starter
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
Bill,
i just take your info with a grain of salt as in this post you say one thing,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_19...tm.htm#1971286
but as time passes and users and techonical info becomes available, you post,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_36...tm.htm#3641761
and,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_48...tm.htm#4854364
you change your user advice as time passes, so i honestly can't see how anyone can take any of your advice.
real world use of product is everything.
i just take your info with a grain of salt as in this post you say one thing,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_19...tm.htm#1971286
but as time passes and users and techonical info becomes available, you post,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_36...tm.htm#3641761
and,
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_48...tm.htm#4854364
you change your user advice as time passes, so i honestly can't see how anyone can take any of your advice.
real world use of product is everything.
#32
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
Wow, that took some time. Going back to 2004?? I am impressed. However, I fail to see the issue. I change my opinion based on new data. But even given that I do not see an issue with what I wrote in those posts. When higher capacity NiMH came out only the 2700 A cells were available and that is what we used. Over a short time we found that they did not perform as well as some newer cells with lower internal impedance. Follow the dates and you will see the progression.
Now that the newer LiFePO4 packs are out I have once again revised my thinking. The very nature of what I was taught as a scientist. Your understanding evolves as new data is acquired.
But again, nice job going back 6 years looking for a way to denigrate my opinion. However, you failed since my opinions are entirely consistent with the changing state of technology. Yours on the other hand ignore the actual real world results of thousands and thousands of users and the availability of new technology and cell types.
Oh well, in the end people are free to ignore me if they wish, I have no issue with that. I am comfortable with what I know and how I apply it to the hobby. I also think that I am able to back it up with proven data and information.
Now that the newer LiFePO4 packs are out I have once again revised my thinking. The very nature of what I was taught as a scientist. Your understanding evolves as new data is acquired.
But again, nice job going back 6 years looking for a way to denigrate my opinion. However, you failed since my opinions are entirely consistent with the changing state of technology. Yours on the other hand ignore the actual real world results of thousands and thousands of users and the availability of new technology and cell types.
Oh well, in the end people are free to ignore me if they wish, I have no issue with that. I am comfortable with what I know and how I apply it to the hobby. I also think that I am able to back it up with proven data and information.
#33
Thread Starter
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
Bill,
didn't know i was your biggest fan eh?
on a more serious note, i am open to new technology, and will explore.
having gone thru many months of NiMH testing tho, i still believe NiMH users are running on luck. why else can you explain why all the Radio MFG's have not supplied NiMH power with their systems?
my intent on this thread though was to find out why Futaba just slams the door on their customers.
beyond that, i feel it's time to move on and will do so.
starting another thread in terms of finding the best possible solutions to our onboard battery use is of course an option, but is useless too as there are many threads available via search.
didn't know i was your biggest fan eh?
on a more serious note, i am open to new technology, and will explore.
having gone thru many months of NiMH testing tho, i still believe NiMH users are running on luck. why else can you explain why all the Radio MFG's have not supplied NiMH power with their systems?
my intent on this thread though was to find out why Futaba just slams the door on their customers.
beyond that, i feel it's time to move on and will do so.
starting another thread in terms of finding the best possible solutions to our onboard battery use is of course an option, but is useless too as there are many threads available via search.
#34
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: summerwind
having gone thru many months of NiMH testing tho, i still believe NiMH users are running on luck. why else can you explain why all the Radio MFG's have not supplied NiMH power with their systems?
having gone thru many months of NiMH testing tho, i still believe NiMH users are running on luck. why else can you explain why all the Radio MFG's have not supplied NiMH power with their systems?
my intent on this thread though was to find out why Futaba just slams the door on their customers.
beyond that, i feel it's time to move on and will do so.
#36
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
[quote]ORIGINAL: summerwind
[size=3]>''It took Baxter a few days to get the official word for you and in the meantime you started this thread.
#39
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Location: Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
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RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
jeez'z bickering like 8 yr olds.Futaba uses NiMH in their newest transmitters, the T12FG and T8FG. I doubt they would use a dodgy technology in their radio's.NiCAD production the world over has ceased. There are still packs and cells floating about and as has already been stated, limited production for use in certain medical equipment. That is not Futaba's fault, thats a decision taken by global environment lobby groups. Its also information that has been around for a few years.Get over it, move on
#40
Thread Starter
RE: Futaba dropping all NiCads?
ORIGINAL: TimBle
jeez'z bickering like 8 yr olds.Futaba uses NiMH in their newest transmitters, the T12FG and T8FG. I doubt they would use a dodgy technology in their radio's.NiCAD production the world over has ceased. There are still packs and cells floating about and as has already been stated, limited production for use in certain medical equipment. That is not Futaba's fault, thats a decision taken by global environment lobby groups. Its also information that has been around for a few years.Get over it, move on
jeez'z bickering like 8 yr olds.Futaba uses NiMH in their newest transmitters, the T12FG and T8FG. I doubt they would use a dodgy technology in their radio's.NiCAD production the world over has ceased. There are still packs and cells floating about and as has already been stated, limited production for use in certain medical equipment. That is not Futaba's fault, thats a decision taken by global environment lobby groups. Its also information that has been around for a few years.Get over it, move on