Receiver Battery
10-24-2022, 11:18 AM
#1
Receiver Battery
I am just getting back into the hobby and need to replace my transmitter and receiver battery i noticed they now offer and 4.8V and 6V Receiver battery, can you use either one or is there and advantage to 6 volt?
10-25-2022, 04:31 AM
#4
I have a variety 72Mhz JR and Futaba Radios that were on Nicad Battery's and i am looking at the NiMH batteries, also will the MiMH batterys work with the original Futaba and JR chargers?
10-25-2022, 01:39 PM
#5
Yes the original chargers will work provided they are for a 6 volt battery not a 4.8 volt The output will be listed on the charger somewhere.
Low self discharge NiMH batteries commonly referred to as "Eneloops" are really great replacement fo the original NiCD batteries in the tx, the rx; probably not so much.
The rx's which have to feed the servos will do much better with LiFe batteries. Higher output capabilities and faster charge times. The original chargers will not work with these batteries. "Eneloop" type batteries will most likely not have enough power output (Amps) to run the servos successfully.
Low self discharge NiMH batteries commonly referred to as "Eneloops" are really great replacement fo the original NiCD batteries in the tx, the rx; probably not so much.
The rx's which have to feed the servos will do much better with LiFe batteries. Higher output capabilities and faster charge times. The original chargers will not work with these batteries. "Eneloop" type batteries will most likely not have enough power output (Amps) to run the servos successfully.
Last edited by Zeeb; 10-25-2022 at 01:44 PM.
10-25-2022, 07:02 PM
#6
The four cell NiMH 2000ma batteries seem to work very well in our 60 and smaller glow planes. Check HH to get an idea what is available in receiver batteries. The 2000ma NiMH is about the same size and weight as the old 600 ma NiCads.
Jerry
Jerry
10-25-2022, 08:19 PM
#7
Back when, the 4.8 packs for receivers were "stock". Some/many of us found that by using a 5 cell pack, which was 6 v, we could coax a bit more power and speed out of the servos. Because of the higher power, there was a bit less available flying time before a recharge was needed. While there were initial concerns about stressing/burning out receivers and servos due to the higher voltage, it has not proven to be an issue over the decades. In one other recent thread here, for the first time I saw someone pointing out that old MKS servos would not tolerate the higher voltage. That's the first reference to such I've heard about, ever. For me, my old Kraft, Futaba, JR, Hitec items have all been fine, and are still useable after years at 6v. Many current servos advertise the 6v ratings for power and speed more than at 4.8, because it makes them "better".
Using an old "wall wart" charger for 6v is chancy. Some worked, although it took longer. Some just can't do it. As noted, check the output voltage on the charger for its rating.
Note also that if going to a higher capacity pack (like 2000 mah mentioned), it can take much longer to fully charge them when using an old, small, charger. They just hold more. So what used to be overnight, might be a full day..depending....
Lithium Iron (LiFe) packs run just a bit higher than 6v, but are still very useable, and highly recommended. They are far safer than other lithium chemistries. And they can be recharged routinely very quickly (about an hour). BUT they require a charger specifically for them. Most modern chargers are multi-purpose and can do NiCad, NiMh, LiFe, LiPo and maybe a few other types. Small LiFe packs (700 mah) are harder to find, but are surprisingly small and light. These days, 1200 mah are the common "small" LiFe packs. They are in the same size/weight range as the old 5 cell packs - but can deliver many more flights between charges.
LiPo batteries, like used for the all electric planes, are too high in voltage to be used for flight packs with the old equipment by themselves. They will let all the smoke out. One uses an ESC to run the motor and to also supply lower safe voltage to the electronics. Or, one can buy new receivers and servos made specifically for those higher voltage levels (but not compatible with the old 72mhz systems).
For transmitters - best to stick only with the voltages they specify. Usually 9.6v. NiCad or NiMh packs can still be bought for them. Just make sure the physical size is the same, so that they will fit.
Using an old "wall wart" charger for 6v is chancy. Some worked, although it took longer. Some just can't do it. As noted, check the output voltage on the charger for its rating.
Note also that if going to a higher capacity pack (like 2000 mah mentioned), it can take much longer to fully charge them when using an old, small, charger. They just hold more. So what used to be overnight, might be a full day..depending....
Lithium Iron (LiFe) packs run just a bit higher than 6v, but are still very useable, and highly recommended. They are far safer than other lithium chemistries. And they can be recharged routinely very quickly (about an hour). BUT they require a charger specifically for them. Most modern chargers are multi-purpose and can do NiCad, NiMh, LiFe, LiPo and maybe a few other types. Small LiFe packs (700 mah) are harder to find, but are surprisingly small and light. These days, 1200 mah are the common "small" LiFe packs. They are in the same size/weight range as the old 5 cell packs - but can deliver many more flights between charges.
LiPo batteries, like used for the all electric planes, are too high in voltage to be used for flight packs with the old equipment by themselves. They will let all the smoke out. One uses an ESC to run the motor and to also supply lower safe voltage to the electronics. Or, one can buy new receivers and servos made specifically for those higher voltage levels (but not compatible with the old 72mhz systems).
For transmitters - best to stick only with the voltages they specify. Usually 9.6v. NiCad or NiMh packs can still be bought for them. Just make sure the physical size is the same, so that they will fit.
10-27-2022, 07:03 AM
#9
Nicad packs are still available, reasonably priced, last for years, can be quick charged, hold their voltage under load, have a predictable discharge profile, and your existing chargers are designed for them. I have several packs that are almost 10 years old which still regularly pass capacity checks with my cycler. Many battery chemistries don't last as long, except perhaps Eneloops or A123s.
Many modelers consider Nicads obsolete, but I think they are still a compelling option for some applications (.15 - .40 glow).
https://batteriesamerica.com/collect...atteries-ni-cd
Many modelers consider Nicads obsolete, but I think they are still a compelling option for some applications (.15 - .40 glow).
https://batteriesamerica.com/collect...atteries-ni-cd
11-10-2022, 06:30 PM
#10
My Feedback: (3)
No NiMH distributor provides a warranty of any kind if a NiCd charger is used. It will void the warranty, overheat the battery, and shorten the life of the battery.
From Eneloop site, reduced technically for the layman;
https://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/en/...-ni-cd-charger
Last edited by J330; 11-10-2022 at 06:32 PM.
