I just noticed in the Engine info on the Wildhare Web site that you are recommending only 4.8 volts or singe cell Lipo on the ignition. I am planning to use the A123 1100mah battery for this. Is this not recommended?

Bruce

No it's fine. I'm running a 2300 @ 7.4V with no regulator.

If your ignition is dated 2007 or earlier you should not use more than 4.8v. Later ignitions are fine on a123, but there is no need to carry around that much weight. A single Lipo or Li-Ion will run it just fine.

TF

Tom,

Have you ran a single A123 cell on the ignition? If so how long does it last and was it a 1100 or 2300?

Thanks

No. I said a single Lipo or Li-Ion. A123 cell voltage is 3.3, the others are 3.7. I'm not sure if 3.3 is enough, but I know that 3.7 is sufficient. I have used 1 cell Li-Ion and it works fine, if you use 1 cell A123 please let us know if it works OK.

TF

Tom,

What is the issue of running two VPX cells in series? Have you seen failures? Is it better to add 2 or 3 diodes in series to drop the voltage of the packs. I have been using the VPX cells this season and I am really enjoying the quick charge capability, low self discharge and reliability of the A123s. And I don't feel comfortable flying with one cell at 3.3v only.

Then do what you are comfortable with. I do know that 2 A123 cells in series is too high for ignitions manufactured befpre October 2007. I've seen plenty of them come back dead. Later ignitions are designed to handle the higher voltage.

I am puzzled that you are not comfortable with the single LiIon solution. If you don't trust me to give you advice why are you asking me questions?

And I did not say a single A123 will work, I specifically said I have not tried it. I said a single LI-Ion or Lipo will work. And FYI a 2400mah Liion cell will fly a single cylinder engine with Rcexl ignition for over 5 hours. I don't think that charging is really an issue. I can fly all summer and only recharge once.

TF

Tom,

I am not meaning that I don't trust you, I do respect your opinions, if I had a LiIon I'd go with that. Just having no quick access to them I am just looking at other options. Just to save a failure I will probably go back to a Nimh for now and order a LiIon, or investigate other options.

Thanks Tom and sorry if I came across the wrong way. BTW if I had an older plane I'd try a single A123, but not with my WH Edge which I love...

I have one of the new engines and when I got it together and ran the plane for the first time we had put it together without a regulator with 2 cell Li Ion pack and it ran fine then we thought uh oh no regulator and put one on it and it would not start well took it off and purrs like a kitten well a mad one LOL!!! Kinda weird but hey has run fine since!!!