[RICHARD PAINE]

I have decided to use a dedicated battery rather than rely on the receiver battery to supply power to the retracts. I am worried that if the units were to jam & the breaker didn't kick out, the receiver battery could be drained.
I have disconnected the red power wire on the lead going from the receiver to the retracts & tapped in a separate 4.8 v using a common ground between the two batteries. The second battery has its own off / on switch.
Now the only connection from the receiver to the retracts is the signal wire.
It all seems to work well on the bench but I am seeking assurance before I put my latest scale ship in the air.
Has anyone had experience doing this? any opinions will be appreciated.
Thanks

[davidmc36]

I never did any power mods. But have used them for several seasons in 15E Bonanza. Have never had case of current protection failing.

I would never have any concern with the system running on since through conversations with Horizon Rep I learned that over and above the current sense there is also a built in time-out feature in the processor. If it does not reach limit switch at travel end within about 3-4 seconds the timer shuts it down.

Regardless, your separate battery system should work Hunky-Dory.

[stegl]

Agree with David. The system shuts itself down as designed and does work. If you are still going ahead with it , don't think the single signal wire will work as you will also need the ground wire connected to the receiver to complete the retract circuit. Just connect the positive servo lead and the negative to the respective leads of the battery. By your theory if the system didn't work you will burn out the drive motors so really no worry , like we said , it does work .

Have been using mine in the Deuces for five years and no issues when hung up. They shut down.

[RICHARD PAINE]

Thank you, I didn't know about the time out feature. I may now go back to the original system & save the weight of the extra battery

[Cougar429]

Which model Eflights? I run several planes with the 90-120's and run them at 6V LiFE through 20A CC BEC PROs.

Rare Bear has only the Rx on a 4cell NiMH pack, while the rest of the system is isolated to the LiFE/BEC.

The Harvard runs everything with the single LiFE pack and has had no retract issues.

The key I found with the metal-framed Eflights is to have your mounts exactly parallel. If ANY twist when bolting them down they can bind and drive the current up.

[stegl]

Gary , Did you mean 60-120 eflites? I use mine with a CC 5 amp off the ESC and never any problems plus am running 6 digital servos off the same BEC with my Deuces twin and all is well except with the odd wheel hang-up on the mains due to 3/16 wire too soft.

[Cougar429]

Sorry, I meant 90 degree retracts, 60-120 size.

What voltage you running?

[Max]

Signal and ground wire need to be connected to the RX for the retract to function on external power.

But I also agree with the others regarding modern servoless retracts- they are designed to shut down if an overload condition occurs due to an anomaly such as a bent gear or twisted tire. (At least the good ones are). o if this is the case, is there really a need for external power?

[Cougar429]

If not a separate source, at least one of enough capacity to prevent voltage drop.

Regardless of the protection circuitry, some of these can draw significant current when they cycle. If the other components of the flight system push close to the limits the source or BEC can supply, retracts may push the system over the top. Some receivers seem more sensitive to this and are likely to shut down or reboot.

[stegl]

Originally Posted by Cougar429

Sorry, I meant 90 degree retracts, 60-120 size.

What voltage you running?

Usually around 5.1v even though the system will handle 6.6 . Good BEC's will hold the voltage rather than just batteries. My ProLinks I use A123 (2S) as separate power source but those you don't dare get your fingers in the road , can pinch the pinkies, but then they are designed for heavier gear and higher air speeds plus electric brakes.
In any case the Eflites are quite low power drain in comparison.