[JoeT]

Most LiPo chargers have the capability to charge NiMh batteries. If you don't have one, you can use one of these: https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/showthread.php?t=314330

It's a smart cycler for RX and TX's. If you want it you can have it for 20 bucks + Shipping. (note, I didn't answer this thread for the purpose of selling you my Accucycle.. LOL) It just so happens I have one.

[kip51035]

One of the main things that cause brown outs is the battery cannot produce enough amperage to satisfy the demands of the servos. This causes a voltage drop and a brown out. There are circuit boards that allow you to have a separate battery for the receiver. Then when the servos demand extra power during one of those fancy manoeuvres it has no effect on the receiver voltage.

[davidmc36]

Originally Posted by JoeT

...AR7000 receiver goes to "Brownout" at 3.8 Volts...

Actually it is 3.5 volts, and any new DSM2 with Quick Connect it is supposed to be practically instant Re-Connect.

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/A...ArticleID=1855

Regardless, 5 cell NiMh or better is good insurance.

Test your system and see what it really does:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1867781

[MikeCam]

That size of plane where weight is not critical and you have the room use 2 batteries and 2 switches.

I stopped using nimh packs because I never got a second year out of them. Now use A123 in my expensive stuff and HK LifePo4 in my cheaper stuff. 6years this year and my original A123 batterys are still charging and balancing fine. My HK packs are going on 5 years and they are still working great. Can't complain for a $3.55 battery.

I would get a pair of these and this charger and do a little reading.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...iver_Pack.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...cessories.html

[luv2flyrc]

Originally Posted by MikeCam

That size of plane where weight is not critical and you have the room use 2 batteries and 2 switches.

+1 If you're going to use nicad or nimh 6v packs, use 2 in parallel. A single nicad or nimh 6v pack will still drop to a brownout level voltage with that many digital servos.

Running two in parallel will double the current capability and not result in the large voltage drop. Plus you have protection against 1 battery failing or a switch going bad.

If you insist on only one battery (for weight purposes) go with an A123, life or similar that can deliver high currents without voltage drop.

Personally, I prefer the small amount of added weight and the increased safety of two packs.

Mike

[luv2flyrc]

[QUOTE=JoeT;2234090 Please note, some Spektrum receivers reach brownout at a very high 4.0 volts (3.8 Ish). When it browns out, due to servo load, it can take up to 5 - 10 seconds to reconnect to the TX, so plan accordingly.

.[/QUOTE]

LOl 5-10 seconds Joe? Spoken like a true Futaba man! Reconnection with Spek is almost instant.

Mike

[JoeT]

Hey Mike,

Read this excerpt from the article that was posted above:

"Spektrum systems are designed with an operating threshold of 3.5 volts, and lower voltages cause the system to shut down. When adequate power is regained (usually the drop is momentary), earlier Spektrum systems re-boot and rescan for two previous channels before control is restored - "a process usually requiring two to five seconds."

From this article: http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/A...ArticleID=1855

BTW, I'm neither a Futaba / Spektrum / JR or anything guy, just someone that experienced this first hand.

I got rid of my DSM2 stuff almost immediately after a session of flying with my friends at the Burlington club. They were both on frequency hopping systems, I was on a DM8 module (Spektrum DSM2) with AR8000 DSM2 receivers. It normally takes 2 - 5 seconds to connect, but this time, when I was with them, while they were setting up their planes, it took my DSM2 near 45 - 55 seconds to connect.

After that session, I quickly sold all my stuff, no sense in risking planes (Dec 13, 2013).

https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/showthread.php?t=207042

Respectfully, please read the "Quick Connect" article posted, Spektrum addressed the issue, but all older ones still have the same problem. I'm sure Spektrum wouldn't lie to you.

Hope this helps.

[davidmc36]

Originally Posted by JoeT

....Spektrum addressed the issue, but all older ones still have the same problem....

But there is no reason to have the older ones that took longer to connect. Just send to Horizon and Firmware Updates were done for free.

[luv2flyrc]

Originally Posted by JoeT

I got rid of my DSM2 stuff almost immediately after a session of flying with my friends at the Burlington club. They were both on frequency hopping systems, I was on a DM8 module (Spektrum DSM2) with AR8000 DSM2 receivers. It normally takes 2 - 5 seconds to connect, but this time, when I was with them, while they were setting up their planes, it took my DSM2 near 45 - 55 seconds to connect.

Joe, I've never experienced that even way back to 2008 when Spek launched and I ran their module in my JR 10x but, that doesn't change your experience. The new stuff is instant and as David said, HH will update the firmware on old stuff NC.

BTW, who do you fly with at Burlington? That's my home club. I was the President last year, Past Prez this year. Come and join us again in the spring!

Mike

[fsone]

Eduardo I have 2 giant planes that I used 4.8 volt 4 cell Nickel Cadmium batteries for years 1500 mah wingspan 80" with analog servos never had an issue. Now that I am on 2.4 Spektrum recommends 5 cell rx packs. I now use 2000mah 5 cell NIMH Eneloop Sanyo batteries for RX . And my charger of choice is the Hobbico pro Elite series .