decided to use rechargable aa batteries in transmitter

heliflyboy

i decided to use rechargable aa batteries in my scout's transmitter unless that is a bad idea?

chopper54 · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject: post subject

Should be okay.
I use rechargables in my dx6i with no problems. Dont let them run too low of charge though or you will lose control of the heli. The dx6i has a voltage meter on the screen so its easy to keep track on the voltage level.

heliflyboy · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 7:14 pm Post subject:

My thought on using the rechargeable batteries was since the transmitter also charges the little flight battery is that using rechargeable batteries in the transmitter will save on aa batteries in the long run. I'm guessing I should probably charge the aa batteries every third or fourth flight

tombo242 · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject:

This depends on:
1. The voltage required by the Tx.
Remember that rechargables have a nominal voltage of 1.2V while the standard AAs' are 1.5V. This difference could be vital.

2. The power drawn by the heli flight battery.
This will reduce the voltage of the rechargables each time and will need monitoring. Also the overall voltage could be crucial in charging the heli battery. I would see if there is any way that you could charge the heli battery without the Tx.

3. The capacity of the AAs'.
Especially important if you are charging the heli off of them. The bigger the capacity the better, but the volts may prove to be more crucial.

Good luck with the experiment. Remember that while the DX6i will work quite happily down to 4.2V. The same is not true of all Txs.

Tom.
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heliflyboy · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:11 pm Post subject:

i flew it last night after i switched batteries and it flew ok plus it looks like it charged the flight battery ok.
have to see after i fly later this morning

chopper54 · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:07 pm Post subject: post subject

Good point Tom, i didn't realise the scout heli battery charged from the tx.
Does that mean you cant fly the heli when the battery is on charge!!
I have 2 sets of rechargables for the dx6i so i have a spare ready charged set for when i need them.

pjdog · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 1:05 am Post subject:

I also use Radio Shack rechargables. I keep a spare set in the rach Helicopter carrying case. I never go below 5 volts without replacing the batteries. Both DX6I's use them and also the gradkids little MCX.

jack

tombo242 · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:32 am Post subject:

Very wise there Chopper & Jack. I've got 12 x 2500mAh AAs that I keep charged on the side as well as the ones in the Tx and other things, also got 8 AAAs which power Rxs and mini inspection lamps. Can't have too many of these on standby.

Tom.
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heliflyboy · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:22 am Post subject:

Flew the heli for 5 flights including charging the flight battery with the transmitter, after the 5th flight and charge I decided to charge the transmitter batteries to be on the safe side. Still seemed to have enough charge in them but think it's better to be safe rather than sorry

tombo242 · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:30 pm Post subject:

Very wise decision there heliflyboy.

Tom.
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Tom Lauten · Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 5:27 am Post subject:

I use Enloop batteries in my DX6i with great results, as Tom said though...watch the voltage.
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DGT · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:38 pm Post subject:

Aaaaahhh the wisdom of the 'net. I learn so much from this site. You guys are great!

carr52 · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:46 pm Post subject:

I'm a BIG beliver in rechargables. I run the computer, cable modem, wireless router, and house lights off battery and solar panels. I even charge my AA's on the inverter from the house battery bank. If it has a battery or an LED in it I'm gonna try to use the solar panels.

Tom
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