Tx replacement batteries...

Hi all,
as I finally seem to have a club where I can fly pretty much whenever I want, the subject of Tx batteries has come up. Previously I have used dry cells to get a full 1.5 volts each, but they run down on their own and I can't always get new ones, which are a constant cost anyway. But 1.2 volt Nimhs means I don't get full voltage in my Tx. So...with a DX5e and a DX7, what batteries can I use? The DX7, which I bought s/h from a club member has LiFe cells, but I know nowt about them or how to charge them and have fallen out with the guy, so can't quiz him on it. Do people change over to other cell types? If so which, as I assume that a 6 volt Tx doesn't appreciate a 7.4 volt Lipo any more than a 4.8 volt NiMh.

Appreciate your help.

Martin

Martin, it's good practice to only use "welded packs" rather than lose cells, my old club insisted on them and it's something I've always practiced.
you will need a dedicated charger for you life pack but we'll worth the £20 investment...

Paul,
I don't think there is space for a welded pack inside the Tx, so it might be a case of fix one externally. I can make a suitable carrier for it, I suppose. So it would have to be a 12 volt, 10 cell pack. OR could I use a 3 s Li-Po at 11.1 volts which is higher than that when first charged.
Martin

Tony, I have Eneloops in the Rx pack for my IC trainer and they have kept their charge for ages, but we're back to the low voltage for a Tx installation.
Martin

Specialbuilder
I don't know about the DX 7 but my DX 6i manual points out that it was sold with both dry cells and NiMh where a charger was included. All versions have a charge socket in the case for that purpose.
I would be surprised if any Spektrum 'dry cell' Tx design was fundamentally different.

If it's any help, I have been using Eneloop 2700 NiMh in my DX6 for over a year without any problem. I always have a spare charged set with me, but as yet, never had to swap them out at the field. Fully charged they give 5.2 volts & last for ages.
You can use a 2s lipo in most gen 2 spekky's & you should be able to select it in the menu. Anything over 7.2 volts, definitely not!
Don't forget anything over 6volts just gets wasted as heat!

Thanks, folks. Interesting info. for when I'm at the pondside. It'll never be the flying field as the club I have been visiting for 30 years which said I could join on Wednesday now says "maybe next year". Well, sod that. They're claiming BMFA rules, but that club hasn't paid any attention to any rules all through the plague, except to be sensible. Now they're being legal when in this area there have been no new cases. I can't contact anyone as I don't have their numbers and the club has no internet presence. There are no other clubs near me, so that's it.l My life long wish to fly a model scuppered by club nastiness and stupidity.
I'm off. I have some engines that I can't use in boats. PM me if you're interested.

Martin

Such a bloody shame Martin, can I suggest a period of contemplation before throwing in the towel?
I'd be interested if you had any nasty smelly diesels though

I agree with Paul for once Martin, have a good think about it. Who says you have be a member of a club, I'm not. I am sure you can find somewhere to fly.
Seems a shame to give up now !

Thanks, chaps.
I've heard from a surprising number of people who actually choose NOT to join a club and have found places to fly, so I may get lucky. My daughter's landlord has a field of some sort of crop, but I rather think he grows something just to retain registration as a farmer as that comes with legal advantages for him, so the Rape or mustard or whatever the yellow stuff may be just ploughed back in. If that's the case I might try there.

On the battery front, I have this LiFe 3S in my s/h DX7. It's starting to get a bit low, but I have no idea what the little white plug is and I assume that's the one that needs to go to the charger. Here's the battery. The plug on the left is like a servo plug but only 2 leads, bigger white plug is balance as normal, but the other tiny white one is the one that plugs in to the Tx. I need to get that to a couple of 4mm plug-ins or a Deans that I can then get to one of the leads supplied with the B6. Cheers,

Martin

Just found some pairs of tiny white plugs and sockets on ebay, so ordered them for one lead to be made up for charging.

Martin

Ah, there was indeed supposed to be a picture. Here it is.

Martin