Razor Setup questions - running packs in tandem and RX batt.

[buster1]

I had two questions regarding two misc. razor setup items,

1. If I run packs in tandem using this connector - http://www.readyheli.com/Series_Y_Adapter_p/parallel_y.htm

Its obviously beneficial in that I only have one connection between batteries and ESC, but are there any issues in running the two packs this way during flight and more importantly - how is it charging in tandem like this - I understand this could be tricky and possibly should charge each pack independent of each other and then run together through series Y adpator - any suggestions would be helpful

2. Regarding on board receiver batt. for electronics - I see some are running off BEC while others have on board battery - what do you guys suggest is best way. Running through BEC could save some weight of not having battery, but not sure this is best method.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Lusk]

For 10S in your razor you will need to use a series connector not parallel. You can charge both packs at once connected like this with a 10S charger and balancer setup no problem.

I can't comment on the BEC but l plan to try one in my Razor.

[gordohigh]

Actually it is probably best to charge as 10s as the cells will be more uniform. A TP1010 charger and 210 balancer will do the trick very nicely... :)

[Clintstone]

I use a rec. battery and a Duralite regulator (the rec. pack is a FP 1500). Use a series connector as gordon said.

[lukedodd]

2. Regarding on board receiver batt. for electronics - I see some are running off BEC while others have on board battery - what do you guys suggest is best way. Running through BEC could save some weight of not having battery, but not sure this is best method.

Thanks,
Jeff[/quote]

I would strongly recommend running a separate RX batt, my number 2 Ion went in after a Medusa BEC failed. Fortunately it landed in tall grass and damage wasn't too bad.

I recommend a 4 cell NiMH, avoid any BEC or regulator, its another piece of electronics in the power circuit to fail. I use a KAN 1400 mah in my No1 Ion and its been very reliable and easily good for 3 flights. Carry a second Rx batt if you fly more or a field charger. I use the same batt in my Trex600. Weight isn't significant, and a small price to pay for greater reliability.

If you want the ultimate in reliability use 2 x 700mah AAA Nimh packs and parallel them up. Use an onboard RX voltage monitor and if 1 cell in a pack fails the other will still supply 4.8V, the voltage monitor will warn you that the capacity of the pack has fallen and alert you to a problem. Believe me there will be no sig cross charging between the two packs if 1 pack looses a cell.

A reg is just another electronic device to fail, plus you still have the chance of a pack failing.

I have found running a separate RX batt reduces glitches significantly. My boy's electric low wing trainer would glitch in elevator regularly, I was running the Rx off the ESC. Put a separate Rx pack and Nil glitches since.

[Aussieheliguy]

Sorry to hear about your ION going in Luke, I run an Arizona reg in my ION and a SG reactor in E Raptor without any issues. I found my CC85HV's became unstable after a short time in flight and I got occasional glitchs with a 4cell nicad pack, I tried a new pack as well. The esc cpu runs off the RX battery, and I found if the nicad pack wasn't fully charged all the time the esc wouldn't run properly, gov probs and not arming, etc. But after I started running a reg in both everything is now very reliable....I'll be running a reg in the Razor when it arrives......can't wait :D

[Clintstone]

I have had alot of success running Duralite regs and I have had awesome service. I have them tested once a year and they just keep doing what they are supose to do. What ever works for o ne person may not work for the next. The only packs I have ever had fail were NiMH...........needless to say I wont fly NiMH in my stuff. Not trying to start this is better than that but what ever works for you is what I recomend. Be safe and have fun.

[Clintstone]

Oh I have 600 plus flights on my Razor with the original Reg and I have 400 flights on a 1500 FP rx pack 2s1p.........I went non redundant for weight but I watch the cells close on the charger and balancer and from what I have seen lipos talk..........they tipically let you know before they have a problem if we listen. Just my 2 cents.............one thing for sure, If we don't want to crash we should leave it in the truck...............100% guarantee it wont fail.

[epc2]

The Duralite Reg. is nice but from My experience and IMO, The best heli setup I've found is the Fromeco Arizona Regulator with the Pin switch and a Peerless 2400, you can also use a 2s lipo with the Arizona.

epc2.

[Clintstone]

Great to have choices and the technology keeps getting better.