Low voltage warning!

[woz]

Hi all, My dilemma is about knowing when to stop flying on a pack.
I currently have a low voltage warning light that is wired into the deans plug and it lights up when voltage drops. A nice visual warning. but very difficult to see ! mine has proved to be at best unreliable.
I have programmed the ESC to soft slow down and I keep check on my radio of the time elapsed.
Now am I just stupid or what, I still had a crash this morning due to battery failure. 6m forward flight and then, thankfully a soft semi controlled landing(dislodged swashplate) soft?
Have I missed some thing? is there an audible warning unit available?
Some comments and recommendations please.
W

[jgoodwin]

I do not know where you live, but yes they make them. Look at this one then search around for sites in your country.:
http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2emodelhelico pters%2eco%2euk%2fcgi%2dbin%2fss000001%2epl%3fSS%3 dlipo%20alarm%26ACTION%3dGo%2521%26PR%3d%2d1%26TB% 3dA%26SHOP%3d&WD=warning%20lipo&SHOP=%20&PN=BattNicad_Lithium%2ehtml%23aJG012#aJG012

Another even better idea is to set a timer on your radio to count down to 5 minutes. Then you know when you better start thinking about landing!
-J

[woz]

J thanks . I have a JR 2610 and no countdown feature just a time counter.
I just note the counter and check every now and again.
I feel the audio version would be the answer!

[Pinecone]

Go to store, buy a kitchen countdown timer. Tape or glue to Tx or antenna.

Efliernz here has nice alarms with both LEDs and piezo audible alarms.

[woz]

Thanks fot that !! My problem is that I run different batteries. so I need something to tell me that voltage is down, no matter what battery I use.
As has happened the timer thing usually tells me how long the heli was airborne BEFORE it fell out of the sky!
Is this not a common problem with electric planes /helis ?
W

[F1Atom]

I use a multimeter and a kitchen timer. I never go below 11.30v

[Efliernz]

Woz, what size models are you flying???

Check out my gallery - there are alarms with 4 x 10mm leds or piezos with lights for the Trex450. Similar setups for 5-7S for the larger model. I build them to suit the need...

I've custom-built for a few 'Freaks. Just say what size/voltage/model and we can go from there. PM welcome :glasses2:

[Pinecone]

a) Figure out the safe time for each pack and time. Fly 5 minutes, check how much is put back into the pack. You don't want to be putting more than 80% back in after a flight. Once you know how many mAH per minute you "burn" you can figure the safe flight time for each pack capacity.

b) Get a lipo alarm. The ones from Efliernz are AWESOME. And if you have a wierd heli, he will work with you to make one that will do the job. They are audible and visual. And they will keep you from harming a pack if you forget to set the timer, or take off with a partially charged pack.

c) If things seem strange LAND and check them out. Check the pack voltage, temp of pack, ESC and motor.

d) Don't set the ESC low voltage cut off. It can only lead to trouble. Use the above methods.

[shails]

Buy a on-board Cell Pro 4S Discharge Protection Module and to go with it a on- baord LED/Speaker Module

check this site

http://www.fmadirect.com/products.htm?cat=45&nid=4

Shail

[kgfly]

Yup same from me:

1) Kitchen timer (or whatever but it must be a count down timer) clipped/velcroed to the Tx

2) Lipo alarm (the one from Efliernz is great) set to 3.4V/cell (eg 3S => 10.2V)

3) Monitor your recharge amounts to ensure no more than 80% discharge and adjust your timer to suit. Most eHelis will safely to 5min. Some lots more. A Trex450 is typically safe at 5min 3D, 7min hovering or 8min FF.

[Skiddz]

Pete's alarms are great. Piece of cake to install & adjust too... Great backup for when you forget to set your Tx's timer.