Duralite Requirements

[malc1]

Hi
I am soon to be running a Vario heli setup using 6 digital(maybe 3 more when the mechanics are put into my Airwolf) servos plus Gyro and PCM reciever.
I obviously need to ensure that all is well in the power department and I am looking for suggestions as to what Duralte products I would need for the job.
Looking at the website its a bit confusing as there are quite a few products I think to consider.
At the end of the day I`m looking for I think a 3000mAH pack and a regulator and possibly a `voltage step down unit` for the tail servo.
What are my choices?

Malcolm

[DebianDog]

Most folks run the 4300Mah flat pack. I run the HD switch but have the 5.3 volt regulator built into it since I am not running any of those aircraft on 6 volts. If you are going to run 6V you will need a step down.

See packages:
http://www.duralitebatteries.com/packages_heli.html

[DavidH]

4300 mah battery, 5.3 or 5.6 volt regulator with Fail safe switch.
That should work nicely on a scale model.

David

[Bobs]

DebianDog, what's your voltage reading when you check it coming right off your receiver, for instance the throttle channel? I'm on my third 5.3v regulator in just the last month and they have all read 5.38 or higher, which according to Duralite is not acceptable. They now think it's my load checker giving incorrect readings but I have tested it against another brand (i4c products) and I get the identical readings. At this point I'm thinking of going to a 5.1v regulator instead just to be on the safe side. Their service has been excellent but the whole experience is getting frustrating.

[DavidH]

I have no problem with getting a reading of 5.4. It is not going to hurt any of the electronics.
I just read the voltage on the GY 601 screen. I also get different readings when using voltmeters. But they are within an acceptable range to me.

David

[Bobs]

I also thought a 5.38v reading was acceptable but Duralite says differently. They say a 5.3v regulator should not read above 5.31 or 5.32. I could understand one regulator being faulty, maybe even two, but three in a row is just ridiculous. When I take my reading off the receiver I've been doing it without putting a load on it, which is what the voltage is coming off the receiver. However, when placing a 1 amp load on it I then get a reading of 5.14. Now I don't know if that's normal but I would think it's acceptable. This Duralite battery and regulator are installed on a new Bergen gasser and this discrepancy is making me a little nervous, not to mention frustrated. I wish other readers here would relate what their load checker readings are coming off the receiver. At this point it seems my only alternative is to just switch to a 5.1v regulator, which I really don't want to do because I understand they run hot.

[DavidH]

I have used the 5.1 volt, 5.3 volt, 6 volt regulator from Duralite. None of them have ran hot. Yes they get warm, but if they didn't I would be worried. The heat is coming from the stepping down of the voltage, that is why there is heat sinks on the regulator. Now if no airflow gets to the regulator, yes it is going to get too hot. I just double side tape my regulators out in the open under the canopy to the frames.
From my experience the electronics will handle regulated 6 volts just fine. I have been using the 5.3 volt regulators for over a year. The model has all digital servos, so it is pulling moderate current when in flight. Have not had any problems.
Also have used a 6 volt regulator for a couple of months. Didn't have any problems using it. I used the 5.1 volt regulators for couple of years before I switched to the 5.3 volt.

David

[WayneBrown]

I've been running the 5.3V regulators for 2 years, zero issues.
4400mAh flat packs, failsafe switch is bulletproof.

[DebianDog]

1 1/2 years for me. No issues

I had one pack go bad because I left it in a battery charge that was hooked on my trailer and the trailer utilities drained it dry. They replaced for free anyway!

[Bobs]

My system is also operating just fine using a 4300 LiIon battery and 5.3v regulator: however, the issue still remains that DURALITE says my readings of 5.38 are too high. I'm still waiting for someone to post their voltage readings coming off the receiver. I just want to know if they're as high as mine are. And once again, as I mentioned above, their customer service has been excellent. They are as frustrated as I am.

[DebianDog]

I have a cheapy voltmeter I will hook up when I get home if no once else will

[Bobs]

Thanks, Dan.

[Bobs]

DavidH, did you mean your 5.3v regulator reads 5.4 coming directly off the receiver?

[DavidH]

Bob,
I checked the voltage directly in a reciever port. Port number 7. The Futaba receivers have a buss bar that supplies the power to each channel. So it is the same in every slot.
Using 3 different meters. Duralite meter with no load 5.36 volts
Cheap voltmeter with no load 5.37 volts
Fluke volt meter no load 5.35 volts.

Been using these regulators for over a year.

David

[Bobs]

Thanks, David. That's the information I wanted to hear. I talked to Jack this morning from Duralite and they're still concerned that I'm getting different readings with my load checker than they were getting at the factory with their equipment. The last regulator they sent me had a reading from the factory of 5.31 and after I installed it I get a 5.38 reading. It doesn't matter to me but they're adamant that it shouldn't be different. Thanks again. My worries/concerns are put to rest.

[BarracudaHockey]

Open up that load tester, mine had a straight slot screw holding the grounds down that came loose it started by acting goofy like that then degradded till I tore it apart to find out what was up, a simple loose screw.