lipo TX packs for DX3, DX7 radios

[skunkworx]

Anyone know if they make a 3S Lipo for the DX7 and/or DX3 radios? I have both, but the DX3 seems to die once it gets below 11-12V. I tried contacting Horizon, but to no avail, no returned e-mails and they never answer the phone (I'm probably calling too late! Hehe...)

I'd like to get a 4s with a regulator if possible to keep the voltage up, but I'm not sure if it's the Voltage problem or a current issue. They both use 8 cells, NiMH (DX7) or alkaline batteries (DX3). We tried putting some AA size 2400mAh NiMH's in the DX3, but the glitching got even worse and stopped working after a few minutes of run time.

What gives? Anyone else got the DX3 and experiencing problems?

[Jermo]

Someone does make a lipo for the DX7 but my question is why? I fly all day with teh stock battery and recharge it in about an hour if needed.. probably less than that since I charger at 1A

[miami6]

I have a friend who uses a thunder power 3s 2100 lipo in his futaba 9chps with out any problems he just added a deans connector and removes the battery cover to access the connector and charge it via the deans on his lipo charger


it should be the same on the DX7


this is the battery he uses

http://grandrc.com/inc/sdetail/17711


Thunder Power Pro Lite 3-Cell 2100 mAh Li-Po Pack (15C continuous, 20C Burst)
Price:
$69.95
http://j.b5z.net/i/u/2031093/i/TP2100-3Sprolitebig.jpg

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

That's really not needed. Cool idea but overkill.

[skunkworx]

Yeah, I just fitted one of my weak cells into the DX3 to see if it would work (Align 22C 2100mAh). Fits like a glove!!! It will fit in the DX7 as well, but like Jermo, I'm quite happy with the run times of the stock pack. (and I alreay have one!)

The DX3 runs on alkalines, but we go through about 40-50 batteries a week!!! Needless to say, this is getting out of control. I can get a 2200 LiPo pack from united hobbies for $32 each or a 1500 NiMH for $39. Hmmm....Doesn't sound like too much of an overkill to me!!! I think the best (cheapest/highest capacity) NiMH I could find would end up being $26. Seeing I'm already set up for the LiPo anyways, "Why not?" I just didn't want to kill my radio by overloading it.

[kgfly]

Lipo Tx packs have the advantage of staying charged on the shelf for weeks on end. They have the disadvantage that if you forget to turn off your Tx you will kill the battery.

The best ones I have found are from here: http://home.comcast.net/~truerc/ready_pack/ready_packs.htm
Scroll down until you find their 3S 2500 1C Tx pack. Only $30 and you can order with the right connector for your Tx. Great deal IMO.

[skunkworx]

Pretty good prices there! Thanks Kgfly, Jermo and everyone else who replied.

I don't know if you've heard of these packs yet, but they seem really promising;

http://www.airthunder.com/catalog01/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=46240b73fb41520945c6b5787a80f57b

They claim to be able to run down to 0V. I can't wait to try them. 30 day money back guarantee. I don't know of any company that does that with their packs! Might be the beginning of a new type of Lipos?!?!

So far, my Thunderpowers seem to beat the brakes off any other battery I've ever seen! But at $75-$80 apiece, they are starting to kill my piggy bank!

[kgfly]

Yep, those AirThunder look interesting. A bit bigger and heavier than what we might consider conventional lipos. There 100% discharge feature would make them a good choice for a Tx battery if they will fit. Not cheap though.

[yttutty]

I use lipo battery for my DX7. I love it. It's been 1 1/2 month now. Still I enjoy without charge the battery. Thumbs up~~

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

I use lipo battery for my DX7. I love it. It's been 1 1/2 month now. Still I enjoy without charge the battery. Thumbs up~~

I still feel that's overkill but I'm open minded too so can you show me a link to the battery you use so I can research it further?

[BarnOwl]

Check out this thread: http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=31504&highlight=lipo
I have been using that lipo for weeks now and it is still 80% loaded, it is really worth it!

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

Barnowl... I never thought I'd do it but I think I need to order one of these and try it out. Man to think I could so long without a charge and the voltage not dropping from sitting on a shelf... simply amazing!

*EDIT Damn! Out of stock. :(