solving dx7 senility

[th3tick]

So, three times now I've accidentally left my DX7 on, draining the battery to zero, and destroying a day's good flying time recharging it.

Does anyone have a good way of adding a simple LED that indicates the power switch is on? I'm not too concerned about soldering, but I'm not that electronics-savvy, and wouldn't know what to add where.

Suggestions appreciated!

[Hughes500Bob]

See Finless Bobs' post about 3/4 way down the top sticky thread. Contact Ticidytoc about how he modded his DX-7. You can PM him from this page: http://www.helifreak.com/memberlist.php?mode=username&order=ASC&letter=t&start=667

I'm going to look into modding mine like that! Very cool!!

[Danal Estes]

Perhaps in a dark room this would make a difference. My problem is leaving the darn thing on at the FIELD between flights.

Try to develop the habit of looking at the SCREEN whenever your eye falls on the radio...

[Ticidytoc]

Just use a bright LED. You cant miss it outdoors. Only problem then if you do any night flying you will need some tape to cover it up because it will be too bright.

[Jermo]

I'd be concerned about power drain. But I guess that's because I use the stock NiMh pack.
Try to develop a postflight routine that includes resetting switches to preflight positions and verifying power off. Forcing yourself to do this will ensure the radio is off.

[Probedude]

I'd be concerned about power drain. But I guess that's because I use the stock NiMh pack.

There are a plethora of super bright LED's that take < 20mA of current. Miniscule compared to the agony of leaving your transmitter on all night.

Just thought of another solution - DIY power on timer.
After your transmitter has been on continuously for X mins (hours, whatever) it'll beep at you. Low current consumption when not beeping, and even with beeping it won't consume much.

(let me know if you're interested in this)

Dave

[th3tick]

I'm going to pursue the LED path. I've found that I just don't use the neckstrap, so that hole is just about perfect. Now for the time (and courage) to dive into my radio!

Thanks all!