X9303 2.4 Can you use a lipo for power?

[sbmon]

Can you use a 3s battery to power the x9303 2.4 radio safely?
Thank you
shawn

[solidsnake]

Dualsky 2500 Li-Poly TX Battery with Built in Cell Balancer TRX2500

Search for this Batt on (rcaccessory.com), I've been using it for yr now no problems 12.6V X9303 can handle it.

Shawn G.

[Whirly-Girl]

I used a 3s battery for a couple of years in my XP9303, however, since I have received my new X9303, I only use the stock Ni-MH battery.

Danny at JR recommends not using it here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6435805/anchors_6435805/mpage_1/key_X9303%252Clithium%252Cbattery/anchor/tm.htm#6435805

And the manual states it on page G-26 -

"5. Q: Can I use a 3-cell Li-Po pack in my transmitter"

"A: No. All current JR and Spektrum transmitters are designed to operate using a 9.6-volt transmitter pack. A fully charged 3-cell Li-Po pack puts out 12.6 volts. This higher voltage can overload the power-regulating transistor causing damage and or failure, possibly in flight. Many of our customers have experienced failures using 3-cell Li-Po packs and their use in JR and Spektrum transmitters is highly advised against. The X9303 2.4 system will operate for over 15 hours using a 2700mAh Ni-MH battery."

[Pinecone]

I don't see why you would want to anyway.

I have a 2500 or 2700 mAH NiMH pack. I can safely charge it in the Tx, I can safely use the standard charge jack. I survives if I leave the Tx on and run the pack dead (and without potentially burning up my Tx.

[sbmon]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

The reason I would like to use the lipo is that I really dislike many of the characteristics of of nicd/mh cells just like most people, and I really dislike having to lug out another charger just to charge my tx (everything else I have is lipo powered). I understand that JR takes the no lipo stance but isn't the transmitting module in the x9303 very similar to that of the DX7? The reason I ask is because I know alot of people are using straight 3s to power those with no issues. Didn't spectrum/jr state to not use 3s in the DX7 also? If you truly can't safely use 3s to power the x9303 I think this is a serious design oversight.
shawn

[Whirly-Girl]

I just stated the responses that I found above because I too would also like to have my TX on lithium for the same reason. Everything I own runs on lithium...no worries about memory or cycling. Just charge and fly. If I was to top off my batteries during a long fun fly weekend, I just do it in between flights. That keeps everything full and ready to go.

I was just glad I did my research before assuming I could slap my li-ion in there and fly.

[Pinecone]

I just use the stock trickle charger and charge over night. With the 2500/2700 I can prety mcuh fly all weekend.

Modern NiMH cells don't have the memory problems. As for cycling, I leave the Tx on often enough that it serves as my "cycling."

Just too many downsides to me.

[Whirly-Girl]

Could you share where you found information on how "modern" Ni-MH batteries do not get a memory? Most of my battery knowledge comes from a reputable site called rcbatteryclinic.com.

According to that site, "The Ni-MH that are available to us today from Sanyo/Panasonic may be treated essentially the same as Ni-Cds –EXCEPT FOR PEAK CHARGING."

--It sounds like that these Ni-MH therefore also have memory issues.

[Whirly-Girl]

http://www.buchmann.ca/Article10-Page1.asp

"When Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) was first introduced there was much publicity about its memory-free status. Today, it is known that this chemistry also suffers from memory but to a lesser extent than the NiCd. The positive nickel plate, a metal that is shared by both chemistries, is responsible for the crystalline formation."

[Pinecone]

Actually newer NiCds don't have the memory problmes of earlier ones.

And there are some sources that claim that there is no memory effect at all.

But, to me, an occasional cycling versus having my Tx catch fire is an easy choice. :)

[sbmon]

Well I spoke with someone in tech support at Horizon today and they maintained that it is not good/safe to fly a 3s in the x9303. I then asked what about 3s and the DX7, the tech replied same answer. I explained I know for a fact alot of folks are running the DX7 on 3s with no issues and he simply stated they shouldn't. So this leaves us where? Who wants to be first?

[Whirly-Girl]

Go ahead and be the guinea pig along with others, but I know for a fact that people are having failures using 3 cell batteries. :thumbup: Let us know in about 6-12 months if you have any failures. I personally am going to stick to what the techie says.


Pinecone: Do you have a cell phone? Do you charge it in a battery bunker? That's how safe it was for me to charge my 3s IN my XP9303 transmitter. I used the Duralite 3+1 charger.

[Pinecone]

a) Just because people do it, doesn't mean it is good for the equipment.

b) Nope, but if my cell phone goes, it is $50, if a X9303 goes it is a few more dollars. And if you get the extended warranty on the cell phone, it costs nothing if it burns up.

Also cell phones charge at much lower C rates.

And don't forget the laptops that burned up.

[Rodney]

3s2p 2000mah IONs work very well and plug and play. No issues in the dx7 or 9303 or 2.4 9303