Which Regulator??

[Fox222]

I am tired of using NiMh’s on my Stratus, 4 flights and there done. I want to use a 2S2P 4200 lipo which weighs the same as my 2700 NiMh. I just can’t decide which regulator to use. I am looking for a 5.3 to 5.5 volt that will not fail. What are you guys using? And just as important, what should I not use. I am looking at using either a Fromeco, Duralite, MPI………

[kgfly]

I think you will find this set of tests very useful: http://www.archeli.com.au/cobra/showthread.php?p=1039379

See post #6 for the regulator test results and #26/#27 for some conclusions.

Short story: Dualsky VR5L or VR8L

[DavidH]

Been using the Duralite products for several years. I have not had any problems with them. I use the 5.3 volt regulator with safety switch on one model. And I use the Gemini system on another model. The 2900 mah Li-ion or Li-Po packs will give you plenty of flights. The Li-Ion and Li-Po packs are a lot more efficient than the 2700 nimh pack than you have been using.
Your lucky you did not lose a model using that 2700 nimh pack. The cells used in that pack are not known for handling high current draw very well. I would only do 2 flights between charges when I used the 2700nimh. Had it go into battery failsafe a couple of times, if I forgot to charge at a couple of flights.

David

[Funky]

I have been through a few regulators trying to find the right one for my Stratus. I am using a JR9303 with a Spectrum Module and 9000 RX. I have been getting strange interactions with any switching regulators I have tried. I bought the new CC BEC first, but it drops voltage so far that it causes my RX to reset. I picked up a Hercules 5 amp BEC next. It doesn't reset the RX but I get very strange interactions. Just like the ones you see in Bob's video about the Spectrum module for the 14MZ. I also tried an off brand switching 3.5 amp BEC I picked up at a show. This also caused the same strange interactions. All switching BECs were tried with 3S 2100s, 3S 2500s and 4S 2100s.

I really didn't like the strange interactions I was seeing. They only showed up when I started pumping the head or loading the servos. While running a 4 or 5 cell 3600 Nimh pack I didn't see the same interaction or resetting problems. I switched to linear regulators and I am having good luck so far. I tried the MPI 6 volt and 5.4 volt BECs first. Both of them worked flawlessly. No interactions, no low voltage resets and by looking at the voltage monitor, they weren't dropping much voltage, even under a heavy load. Finally I picked up Aligns updated 2 in 1. I am waiting on my lipo in the mail before I begin trying it out. So far I have to say I like the MPIs the best. Very small and cheap with great performance. I like the idea of the remote glow ignitor on the Align though.

[Fox222]

Well thanks for all the good input. I have read everything possible on the Duralite, MPI, Fromeco and Smart Fly regulators. I have to say the smart Fly is looking better right now because of a few features, adjustable output, dual receiver leads (you wouldn’t believe how much loss a J-plug has at 5 amps), light weight, fail safe switch and it’s a linear regulator so I don’t have to worry about where I mount it. Besides, the turbine guys swear by them. If my buddy says he will use their stuff in his Supper Bandit ($20K+) it must have a good reputation.
But I have not hit the “BUY” button yet. Decisions, deisions!

[Funky]

Smart Fly?? maybe I need to try one more....

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=31516&stc=1&d=1195919855

[rbort]

I sell a 5.4v to 5.5v regulator with my generator system that is 100% reliable and can take any input voltage up to 35v and support 3 amps continuous output and peak to 5 amps for 5 minutes time. I put a watt meter in my Spectra-G and flew it hard 3D and it logged 2.45amps peak during the flight. This is with digital servos, a 611 gyro, gv-1 governor. The generator output voltage in this range (5.4-5.5v) is the perfect world in my opinion to fast servos and no issues with the gyro due to too much voltage. Its like flying with a FULL 4 cell NiCD or NiMH all the time as that is what they peak at right off the charger.

I sell those regulators seperately from the generator system for people who want them to use with lipo batteries and they go for $42 shipped to you.

If interested PM or email me at rbort@juno.com and I'll get you hooked up.

-=>Raja.