Can Axe CP NiMH version run LiPo's?

[JEB123]

Does anyone know if the NiMH version of the Axe CP can run on a LiPo without any modification or will the higher current damage the electronics?

[markind]

Yes it works - I am using Thunder Power 1320mAH, 3S, 11.2V packs. The packs get warm so use a timer and keep it to 5 min or so to avoid over-discharge. You'll love the performance boost!

[JEB123]

So you could get 2 or more flights per charge if you had battery alarm? What charger do you recommend for these packs?

[Edwinssiv]

You have to be careful not to over discharge the lipo batteries...you will ruin them. So one flight per charge...on my Axe with the brushless motor, 35 Amp ESC I can get 8 minutes of flight with no problems. I run the Flight Power EVO light 1345's on it.
I have Hobbico Quick field charger with the Great Planes Equinox balancer. It has worked very well for me.

[JEB123]

Thanks for your replies. I know about the discharge cautions, but if you have a low battery alarm like I am installing in my new scale Hughes 500 which goes off when a 3S LiPo drops below 9.85 volts you could conceivably get a couple of shorter flights. Don't LiPo's hold their charge when sitting for a while? I mean maybe 10-15 minutes, not days! I'll be running larger batteries since the copter will be a TRex under a pretty good load with this FG fuse and you need a break after 8-10 minutes of flying, so better to split the flights up, no?

[JEB123]

I just put a LiPo in my Axe CP and what a difference in performance! Now it rocks!:Bang I did the first flight outside in a 5-10 MPH wind, I just flipped on idle up and no probs! Handles way better. Went with a Triton Jr. charger and an Apogee 11.1V 1000 mAH. Drops right in, is much lighter and way more powerful than the crummy NiMH. Noticed the motor does get much warmer though, should I do the mod of cutting the slots in the heatsink? You guys were right again!:noteworthy. Next I'm looking at the Bell-Hiller mod to stabilize it a bit. Anybody try this one yet?

[Edwinssiv]

I have the bell-hiller upgrade...control is awesome with it! You move the stick...the heli moves. Lots easier to fly with it in my opinion

[atomicplatypus]

Using LiPo's on your AXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsrSYQqvxRA

[JEB123]

Thanks atomic, I'm running the LiPo and the difference is day and night. Thank you too Edwinssiv, I'm definitely going to upgrade. The Axe CP feels like it has a lot of exponential around center stick which makes it harder to fly if your're not just hovering tail in. I'm going to wait though, I just crashed (again, aughh!). I can hover all four points, but can't seem to stay oriented hovering while the tail is yawing around. I'm practicing this a lot with the sim now, it has really helped. I wouldn't want to damage the CNC parts. Nerves suck!

[atomicplatypus]

The LiPo really improved my AXE but you're right, they're hard to fly! If you can learn to hover it than you can hover anything! Personally I found moving up to a 450 sized TREX with a gyro makes learning a whole lot easier. I really enjoyed my AXE but moving up to the TREX was awesome. I have a video about that too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwZQfGM8N0E

[JEB123]

I thoroughly enjoyed that video! I'm looking forward to getting my TRex to drop into my Hughes 500 fuse. Do you think there's really a great difference in the TRex having the CNC head compared to the plastic one? The price difference is a lot and I don't have to worry about temp. It's very cold here in Miami now and it's about 60°F:YeaBaby:!!!
Jorge

[atomicplatypus]

I haven’t used the plastic TREX head so I can’t say 100% but I believe the CNC head to be worth the extra money. Comparing my experience with repairing plastic parts on my AXE vs. CNC parts is like night and day! Working with the TREX CNC head is so much easier, precise and enjoyable. I’ll never go back to plastic. :)

[JEB123]

That's what I always thought, I better keep saving money!
Thanks for all the info.