Low power consumtion(?)

[hoffa]

Hi all

Most posts about batteries seems to discuss the limited flight time of standard lipos, I'd like some opinions on the exact opposite.

Here's my setup: Z20 980kv, 14 pinion, CNC Heli head and stock ESC, everything else is stock plastic.
I have two pairs of 3sp1 lipos, two Zippy-H 3200mah and one pair Zippy-K 4300mah. Charger is Bantam BC6 and I charge the batteries in pairs.

I still fly in normal mode doing basic forward flight, turns and slow hovering. My startup procedure is to spool up the heli, check everything and then start an 8 minutes timer.
What suprizes me is that after using my battery kit for over a year, and with the 8 minutes/set timer, I have rarely put back more than 2000mah in any of the battery packs and none of the packs show any signs of degradation. My problem batterywize is more that my receiver battery runs out before my main packs does.

I know I probably fly like a chicken compared to most other pilots but is my charger giving me false sene of security? Could it really be that I have another two minutes flight time to spare?

Regards
Fredrik

[mjdee14]

If your only replacing 2000 mah....and you have a full charge....12.6v then yes you do have more time....

as far as the rvcr battery.....if your using the stock 1000 mah lipo....get another one.....I purchased a 1320 thunder power from Hobby looby...and i often change out my rcvr pack during a flying session.

Your other option is to get a BEC and use the main lipos to power the rcvr.

Ther was another thread that showed a nice lipo checker from commom sence rc for only $12.95 that check battery voltage in each cell....you might also look at getting that to check voltage at the field.

but i would say after 24 minutes of flying your rcvr lipo would have had it....but for what your doing...it sounds normal.

Up your timer to 9 min on one pck and see what that does....

[Drew816]

Get a BEC and get a Lipo Alarm of some kind and keep flying and having fun! If you're getting 'tired' at 8 minutes but still have juice left bring the bird back in, sit and shut her down; stop, take a drink, relax, use your Cell Spy or the like confirming what you have left and get back airborne.

I find I'm getting worn out after about 8 minutes of what for me is 'aggressive' flying (for most others it would be considered entry level sport flying) so I'm thinking of setting my timer to 6 minutes and doing as I mentioned above, bring her back in, cool off for a few and then maybe use the last few minutes of power to do hovering or close in all axis approach spot landing practice or the like.

I too get some pretty good run times, 9+ minutes on my bigger batteries so I know what you're talking about for sure and I am running a BEC and a Lipo Alarm and my Cell Spy is on the way...

Good luck and Happy Flying!

[JaggedEdge]

My first real flights with the 550 today, lazy 8's and circuits, no collective pumps etc. and I put just 40% back into KP 6s 3200 after 4 minutes. Z20a 980kv, 15t pinion.

Those 4300's if taken care of should get you more than 8 minutes.
Just be careful since the draw goes way up when you start to get active on the sticks. As you improve be sure to knock back those flight times to 8 minutes or less and make sure of how much you are putting back in.

[vicrc]

I am using a Medusa BEC, will never go back to charging RX packs. It has been flawless.

[worldofmaya]

I'm using the internal BEC of my Jazz with a puffer battery (600mAh / 4-cell MiMH). If you're happy with your setup, don't change it!
-Klaus