Charging a 14MZ using the charge jack???

[MichaelT1960]

I don't like having to remove the battery from my 14mz to charge it. Futaba could have at least supplied us with the proper charger!

Does anyone know of how the jack works with this radio? If we can get the matching plug....can we use a Li-Po charger instead of spending more money on the Futaba CR-2500?

I have a high quality Orbit Charger and do not need another charger.

All I need is the special adapter plug and the wiring info!

Michael

[DavidH]

What is the problem with the charger that comes with the 14MZ?

Even if charging with another Li-Ion charger. I would suggest to not charge the battery while it is still in the radio. Seen a couple of batteries explode over the years while being charged in the back of 9Z's. Really fubar'd the electronics. They were being charged with aftermarket field chargers.

You can call Hobby Services and they should be able to answer your questions.
Or go to the Futaba Flyers Club forum at
http://www.14mz.com/index.html
The service techs I believe monitor that forum and can answer questions.

David

[MichaelT1960]

David,

There is nothing wrong with the Futaba Charger that comes with the 14mz. I just don't like having to remove the battery - we should not have to do this.

My Orbit Charger is a professional grade charger at $275 and as long as you charge the battery at the recommended current there should not be a problem. I have had it for years now and have charged many batteries without any issues. I even use it to charge my 9Z battery which is just a 1000mah Ni-cad.

My 14mz was manufactured in late Dec 05 and has the update...but not the very latest that was posted to correct a copying lockup?? I need to wait for a reader before I can update mine. Hopefully tomorrow I can do that.

I just sent out the paper for the 14mz club and will have to wait to be able to log onto it. I hope it doesn't take too long to get the info!

Michael

[DavidH]

You might try sending an email. You will need to send your serial number off your 14MZ. Then they will allow you access to the Futaba Flyers Club.


Send an email directly to the support folks at hobbyservices@hobbico.com. Registration is supposed to be via the Flyers Club form that came bundled with the radio

The above was posted in another 14MZ thread on Helifreak.

David

[Phaedrus]

David,

There is nothing wrong with the Futaba Charger that comes with the 14mz. I just don't like having to remove the battery - we should not have to do this.


My Canon DSLR cameras ALL require me to remove the batteries to charge them. The Sony camcorders that use the same battery as the 14 also require them to be removed to charge. In fact, it is more or less the standard for these packs.

Frankly, I don't see what the big deal is. I have the CR-2500 charger. The tiny plug is a PITA. It is far easier to pop the pack and slip it in the charger.

[ClayK]

My Canon also requires the battery to be removed to charge. I didn't really notice the similarity between the D50 and the 14MZ until now. Both have charging jacks on the component, but both are shipped with a seperate charger that requires removal of the cell.

Since being exposed to Lithium based power cells, I have discovered a respect for "exploding" batteries. I understand that this happens when they are improperly charged. I also understand that it can happen because of a short or some other physical malfunction with the pack itself. I'd rather have the PITA of pulling the battery vs. it exploding in my $700 camera or my $2000 TX. Just me though. :roll:

[Dr.3D]

Hi Michael,
i have just bought this special lead from Robbe (art. 8448).It's works very well.

You can find it here: http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.storefront/43f4fe7e001b1f87271c3e0dc1460677/Product/View/1&2D8448


Andrea

[MichaelT1960]

Andrea,

Thanks for the info. I will do a search for that part here in the USA.

That part is exactly what I need!

Michael

[Phaedrus]

Not sure it exists here in the US. If you find it be sure to post it!! I bought the CR-2500 charger. I came with a cable that plugs into the TX back. But it has the same type of plug on both ends.

I cut the cable at midpoint and put regular plugs in it. This way I can still use it to charge the TX (keeping it plugged together), charge the TX with my Sirius charger or charge my RX (lithiums as well) with the CR-2500. Total flexibility.

Not sure if Tower sells it alone, but what you want is the TX charge cable that comes with the CR-2500 charger.

[Trooper Sam]

Hol-eeee CRAP! That cable from Robbe costs FIFTY EUROS to ship to the US!