Ok nervous about going A123

[Taxus812]

I am in the process of building a TT X50. I have all 6.0 v servos including gyro/rudder and I'm using a Gy701. I figure this is a perfect time to go A123. I just need help making the final decision.

One of my fears is the flat voltage then drop to nothing. On my other heli I use a 7.2v lithium ion and a reg. I can monitor the voltage via telemetry and set a warning giving me plenty of time to land. I can also check between flights. Is there any warning that the battery is done besides a hole in the ground ? Will telemetry warnings still work accurately ?

Do you swap out packs at the field (how many packs do you bring). I fly 3 to 5 flights on a good day.

What capacity is commonly run (I draw down 200 - 500 Ma per flight) . I was thinking of buying two 2100 Mah packs and swapping out after three flights.


Preferred brand ? (kinda liked the Voltz packs )

[Taxus812]

One more thing. Do they require a special charger. I have a Triton EQ.

[gww528]

Everything that makes the Triton2 great is on the Triton2 EQ -- and then some! In addition to 10 battery memories and the ability to monitor heat-sensitive batteries with the optional Thermal Probe (GPMM3151), the Triton2 EQ features a built-in LiPo balancer, the convenience of a built-in AC power supply, compatibility with the latest battery technologies such as LiFe (A123) cells, an adjustable-angle LCD and an increased charge current of up to 8 amps!

Features


For LiPo, Li-Ion, LiFe (A123) NiCd, NiMH, and Pb batteries
Includes built-in balancer for up to 6S packs
Fast charge up to 8 amps
Built-in balancing for 1-6S LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe (A123) cells (ElectriFly and FlightPower adapters included)
0.1-8.0A adjustable charge current
Precision peak detection with adjustable sensitivity for NiCd and NiMH batts
Constant current / constant voltage charge method for Pb and lithiums
Temperature sensing capabilities (GPMM3151 Thermal Probe available separately)
Top-off charge feature fully charges NiMHs without overheating
0.1-3.0A adjustable discharge current
Adjustable discharge cutoff voltages for NiCd/MH, preset voltages for Pb and lithiums
Perform 1 to 10 cycles (NiCd/MH only), and recall all data
Configure up to 10 batteries in memory for instant, easy recall and charger set-up
Banana plugs on DC input, and includes mating alligator clips
Displays input and output volts, peak volts, average discharge volts, charge and discharge capacity, currents and time, data for 10 cycles, errors, and individual lithium cell voltages
Audible sound cues aid in programming and notification of function changes.
Warning messages for improper input voltage, poor connections, unsuitable battery condition, reverse polarity on output
Safety features include cool-off time delay, maximum NiMH charge input, fast charge safety timer, current overload and reverse polarity protection

[kcordell]

The ONLY way to monitor your LiFe batteries is to have them fully charged, time your flights, recharge and see how many mAh's you put back into the packs. After doing this 2-3 times, you will have a feel for how long you can fly.