Ordering my T-Rex 450SE, Question about cells

[Raydee]

Is a 3 cell pack the limit for the stock motor and ESC? Also I have read that most guys run a 2100mah lipo pack, about how much run time can I expect from a pack that size?

[ckoelliker]

It is the limit for that esc and motor. Thunder power has a fairly new 2200 mh pack that is real popular. As to how long it will fly? That depends on your flying style. If you are just learning to hover you will probably get at least 8 min+. If you are doing flat out 3-d cut that time to five min. The general rule is that you do not want to take out more than 80% of the battery's capacity. i.e. with a 2200 mah battery you do not want to put back more than 1760 mah when recharging. It also depends on which pinion you are using as well. With the align motor the two most popular selections are the 11 tooth and the 13 tooth. With the 11 tooth you will loose some headspeed but gain some flight time.

[Pinecone]

And for starting out, the DN Power packs are reasonably cheap and work well. Others have had good luck with the Hextroni packs form United Hobbies, and they are real inexpensive.

[StrangeRanger]

Don't go too cheap on the packs. They are one of your most important investments. A lot of people, myself included, have been suckered into buying "cheap" packs now and then and regret it later on. Why buy crap that will not perform as well or last as long just to end up replacing them later? You'll actually end up spending more money.

Just buy good packs to begin with from a reputable brand like Thunder Power or Evo etc and enjoy. You get what you pay for, ESPECIALLY when it comes to your batteries.
j

[steve28]

Im running TP and DN 2100's and 2150's packs , both are real good and deliver around 7 minutes of flight time sport flying , 3S 2100 packs seem to provide good power to wieght , going 4S ups the weight , I like to try and keep weight down

[Pinecone]

My take on teh "cheap" but not too cheap packs is why burn cycles on something like a TP Extreme when you are just starting out.

By running DN or Hextronic at first, your cost per flight is very low, even if they don't do as many cycles, and if you crash hard, you don't whack a $70+ pack, but a <$40 pack.

If you are flying harder, then by all means get the better packs.

[StrangeRanger]

There's arguments for buying either type of pack, "quality" or "cheap". It's really a mater of preference. You say tomato, I say tomatoE.

I'm simply speaking from personal experience. Where I kicked myself for buying 2 Apex packs instead of 1 good TP pack (no need for the extremes). And after having both Apex packs turn into puffy marsh mellows, and I'm far from a hard or 3D flier, I'm out the cost of 2 "cheap" packs PLUS the cost of replacing them w/ a good TP pack. Not much of a bargain if you ask me.

Plus, even when a new pilot is just starting out, they're hardly "burning cycles". A quality pack, taken care of, will last you 100's and 100's of cycles. You've spent $100's-$1,000's on your heli and radio gear, why not get the most out of it. Does another $30 for a quality pack really effect the over all budget that much?
j

[Raydee]

I too agree that running good Lipo packs from the start is the smart way to go. I am no beginner to Heli's and I have a feeling the T-rex on 3S just may not be enough for me. I may get a better motor and ESC and run 4s right from the start.

[StrangeRanger]

Originally Posted by Raydee

I too agree that running good Lipo packs from the start is the smart way to go. I am no beginner to Heli's and I have a feeling the T-rex on 3S just may not be enough for me. I may get a better motor and ESC and run 4s right from the start.

Are you better than Danny or Alan Jr or Jason K? Have you seen what those boys can do w/ a T-Rex and a lowly 3S pack?
j