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Thread: How to convert tx from AA to LiPo?

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Old 02-12-2011, 11:36 AM   #1
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Default How to convert tx from AA to LiPo?

Are there any write ups on how to convert my tx from the 8 AA batteries to A single small LiPo battery?

Any and all direction on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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Old 02-12-2011, 12:07 PM   #2
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A lot depends on how many AA's your TX needs.
While I usually run regular (alkaline) batteries, I have used "rechargables" but I am concerned that they are ~1.2VPC vs. 1.5VPC (BTW, VPC = Volts Per Cell), thus I start off a bit low for TX voltage, so even when fully charged you are on the low end for total voltage.
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Old 02-12-2011, 12:25 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie-III View Post
A lot depends on how many AA's your TX needs.
While I usually run regular (alkaline) batteries, I have used "rechargables" but I am concerned that they are ~1.2VPC vs. 1.5VPC (BTW, VPC = Volts Per Cell), thus I start off a bit low for TX voltage, so even when fully charged you are on the low end for total voltage.
i use rechargeables in my radios and the diffrence is almost non existant
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Old 02-12-2011, 01:03 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by 2500hdon37s View Post
i use rechargeables in my radios and the diffrence is almost non existant
Ummm....0.03VPC x 8 cells is signifigant.....at least when you are NOT on top of it.
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Old 02-12-2011, 01:06 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie-III View Post
Ummm....0.03VPC x 8 cells is signifigant.....at least when you are NOT on top of it.
it would only make a diffrence if you where racing or had a nitro, with crawling your almost never more than 15ft away from your rig so it makes no diffrence
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Old 02-12-2011, 01:31 PM   #6
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I have a DX3R with 4 Eneloops, no Problems at all

It depends on the transmitter.

If you want to change your AA to LiPo, have a look in ebay or ask your local dealer. There are a lot of special transmitter lipos on the market.

Yours,
Martin
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Old 02-12-2011, 01:58 PM   #7
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Yes AA Alkalines start out at 1.5V but the voltage drops off quickly as they are consumed.

NiMH starting at a lower voltage will actually maintain that voltage before it drops off.

I have been using a 3 cell lipo 2600mah in my 3PKS for about four to five years and never had any problems and the voltage is more stable too.

Recently I switched to a Spektrum DX3R and the 4 Alkaline AAs would last about 8 to 10 hours. I use NiMH AAs 2200mah and they seem to last about the same but the voltage is more stable, until it falls off and then it's replace or recharge ASAP. I keep 4 fresh Alkaline AAs in my radio bag just in case.
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Old 02-12-2011, 02:30 PM   #8
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This is where I did my 4pk. Not exactly what your looking for, but it gets you in the ballpark.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showt...po#post2807358
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Old 02-14-2011, 09:18 AM   #9
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What tx do you have?

a 3s lipo should work fine as a 8AA replacement, just get some sort of low voltage alarm or cut-off
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Old 02-14-2011, 10:22 AM   #10
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may want to check some of the losi lipos some of those have a cutt-off built in but if you add the voltage of those 8 aa youll get 11.1v
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Old 02-14-2011, 11:14 AM   #11
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I thought about a small 3 cell lipo for my 4pl,

Use a Bec to Regulate it down and have a ton of runtime
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Old 02-14-2011, 01:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepcj776 View Post
I thought about a small 3 cell lipo for my 4pl,

Use a Bec to Regulate it down and have a ton of runtime
Doesn't the 4PL use 4 AA batteries? A 3 cell is overkill for voltage (11.1 vs 6)

I would use a 2cell lipo and a voltage regulator to bring it down to 6V. You will still get all the run time from a 2S of equal capacity.
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Old 02-15-2011, 01:28 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AreCee View Post
Doesn't the 4PL use 4 AA batteries? A 3 cell is overkill for voltage (11.1 vs 6)

I would use a 2cell lipo and a voltage regulator to bring it down to 6V. You will still get all the run time from a 2S of equal capacity.
in the 4pl instruction manual it says: WARNING: Do not use LiPo It creates to much voltage. If not 4 "aa" use a 2 cell life or 5 cell rechageable. Use a LiPo if ya want though
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Old 02-15-2011, 07:30 PM   #14
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Hence the reason for useing a Bec, set the bec at 6 volts and never have to worry about the voltage, you could use a 6 cell lipo if you want will not make a difference
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Old 02-15-2011, 07:56 PM   #15
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For the 4pl, hobbico makes a 2 cell LiFe pack that fits perfectly in the bottom of the 4pl, and is the correct voltage when you change the battery setting in the 4pl. I have it....and it fits like a dream. No BEC is needed. I got it for $34 shipped.

http://www.gonitrohobbies.com/Hobbic...p/hcam6520.htm
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:48 PM   #16
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I have a FlySky GTB3 and it does have a setting on it to see what voltage is left in the battery. So I suppose I can just keep an eye on that and change batteries before it dies.

What is the voltage that you want to keep a LiPo above?
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:50 PM   #17
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How about a 1 cell lipo. With some circuitry that will bump it up to 5v's and have built in charge/discharge protection. Sound interesting?
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:58 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 0lllllll0 View Post
I have a FlySky GTB3 and it does have a setting on it to see what voltage is left in the battery. So I suppose I can just keep an eye on that and change batteries before it dies.

What is the voltage that you want to keep a LiPo above?

3.0 volts per cell. I myself don't like to see them go under 3.5v Most lipo cut-off start at 3.3v
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Old 02-16-2011, 01:49 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by Mr Glassman View Post
3.0 volts per cell. I myself don't like to see them go under 3.5v Most lipo cut-off start at 3.3v

Since the LiFe is designed for it as a battery upgrade. Its just plug and play. Don't really see any advantage to using a LiPo then regulating the voltage but have fun.
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:18 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Glassman View Post
3.0 volts per cell. I myself don't like to see them go under 3.5v Most lipo cut-off start at 3.3v
Thanks for the info pal!
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