Batteries and Chargers

[satan]

OK I'm new to all this. I'm confused by batteries and chargers.

Basically, if I get a Spectrum DX7, and I get a standard charger such as this:

http://www.alshobbies.com/shop/looku...&pc=6435&Desc=

That's fine for the transmitter as far as I can see.

However, what's the deal with receiver batteries? It says that charger will charge TX and RX batteries, but what receiver battery should I get? Do all batteries connect to this type of charger, and to the receiver itself? Is it a standard connection? Or do I have to make sure of this when I buy one?

So can I just use a battery like this:

http://www.alshobbies.com/shop/looku...?pc=6038&Desc=

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm new to this.

Thanks in advance.

[robgt]

The receiver pack looks ok - it depends on the capacity of the cells.
I use 3600 mAh Sanyo NiMh cells myself (on my Sceadu Evo 50) as they are among the best out there (along with GP, possibly others).

I'm not sure what the charger specs are, but I would hazard a guess at it being a plug-in-the-wall trickle charger?

The small connector on the end of that pack is a standard receiver plug connector and is what you would use to charge it through too.

If you plan on doing any charging away from your house - i.e. at the flying field - then you would need to get a 12 volt charger unit (runs off a 12 volt car battery and not mains in the house) such as the Pro Peak Prodigy - a great all rounder. Not the only one out there, but it has a good name for itself.

Cheers,
Rob

[satan]

Thanks a lot for the help. So the battery can connect to the DX7 receiver I guess. Well it's eventually going in a Raptor 30 when I get one, just buying all my electronics now, so I thought maybe a 3600 would be too heavy.

And yes that's a trickle charger.

Thanks again.

[ChrisB]

The battery will be fine,Sanyo cells are really good,i use similar 4.8v packs on my heli and they are trouble free

I have a DX7 and 3 receivers for it,all run on this battery

Just to add,thats a good price for a 3600mah battery

[David Drew]

With the wall charger, any difference between charging Nicd or Nimh?

David

[satan]

Not sure. But if I buy a Prodigy 2 charger and a JR charge lead, I can charge the TX with that right? I'll probably do that instead.

[Smoothound]

Be careful.

I'm not sure of the internal workings of the DX7 but on my PCM9X you can only charge through the charge socket at a low rate on my PCM9X2 you can charge as hard as you like within reason of course. Check the manual!!!

[ChrisB]

I only trickle charge my DX7 overnight

Good for 5 hours transmitting on a full charge so plenty for a mornings flying

[satan]

I only trickle charge my DX7 overnight

Good for 5 hours transmitting on a full charge so plenty for a mornings flying

Does the Prodigy 2 let me trickle charge as well as fast charge, or should I just buy the standard wall charger for the TX?

[Ade_Law]

i charge mine out of the tx, no worries then. second battery helps a lot too as you can charge and fly at the same time.

Ade

[Ceejay]

Does the Prodigy 2 let me trickle charge as well as fast charge, or should I just buy the standard wall charger for the TX?

Yeah, you can select whatever charge rate you want between 0.1A to 5A in 100mA increments. As robgt said it is a very good all rounder and will most likely cater for your every need, well almost.

[SRH990]

If the DX7 has basically the same circuit board apart from the RF section then there is probably a diode in the circuit to prevent damage if you connect a charger that is the wrong polarity, JR use the opposite polarity to Futaba! This diode prevents a charger from sensing the packs voltage so they usually tell you there isn't a battery . To use anything other than a basic wall charger that just charges at a constant (low) current you have to bypass the diode by soldering a link accross its terminals, this will enable you to use a more versatile charger like the Prodigy 2 but will obviously affect your warranty.

As Ade says, you can take the battery out to charge but with my PCM 9X it uses pressure contacts and I've fitted a larger capacity nimh pack, I've had real problems connecting to these contacts, crocodile clips have a habit of springing off as the ends are rounded. I've modified my PCM 9X and always use my Prodigy 2 to charge as it would refuse to charge if the polarity was reversed plus you can cycle the pack while its still in the tranny.

[G-DAVE]

Diode??

Hi guys
Shoot me down if I'm wrong but I can't see a diode on the DX7 so think it may not use one.
Don't know why they did that because the JR's have one.
I have fast charged my DX7 - was in a hurry only did it at 2 amps and it was fine - but I DON'T RECOMMEND IT AS A REGULAR PROCEEDURE (only if it's a cracking day and you haven't charged )

Dave

[SRH990]

The DX7 is to a US spec, I was lead to believe that the diodes were omitted for US market transmitters because it is common to cycle batteries whilst still in the transmitter, I guess that if the DX7 doesn't have a diode then this would be why.

I've looked at the DX7 and it would take a bit of time to get used to the different positions for the flight mode & throttle hold switches. I really like the idea of a 2.4ghz system but I really don't want to 'downgrade' from my PCM9X, still waiting on XPS's plug in module solution.