Noob question DX6i battery level

[ShinySideUp]

When I first started this hobby some eight weeks ago the guage in my DX6i said that my internal batteries were well over 6v and after many heli flights, sims and plank flights my battery guage says 5.7 volts and is still above the 'limit' line on the display. Everthing still seems to work normally.

My question is: How does the slow drop in battery level affect performance and range? Does everything work until at, say, 5.4v, it doesn't and everything fails? If I do a range check and everything works what is the transmitter range compared to that of a full battery?

Cheers

Martin

[cjcj1949]

The transmitter works down to at least 4.8v. Most people use NiMhs. Voltage is only half the story as the transmitter needs current as well. As the batteries loose energy their ability to supply power reduces. Giving them a short rest restores their ability to provide power. This is a problem in itself as a battery can have a high voltage when turned on but it can reduce dramatically during a flight.

Different types of battery give different voltages throughout their useful life. The simplest advice I can give is to replace batteries that are not as good as new, or recharge them before use.

Some people advise checking your battery volts after a flight as well as before it. The performance of your batteries will depend on the type of battery as well, as some can generate enough power at lower volts than others.

Chris