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  • DX6i Power Consumption!

    After all the interest in potentially using 2S Lipo's as a power source for the DX6i and because I had converted mine a while ago, I did a little experiment yesterday to find out how much current capacity is actually needed for a days flying. This continues from the thread started by Mojo & Sacko.

    http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/f45/dx...battery-20297/
    http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/f66/volts-and-mah-21290/

    My Tx has a converted (3S to 2S) old century hummingbird battery, it was initially rated at 1200mAh, but I doubt it is anywhere near that now. However, it fits nicely into the Tx battery compartment and I don't recall charging it very often, but was curious how much current the DX6i requires.

    I fully charged my Lipo and left the Tx powered up for 7 hours SOLID, basically it powered up and transmitting all day. I recharged the Lipo and it took 915mA.

    The conclusion is that even the smallest Lipo will power the DX6i for long enough for a flying session, after all no-one has their Tx powered up all day. I doubt anyone could afford that amount of fuel, or do they?

    Thought this might be useful!
    Last edited by Pipistrelli; 18-04-2009, 11:44 AM.
    regards

    Pip

    Hey, where d'you learn to fly? I saw you shoot your rocket
    up.............. into the sky.

    Hey, I heard you set the pace, I never thought I'd see you back................ in this old place!

    - Roisin Murphy, Tell Everybody.

  • #2
    Nice post! Thanks for that. I may look to do the conversion on mine. I have a couple CX2 2S batteries that may do the trick, although I'm not sure their mah rating is high enough.
    Martin

    Most of the Aligns, fair few Spektrum bits, bunch of Align & HiTec servos, OBE, VD & Bar.

    Comment


    • #3
      Martin,

      I think the CX2 batteries might be too long. Check the photo's out on the links above.
      regards

      Pip

      Hey, where d'you learn to fly? I saw you shoot your rocket
      up.............. into the sky.

      Hey, I heard you set the pace, I never thought I'd see you back................ in this old place!

      - Roisin Murphy, Tell Everybody.

      Comment


      • #4
        You're dead right Pip, they are too long. Oh well, just a thought...

        Martin

        Most of the Aligns, fair few Spektrum bits, bunch of Align & HiTec servos, OBE, VD & Bar.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Mart61 View Post
          You're dead right Pip, they are too long. Oh well, just a thought...
          These do the trick

          http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=140285945572

          x 3

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks Paul. May just get some of those.
            Martin

            Most of the Aligns, fair few Spektrum bits, bunch of Align & HiTec servos, OBE, VD & Bar.

            Comment


            • #7
              Brilliant post, Pi, thanks a lot. Would you have a link to where I could buy the BEC socket & leads?

              Thanks again.
              Brian


              More enthusiasm than skill

              And proud recipient of 3x sigpic

              Comment


              • #8
                Brian,

                I usually buy these by the bucketload, but gave away my last 2 to Sacko & Mojo. I buy from www.modelpower.co.uk, quality leads, very reasonable too, or just try your local model shop!
                regards

                Pip

                Hey, where d'you learn to fly? I saw you shoot your rocket
                up.............. into the sky.

                Hey, I heard you set the pace, I never thought I'd see you back................ in this old place!

                - Roisin Murphy, Tell Everybody.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thanks, Pip. I'll give them a try. I don't have a LMS, I live in the middle of nowhere.



                  I've ordered a couple. I'll post on here when I've done the mod. May take a while, as my Tx goes back toHH on Monday.
                  Last edited by Brian Gifford; 18-04-2009, 03:38 PM. Reason: Follow-up
                  Brian


                  More enthusiasm than skill

                  And proud recipient of 3x sigpic

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I just did a back to back test with my FF9 Super (CAP9), fitted with a 3S Thunder Power, 2100mAh Lipo.

                    The Tx was powered up for 6 hours and took the battery from fully charged at 12.6v to fully flat at 9v. The charger refilled the battery with 2063mA.

                    Just shows how efficient the DX6i is in comparison to a mainstream Tx with a large capacity battery, the FF9 comes with a 700mAh nicad pack as standard!!
                    regards

                    Pip

                    Hey, where d'you learn to fly? I saw you shoot your rocket
                    up.............. into the sky.

                    Hey, I heard you set the pace, I never thought I'd see you back................ in this old place!

                    - Roisin Murphy, Tell Everybody.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      How do you intend to regulate the power from 8.4v (fully charged 2s) down to the standard 6 volts (4xAA@1.5) the DX6i was designed for?

                      How have you resolved the on board voltage warning of 4.8v or 2.4v per cell, as this would cause serious damage to any 2s li-po?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Pipistrelli View Post
                        I fully charged my Lipo and left the Tx powered up for 7 hours SOLID, basically it powered up and transmitting all day. I recharged the Lipo and it took 915mA.
                        So with my tiny little £4 Rhino 2S 360mah lipo I should get around 2 hours per charge.

                        Thanks for the info No more AAs hehe.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          dx6i batt con.

                          Originally posted by rceccleston View Post
                          How do you intend to regulate the power from 8.4v (fully charged 2s) down to the standard 6 volts (4xAA@1.5) the DX6i was designed for?

                          How have you resolved the on board voltage warning of 4.8v or 2.4v per cell, as this would cause serious damage to any 2s li-po?
                          will you let me know if some one pm,s you with this info you listed cheers, as i have the same question.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by rceccleston View Post
                            How do you intend to regulate the power from 8.4v (fully charged 2s) down to the standard 6 volts (4xAA@1.5) the DX6i was designed for?

                            How have you resolved the on board voltage warning of 4.8v or 2.4v per cell, as this would cause serious damage to any 2s li-po?
                            I don't think you're limited to 6v - check the Voltage screen, it goes lots higher!

                            For a warning: Either check the screen once in awhile or buy a Lipo monitor, something like the HRPOLYX would work.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Personally, I think this mod is a good replacement for Ni-Cad or NiMH batteries in transmitters like the DX7, as li-po replacements run within the manufactures specification.

                              However, since the DX6i has a very long run time on AA batteries, I personally would recommend running rechargeable 2500Mah NiHM batteries.

                              Considering you can buy a fast in car charger and 4x 2500Mah rechargeable batteries for £10, I think li-po's in this case would be more costlier and risk damaging your transmitter.

                              Good luck!!

                              Comment

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