Batteries for my new Futaba 3PM

[rossb]

I just got a Futaba 3PM kit for my new Savage SS kit. My 3PM came with a standard R133F receiver and one S3305 high-torque servo. I do not have the HRS receiver and my servos will not be digital. I see that Futaba offers a 9.6V 700mAh NiCd battery for the transmitter and a 4.8V NiCd (I think 500mAh) for the receiver. They also offer a wall charger that can charge both batts (one 9.6V lead and one 4.8V lead). Why aren’t they offering a 6V receiver battery for this setup? Is there really a difference between using 4.8V and 6V pack with the receiver? In addition, why are they using NiCds instead of NiMh batt packs?

I was thinking about running eight 2300mAh “AA” NiMh batts in the transmitter along with four 2300 mAh “AA” NiMh batts in the receiver. I already have the proper charger for the “AA” NiMh batteries and buying the twelve NiMh batteries would cost me less than buying the two Futaba NiCd packs. Would I be better off running the “AA” 2300 mAh NiMh batts in both the transmitter & receiver? Would a 6V hump pack in the non-HRS receiver really provide a significant advantage over 4.8V 2300 mAh NiMh “AA”?

 

[mcvickj]

Using "AA" NiMh batts in your transmitter will not be a problem. I use 2100 mAH batts in my XS3 and I can get a full day of bashing easily. I also use the built in charge jack to charge them. You might be able to do the same if your 3PM has a charge jack.

I would suggest getting the hump pack for your receiver. If you do that you will be running 6V and your servos will be operating at max performance. Is there a "significant advantage" over 4.8V and 6V? I think that is hard to say. But I do believe you will want the 6V batt to make sure your steering servo can handle turning the tires.

 

[rossb]

The 3PM has a charging jack, though I am not sure if the Futaba charger will charge the NiMh batts properly. In addition I already own a desktop NiMh charger and it is pretty fast.

The Futaba 3305 I have for steering is rated @ 99 oz-in for 4.8V and 124 oz-in for 6V. The 4.8V rating is not enough?

 

[mcvickj]

The more steering power the better IMO. It won't hurt anything to try the rechargables. Slap em in and see if you are happy with the performance. If you don't like how it performs install a set of alkaline batteries and give it a try.

 

[CorradoPsi]

since you have a desk charger for nimh just make an adapter lead to charge your AA's in the transmitter. I've noticed that futaba's like to lose thier battery door so i have mine taped shut and just use the charging jack when it gets low. and yes you want 6V for your radio system especially in a savage with those big tires to turn. 4.8 will do the job. but you will be happier with 6V. you will really notice the difference i think if you have the steering mod done. i have the futaba dual charger for my setup and i like it a lot. but then i dont own any other type of charger. if i did i would make adapter harnesses to use it for everything i have, receiver packs, glow ignitors, starter box, flight packs for my mini chopper, etc.

 

[rossb]

I have been running the eight 2300mAh “AA” NiMh batts and they are working very well. They easily outlasted the 6V 1100mAh hump pack in my receiver.

I have been using my radio for about 5 hours now and the voltage readout on my Futaba 3PM only dropped from 10.4 to 9.8.