Receiver Battery Question

[mikegigabyte]

My dad bought me a 7.2v lipo receiver battery pack for my tmaxx. I've been having trouble using the type that takes regular batteries, it would vibrate and cut out. This one is pretty nice, fits exactly in place. Should I be concerned about the extra voltage. I've noticed my servos are quicker in response now from the extra power and made a suspected bad one really glitch so I replaced the servo, since it was for my reverse. Now it shifts into reverse easily and on the first try, but I suspect the servo was going bad anyways. If I add up the normal batteries they make around 6 volts, the lipo is 7.2
I'm using a new spektrum receiver but all old servos, around 7-10 years old. I'm sure the receiver is okay any concerns with the servos.

 

[MotoGod]

If you are using older servos...I would do some research online. The higher voltage will most likely burn them out, unless they can handle it. Some can...some can't. Really depends on the servo itself. The other option is to run a LIPO Regulator. I bought mine for @ $20 and I just user Servo tape to secure it on top of my radio box and it runs between the battery and the RX. I had to dremel a little of my radio box, but it works wonderful....

 

[mikegigabyte]

Well the one that was going bad was a traxxas original, I still have one more that in use for the throttle and i have no idea what brand it is, and a hitec metal gear one for the steering. They are so old I will just see what happens. I'm sure the new servos could handle the power since the battery pack is made for powering receivers.

link for the regulator

 

[Scrogg]

You ned a regulator, no if's and's or but's. KO Propo and some of the newer design radio systems are setup for Lipo rx packs. You will fry the servos and the rx eventually.
Simple and keeps you from voiding warranties or worse, a runaway from it overheating. I've seen it.
We both use this regulator. I've yet to see one fail, i know lots of guys using them.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUDU2&P=7

 

[mikegigabyte]

will look for one today at some stores, hopefully they will be small enough to fit into the battery compartment

 

[MotoGod]

That's the exact same regulator I run as well Scrogg. Great buy for the price. lol I heard either the Venom or Team Losi is tiny so it will fit in an RX box a little better. They all do the same thing...and my 2200mah RX Battery lasts a good 1-2 hours+ of runtime ;-)

I actually just broke in a brand new truggy engine with my RX turned on the whole time....I had to have had it on for at least 3 hours while idling fuel through it, with maybe 30-45 minutes of random throttle pulling throughout....only drained 700mah from the damn RX pack. LIPO RX is simply amazing....

 

[mikegigabyte]

does the regulator also sense voltage and shut off if the lipo gets to low, or is that asking to much

 

[neobart]

Nope they only regulate voltage.

I had a 2300 Lipo in my truggy last season. After 2 hours of racing action it had only spent 1500mah.

 

[mikegigabyte]

IS this one okay, my hobby store has one in stock http://h1070621.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=LOSB9609

not sure of the size but I have such a small receiver it probably can fit inside that housing too

 

[MotoGod]

That's the Team Losi Small one I was referring to. It's one of the smallest I have seen yet.

@neo - I have no idea how long my 2200 will last. I have not come even close to discharging it fully! I think the most I have ever put into it at a charge was @ 1200mah....even at the very first charge. I have a spare one I bought when Apogee was getting out of the RC business that I have yet to even put a connector on.

 

[mikegigabyte]

Picked up the losi unit, thanks for all the help

 

[Scrogg]

The Losi's are notorious for being poo, you should have bought the other.I have seen a lot of unhappy people loose their car and races to the losi regs. Anyways, they need to have air flow. I have seen some guys make air scoops on their rx boxes, like on car ram air hoods. A mesh screen is then installed to stop debri from entering the Rx box. It's a good idea but I like seeing the light on the regulator, reminds me to turn it off and unplug the battery. Really is no need for a low voltage detector, they run forever and will give you some warning if they start to loose their current. A reciever plus battery and regulator crammed in a box is too much heat for them without some airflow. I used double stick servo tape to mount mine on top of the rx box. Then I notched my radio box lid and ran the wires through the cut out area. No issues yet but I do not take my R/C near water.

 

[mikegigabyte]

mine is in with the receiver only, still 1/4 inch airspace all around. it used to have a huge old receiver but now a small spektrum so there was plenty of space, I will keep an eye on the heat but the most it runs is 1 hr max per week lately, or less.