Safe to LiPo convert my TX?

[fstnd]

I'd like to 3S LiPo convert my transmitter, the FS-GT3b:

It originally runs on eight 1.5V batteries, which is 12V in total. A charged LiPo is around 12.44V, is that still in the safe range?

 

[9x19]

3S is the battery they recommend, so yeah, it should be fine.

 

[WickedFog]

Curious why you want to convert it? I use Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries and they last forever in it.

 

[Rawroots]

I ran connectors on outside for easy charging, you can tell I'm not too particular.

 

[fstnd]

Curious why you want to convert it? I use Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries and they last forever in it.

I try to stay away from regular AA batteries as much as possible. They cost a lot over time. Eneloop batteries could have been great as well. I just like the idea of having one big battery

The actual reason why I did this right now and not 3 years ago is because I started driving in a larger space, so I need more range. I've read on the internet that a higher voltage would do it for me...

 

[nino]

Fresh alkalines are 1.6V... x8 is more than a full 3s

 

[Rawroots]

Once this happens i go to lipo's.

 

[RustyUs]

For my 3S pack, I just set end charge voltage to 12v on my charger.

 

[Rawroots]

Very interesting, does the % of charge also show fully charged on the pack.?

 

[RustyUs]

Very interesting, does the % of charge also show fully charged on the pack.?

If you are referring to my end voltage set to 4v/cell instead of 4.2v/cell... I just don't want to have a fully charged LiPo pack tucked away in the radio for months on end. After a half hour use of the radio (after charging), the battery usually sits at/reads 11.7~11.8v. If I was planning a full day of using the radio, then yes, I would probably fully charge my LiPo pack.

 

[RustyUs]

My Futaba 3PM is an older radio designed for 8 AA cells. All my other radios that use/used 4 AA cells, Eneloop for the win! I don't know exactly why I chose to use a LiPo to power my 3PM. Probably because I didn't know about Eneloop cells or they cost too much.

 

[nino]

I liberated my Eneloops and a charger when we stopped using them at work, but they're probably rotting away somewhere in one of my kid's toy grade RCs

I prefer LiPo, lasts longer and I can quickly charge it when it's low (more often than not I have my charger with me). Keeping it plugged in in a radio in a cardboard box probably isn't that wise though.

 

[WickedFog]

I liberated my Eneloops and a charger when we stopped using them at work, but they're probably rotting away somewhere in one of my kid's toy grade RCs

I prefer LiPo, lasts longer and I can quickly charge it when it's low (more often than not I have my charger with me). Keeping it plugged in in a radio in a cardboard box probably isn't that wise though.

I probably have 30 Eneloop AA, and 20 AAA. I use them in everything. I always have a spare set fully charged on hand for whatever device I am running them in. Far less hassle than having to charge anything when I need fresh batteries. I don't get how a LiPo in a Tx makes things any better, as I get multiple runs on an RC before having to swap the batteries out.

 

[nino]

But I get even multipleR runs on a lipo

 

[WickedFog]

But I get even multipleR runs on a lipo

Really? How many mAh are your LiPo's for your Tx?

 

[Greywolf74]

I use the same LiPos in mine that RustyUs posted above. I charge it to full and have been using it like that for years in my GT3b.

For me, the only reason to use a lipo in a radio over rechargeable AAs is just to make it lighter. Unless you can get a LiPo with much higher mAh than the AAs and then you would get longer run time. In the case of the GT3b though the LiPo is only 2200mAh which is about the same as AAs but it will be lighter. I did find a 3000mAh that I could cram in there but its just a little bit too tight of a fit for my taste so i went back to using the 2200.

 

[Rawroots]

I probably have 30 Eneloop AA, and 20 AAA. I use them in everything. I always have a spare set fully charged on hand for whatever device I am running them in. Far less hassle than having to charge anything when I need fresh batteries. I don't get how a LiPo in a Tx makes things any better, as I get multiple runs on an RC before having to swap the batteries out.

Reason i would rather have 3 cell instead of 8 is occasional poor connections, 8 AA have 16 or more chances for an issue, lipo maybe 2. Keep it simple and stupid.

 

[WickedFog]

Reason i would rather have 3 cell instead of 8 is occasional poor connections, 8 AA have 16 or more chances for an issue, lipo maybe 2. Keep it simple and stupid.

I err on the side of caution. The AA batteries aren't going to go bad and burn my radio up. The main reason is I just don't like leaving my LiPo's charged for long periods. If I had a radio with a LiPo in it, I would charge it, use it, then put the battery back into storage charge every time I used it. Just me. Probably overkill considering the very little amp draw a radio will pull from a LiPo, but I take very good care of my LiPo batteries, and never leave them sit too far from 3.8v. OCD sucks. My NiMh - I turn the radio on and go, and turn it off and stick it on a shelf when done.

 

[Rawroots]

Totally understand, if i had newer radios with only four AA's i wound never consider swapping to lipo, but i own alot of old stuff, that has stainless springs corroded from leaking batts, so far no fires, hope it's only being aware and carefull with lipo's.