When to replace the AA batteries in my Spektrum DSX transmitter?

[Flyboy666]

I'm using a Spektrum DSX transmitter to fly my Aeroscout. I check the 4 AA batteries each time I fly, for voltage.

My question is when -- at what voltage -- should I replace them, to avoid the transmitter not working fully or losing contact with the plane.

The manual states the following: "Low Battery Alarm: The DXS transmitter will emit a repeating warning tone and the RGB LED will flash red if the AA batteries are below approximately 4.7V." That would mean 1.17 volts per battery. But I would rather not go that low, just in case. But I also don't want to be swapping out batteries when I really don't need to.

For reference, I also have a set of rechargeable AA batteries, and when fully charged, they read 1.3 volts.

Is there a "generally accepted" voltage, for RC flying, at which I should replace the AA batteries?

Thanks

 

[tudordewolf]

I'm using a Spektrum DSX transmitter to fly my Aeroscout. I check the 4 AA batteries each time I fly, for voltage.

My question is when -- at what voltage -- should I replace them, to avoid the transmitter not working fully or losing contact with the plane.

The manual states the following: "Low Battery Alarm: The DXS transmitter will emit a repeating warning tone and the RGB LED will flash red if the AA batteries are below approximately 4.7V." That would mean 1.17 volts per battery. But I would rather not go that low, just in case. But I also don't want to be swapping out batteries when I really don't need to.

For reference, I also have a set of rechargeable AA batteries, and when fully charged, they read 1.3 volts.

Is there a "generally accepted" voltage, for RC flying, at which I should replace the AA batteries?

Thanks

I'd go with the rechargeable batteries and just make sure they're topped up before a day of flying. What kind of charger do you have? Some will degrade batteries faster than others, I like to have one that can test capacity to confirm the cells are still good.

The remote's own low battery alarm should give you plenty of time to land, but yeah, using disposable batteries multiple times would made me nervous too.

Most transmitters will take a 2S pack designed for that purpose, for the DXS you'd need spektrum's specific one.

 

[WickedFog]

I use Eneloop Pro's in all my radios. Great rechargeables.

 

[9x19]

In my experience, usually 15 minutes after the last store has closed, and I figure out I don't have any batteries on hand.

 

[tntpoof]

aa batteries will just drop voltage. you never know at what voltage then if you dont have your fail safe by by plane. do as other have said get rechargeables..

 

[CertifiedMike]

Enloop batteries work great! I would prob look into a lipo pack to install personally though.

 

[Flyboy666]

Do rechargeables provide 1.5 volts when fully charged? Mine seem to top out at 1.3 V when fully charged. Not a big deal, I guess, but I am just curious.

These are the rechargeables that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SQ6PB8M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Will that charger charge up the Eneloop Pro batteries?

 

[CertifiedMike]

I can't really say if the charger will work. I tend to stay safe if I'm unsure about things like that. I would buy a whole "system" and use it as its intended just for fear of fire.
As far as your voltage goes, the link you posted says those batteries put out 2.4 volts. While that sounds high to me, 1.3 also sounds low.
A brand new energizer AA puts out 1.57v.
I THINK I was getting 1.7ish out of my Enloops.

 

[WickedFog]

Do rechargeables provide 1.5 volts when fully charged? Mine seem to top out at 1.3 V when fully charged. Not a big deal, I guess, but I am just curious.

These are the rechargeables that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SQ6PB8M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Will that charger charge up the Eneloop Pro batteries?

Yes, that charger should charge the Eneloop's just fine.

The average voltage and capacity will be better with the Eneloop Pro's. This is from Panasonic's website.

You can see by the graph that within a couple hundred milliamp drain the Eneloops are outperforming the Alkaline.

I have Eneloop Pro's that are about 10 years old. Still working great. Best AA batteries I've ever owned. They are popular in Photography for use in battery powered gear.

 

[Flyboy666]

Thanks all, great information. I usually cycle through four RC batteries in my Aeroscout (around 45 minutes total flight time) when I go flying, so I think the AAs that I have for the DSX will suffice for now, as long as I check them before each outing. But I will convert to the Eneloop Pro as the AAs die out. The rechargeables that I have are clearly not as good as the Eneloop; wish I had known about them first. Thanks again.

 

[WickedFog]

Thanks all, great information. I usually cycle through four RC batteries in my Aeroscout (around 45 minutes total flight time) when I go flying, so I think the AAs that I have for the DSX will suffice for now, as long as I check them before each outing. But I will convert to the Eneloop Pro as the AAs die out. The rechargeables that I have are clearly not as good as the Eneloop; wish I had known about them first. Thanks again.

The Tinergy Premium Pro's are pretty good too.

 

[Greywolf74]

If you are using alkaline AA's (1.5-ish V/cell) then 1.1V is fine. You still have a little wiggle room at that voltage. If you run them down to 1.1V they can still be used for other lower power uses like TV remotes so dont throw them away they still have some life left, just not enough to trust your plane. lol

If you are using NiMH AAs (1.3-ish V/C) then I would still swap them at 1.1V/C. I would personally recommend Eneloop Pro or Fujitsu brand rechargables based off of my battery testing. Any NiMH AAs will work for 4 or 5 packs at the field though as long as you full charge them before you go.

 

[Hobbydude2]

I keep spare AA batteries in the desk for my transmitter. I pull one out to keep the batteries from crusting up.