Best battery choice?

[Atwood, Mark]

Lol....ok Anthony...then there's two of us flying Nicads.  I use some of the newer technologies for my electrics, but with regard to Pattern, the new batteries appear to fix problems I don't have.  I run a 5cell 6v 1400mah nicad pack.  I personally haven't heard an argument that even comes close to making me want to change.  Cost/reliability/convenience all seem to favor Nicads.  The only one against it is weight.  And from my perspective, if I need that ounce...I have bigger problems.   Just my .02...I'd love to hear others opinions on the subject...

mark

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	AAbdu at aol.com [mailto:AAbdu at aol.com] 
Sent:	Friday, April 11, 2003 10:00 AM
To:	discussion at nsrca.org
Subject:	Best battery choice?

It seems like every month a new battery technology is introduced. NiMh, Lithium ion, NiCad etc. Each one claiming to be better than the last. It seems like I am the last pattern flyer still using old familiar, heavy, memory burdoned NiCads. I am considering investing in updated batteries and all of the other things needed to maintain them. I have accepted that I will need not only the battery, but a new charger, regulator, and all the other fixins. Given that condition, what is the latest info pro and con on the new battery technology. I know there was an availability issue with the duralites that has seemed to be resolved, then I remembered hearing something about them overheating or blowing up or spontaneously combusting or something. My point is, there is a lot of misinformation out there and I am trying to find out what works best from those who use it. 
In order of importance of features:
1. Reliability
2. Weight (lighter is better)
3. Capacity, can I get 5 flights on them, can they be quick  charged?
4. Durability / margin of error / expected life span. If I leave the RX on do I have to replace them?
5. Price
6. Availibility  

I appreciate any information you guys can provide.
Thank you.
Anthony
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