Airborne batteries

[Adam Glatt]

Lithium polymer has some advantages, but also some disadvantages.

Pro
Extremely light: 1320mAh for 58g, 2000mAh for 80g
Choose your exact voltage by use of a regulator (20g more weight)
No self discharge. Charge today, fly next month with confidence

Con
Battery can ignite in flames if you make a mistake.
Battery can be ruined if you leave your plane on.

I'm not sure about cost.  parts.rctoys.com has these costs:
5.1, 5.6, or 6.0 regulator for $21
1320mAh battery for $33
regulator w/ fail safe switch w/ 2100mAh battery for $66

I've been flying lithiums for three seasons now and will never go back, 
but I have a lot of experience with the technology. For someone new to 
lithiums, there is a lot of learning to do.

For a charger, you can get a simply plug, push, and charge charger for 
$45.  I wouldn't go that route, though.  It is important to know how 
much capacity you use per flight so you know how many flights you can do 
on a charge.  To know need you need a charger with a display, like the 
Triton, Hyperion, Duratrax Ice...all in the $110-140 range.

Adam Glatt

Bob Richards wrote:
> Guys,
>  
> I'm needing to replace several nicad airborne packs for my radios (as 
> well as a couple of transmitter packs). I'm wondering what has changed 
> in the technology in the past 8 years.
>  
> NiMh packs had just hit the market about 10 years ago, and as I recall 
> it seemed that they did not stand up well to vibration - several 
> inflight failures being reported. Seemed they were ok for 
> transmitters. Has that changed?
>  
> I know Li-ion and Li-poly are now available, but what type of charging 
> apparatus am I looking at investing in? I also think I need to use a 
> regulator with these?
>  
> I don't presently have a fast field charger and would like to have 
> one, is there one that covers all the above bases?
>  
> Thanks in advance,
>  
> Bob Richards.
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