LiPo Battery Charger

[FW190]

Need a recommendation for a LiPo charger good up to 5S. Thanks guys.

[ATIS]

Try the Triton 2 EQ

[FW190]

Thanks ATIS

[ATIS]

Not a problem.

[FW190]

Tower specs for the charger look good, ordered 1. Thanks again!

[ATIS]

I have one as my home charger and love it. I use the Triton jr as my field charger (actually have two of them) and love them as well.

[tkrahlin]

Tower specs for the charger look good, ordered 1. Thanks again!

You're going to love that charger. I got one last year after asking and getting the same recommendation from ATIS and others here.

[FW190]

Good to hear TK thanks

[WJCJR1]

Greg I've heard of many who like the Triton 2 EQ and you won't go wrong.

For my .02c I have had the E-Flite 1-5 Cell Li-Po Charger with Balancer [EFLC505]. I've had it going on 2 years, charges and balances dead on, has capacity to 5Cell and charge rate up to 5 Amps.

Wayne

[ATIS]

The Triton 2 will charge lipos, NIHM, NICD (and can discharge them as well) and the digital screen is easy to read. Wayne not sure if the EFlite one has the same features or not.

[WJCJR1]

The Triton 2 will charge lipos, NIHM, NICD (and can discharge them as well) and the digital screen is easy to read. Wayne not sure if the EFlite one has the same features or not.

LIPO ONLY and NO Discharge ability. ::yell::

Does do a fantastic job at charging and balancing 1-5S LIPOS.

Wayne

[ATIS]

The Triton EQ and EQ2 have balance ability as well. I love them and for the price they are a top notch performer.

[FW190]

Having been in RC cars for 25 yrs. with various chargers I think I'll really like the Triton 2 EQ.

[FW190]

Got a question guys. The Hangar 9 warbirds say they fly on a 6S LiPo battery. On my soon to be Triton 2 EQ charger can I just charge the 6S on 5S & then again on 1S for a total of 6S. If that makes sense.

[ATIS]

No, but you can use two 3s lipos and charge seperately. This of course means you can have more say 3s 2500's for use in the RV9 and then pair them up for the bigger planes.

[FW190]

Great idea ATIS, you're a genius! Thanks again.

[ATIS]

Not a problem....just experience, somedya you will be sharing the same idea with someone new.

[FW190]

I see alot of the cheaper batteries like Zippy have a JST-XH balance connector. How do I balance these with the Triton 2 EQ. I need a balance connector don't I for a JST-XH. The Triton only comes with Flightower, Electrifly & Thunderpower connectors. Where can I pick up a connector for this plug in.

[ATIS]

I ordered a balancer from commonsenserc.com and the pin adaptor. It can balance 99.9% of the lipos out there. You would charge through the power connector and use the commonsense balancer on the balance plug at the same time....and while your their look at their all in one charge cables...they come with all the common connectors on them so you can charge almost any lipo regardless of connector type (IE Deans, EC3, JST, etc)

[FW190]

Thanks ATIS picked up one of their Balance Pro balancers.

[ATIS]

Did you get the pin adaptor which works on TP lipos and the such:

http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?products_id=213

or the charging adapotor? (can charge JR TX, deans, EC3, JST, the little BNF micro 1 cell lipos, and more)

http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=1394

[FW190]

I bought the TP adapter for the Triton when I bought it from Tower so didn't need one of those. All my chargers have Deans Ultra male connectors on them as thats all I use for charging. I put Deans female connectors on all my battery packs.

[ATIS]

Sounds good... I buy (and review) alot of PZ warbirds/planes so I end up with the EC3 connector and their little white micro one so the multi charge adaptor cord comes in handy...plus I can do a quick charge on the TX at the field if I need to.

[jrb]

Does it include Anerson Power Pole/Sermos too?

http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=1394

[ATIS]

I would say no...but you could cut off one of the plugs you dont use and add it.

[FW190]

ATIS have a question for you about props. I'm looking at a Hangar9 Corsair that they recommend a 15X10E 2 blade prop. I want to go to a 3 blade as its more realistic of course. Is there a way I can convert any 2 blade to a 3 blade prop. Thanks

[FW190]

Forget my question ATIS found it in the beginner threads.

[jrb]

For 3 blader @ same pitch reduce diamter to 92.2%:


DiaN=D2/(2/N)^.2
3 -- 0.922108
4 -- 0.870551
5 -- 0.832553
6 -- 0.802742

[FW190]

Thanks much JRB

[ATIS]

On a side note, remember that 3 and 4 blade props are less efficient then 2 bladed props. Planes that used more then 2 blades used them becuase they couldnt fit a big enough prop on the nose without eating the grass or ship deck. Happy you found your answer.

[FW190]

Gotcha ATIS, thanks

[jrb]

On a side note, remember that 3 and 4 blade props are less efficient then 2 bladed props.



This is false (often repaeted) statement.

Multi blade are far more efficient at truning rpm into velocity/thrust/propulsion power!


Ask a C-130 driver -- they want the 8 balde upgrade rather than avionics -- better range and T/O performance as compared to 4.

[FW190]

Just started my take off training in Realglight G5. Its a little harder with eye to hand coordination than I thought. But I'm stubborn so I know it will come in time.

[jrb]

I find sims to be much harder than doing it for real.

[rcdude07]

Just started my take off training in Realglight G5. Its a little harder with eye to hand coordination than I thought. But I'm stubborn so I know it will come in time.

Hey FW190,

Welcome to the forums. Are you the same FW190 on the KnifeEdge RealFlight Forums?


Sims are a great place to start training. Landing is harder on the sim than in real life because of the whole depth perception problem with sims. But once you can land on the sim, you can easily land in real life.

The key to lining up straight with the runway is to make the final approach wide, line the plane up like it's coming straight for you (don't panic, it won't). Keep her lined up heading to you and you'll be fine.

Start with high approaches first, then start bringing it lower, once your line ups are great, start reducing power, with a good trainer you can glide in.



I'm on RF5 as well. Not on a lot at night due to me and my wife's recent move and trying to get the house done the way we want. But look for me in MP, I usually host a non-Combat event (HorizonRCFlyers.com, or something advertising RC Radio Network). I enjoy helping people via RF when I can. I look forwarding to seeing you online at some point.

[FW190]

Yeah Dude thats me on Knife Edge. Figured I better register there as I like WWII German planes so I'll be downloading some there. I'll have to check out RF5 though. See you there!

[ATIS]

JRB,

Look at the PZ BF 109...3 blades suck but change to 2 blades and you gain speed and pull less amps. As for the C130's, I have a squadron sitting out my back door, the new J model does have more blades than the older version but the shape of the blades has also changed.

[jrb]

Yep, easy to screw up -- just can't blindy swap a prop!

But that doesn't chnage the truth.

[ATIS]

agree with that, so I guess from an electric rc standpoint it would seem from various tests that 2 blades are more efficient, but as always, check with a watt meter!!

[jrb]

....so I guess from an electric rc standpoint it would seem from various tests that 2 blades are more efficient, but as always, check with a watt meter!!



Like changing the diameter of the tires (not wheels) on a car, a tire is no less efficient because the car doesn't do better!

So, just putting multi blade prop on a system originally configured for 2 could yield similar results.

I won't get the same performance out of a two blader on my converted Mustang ( http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341627 ) that was configured for a 4 blader.

The best prop is a combination of the right: diameter, pitch, blade shape, number of blades, etc. And you can mix and match these parameters to suit.

[ATIS]

I agree with you that you can tweak a set up to perform at its optimum with 3 blades or 4 but you have to start from scratch and do your home work. With planes that are RTF you usually hurt performance by adding blades.

[FW190]

Anyone use the Zippy Flightpower batteries in their plane. I've always used Thunderpower but the larger 3S 4000mah get quite expensive. Maybe recommend me another brand at a good price. Think I'm going to go with the Apprentice 15e PNP for my first plane after I put a ton of time in on my Realflight G5 sim.

[ATIS]

Here y go, 45/80c and american owned company

http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/proddetail.php?prod=XPS4000PLAT-3S1P

You dont fly yet?? Crap, where in VA you live?

[FW190]

I live in the Shenandoah valley up between Staunton & Waynesboro at the top of the valley. Just learning to fly at 61. Thanks for the battery choice.

[liquid1]

Anyone use the Zippy Flightpower batteries in their plane. I've always used Thunderpower but the larger 3S 4000mah get quite expensive. Maybe recommend me another brand at a good price. Think I'm going to go with the Apprentice 15e PNP for my first plane after I put a ton of time in on my Realflight G5 sim.Great choice the apprentice 15E is a fun and great plane and will do some maneuvers, I am learning on it and the T28D these 2 planes are the best of both worlds electric. get you a good 4000mah for the apprentice and 20min flights doing some gliding..It will float for ever..Just remember its light and wind gust will toss it around a bit..:cool:

[liquid1]

I live in the Shenandoah valley up between Staunton & Waynesboro at the top of the valley. Just learning to fly at 61. Thanks for the battery choice.WOW you live in gods country for sure...I love riden the Harley up that way..:thumbsup:

[FW190]

Yeah its gorgeous here in the valley. Took some getting used to as I was born in NYC the concrete capital of the world. But been here 21 yrs. now & love it. The Apprentice seemed like the best choice of what was out there with ailerons. The only other one I considered was the Nexstar Mini but the wingspan is only 44" as opposed to 58" on the Apprentice. And as my eyes aren't what they used to be it was a no brainer. Haven't bought it yet as I have a long period on the sim first.

[ATIS]

Greg, you even come down this way let me know. I can set up the buddy box on my Apprentice and get you some real stick time. Its a great plane. Try flying the T28 on the sim to get used to speed...it will help when you get on the sticks with the Apprentice.

[FW190]

What way ATIS?

[ATIS]

If you ever get down here in NC...I live near the coast so if you like sea food or the beach you could make it a trip. also got a member in Viriginia Beach.

[jrb]

I agree with you that you can tweak a set up to perform at its optimum with 3 blades or 4 but you have to start from scratch and do your home work. With planes that are RTF you usually hurt performance by adding blades.



A lot of tweaking avaialbel with these props: http://www.ramoser.de/home_d/varioprop_d/varioprop_d.html .

Even for RTF & other existing set-ups; have several including the one on my Mustang and flown on my converted drone:

[ATIS]

Nice link, will have to giver them a try!

[rcdude07]

Greg, you even come down this way let me know. I can set up the buddy box on my Apprentice and get you some real stick time. Its a great plane. Try flying the T28 on the sim to get used to speed...it will help when you get on the sticks with the Apprentice.

Real Flight doesn't have any none Hobbico aircraft. But there is a user created PX T-28 on the swaps that can be downloaded

Get stick time on the sim the with PT-40 or NextStar. Then get time with the Stick.


Greg, I go by the same screenname on RF. So, hit me up if you ever see me online and I'll be glad to help you online. I'm in NC as well.

[FW190]

Thanks Dude I'm using the PT40 for my trainer then I'll switch over to the Nexstar. Will download the T28.

[FW190]

Just bought a new Hitec Aurora 9 TX & Optima 7 RX & HPP-22 pc interface on ebay for $380. Been watching this radio for awhile & finally found a good price on both. Went with a good radio that I can grow into instead of buying a cheaper one & having to upgrade as time went on.

[ATIS]

Greg thats a very smart move. I would have recommended a Spektrum so you could buy their bind and fly series but you can always buy the plug and play instead. My first "real" TX was a Hitec Optic 6 and I loved it. I then went Spektrum so I didnt have to worry about channels at the park.

[FW190]

Yeah thats kinda what I was planning with the Apprentice PNP. Or would you recommend buying the RTF & pulling the receiver & selling the receiver, radio & charger. Battery is a plus also.

[WJCJR1]

Yeah thats kinda what I was planning with the Apprentice PNP. Or would you recommend buying the RTF & pulling the receiver & selling the receiver, radio & charger. Battery is a plus also.

BUY the RTF! Reason being the battery alone is more than worth the extra cost. Indeed the DX5e is more of an entry level TX but it works great for training and just getting into the hobby. It can be used as a good Buddy-Box as well. I have had experienced pilots flying my Deuces Wild and LR-1a POGO Buddy-Boxed to me and they had NO troubles using the DX5e TX corded to my DX7

Wayne

[FW190]

RTF it is then thanks WJC!

[liquid1]

RTF it is then thanks WJC!:thumbsup:..You can use the DX5i for a BNF msr Fly this little in the house plus you will have a radio for others. The binding is easy and fast with the spectrum micro rx the only drawback to the dx5i is its 1 model at a time..Yess the Apprentice RTF Batt is a good one 3200mah will get you 15 mins easy with some Gliding. Plus you can sell the RX the ar500 has been top notch so far on my apprentice..Its just the Goofball controling the sticks. Just remember the apprentice is super light and will float for ever. The charger is a good one I charge the Hyperion 4000mah all the time with it. And use my MRC 989 with a blinky to charge anything else needed..run 2 at once. The RTF apprentice to me is the best deal trainer plane out there.

[ATIS]

not to mention the dx5 can be used with the phoenix sim....

[liquid1]

not to mention the dx5 can be used with the phoenix sim....Yea i need to find this without the radio. so I can snatch it up cheaper.

[WJCJR1]

The only drawback to the dx5i is its 1 model at a time
This is definitely a drawback for sure. Although it takes some time to do you can mechanically trim all your planes to match each other, any adjustments needed by electronic trim should be minor then.



The RTF apprentice to me is the best deal trainer plane out there.

NO DOUBT best deal aileron trainer.

Wayne

[phantomphan]

Just an idea here.
Back in March I borrowed a DX5 for a training session. The borrowed DX5 was already being used with a T28. So what we did, so I wouldnt hose my friend and T28, is count how many trim steps it took to center the trims. This was done one control at a time. The steps were written down on a note pad.
After training for the day, It was easy to go back and re-trim the T28. Just count the clicks from center.
Cheers.

[phantomphan]

Greg, congrats on the A9. Its a sweet system.
Dont know if your aware of this or not, but firmware Ver 1.07 is now available so you can upgrade your A9 and Spectra module. Since you already have the HPP-22 upgrading is pretty easy.
Cheers.

[FW190]

Thanks Phantom. I've seen the upgrade for the radio & will do it when I receive the Aurora 9.

[Victory Pete]

Hi Guys
I have both the Passport and the Passport Ultra. The Passport is very simple but capable, but I use my Passport most of the time. It is very versatile and computer controlled.
VP

[FW190]

Pretty nice plane there VP. Hows she fly?

[Victory Pete]

Pretty nice plane there VP. Hows she fly?

Hi there, What plane are you asking about?
VP

[FW190]

Both I guess

[Victory Pete]

not to mention the dx5 can be used with the phoenix sim....
That was my first purchase back in February, great set up!
VP

[Victory Pete]

Both I guess

I cant speak for Snoopy, but the T-34 is a blast. It is sold as a trainer, but you definately have your hands full even with the flaps and the NACA droops. I learned with a club trainer and my 2 DX6i's linked together in trainer mode. I have been soloing now for a month and it still gets the adrenaline going. The lttle J-3 is fun to fly, even though it reacts quickly I find it easy to fly even with some wind. I have not flown the Ascent yet.
VP