Rechargeable flash batteries

[SteveF]

I know we've trashed this thread a bit but it might be of interest to others. I owned and flew Schluter Champions and Junior '50s. They really didn't have much lift capabilities - I used to race against electric R/C cars and we fitted a wire to lift the cars when caught but the Junior 50 didn't have enough to keep a car off the ground. The later models are all plastic it seems and with a '50 or '60 fitted and solid state gyros they will probably have more capability than we had back in '92.

Our gyros, radio gear and batteries were much heavier then but I don't really recall how much weight was involved. The Schluter models were some of the very first on the market and highly unstable. That was the fun for me. In four years I had 14 major crashes which required 40 odd hours to rebuild each time and numerous minor dings including one where I put a recently rebuilt model in the deepest river locally and there it remains to this day.

My Champion had a full fairing resembling the German Air Ambulance which was really about it's maximum capacity. Highly unstable, a four bladed rotor with limited collective which didn't like coming in fast and suffered badly with gusts of wind. My style was fast, manic and perhaps a bit stupid but I was younger and more alert then. Considering we managed to fly a model inverted one summer night about four feet from the ground (but without video evidence) seems mad now - unfortunately I wrapped that model around an electric pylon the next night performing loops.

[Bobby Canon]

Is this thread about batteries...or helicopters???

[Antonio Correia]

Is this thread about batteries...or helicopters???

Both

[Davey]

I found cpf was one of the best places for battery testing and info, there is a section especially for them and all types are covered in immense detail (more than I personally need since I tend to steer clear of li cells of most kinds in favour of nimh for compatability and simplicity)

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...isplay.php?f=9

I know it's a torch based site (flashlight to you none brits) so not all info is relevant such as continuous draw info but there is a lot there including optimum charge times. I didn't know until recently that charging some batteries too slowly also shortens their life.

[Dave Humphries]

I didn't know until recently that charging some batteries too slowly also shortens their life.

No wonder they say; "Everything in moderation"

(nor did I)

[Lito]

I use Sanyo eneloop HR-3UTGA 1900maH in my flash and found them to be convenient and reliable. I also charge them in a slow charger.