Best battery for Elev-8 version 1
Looking for the best battery for an Elev-8 version 1. Just got ahold of one and i'm in need of a good battery and charger that will give me the best flight time and power output.
I have no experience with the quadcopters so any imput would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I have no experience with the quadcopters so any imput would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Comments
Kina' a hard question to answer. Like what is the best car?
With hundred of different batteries out there, It's hard to test every one and give a report.
Parallax tested many batteries and ended up with this battery and this charger.
You can find batteries that have 5000ma capacities, but it nearly doubles the weight, (500 grams vs 260 for the one that Parallax sells). This would extend your flight time, but with less payload capacity.
I only use the one Parallax sells. Maybe others have a suggestion on what there are using.
I've listed some additional ELEV-8 related links in post #10 of my index. You might want to check some of these other links for information about the ELEV-8.
There you go. Right from the horses mouth, (president of the company) . (Ken, we need that avatar back
http://www.hobbypartz.com/98p-b-25c-4000-3s1p-trx.html
Comes in at 330 grams, not bad.
At this point for battery, i dont care about payload weight, i just want to get in as much flight time as i can so i can get used to it and learn....
So thanks again for the quick responses!
Edit: I added a link to learn.parallax.com/elev-8.
Please note that although you can use much of the information from the ELEV-8 section on learn.parallax.com, it is intended for users of the ELEV-8 Version 2 (#80200). Pay attention to any warning indicating that only a specific product is compatible with the material being presented.
Also, do not follow the online assembly instructions on Learn if you are using a Version 1 (#80000); use the instructions that come with your kit.
grayfox, if you need any advice, I have built both.They are pretty much they same, but just ask.
Jim
80200:
No LEDs for the booms
Checkerboard stickers replace by shiny mylar.
More robust mounting for boom to chassis.
New motors (same specs)
Pre-wired power harness (a big timsaver!)
http://www.amain.com/Spektrum-DX8-8-Channel-Full-Range-DSMX-Transmitter-FREE-AR8000-Receiver/p275629
Very good choice!
The author of this book:
http://www.parallax.com/product/122-80000
uses the same radio setup on his Elev8 V1. It's a good read and a lot of valuable information for upgrades and general R/C information.
Flight time went from about 6 mins on a well-used Parallax 3300 mAh battery to 13:30! I like it already.
The form factor was not as advertised, it's shorter and thicker than the spec's. I cobbled up a makeshift arrangement and got it mounted using the Parallax Velcro straps and some additional Velcro patches between the bottom plate and the battery. Had to solder on a new connector. That wasn't an issue, I had many leftovers from my original kit.
I haven't recharged yet, so don't know how much 'gas' I used. It was very refreshing to get over 10 min's.
Using the Parallax charger - works great.
-Russ
How do you fly? You do a lot of acrobatics and fast runs?
As far as extra weight goes, I don't have much - a FlycamOne camera and an Aurora sensor station board. My props are 'aftermarket', but same dia & pitch as stock.
I've been watching my flight times for a while and I've never seen even 15mins. I was using about 80% of the stock battery, based on recharge data. I've been thinking about adding a current sensor. Sounds like it might be a good idea.
Recharge @ 4905 mAhr. 4905/5200 = 94%. Sounds a bit high. Avg current 4.905/(13.5/60) = 21.8 Amps.
-Russ
Looks like a nice unit... I broke from the pack and am using a HiTech Aurora 9, w a 7 channel receiver. http://hitecrcd.com/products/aircraft-radios-receivers-and-accessories/aircraft-radio-systems/aurora-9-9-channel-2.4ghz-aircraft-computer-radio/product
I'm really happy with it. I ended up choosing it because, at the time, the prices were much better than I could find for a DX8, and there were some good reviews out there.
These radios have a million settings and I've played around with a few. The most useful I've found is the 'throttle curve'. I've flattened out the throttle response around the 50% point (hover) to make it easier to control altitude. I've also played around with expos on the aileron and elevator, but haven't found them to be so useful given my level of piloting skill (experienced beginner?). That may change later. Another setting that I have used with some success is rudder, aileron mix to help manage turns. However, I normally fly with it off.
The telemetry feature is one that I think could be very useful. At this point, I'm just reading the LiPo voltage, but have experimented with a 'sensor station' board that can feed various sensor data to the radio while in-flight.
-Russ
that's a good idea with gluing that velcrow on there....I was just thinking about doing that too...however, I have some plans with mounting a servo or two on the bottom for an experiment or two this winter *evil laughing ensues* however I know nothing about servos so I'm still learning lol!