Noob w/questions

[Sky Blue Lou]

Hello all. Just getting started. Got an mcx2 and I'm getting the hang of it. Looking at an mcpx for the next step - probably just look at it for a bit while I learn sim first - that's coming too.

So - batteries. Those birds both use 1s but they are slightly different - different plugs as well, yeah? Is there one decent 4-port charger that will do both? I'm rotating seven through a borrowed celectra for the mcx and I'd like to be able to do the same with the mcp - preferably without having to buy two chargers. I may step up to larger stuff later if these early days are rewarding (good so far) but I don't want to invest in a large charger that might scale down - if there is such a thing - at this point.

Another question - I'm gonna order (nothing local) the mcp this week and would like to get some spares for both birds. Any recommendations on most commonly needed parts for either bird? I'm getting a frame and swash for the mcx for sure, what else should I consider?

Thanks in advance and hello again.

[rojack]

Quick answer on the batteries. You can often find adaptor cables than allow you to parallel or series charge several of those micro batteries at once with a "real" charger.

By 'real' charger I mean one that is programmable, with a display screen, and lets you choose from 1 to 6 cell batteries, specify the C rating, and choose between various battery chemistries, etc. They let you charge, balance, discharge, and do a 'storage' charge as well as a few other possible functions.

These chargers let you choose the kind of connector you will use to charge/monitor the batteries/cells and so you have some flexibility when finding the adaptor cable I mentioned above.

Sorry no time for more right now, but it's a start!

[E-biker]

Originally Posted by Sky Blue Lou

Hello all. Just getting started. Got an mcx2 and I'm getting the hang of it. Looking at an mcpx for the next step - probably just look at it for a bit while I learn sim first - that's coming too.

So - batteries. Those birds both use 1s but they are slightly different - different plugs as well, yeah? Is there one decent 4-port charger that will do both? I'm rotating seven through a borrowed celectra for the mcx and I'd like to be able to do the same with the mcp - preferably without having to buy two chargers. I may step up to larger stuff later if these early days are rewarding (good so far) but I don't want to invest in a large charger that might scale down - if there is such a thing - at this point.

Another question - I'm gonna order (nothing local) the mcp this week and would like to get some spares for both birds. Any recommendations on most commonly needed parts for either bird? I'm getting a frame and swash for the mcx for sure, what else should I consider?

Thanks in advance and hello again.

Spindle BLH 3513
Tail boom ass'y BLH 3602
FF Blades BLH 3511
Think about stocking spare bearings for main shaft and eventually blade grips.
Have lots of fun. Best wishes.

[Sky Blue Lou]

Thanks, guys. The battery thing just has me befumbled. There's so many sizes and types. I just wanna buy one charger for now that will handle these two little birds (and maybe the next logical step whatever that may be) without breaking the bank. Two helis, sim, controller - it's already pushing $500 and this is entry-level stuff. Not that I'm cheap - buy once, buy right - but I don't know how deep I'll ultimately get.

[Felix the cat]

Originally Posted by Sky Blue Lou

Thanks, guys. The battery thing just has me befumbled. There's so many sizes and types. I just wanna buy one charger for now that will handle these two little birds (and maybe the next logical step whatever that may be) without breaking the bank. Two helis, sim, controller - it's already pushing $500 and this is entry-level stuff. Not that I'm cheap - buy once, buy right - but I don't know how deep I'll ultimately get.

I-max B-6 and / or Turniggy Accucel 6 at around $40 US ea. on eBay. If you can get em with internal resistance (IR) measuring capacity it's even better.

They come with all the connectors and battery options. And you can always make your own connectors when needed.

You'll need a power supply unit (PSU). Don't rely on the ones that plug to the wall, the transformers on those goes out really fast. A 12 to 18V, 30amp PSU. Light strip or comp. server PSU's work just fine.

You can rig two of these chargers with the PSU for about less than $100 and have redundancy or charge two packs at a time. Way more economical yet very efficient.

Hope this works.

[Sky Blue Lou]

Thanks for the info. More reading required.