Alternative battery system for Futaba 14MZ (/12Z) radios

[jffry7]

Its an old Lipo from Outrage NRG 3600mAh, the LHS was clearing stock I grab the last one. I havent found an alt so far. This Lipo is great even programing with the LCD backlights of the 14MZ last for hrs. Normal Operation even longer

[junkiePilot]

Since I like my 14MZ and 12Z radios, I've been hunting down a possible lipo solution. Thunderpower RC has a pack that I'm looking to get and try out... more to come.
TP3800-2SPPRX

[satgod]

This was my solution

I needed some way to mount my dragon link to the radio and since it needed external power on the 14mz to function I figured why not power the radio also so I went to my trusty cad software whipped up a mount that plugged into the 14mz's module port to hold it in place and this is what I got

it holds a 3600mah pack and both my RF modules

[Ace Dude]

What I did was purchase the best charger I could find which will charge two packs. I really like this charger:

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=540685

[satgod]

yea I heard that
I have that same charger for my camera batteries
charges my cam-corder and my slr batteries both
so I had plenty of batteries I just couldnt live with the run time from one on the 14mz

[vivwiniata]

I too was frustrated with the poor battery performance with the 14MZ, having tried many other Sony type clone replacements.

I have gone with the system from Secraft/Singapore Hobby for my 14MZ, see :-

http://shop.singahobby.com/?q=node/30544

I bought the charging lead shown from them, but they were out of stock of the silver Secraft holders, so I got one of those direct from Secraft here :-

http://secraft.net/shop/step1.php?number=1253

I found a cheap suitable 2S lipo from HobbyKing here :-

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=21000

Now I expect to enjoy much longer use times between charges !

Cheers
Viv
New Zealand

[wjvail]

Alright. I know this thread is a little old but the battery issue with my 14MZ only gets worse the older it gets.

I've decide to buy the Seacraft battery holder and make a charge cord adapter.

My question is, can I simply plug a 2S LiPo into the charge port on the back of the TX? The port that everyone seems to plugging a LiPo into was designed for the Futaba CR-2500 charger. Is there some intelligence in the transmitter that allows the input of a non-standard voltage from an 8.4 volt battery? Is the intelligence for charging in the transmitter? Does the CR2500 simply supply a voltage to that port and the TX does the rest?

I'm concerned we are simply supplying a voltage to a port that was designed for an intelligent charger.

Also, I assume you still have to have a Futaba battery pack installed - right? We are in effect using the external battery to keep the internal battery at 100%.?.?

Bill

[DemonHeli]

I loved this transmitter. Here's your solution. http://www.singahobby.com/?q=node/32112


Yes you can plug a 2S right in piggy backing the original battery with an adaptor. This link shows an extra lower cage to mount the battery.

[mef4ud]

Originally Posted by vivwiniata

I too was frustrated with the poor battery performance with the 14MZ, having tried many other Sony type clone replacements.

I have gone with the system from Secraft/Singapore Hobby for my 14MZ, see :-

http://shop.singahobby.com/?q=node/30544

I bought the charging lead shown from them, but they were out of stock of the silver Secraft holders, so I got one of those direct from Secraft here :-

http://secraft.net/shop/step1.php?number=1253

I found a cheap suitable 2S lipo from HobbyKing here :-

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=21000

Now I expect to enjoy much longer use times between charges !

Cheers
Viv
New Zealand

I just purchased one of the Secraft Battery Holders for a second hand 14MZ I picked up. Now that you have some time using the device how would you rate it overall? Do you find that the connector to the charging port comes loose over time? I originally purchased it with the idea of using a Nickle metal 7.2v 5000maH battery because I have limited LiPo experience and I am fearful of the fire hazard. Any thoughts on the LiPo Vs. Nickle Metal. The opening slot on the bottom plate is a concern form me. Do you find that dust and dirt enters the radio through it? How have you addressed this issue?

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Luis
Miami, Florida

[mef4ud]

Originally Posted by vivwiniata

I too was frustrated with the poor battery performance with the 14MZ, having tried many other Sony type clone replacements.

I have gone with the system from Secraft/Singapore Hobby for my 14MZ, see :-

http://shop.singahobby.com/?q=node/30544

I bought the charging lead shown from them, but they were out of stock of the silver Secraft holders, so I got one of those direct from Secraft here :-

http://secraft.net/shop/step1.php?number=1253

I found a cheap suitable 2S lipo from HobbyKing here :-

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=21000

Now I expect to enjoy much longer use times between charges !

Cheers
Viv
New Zealand

I just purchased one of the Secraft Battery Holders for a second hand 14MZ I picked up. Now that you have some time using the device how would you rate it overall? Do you find that the connector to the charging port comes loose over time? I originally purchased it with the idea of using a Nickle metal 7.2v 5000maH battery because I have limited LiPo experience and I am fearful of the fire hazard. Any thoughts on the LiPo Vs. Nickle Metal. The opening slot on the bottom plate is a concern form me. Do you find that dust and dirt enters the radio through it? How have you addressed this issue?

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Luis
Miami, Florida