Futaba 14SG run time

[Andy from Sandy]

I bought my 14SG when they fist arrived in the UK.

I was just looking at it now with a view to charging before the weekend and I see that I have been using it for 7:49 and the voltage is still at 6.3volts. I reset the timer after I charge it up so nearly 8 hours of use.

This is with the supplied Ni-Mh it came with. Not bad me thinks.

[RC Mike]

Yes the stock battery has a very long run time and no need for LiPo or LiFePo4 battery.

[ongbenghui]

I am timed it using one of the timer.

My estimate is about ~7 hours on a fully charged NiMh pack.

[Bob O]

Originally Posted by RC Mike

Yes the stock battery has a very long run time and no need for LiPo or LiFePo4 battery.

+1

Sent via phone

[velocity90]

Not getting anywhere near 7 hours

[RC Mike]

Originally Posted by velocity90

Not getting anywhere near 7 hours

I do a discharge test twice a year to check the capacity and keep a log for all my transmitters. If it's 80% or less it's time for a new battery. Most LiPo chargers will cycle NiMh batteries and give you the capacity.

.

[dvelez3]

Getting over 9 hours on my stock pack. If you get less than that, then recycle the pack a few times.

Doug

[velocity90]

Originally Posted by dvelez3

Getting over 9 hours on my stock pack. If you get less than that, then recycle the pack a few times.

Doug

Never got that even when it was new.

[Andy from Sandy]

For you guys not getting good run times did you
a) Rush home with your new transmitter and promptly started using straight away?
b) Put it on a fast charge because you couldn't wait to use it?
c) Put it on a very low rate charge that would take about 16 hours to charge the battery?

It is clearly marked on most Ni-Mh batteries that it needs a 16 hour charge before first use. Probably a couple of cycles on this low rate charge will also help the pack get ready for use. This is what I did and so far the battery is still working well.

[kingmeow]

That is correct for #3! Nicads and NiMH need an INITIAL forming charge where the cells are"formed" and set up properly for maximum capacity and performance.