Lipo Powered TX's
 

I installed a Lipo in my Spektrum TX earlier this year and decided to convert my 2.4 Mini E-Revo TX as well. If anyone has questions I'll do my best to answer.
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I had to remove the 8cell AA tray and extend the battery door to make room for the 3s 1600,
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Is that amazing goop you're using as the glue?

Nope, Extra Thick CA w/Insta Quick set activator. It's rock solid .
I used the thin stuff to attach all pieces together and used the thick stuff to fill small gaps and to add a little extra insurance.

The mini revo comes with a 2.4 radio?

Nope, scored a stellar deal.

Thats cool, I often thot about doing something like that also for my 3pk, but didn't like the thought of having to make a custom battery cover, and definately didn't want to pay the 100 for futabas lipo pack, then I came across thsi wbsite http://www.virtualhobbyshops.com/pro...roducts_id=697 haven't actually bought one yet!

Thats a great deal !
If I hadn't had the Zippy and got such a deal on the Traxxas TX and not felt bad about cutting it up I'd buy one in a second.
With my 1400mah 2s in my Spektrum I only charge it about every 20hrs of use, That 2200mah should yield long stretches between chargings.

Is the bec needed with the Traxxas radio? I have a 2600mah 3 cell lipo in my Spektrum DX3 and it works find without a bec.

I'm thinking about using one with my AE XP3D radio. Is the BEC needed or can I get by without using one?

When I had my JR XS3 I used straight 3s. My Spektrum used 4 AA's so I thought I'd play it safe with a voltage reg even using a 2s. With the Traxxas 2.4 TX I wasn't going to take chances with running 3s without a regulator because I'm not fimiliar with their radios.

Yea the BEC on the DX3R was a smart idea considering it only uses 4 AA's like you said.

If the radio uses 8 AA batteries, 3s is perfectly fine. 8 alkaline AA's is 12v nominal, maybe a bit higher when fresh. 3s lipo peaked is 12.6v.

I believe they have batteries for all makes and models of tx's, I just linked the futaba one since its the tx I have and its the one I searched for.

I use little flat lithium ions in my nomadio. I haven't bothered with the airtronics yet. I use a dimension engineering bec to drop it to 5V. Don't feel like burning up my nomadio.

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hobby city is rolling some 2500's for 19. I cant imagine using 8 AA's again. As part of the brushless revolution, I laugh at the bundles of batterys at Home Depot .

You look like a fat funk in the stupid shirt bondoballz...

Seriously man, get a grip. No need to flaunt your chubby bunny, you horse smacker. Seems like you like fluffin' some pork and beans.

Smack that hoe!

In the garden dept, no less!

The picture is not of myself, Yes I'm big guy but I thought the picture of the T-shirt was funny ?
Who are you to tell me what's cool and isn't anyway, you have a kermit with a kalashnikov,what the hell is that ?
I changed my avatar just for you and you can smooch the right cheek.

I'm hearing you Brian, I had the regulator laying around and thought I'd play it safe with Traxxas TX.

a 2100mah fit into my m11. it even has a alarm when it hits 9 volts!!!!

I actually thought it was funny too. But Linc's humor is sometimes... obscure. IIRC, he originally came from the UK so that should explain a lot. :wink:

So, to do this on the DX3S, I should get a BEC. I've never actually owned or used one. Do you program it via a PC or card?? What Voltage do I set it at since my radio uses 4AA's? 4.8? yep, I'm a ri-tard. Also, I can use whatever MAH I want... as long as it fits inside right? And 2s? 3s?

Hey Goofball,

I'm using the little blue BEC here; http://www.castlecreations.com/products/ccbec.html

I think mines set at 4.8-5.0, programable via the PC just like the ESC's.

And I'm currently using 3s 20C 800mah packs and they last about 6hrs non stop. I carry a spare lipo in the case just in case, they were 6.00- 7.00 a peice at HC.
I would look for somthing with higher MAH, I will next time I need new packs.
You can easily make more in the battery compartment via a Dremel but still be able to reinstall the 4cell AA tray if needed.

To honest w/you, this mod is not for everyone. If you only use your TX say a few hours a week I'd stick with the AA Duracells and save yourself the work and hassle.

The biggest issues about using lipos in a 4-cell transmitter are 1) the use of a BEC or any regulator will not let you know when the the lipo is at LVC, and 2) a BEC can fail, sending full input voltage to your radio.

Personally, for 4 cell radios, just get some low self-discharge NiMH cells. They are the next best thing compared to lipo without the shortcoming.

Thanks for reminding me Brian, I have some low self discharge NiMH from HC I have yet to try. If they work well in my other TX I might change everything back in my Pimp TX.