to b.e.c. or not to b.e.c. ??

[blackcat26]

When I first started back up in this hobby, I really liked the convenience and not having to worry about a battery pack or the extra weight.

For the last year or so, I switched over to running a standard battery pack, specifically 4 AA's. No, it's not convenient, but I haven't had a single issue since I switched over. I spend a little extra money on Energizer lithiums. This keeps the weight down and the power doesn't dip when running a higher demand load such as a high torque servo, etc.

So, if you decide that you'd like to run an extra battery, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Well said Ben! Not a single issue with my 4AA pack. Don't have to worry about what happens after it contacts water either......

[Meniscus]

...Don't have to worry about what happens after it contacts water either......

Not that things ever get wet inside! You're definitely right there. I just pop the batteries out of the battery holder and let stuff dry out.

[Jeff Wohlt]

I have not taken one apart... I never run them even with older brushed and Am and never had any glitching issues. I have run them on the SV ESC and a few others without issues but I do short running. For sport and longer runs I would prefer another cell supporting my system.

Maybe ripple is the wrong statement....pulling volts down to low levels is an issue. I realize it is independent of the other board but they have always been an issue especially when the volts go down on cells.

Running a small pack (800 mah lipo) is so easy and it just takes more worry out of the system. When the BEC can't produce then it sends isssues to the ESC.

I know it is nothing more than a voltage regulator but more have had issues with them when running higher amp setups....not the typical 45-60 amp stuff.

[vasy]

Running a small pack (800 mah lipo) is so easy and it just takes more worry out of the system. When the BEC can't produce then it sends isssues to the ESC.

You must be lucky. Most servos and receivers have specified operating voltage between 4v to 6v, you supply at least 7.4 to 8.6v. I friend did that for a bit, then after maybe 6 runs or so his receiver said enough is enough and packed it in in a cool smoke show. Now $80 later he is back to running AA.
even with 2 cell lipo you should still use ubec to step down voltage to 6v. I've done that on my plains and so far kept all my electronics intact.
i do realize that you can purchase servos specifically designed to run on 2s or 3s lipo directly, but I have not tried them yet.

[Meniscus]

Another thing to think about...

I was considering switching to AAA's in a battery holder from radio shack, utilizing energizer lithiums. This results in a further reduction in weight, still avoiding too much voltage drop by using the lithiums, and less space required to fit in the model.

=> Just another idea if you are concerned about weight or space.

[vasy]

Another thing to think about...

I was considering switching to AAA's in a battery holder from radio shack, utilizing energizer lithiums. This results in a further reduction in weight, still avoiding too much voltage drop by using the lithiums, and less space required to fit in the model.

=> Just another idea if you are concerned about weight or space.

I don't know why would one do that. ubec is so much easier to use, unless you are running gas/nitro.

[line6]

Any of you guys try this

http://media.hyperion.hk/dn/fg3radio/

I am using the ones for the tx and it works nice


jason

[blackcat26]

I don't know why would one do that. ubec is so much easier to use, unless you are running gas/nitro.

I'd say reliability mainly. The chances of a battery pack letting you down (other than running with already low batts) is smaller than the chances of the BEC letting you down. Again in my mind it's one less thing to worry about blowing up!

[tiqueman]

Heres a quick batt story, just for your entertainment. A few weeks ago I was running one of my boats and it started out great, went about 45 seconds and then stopped dead. I hit the throttle and it would start to launch and then go dead again. The last time this happened, the front end suddenly exploded and smoke filled the lake. Needless to say, I got worried. I bumped it in after 5 minutes of on and off the throttle to pull thehatch and find everything cold to touch and nothing wrong. I hit the throttle it worked fine, I threw it back in the water, hit the throttle it went 2 feet and died.??? Longer story short, battery pack went low and the rx was kicking into failsafe and shutting down....

I gave myself the "Half-fast" award that day. Not aying this is a reason not to run bat packs, just saying that normally, thats the worst that can happen with them. I will say again though, I love my ND UBEC.

[Rumdog]

What kind of boats are you running where the weight of a nimh 5cell 2/3a pack is too much weight? To me, it is the best option. With Alkalines on non rechargables, how do you know hats left in the pack? No chance of failure as long as you keep the pack charged.

[blackcat26]

I check the voltage on my AA packs. New batts are just a little over 1.5v each......

[Rumdog]

That's just more work though, and LOTS more money.

[rchippie]

I have a turnigy 120 & the bec had issues on 4s. So i went to a 5 cell rechargeable reciver pack . I made it using the turnigy 2200 LSD cells. The problems went away .

[blackcat26]

Hopefully we have shed some light on this subject. Seems like a Ford and Chevy debate tho.....

[tiqueman]

Hopefully we have shed some light on this subject. Seems like a Ford and Chevy debate tho.....

thats funny, I was thinking the same thing.