Some Advice About Battery Life Please...

[rogueqd]

I just time my flights. Got for a 10 min flight (5 min if you use the throttle a lot) then land and test the battery. You can then calculate roughly how much flying time you have left until your battery is "low". I rarely use more than 1/2 throttle, so I find my batteries usually last about 30 mins. I land after 20 mins and check them to see if I can fly another 10, or maybe just 5.
I have my ESC set up to cut the power, but I've never taken my batteries that low.

[Hallmark]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm buying a watt meter this week and hoping to get all my ducks in a row for my next flights. I have 3 batteries so I should get some good times in.

I have ordered two more AXNs. One for my son and another for me. I also received my collet and 6x4 prop so I am hoping to test that out too.

More updates soon...

[pldb64]

Hi HM,

Just be aware that changing the prop on your AXN will also vary the amount of current being drawn by the motor (i.e. if the motor needs to work harder to spin the different sized prop, then it'll pull more current from teh battery).

You'll be able to check the new setup with the watt meter but you want to be sure you don't exceed the continuous current rating of the ESC. Again the 80% rule can apply here - if you've got an ESC rated at 25A continuous current, then aim not to exceed 20A. That will ensure you get good longevity out of your setup (assuming you don't run into the unfortunate ESC malfunction that Bruce captured on one of his xjet youtube videos - but that was pure bad luck).

The watt meter will allow you to see what current you're pulling with either the stock 5x5 prop or the new 6x4.

Likewise, if you start out using a tired old battery and it works fine, don't assume the same will be true when you swap out the old battery for a new one. If you suddenly introduce a brand new battery with a higher C rating that the old one (lets say you buy a 35C rated battery when the old one was 20C), then that may change the way your system will work and it should be checked prior to flight again.

Hope that helps
Peter