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A Note From the AMA Insider's Technical Editor

A short time ago, a modeler wrote Ed McCollough (your humble technical editor) the following:

“Noticed and noted on the foot of page 66 of March Model Aviation underneath the picture of the Spektrum/JR flight logger, it is recommended that six-volt battery packs be used on ALL 2.4GHz receivers. Called Horizon Hobby on the phone; they confirmed this statement. It was suggested the same six volt usage for other brands also. Would like to suggest the general membership be made aware of this when 2.4 GHz receivers are used in glow/gas airplanes/helis to preclude possible in-flight loss.”

When I read this, I agreed with him and wrote him I would get on the problem. Please, read what he wrote and consider it very, very carefully. Unfortunately, the answer to his question hasn’t been that quick or easy, but for the time being, here it is:

If you are flying a 2.4 GHz system, follow the manufacturers’ specifications for the voltage. If you are using a separate voltage pack for the receiver, be absolutely sure it has enough voltage to run the receiver. A common 5.0-volt receiver pack may not have sufficient voltage to run your particular receiver. Actually, if you used a six-volt pack and it was adequately charged, it should be sufficient, regardless of the manufacturer.

There is one problem, when using a six-volt pack if it isn’t required by the manufacturer of your system. That problem will likely happen if you are using digital servos. If you drive some digital servos with six volts, there is a high probability you will damage the servos because of the higher voltage. Remember, if the servos fail, it won’t make much difference that your receiver is still working.

You always need to be flying with a functional receiver pack, one that is as close to fully charged as possible. Remember, insufficient volts to the receiver and you crash.

Lastly, as in all things, and in all cases, read the instructions. Q

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