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RC transmitter's rear hatch cover has been opened and battery pack has been removed. Battery connector is still plugged into transmitter. Simply unplug connector, find similar mating half, and attach battery pack to tester or cycler. When finished, plug pack back in and replace hatch cover. |
Q-3: "I tried using my ACE Power Pacer cycler to check my Futaba transmitter battery and found it wouldn't work," wrote one reader. "Didn't I read something to the effect that most RC transmitter battery circuits contain a blocking diode that prevents you from measuring the battery voltage at the charging jack? Should I remove the battery from the transmitter for testing purposes?"
A-3: Yes, you will have to remove the battery. I'm forced to do this with almost every brand of RC transmitter in my inventory. However, that isn't the end of the world because most RC transmitters have an easy-access hatch cover at the rear of the case. You open the cover and can usually remove the battery pack with no difficulty. Most transmitter battery packs also have a connector (provided by thoughtful manufacturers) that allows you to disconnect the battery pack from the circuit. The trick then is to obtain a mating connector that will allow you to attach the battery pack to your discharge testing device (or cycler).
Many RC manufacturers will sell you this necessary mating cable. Battery suppliers such as Batteries America and Radical RC also sell a variety of transmitter battery cables and connectors. Construct these adapters once, and you are set for the future.