Syma X5C Battery Tip

[Patton]

This is related to the batteries in the Transmitter.

The X5C really likes fresh batteries in the transmitter.

Using my Voltmeter, I've found that range starts to decrease rapidly once the batteries drop below 1.54 volts.

Brand new fresh AA batteries can read about ~ 1.59 - 1.61volts give or take a few tenths.

My range (I did the 5dbi antenna upgrade) is about 300 ft with fresh batteries. A little more vertically.
By the time the batteries are at 1.52v, range has dropped to about 80 ft. Huge difference.

By the time the batteries are at 1.50volts range is down to around 50 - 60ft.

Since the TX uses four batteries, that translates to a significant drop in range at 6.0 volts total.
Range is best at 6.4 volts. Seems like a small difference but in the TX it makes quite a bit apparently.

But don't throw them out! 1.5AA batteries are good in almost everything else until about 1.35 volts so there's a LOT of life left in them after they come out of the Syma TX.

You might want to keep an inexpensive Voltmeter and a pack of fresh batteries with you when you go out to fly.

Hope this helps someone.

 

[Jackson]

That's interesting, I wonder how they would fare with the rechargeable NiZN cells I have. 1.6V nominal, they come off the charger at ~1.85V.

 

[Patton]

That's interesting, I wonder how they would fare with the rechargeable NiZN cells I have. 1.6V nominal, they come off the charger at ~1.85V.

Real good question. Seems if the circuit could handle it the range would be excellent. How long do they maintain over 1.6 ?

Since these are 1.6v batteries I'll bet they would work great depending on their capacity.

Is there a thread on these batteries somewhere? I might want to order some and give them a try. I wonder if the higher voltage will damage my TX tho?

 

[Patton]

So I did some reading on the 1.6 NiZN AA's and here's what generally seems to be said about them....

1). They don't last long
2). They damage electronics due to over voltage

Have you used them in your RC models? I'd hate to fry my TX.

 

[Jackson]

Some random tidbits.

"Worked better in my digital camera than standard 1.2v; less error messages about low batteries"

"I have had these for a few months. They work great in devices that limp along under the low voltage of nimh batteries"

"This is my second order of these items due to the excellent performance of a set I previously purchased about a year ago and have found they perform better than those of the original "Powergenix" product.
My primary use for these batteries is in my handheld GPS where they perform longer than all other rechargeable batteries I have tried. One caution about using these is that they maintain their 1.6 volt level right up to the point that they are fully discharged. As a result, low battery indicators that are designed to indicate a low battery at 1 to 1.2 volts do not give an advanced warning of "low battery" until these are fully discharged"

"I like the extra voltage and the charge lasts longer than other rechargeables i have"

How about something more relevant.

"This solved a problem which may be of interest to others. But first, about the batteries themselves. They work as stated with good capacity and discharge curve properties. A bargain at the price. The problem they solved for me was with my Futaba T6J Tx. When I bought this I didn't realize that it didn't come with a rechargeable Tx battery pack. What's more, the standard battery tray is for 4 AA alkalines and so 4 standard NiMH batteries are very voltage deficient, although the Tx certainly works with them. According to the manual, if I want to use NiMH batteries I have to return the Tx to the agents who will fit a 5 cell upgrade (what were you thinking Futaba? The T6J is otherwise an excellent product). Also, a Tx LiFe battery won't fit without surgery, which I don't want to do. The NiZn cells do an excellent job, no mods needed."

"Really useful product for some TXs that seem to like a high voltage and use up alkalines at too great a rate (DEVO). Also used on Apple mouse for longer battery life. "


They have probably sold millions of these over the years. I only have 2 that work from my original 4 Powergenixs, I have been using them for years in a Canon camera. The newer brands are said to be better.

 

[Patton]

Which ones are you using (brand) and where did you get them? I'd like to try them but I don't want to end up with imitation junk.
Thanks