How do you tell if batteries are healthy?

[VanSheppard]

I just acquired a receiver and transmitter, complete with batteries, but i was cautioned that the condition of the batteries was not known. How can i tell if the batteries are ok, or if they need to be replaced?

[miketoner]

Hi Van,

For these batteries, first look for signs of obvious damage, blistering of the covering, or goo leaking out.

Measure the voltage before charging them. Then charge them up and re-measure. fully charged they should be over 1.25 volts per cell. Leave them sit for a day or two. Measure them again and see if they have lost the charge very quickly. If they don't hold a charge, I would'nt take any chances in the air.

Some people own a battery cycler which discharges the battery and calculates its capacity. this can tell you if your 700mAhr battery only gives you 100mAh.

If you don't have access to one of these cyclers, and they do seem to hold the charge, then you can try it with the radio. Power up your equipment and leave it on for what would be the time of a flight for you. Make the servos work so it drains power from the Rx battery. Then measure the voltage again. If it seems to go down too fast then don't chance it in the air.

Just use your common sense. I use a watts-up meter to measure my Rx battery through the charging plug after every one or two flights. I don't take off if it's less than 5.00 volts.

Good flying!

- Mike

[Jeff Corsaut]

Van - I have lots of battery cycling gear and can check them out for you. I hope to be at the field on Saturday morning.

[VanSheppard]

Mike,

Thanks for the instructions! Common sense stuff, after I have read it, but not so obvious before it was laid out for me.

Jeff,

Thanks for the offer, and I'll gladly take you up on it when I can. I am out of town this weekend, so I won't be at the field, but I will arrange to meet you there when I get back.

Cheers,

Van.