The flight packs we offer share similar construction but two capacities; one higher aimed primarily at sport-use, and the lower tailored for 3D aficionados. What's the difference?
Speaking in generalities, if you fly for sport (or scale) you're flying often, and usually for relatively long stretches of time – say 12-15 minutes – if not longer. This, because you're relaxed, settled into a groove, and simply having a blast. Bigger packs make sense.
Conversely, pilots whose objectives include aggressive 3D-maneuvers (piroflips, rainbows, inverted pushouts inches from the deck, tick-tocks, etc.) are so intense about their flying they're a wet noodle (due to the adrenaline rush) after a mere 7-8 minutes of flight. And yes, they're having a blast, also, but they get by fine with lighter packs of reduced capacity!
Saying, you really need to know yourself before settling on what's the best flight pack.
Packs for sport pilots (and scale use)
For sport, you're well advise to use a high capacity pack like this B2S5200D. The D refers to the main connectors being used for discharge, DuPont type. They're the same as on servos.
In the alternative, we offer packs with XT30 as well as EC3 connectors (altering the part number by appending X or E, respectively) because some RF-systems use those, instead. Anyway, this is a lithium-ion battery sporting two cells in series for a capacity of 5200mAh.
Note; battery refers to more than one cell. They're also referred to as a pack, or battery pack.
Why so much capacity? Simple, capacity relates to number of flights. The more capacity, the more flights you can expect between charges.
That said, wise modelers check voltage before each flight. This is because unlike fixed-wing models, where there are relatively long stretches where the servos barely move, helicopters servos are CONSTANTLY moving and thus, consuming more juice from the pack.
Current draw
Current draw refers to consumption. It's measured in amps and capacity relates amps to time. So the pack capacity is measures in milliamp-hours, or amp-hours. Thus, a 5200mAh pack is the same-same as a 5.2Ah pack.
It's also worth noting how back in the day, RF-systems were supplied with 500mAh battery packs for fixed wing, and 1000mAh packs for helicopters. That was enough capacity when servos drew 300-500mAh at full song, and the higher capacity pack reflected helicopter servos moving more during the flight.
These days, systems come without a pack and the decision is left to the consumer. But because digital servos output three or four times the torque, and transit 4-5X more quickly, and consume way more current than old school servos, you want even more capacity.
Reviewing servo specs shows why. E.g. a DS270DLHV (sport packages) maxes at about 3A.
Note; receivers and gyros consume relatively little. Ditto the throttle servo unless you're flying 3D in which case it's always moving but, draws relatively little because it's virtually unloaded.
Anyway, a 5200mAh pack offers enough capacity for sport/scale, and is super versatile due to the added connectors. More later but one is used for the receiver (routed through an on/off switch).
The others are available for powering things like lighting controller for night flying. These connectors may also be useful if you're into scale models – think marker lights, strobe, etc.
Cell construction
We believe these packs are better for helicopters because they relying on metal shells to encase each cell (instead of damage-prone plastic bags as are used for LiPos). Metal is almost like armor and significantly more rugged than the typical LiPo pack offered by the market.
Added benefit of more rugged against damaged is safer against catching fire due to a ding going unnoticed resulting in a hot spot in the pack. Think carefully when choosing pack construction because there's more to it than weight, price, and capacity.
Making sense of pack product number is easy . . . BS2600 means;
- B = battery
- 2 = number of cells
- S = series configuration
- 2600 = capacity (in mAh)
Note; above I touched on receiver leads. Now let's delve a bit deeper into this;
Leads
The ProModeler packs supplied in avionic packages are equipped with a pair of DuPont connectors (same one servos use). The are attached with 20AWG wire. There's also an XT30 (thicker 16AWG wire), plus a balance connector.
For all leads, the insulation is supple silicone for maximum abrasion resistance. This next photo shows the amperage rating for these connectors.
Packs for 3D use
3D-type maneuvers draw more current but most pilots fly shorter duration. And pilots may focus on weight reductions to improve performance. Lower capacity packs fill the bill, and can be field charged, as needed.
Same-same pack construction (packed in metal shells), and same Lithium-Ion chemistry, just smaller cells equals reduced capacity . . . and less weight. For 3D maneuvers, the goal is reducing all up weight. Smaller packs help.
Wrap up
2-cell lithium batteries power the majority of avionics flight packs for models. Do you rely on packs using cells comprised of plastic bags (LiPos) to save weight, or LiIons armored by rugged metal shells?
Choose wisely!
