Controller Batteries

[2mths]

What batteries (AA size) do people use/recommend for controllers?

 

I have just got my first RC in 30 years and hoped to use rechargeables. 

I have tried three different lots of rechargeables (from various kids toys).  The controller (from HBX 16889 Pro) keeps flashing lights in a way the instructions say it thinks they are flat. 🤷‍♂️

[Stormbringer]

rechargeable batteries like nihms/nicads are 1.2 v unlike alkaline batteries which are 1.5 which is probably fooling the transmitter into thinking they are flat 

[2mths]

I was aware of the 1.2v vs 1.5v difference and did wonder. 

I will try them. 

I am guessing flat controller batteries is only an inconvenience? Whereas flattening car batteries seems to bad for them. 

[Stormbringer]

Some folks on here have been making up Lithium ion packs for their transmitters 

i know @Lone-wolf did maybe he could chime in help you out 

[2mths]

I tried using it anyway and once paired with the car the controller then seemed 'Happy'. 

[Lone-wolf]

1 hour ago, Stormbringer said:

Some folks on here have been making up Lithium ion packs for their transmitters 

i know @Lone-wolf did maybe he could chime in help you out 

Li-ion packs are great for the right controller they work very well in the Flysky GT3 (selling mine soon) but other controllers that take just 4 AA dont have room for Li-Ion packs

[Fred barlow]

We use NiMH cells without issue both with 2000 and 800 nah cells in our abisma stick, granite grom and mjx rtr transmitters, all I do is check with a meter before setting out, carry a few spares so we can swap them out as needed

[Partydaz]

I use these in all my transmitters last blooming long time, can probably find cheaper if look harder but no problems with the 2+ years using them.

 

HiQuick 8 x AA Rechargeable Batteries with AA AAA Battery Charger, 8-Bay LED Battery Charger with 8 Counts AA 2800mAh Rechargeable Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries and Battery Charger Combo: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo  

[2mths]

6 hours ago, Partydaz said:

I use these in all my transmitters last blooming long time, can probably find cheaper if look harder but no problems with the 2+ years using them.

 

HiQuick 8 x AA Rechargeable Batteries with AA AAA Battery Charger, 8-Bay LED Battery Charger with 8 Counts AA 2800mAh Rechargeable Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries and Battery Charger Combo: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo  

I am using something very similar (maybe even the same by another name based on https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries)

I have new 2300 & 2800 EBLs

[300bhp/ton]

On 11/08/2024 at 09:41, 2mths said:

What batteries (AA size) do people use/recommend for controllers?

 

I have just got my first RC in 30 years and hoped to use rechargeables. 

I have tried three different lots of rechargeables (from various kids toys).  The controller (from HBX 16889 Pro) keeps flashing lights in a way the instructions say it thinks they are flat. 🤷‍♂️

Use Sanyo Eneloops. They are low self discharge, so will last ages, even if you aren't using it. Most NiMh rechargeables will self discharge and go flat in short order, just by sitting doing nothing.

 

It won't stop the battery light saying lower power, due to the 1.2v nominal voltage of NiMh, but it shouldn't cause any issues. If you don't want rechargeable, I'd avoid anything alkaline based, as they are prone to leaking and ruining whatever they are in. Energizer Lithium AA are great and last a long time (1.5v, not to confuse with Li-ion). But are a little pricey, so a bummer if you leave the transmitter on by accident.