🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <C16Csu.3LG@news.rich.bnr.ca>, martyg@bnr.ca (Martin Gallant) writes:
> I have just become the owner of a (new) Futaba 4-channel FM transmitter
> and corresponding receiver.  This is my first R/C radio set.  I would
> like to cycle both battery packs a couple of times before their first
> flight, to get an estimate of their capacity.
> 
> I have also been told this is a good idea for new NiCd's anyway.
> Opinions?
> 
> I need an inexpensive method to discharge the packs, ie. simple resistor
> and miniature light bulb method.  Can anyone supply a schematic and a
> parts list?  Is there an archive for this sort of information?
> 

Your transmitter may have a diode in the charging circuit to 
prevent cycling thru the charge jack.  In this case, you have to 
remove the battery pack.  Hook up an ESV, if no voltage is 
measured, you have a diode.  A real cheap cycling method is to 
charge up your system for 14 hrs using the standard wall charger, 
and then turn your transmitter and receiver on, and operate 
the sticks while you sit and watch TV.  You should do this for 
about 90 minutes for the standard discharge.  This also burns 
in your servos, so you find out if there is a problem before 
you fly the plane.  Repeat the procedure a few times and you 
should be confident about your battery capacity and radio 
/ servo reliability.