My spare battery, having thus far survived several crashes in the Floater Jet, finally succumbed to serial abuse when I forgot to disconnect it after a flight. As usual with depleted batteries, I bumped up the voltage by charging it on the Accucell charger as a NiMH, then switching over to LiPO-charge. However, this time, the charger only recognised two cells.
I'm not sure what has happened, but checking the voltage on the balance lead of my good battery in comparison confirmed that one cell was giving no voltage. I have checked to see if perhaps there was a short or something with the leads on the individual cells but have had no luck.
So I've ordered two new batteries, opting for 2200mAh Turnigy units. This is the same rating but a larger capacity than my current 1800mAh battery. The main reason for the upgrade is not the capacity but the curious fact that the 2200mAh battery is shorter than my the 1800mAh, which only just clears the servos arms at full travel, even when pushed right up against the motor.
One concern, though, is that it weighs about thirty grams more than the 1800mAh battery, and it's located right up front. This is also the reason I didn't go for a higher C-rating, as these each weigh progressively more.
What may offer compensation for the increased mass is that I've noticed that the Walrus seems to generate more lift with the carbon propellor, perhaps because the larger spread of prop-wash from the bigger diameter generates more lift from the wings? Anyway, the batteries are still a few days away so we have time for some subconscious deliberation before then.
However, I'm generally thinking that the first launch will be with a good throw and plenty of power, just to make sure it doesn't plough in...
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