ff batteries

Is a 10-pack of rechargeable AA's any better?

Nope.  Rechargeable AA batteries are in the 2Ah range.

-Allen

I ordered 3 of these 3S LiFePO4's to run in parallel, 6.3ah for 50 bucks. They have the balancing charger connection too.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14064__zippy_flightmax_2100mah_3s1p_30c_lifepo4_pack.html

Is a 10-pack of rechargeable AA's any better?

Nope.  Rechargeable AA batteries are in the 2Ah range.

-Allen

And isn't this what everyone uses in their "new school power supply?"

I figure I'll eventually make one of those but was thinking of using a 5Ah battery until then.  Bad idea?

Is a 10-pack of rechargeable AA's any better?

Nope.  Rechargeable AA batteries are in the 2Ah range.

-Allen

And isn't this what everyone uses in their "new school power supply?"

I figure I'll eventually make one of those but was thinking of using a 5Ah battery until then.  Bad idea?

New school is now old school.  We used to use those in the days of tiny black and white FF's with no GPS.  Today's fully featured FF draw just oo much current for those anymore.

-ALlen

New school is now old school.  We used to use those in the days of tiny black and white FF's with no GPS.  Today's fully featured FF draw just oo much current for those anymore.

-ALlen

Ah ok... got it now!  So last question:  Is 5Ah too small?  I don't expect to ever be out more than 4-5 hours.

Thanks for your answers! 

New school is now old school.  We used to use those in the days of tiny black and white FF's with no GPS.  Today's fully featured FF draw just oo much current for those anymore.

LOL, I still rock the "new school" 10 AA's and the tiny black and white FF on both yaks. 

Ah ok... got it now!  So last question:  Is 5Ah too small?  I don't expect to ever be out more than 4-5 hours.
Thanks for your answers! 

It depends--which FF do you have?

Ah ok... got it now!  So last question:  Is 5Ah too small?  I don't expect to ever be out more than 4-5 hours.
Thanks for your answers! 

It depends--which FF do you have?

Back a few comments  elite 4 hdi

That could draw up to 1ah depending on what you are running on it.  A 5ah will give you about 4 useable hours.  I run a 7ah I think and it cost about $20.  Good size.  No issue with weight.

I buy sealed lead acid batteries from www.batterymart.com. My current FF one is a 12v 6 Ah that cost me $30 and will power my finder for 6 hours of continuous use and still be at 50% DOD.

These are the same basic batteries used in a UPS and they last a long time if not discharged more than 50% and promptly recharged after each use - i.e. they are not abused. Mine last me on average 4 years before I need to replace them.

At 50% discharge the battery output voltage is still high enough for the electronics to operate properly. My finder will work at 10v or greater which is quite forgiving as electronics go.

That could draw up to 1ah depending on what you are running on it.  A 5ah will give you about 4 useable hours.  I run a 7ah I think and it cost about $20.  Good size.  No issue with weight.

Hi Bill, I finally pulled the trigger and decided on the Elite 4 HDI!  I already have a 5Ah battery on the way but maybe I'll pick up a 6 or 7Ah too.  Seems like having a spare is pretty common anyway.