Voltage limits for 3DR copters

Posted by Jay Johnson on July 25, 2013 at 10:24am

What is the high limit on voltage for the ArduCopter systems?  I've ordered one of the new Y6 models.

I see that 3S1P LiPo is recommended, at 11.1 volts.  I have a pile of LiFE 4S1P batteries at 13.2 volts and wonder if these will be at all usable?  I know the energy density isn't as high with LiFE and I am buying some LiPo, but it would be nice to know if the LiFe batteries could be used as backup.

 

Thanks,

Jay

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Replies

  • Developer
    Bill Bonney July 25, 2013 at 12:33pm
    You should check that your ESCs will work ok in that voltage range. I suspect they do. The main problem is usually low voltage cutoffs and battery detection circuits. I.e ESC will let you know with three or four beeps if you have a 3S or 4S lipo connected. But with LiFe the voltage may trick it, and it will complain.

    Normally for copters we don't have low voltage cut-off enabled, otherwise your copter would drop from the sky, for planes, it allows the electronics and servos to glide dead stick to safety
  • Rob Bartlett July 25, 2013 at 10:29am

    I've used a 4S 5000 maH battery on my hexa and it was fine, with the APM power module.

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