How to Troubleshoot Charging Issues of Your RC Helicopter
From children of a higher age group to adults, almost anyone can learn to fly an RC helicopter. So, if you want to fly one of these remote-controlled helicopters, you can get started right away. Flying these choppers is engaging and you’ll have loads of fun with this activity.
It will also make you get out of your house and explore more of your surroundings. All you need is the right equipment and a place that has lots of flying space. If you have an interest in flying RC helicopters, it is essential that you learn how to care for one. Proper maintenance and care of your helicopter will make it last longer.
There’s no enjoyment in flying your RC helicopter if it loses power quickly. You must be able to enjoy an extended flight time without searching for an outlet nearby. It is necessary that you take some time to inspect the device. Learn what it requires to fly better and the steps that you need to take in this regard.
Have a look at the type of batteries
You must know the type of batteries that your RC helicopter is using. So, the first step is to have a look at the batteries. This may provide the basis for solving most of the charging issues. If there are regular AA batteries in the helicopter, that can be the problem. Such batteries have the limitation of lower power. They are, therefore, certainly not recommended for hobbyists while flying their RC helicopters.
Instead, they can go for LiPo (lithium ion polymer) batteries. They’re a lot better when the device requires frequent charging and discharging. You must check the user’s manual to ensure that the model of your helicopter uses these batteries.
Check the voltage of batteries for charging issues
Checking the voltage of batteries in the helicopter is another step in resolving their charging issue. This must be done before flying your RC helicopter. How long the LiPo battery lasts will greatly depend on its voltage. Incorrect voltage can damage the batteries in your helicopter to such an extent that they’ll not charge again.
There are some recommendations that you can consider for determining the correct voltage. The voltage in 2-cell LiPo batteries must not go below 6.6 volts. In 3-cell LiPo batteries, it must not go down beyond 9.9 volts. You must make sure that the batteries are using the correct voltage. To do this, set a certain time limit for your flying sessions. This can prevent the batteries from going below the voltage that is recommended.
You can determine how long the helicopter can remain in the air before the voltage falls below the limit. Some models of RC helicopters come with a warning indicator. It is either in the form of light or a sound. This will alert you when the voltage gets too low. Such indicators are immensely helpful for beginner RC helicopter pilots.
Check for water damage
Your RC helicopter can suffer a water damage if it falls into a water body during its flight. It may also suffer damage if you’ve accidentally spilled water or water-based substance on it. Such incidents are major contributors to charging-related issues, just like in smartphones.
Today, several manufacturers produce RC helicopters with built-in features to avoid such type of damages. If your helicopter doesn’t have such features, it’s better to be mindful of the surroundings while flying it.