Too many servos for a 5014?

[Flyinhigh]

How much current at 6.25v would you guys consider to be the limit or too much for one Futaba 5014 receiver? I have two 5014's in my 40% 260 running 9 Hitec digitals, but also a Seiko, choke, and smoke as well - both receivers each have three power inputs from their own Fromeco regulator. I went with two receivers primarily for redundancy. In my next project I will have either 9 Hitec 5955's or 7 and 2 JR 8711's. On paper, one 5014 receiver will have channels to spare. I was thinking about Fromeco reg's with three output leads each for a total of six going into the receiver, so I know current input won't be an issue, I'm just wondering if that's asking to much for one receiver, and If I should put more consideration into a power management system. My second set-up will be more akin to a 35% airplane set-up for 3-D with redundant power supply.

Thanks

[nodrok man.]

You know thats a great question. Where the electricity guru to answer these questions. I would knock the regulators down to 6v. Thats all there rated for. I have a small battle my self. 2 receivers are always better than one. Now we all know that futaba and jr make match boxes. Now what they dont tell us is how many amps there rated to handle. What do the new 8711's pull when stalled. Well if you can plug 4 into one I imagine in a hard snap you could pull alot of amps. Luckily you dont have that problem with hitecs. I personally think bill at troy built models would be your best source. They seem to have the most relevant info ive seen to modeling. smart fly is not a bad idea, I run 2 to stagger the control surfaces on my large bird. Always redundant power supply, and that fail on. dual receivers cant hurt however dont split any servos to go into both because if one goes bad you dont want it back sending any noise causeing you other receiver into fail safe. Good luck.

[Fixed Wing]

I used to use 2 separate receivers with the type setup you describe. However, this is my latest setup with a 5014 and the power box made for it. 10 servos through 10 channels each with their own filtered port. Dean's plugs utilized throughout the power system from batteries, through switches, through regulator, to power box. Not trying to start a debate about 1 receiver vs. 2 receivers. Your original post seemed to focus on the power management aspect which was always my concern and why I previously used 2 receivers. Time will tell if I feel this newer setup is better. So far, however, I have very positive impressions of it.

[Flyinhigh]

Fixed Wing, no question your set-up is clean, and Ilike the benefit of isolating the servos from the receiver. The power management is my primary concern. In my two-receiver set-up I used no power management, but most of my receiver servo ports are used. With all Hitec 5955's and three power inputs to each receiver, power supply was not an issue. I hadn't thought about interference or current drop until after I read about it, maybe 10 flights or so after my maiden. With over fifty flights on the two-receiver set-up, I'm pretty confident in it - no glitches, so the Hitecs must be pretty clean.
With a one receiver set-up I need to redevelop confidence - that's why I am considering a power management system like yours. I just hate to spend the extra bread if it isn't necessary - with a 12 channel receiver it seems silly not to trust it with 9 or 10 serovos, and with a power management system like the Smartfly you have, there will be many empty slots - makes me feel like its money spent well past the 'point of diminishing return', so to speak. I want to make my set-up solid, and I want to get the most out of my equipment without pushing it too hard - that's why I'm considering two 5955's on the rudder in a push-pull, which I know will be adequate, over the 8711's , which I know will have more authority along with significantly more currnet draw. I probably will talk to Bill at TBM, he has advised me well in the past also. I just try to go find the peanut butter in the grocery store myself first before I go bothering some kid in a smock with my grocery list - know what I mean?

[torquen]

I have been running 14 servos and a smoke pump through 2 5014 receivers for quite a while now. I have never had a problem. I run my regulators at 6.2 volts and never look back.
Garrett

[Flyinhigh]

Now that's feedback I'll take to the bank - thanks Garrett.

What servos and what smoke pump? Seems counter-intuitive to have the pump running off the receiver power, although it also seems less complex.

[Fixed Wing]

I understand your concerns. Let us know what Bill advises. I'm still flying the plane in this picture as well which uses a 2 receiver set-up. Never had a problem with it what so ever. So as you can see I'm switch hitting - one plane with one receiver with power management - one plane with 2 receivers. PS - notice where the batteries are located for balance purposes.

[Flyinhigh]

I'm hoping to push the brink and go with one receiver and no power management - at least that's what my wallet is hoping. I always did like the look of the turbo-reg and a power distribution system. Although, it would make me look like I can set them up better than I can fly them.

Fixed Wing, I do notice your battery location, as well as the lack of a pull-pull rudder -makes me think you have servos back in the tail for weight distribution, also. Now you aren't one of us - er - those guys who like to over-power an airplane, are you? Let's fly sometime

[Judge]

I've run up to 12 high torque servos through a single 5014 with no problems. I used both unregulated 5-cell NiMHs and regulated lithium packs.

[Fixed Wing]

Flyinhigh,

Yes, I'm running 2 5955's in the back in a push/pull configuration for the rudder. This is on a 42% Aerotech Extra 300. I've run two 40% planes in the past on a 3 servo pull/pull set up through a SWB self centering tray. Although that set up worked fine I like the 2 servo configuration better. Still has plenty of rudder authority for whatever type flying you do along with my perception of better resolution (IMO). It's also a simpler setup.

And yes, lots of power in any regards is your friend - you can never have too much of it. Would love to fly with you some time. Austin isn't too far from me.

[torquen]

flyinghigh, I have been running about 3 9152's on the rudder, 10 9155's or 9156's, and a digital throttle servo. All Futaba. The smoke pump is the PowerBox pump and its unreal!! I have it plugged straight into my receiver and running off my main batteries. I don't feel this is anything to be worried about as I only use smoke in a freestyle comp and its 4 mins long at the most going on and off.
Garrett

[Flyinhigh]

Very helpful feedback, gents. Thanks for your input and incite.