Electric flight and servos

by Lomac
(Yan Yean, Victoria, Australia)

I have just purchased some new gear for my glider. I have bought Hitec HS55 servos as they fit neatly in the wing compartment, but have noticed that the two output torque ratings are at 4.8-6.0v. Does this mean I can only use up to a 6v battery in my glider?
I plan to fly with my DX7 radio and AR500 receiver, flying with a brushless motor and folding prop. I was hoping to use a li-po for the weight advantage but can't find them under 7.4v. I also checked some giant scale servos and noticed they had the same volt rating of 4.8-6.0 which has confused me. I see picture in magazines of small planes with li-pos which must have small servos. How do they do it. Please help confused a Aussie...

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Electric flight and servos

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Jan 31, 2009
 Electric flight and servos
by: Pete

Servos are usually given ratings of 4.8v to 6v because these are the most commonly used separate battery packs (4 cell or 5 cell) for powering rx and servos. But if you're plumbing your rx into the motor circuit, then the motor li-po will power the rx and servos.
ESCs have a built in BEC (Battery Elminating Circuit) that 'syphons off' sufficient power from the li-po for the rx and servos, eliminating the need for a separate rx battery pack.
Check your component specs to make sure you don't exceed the BEC load, but most off-the-shelf ESCs can cope with an average electric plane such as a powered glider.

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