What batteries to use?

[TacticalEx]

I've been doing extensive self education on batteries lately since I'm new to both the hobby and FPV.  I'm pretty sure I will be using 3S batteries for the plane power, video Tx power and video Rx/display power (all need 12v). I'm planning on buying the suggested 1300mAh 3S battery for the Bixler 1.1 as the site recommends (unless you got a better idea) but I'm not sure what mAh and C rating battery to use for the Tx and RX/display. I've heard bad things about nano-tech(easy puff up) and zippy (lots of fires).

What do you guys suggest?

Also, I have read enough about lipo fires I'm taking that to heart and I'm building an all in one charging station/fire resistant storage container out of an old PC case. I got some of the connectors finished and I'll give you guys the plans and video explaining it all when I'm finished. 

[MrBen]

never had a bixler but my first thought was that maybe a 2200mah 3s would be better suited? I use gens ace, normal zippys (not compact) and turnigy blues

[Dusty]

had every type of bixler available...

2200mah 3S is perfect. No need to get high C rating, they're usually around 20C for the lower priced ones, and 20C from a 2200mah LiPo is 44Amps.... I doubt you'll be pulling over 30A so 20C is fine

with a Bixler, you won't be taxing the LiPo much (i.e. high current draw) so they'll tend to last longer than those used in faster planes or helis that tend to draw high current and call for higher C ratings

just ask Ben about his funjet lol

[TacticalEx]

Should I consider buying a 30A ESC if I go with a 2200mAh for the bixler?

What about the ground station battery? I will be using the following hardware
http://www.cheaptrailcamerasforsale.com/fdl-epc_cmo_380-7-inch-tft-color-lcd-price-B007SLDF7O.html
and
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21327__900MHZ_200mW_Tx_Rx_1_3_inch_CCD_Camera_NTSC_520TVL.html

[Dusty]

this ESC http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__35063__TURNIGY_Plush_30amp_Speed_Controller_AUS_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_146.html

this motor
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24239__D2826_6_2200kv_Outrunner_Motor_USA_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_127.html

any 2200mah 3S LiPo (as many as you can afford )

and this prop
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__38941__TGS_Sport_6x4E_Precision_propeller_USA_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_217.html

absolutely classic powertrain for any Bixler/Easystar type plane

hope this helps mate

[No-Dachi]

I use 6800mAh 12V Lithium-ion for my ground station/backpack. (EyeTop Video Glasses + step down, 1.8G Video Rx, 12v DVR) Cheap and works good.

www.ebay.ca/itm/130909767214?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[Cupid Stunt]

2200mah 3S at least in the Bixler, I have always used 3000mah 3S in mine, yes it will handle the weight easily even with a GoPro on the nose
My elevator and rudder servos were moved back onto the tail boom and the video tx was positioned along the boom too in order to get the desired CG with a 3000mah and GoPro

Here's a video with the set-up above using live feed from the GoPro 200mw 5.8 vtx, Futaba FASST 2.4 radio control, Cyclops Nova OSD

FPV Beautiful Bay and Castle Ruins from the Air

[Dusty]

was your skysurfer a kit or already glued together?

I have a spanking new bixler v1.1 here, still in bits. I've completed the wings (servos/rods/horns/cf strip etc) but soon found out that the fuselage is too narrow to accommodate the Storm OSD in the preferred location (just under the wings). So I've started to cut out bays in my tek sumo for a quick FPV fix lol.

also, how far did you get with the 200mw 5.8 vtx?

I understand that doubling the power only increases the range by 50% (so if 200mw gets 2km, 400mw will get 3km).

I'm humming and harring about getting a cheap 5.8 200mw set from BEVRC for the tek with a set of skews for close in fun. then I can put my 2.4vtx in a bigger plane with my rangelink for longer distances.

[bigMouse]

yes double the power increases the range by 50%  ( or * 1.5 or 150%)
say 200mW at 5800mHz gives 1 Km on a specific setup, then 400mW (same setup) = 1.5Km

Half the frequency = Double the range, so using the above 5.8g 200mW = 1 Km. Using half that frequency ie 2900mHz at 200mW would = 2Km, So at 2400mHz you will be a bit better off again. 200mW at 2400mHz would = 2.4km

[Dusty]

ok, so who uses 5.8 here then, and how far have you gone without a patch/directional high gain antenna?

[TacticalEx]

this ESC http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__35063__TURNIGY_Plush_30amp_Speed_Controller_AUS_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_146.html

this motor
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24239__D2826_6_2200kv_Outrunner_Motor_USA_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_127.html

any 2200mah 3S LiPo (as many as you can afford )

and this prop
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__38941__TGS_Sport_6x4E_Precision_propeller_USA_Warehouse_.html
or http://www.rctimer.com/product_217.html

absolutely classic powertrain for any Bixler/Easystar type plane

hope this helps mate

Great, now more to fiddle around with on my costs sheet . Much appreciated though, is does help. 

[TacticalEx]

2200mah 3S at least in the Bixler, I have always used 3000mah 3S in mine, yes it will handle the weight easily even with a GoPro on the nose

Good to know, I was starting to worry about weight but so far my setup is nowhere near that combination. 

[TacticalEx]

I'm a bit confused. How do I make sure that if I punch the throttle that I don't burn out my ESC or battery?

[Cupid Stunt]

Use a Watt meter if you're unsure, though you're not going to burn out any batteries with a Bixler v1, as for the ESC well make sure to go slight over the top, a 40 amp will be more than enough as will a 6x4 prop on a 28xx 2200kv motor

[Cupid Stunt]

Chris, my Bixler (well actually a Skysurfer) was bought as a plug and play from BRC Hobbies
Had to re-inforce the spar of course as well as the mods above

How come you can't fit your Cyclops in there ?, oh have you still got the servos in the fuse ?