Wireless Industrial Remote Control Aircraft Refueling System

Aircraft refueling is also known as air refueling or air-to-air refueling and it is a process of transforming fuel from one aircraft or the tanker to another/ the receiver during the flight. It is an important procedure that helps the aircraft to remain stay in the air longer as well as to extend its range or loiter time on station. Aircraft refueling can also be considered as a means to reduce fuel consumption on long distance flights greater than 3000 nautical miles.However, as the process is very difficult or rather complex, it is really hard to maintain this total process manually. So, automated aircraft refueling system or using wireless remote controllers to maintain this whole process is always welcome. Nowadays, by using wireless industrial remote control technology, some unique kinds of automated aircraft refueling systems are being manufactured by the manufacturers.These wireless remote controllers are used widely to refuel aircrafts. These automatic devices are developed specifically for industrial applications that require positive operator-to-machine contact. A wireless trigger-switch is used in these systems in order to send RF command signals to the pump. This Aircraft Refueling Control wireless industrial remote control operating systems unencumbered by cables and wires normally used in 'deadman' fueling operations.One of the chief aspects of these automatic devices is that it allows interference free operation. The system incorporates a secure frequency hopping, spread-spectrum radio link that is virtually immune to outside electrical or RF interference. The spread-spectrum technology, used in these devices, helps the whole system to shutdown during any single loss of signals from the transmitter of the wireless remote controllers.The transmitter, used in these wireless industrial remote control aircraft refueling systems, is highly powerful. Normally the transmitter power is 100mW with a frequency rate of 902-928MHz FHSS and 433.92MHz, 869.7MHz & 2.4GHz radios are also available. However, the transmitter power varies from system to system. The transmitters are rechargeable and they deliver 30hrs of continuous use between charges. Generally 12/24VDC charger is supplied by the manufacturer.Another important feature of this automated refueling device is that it is available with 'Safety Timer' software in order to limit switch closure duration prior to automatic shut-off. This feature also requires periodic trigger pulse by operator to maintain receiver 'on' condition. Many types of Aircraft Automated Refueling Systems are available. The customers can get up to eleven other command functions according to their requirements. It is also available with Modular quick-connect component that allows the system for easy installation and field service. You can also get it with Pre-wired solenoids for your Pneumatic, Hydraulic, or Hose Reel control interface.The wireless remote controllers refueling systems are included with internal 'on card' PCB mounts with normal range up to 500 feet, although, higher power is also available. It is constructed with rugged weatherproof polymer enclosure, ensuring the safety of the systems. Normal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery is used to control the system.

Remote Control Aircraft For Spring Weather Flying

If you're anything like me your thoughts wonder toward remote control flying fun when the weather shifts from winter cold toward spring warming.But you can't just launch any RC aircraft into the sky. The changing weather conditions don't yet suit some of those models we love to send into the blue, though here in Indiana the forecast for some coming days steer my thoughts to flying fun.The weather person this morning predicted record setting temperatures in the next few days. But does that mean I can take to the runways and launching pads with any air traveling craft I like flying?Maybe, although I won't know that until I lick a finger each time I head outside.Spring weather changes so quickly that you must test the air before you light that radio control engine up. And even then the weather might make a sudden change after your bird is in the air.When the air is calm any model flies with no problem. But if the wind decides to blow you might lose your toy.Blimps certainly require extremely calm days, and even then most are suited more for indoor operation than outdoor. Doesn't take much to knock one of those helium balloons off course, or cause them to defy your flight control attempts.The bigger remote control airplanes and jets work okay in winds up to moderate speeds, and offer some great opportunities for getting an early spring start at heading into the clouds.The more powerful flyers promise you the most fun if you're headed outside to fly before June or July in the Midwest.If you fly the small, slower airplanes the outdoors isn't your best destination unless the day is super calm. The same goes for the helicopters. The helos operate better inside than in the wind too, and many RC helicopter designs demand indoor flying. They just don't act right in open-air environments.You can't fly most models if it's raining of course. The electrics don't care much for water unless you seal them to protect the working components from moisture. So even if the temperature is up watch the sky for cloudy conditions. You don't want a sudden downpour ruining not only your day, but also future playtime until you fix or replace a drowned aircraft.Your biggest threat in spring is sunny days. They're deceptive because sudden breezes and wind gusts hit you with no warning, and they bring doom for your radio control aircraft.The slightest breeze pushes a helicopter around so easily that you lose flight control, and your helo takes off on its own course. You have no idea where it's flying. The same thing happens to the smaller airplanes, though they handle stronger breezes than the helicopters.Sudden gusts are your worst enemies. Doesn't matter if you're flying an RC airplane or helicopter. A sudden gust pushes it off course quickly, and if any obstacle is present (a building, a light pole, or a tree, etc.) your model might slam into it. Then all you have is a handful of kindling.I know you're impatient to get your remote control aircraft back into the air, and I wish you all the RC flying fun you can handle.But watch that sky for threatening conditions, and make sure the spring weather conditions suit your flying activities. Otherwise that weather might turn your fun into gloom.

Small Aircraft Control Surfaces

Anyone who has held their hand out of a car into the wind to play airplane already has a fundamental impression of control surfaces on the airplane.When the heel of the palm went down, the airpressure under the hand pushed the hand up. That's called lift. The airflow over/under the hand changes with the shape of the hand or airfoil. If you had little cut-outs near your wrist, there wouldn't be as much lift.The tail section contains control surfaces for keeping the plane stable and controllable.1) Horizontal: The horizontal, non-moving part is called the stabilizer, and it prevents uncontrolled up-and-down motion of the nose. The small hinged sections on each side are called elevators, which work in unison. It is controlled by the cockpit control wheel/stick and increases or decreases lift. When forward pressure is applied on the wheel, the elevators move downward, which increases the length of the tail causing more lift, which forces the tail upward, causing the nose to drop. There is also a small hinged section in the elevator which is controlled by a small vertical wheel on the cockpit console which is used to finetune the elebator trim. Hense the name trim tab.2) Vertical: The vertical non-moving part which prevents the nose from uncontrolled swinging side to side. The large hinged section is the rudder. The rudder is controlled by the foot pedals in the cockpit, and deflects the tail to the right or left.The wings generate most of the lift to hold the plane in the air. Different models of aircraft will have wings of different shapes and in different vertical locations. On a Cessna, the wing is high, and on a Piper, it is low. On an F14, the can change from a forward angle to "swept back".On most small planes, the wings also carry the fuel.There are many control surfaces on a wing:1) The aileron is the hinged part of the back of the wing towards the tip which is used to roll the wings from side to side. There is one on each side of the plane and they work opposite of each other. When one moves up, the other moves down.2) Flaps are the hinged sections on the back of the wing near the fuselage. Flaps are deployed downward on takeoff and landing to increase the lift produced by the wing and allows the plane to fly at slower speeds.3) Spoilers and Slats are used on high performance/commercial aircraft and also changed the aerodynamics of the wing.

Remote Control Helicopters VS Other Aircraft

There are a number of purposes for model aircrafts to be made. The number one requirement of it will be for its uses in recreation. There several types of these aircrafts that are manufactured to cater to almost every need of hobbyists. The level of fun is constantly changed because newer unique models with advanced options come in to the market daily. Although many enthusiasts may find that most models of aircraft give out the same feeling, there are also some that rise above the others. The best example for these is remote control helicopters.Like most other types of toy aircraft, users of remote control helicopters also need good practice if they are to fly them. These Machines may sometimes be harder to navigate compared to most other types of aircraft in the market. But there are many advantages of this toy that other types of aircraft will not offer.Unlike planes that are controlled remotely that needs a lot of space to fly around and a flat surface area to play the role of the runway, these remote control helicopters can be flown without any problem from any small space at any given time. Whether it is a grass land or indoors, the top of your car or a box, these toys can takeoff from anywhere as long as it has something solid to stand on. The vertical takeoff is the key to its ability.The different designs which these durable toys come in make it much more adaptable to its surroundings. They come in forms such as mini remote control helicopters that are able to be flown inside your office room or house which is impossible to do with any other aircraft. Later models of this toy with much more advanced technology have been designed to go at speeds and distances that were never thought possible. They come in very bright eye catching colors and models to enhance the fun of flying through its appearance.Comparing the prices, you will see that RC toys cost much less than model air planes and other aircraft in today's toy market. Many people do not have the ability to enjoy flying because most aircraft are too expensive to buy. But these are very affordable because they come in different prices thus enables the enthusiast to pick one on his or her own choice depending on amount they can afford on it.There has been an up rise in the number of children as well as adults who enjoy flying these remarkable machines. Also newer models come into the market with more advanced remote technology frequently making the price of these toys come down daily. It will not be same price you checked a week ago. Once a newer model is released, prices of the previous models are dropped automatically making remote control helicopters several times more available to a person who did not have the ability to buy one a few months ago resulting to the enjoyment factor going up.

Finding the Right Remote Control Airplanes

Finding the Right Remote Control Airplanes

If you are looking for a new hobby that is more exhilarating than fishing, remote control aircraft flying is a hobby that you should look into. Flying a radio controlled plane at high altitude and doing aerobatics is fun and exciting. But first you have to get into the business of finding the right remote control airplanes that will suit you as a beginner. It seems easy and fun but like all activities flying a RC plane takes time and patience to perfect. But there are things you must know before finding the right remote control airplanes for you. RC planes for beginners are susceptible to wind and turbulence. Because of the small sizes, these are suited for small area practice flying. And also makes them vulnerable to winds that are faster than 5 miles per hour. Your orientation of directions, up and down, left or right will be tested in flying.

Practicing with a RC car is advised to get a feel of the steering, especially in reverse maneuvers like when the car is coming back to you. Perfecting this maneuver is important in controlling a RC aircraft. Speed is also important to scheme through as you take off and landing. At the height that you aim for calculating the speed by backing down from full to half throttle effort from your transmitter may save you from losing control and crashing. Altitude is also a factor to consider in flying, the rule of thumb for novice flyers is at least 100 feet from the ground. This gives you room when correcting mistakes on your maneuvers. Learning to feel the controls of the transmitter is important and will take time and patience because this will be the extension of oneself in directing the plane on its speed and maneuvers. Pre-checking before flying is a must. You want to know what is wrong or what needs to be fixed before it happens and not when it's already happening.

As a novice flyer, finding the right remote control airplanes may be intimidating as well as exciting. Because there are many models and types to choose from, it's a rule to start high and slow. Choose a type with a high wing. These types are designed for easy movements and control. Low winged models are for intermediate and advance flyers. Examples of high winged types are the Slow V and GWS. Slow - V is recommended by advance flyers because of their compact design that is good for indoor flying and fly are low speed. A ready to fly type of aircraft is ideal to save you from headaches in trying to assemble an airplane. Price is also a point to consider, starting prices of an RTF set ranges from $120 to $200. Buy extra battery to extent your flying experience.

Before shopping for your new hobby, consider getting a video simulator of RC airplane flying. This will teach you the basic ropes without breaking any plane or vases in the living room. This will also you're your skill level in maneuvering, test your sense of directions and control of speed. After this, finding the right remote control airplanes for you will be easier.

Joystick Flight Simulator - How to Control an Aircraft

Joystick Flight Simulator - How to Control an Aircraft

If you enjoy flight simulator software then the only way to really maneuver your aircraft like the real thing is to invest in some hardware such as a joystick flight simulator. A flight joystick is the only way to experience the thrills of a real pilot it enables you to perform rolls and maneuvers that are almost impossible with basic control pads.

The flying exhilaration really reaches another level with flight simulator yoke and pedals most enthusiasts after adding a flight yoke will opt for a rudder and pedals. The simulator cockpit and controls are very close to the real thing nowadays even the handling replicates the exact handling of each individual aircraft supported by the flight sim software. Most hardware is plug and play this ensures that there is no need to download controllers or separate software you just plug in the hardware using USB connection and play as soon as the hardware couples to your computer. You should always check the specifications of the hardware you are planning to use to make sure it matches the software and your computer operating system.

Many of the home computer fly sims are so real they are often the initial starting point for most pilots whether commercial, passenger, or military. if you are really enthusiastic about aviation there is an array of hardware accessories including radio buttons RC training equipment and much more.

The take off and landing procedures are very close to a real aircraft and are meticulously detailed the whole feel is replicated with such realism that you would have a very good idea of piloting a real aircraft. Indeed the military and many commercial airline companies use a larger version of the flight simulator to train their pilots.

Some of these aviation simulators copy real flight exactly. There are many aircraft available including Cessna Boeing fighter aircraft and x planes.

The scenery packages and airports are also very detailed and scaled to real airports, flight paths and landmarks this enables you to really experience the thrills and excitement of flight as if you were in the real thing.

Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners

Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners

Maybe you've seen those RC hobbyists flying their aircraft, performing incredible aerobatics and thought you might like to get involved but be aware you are unlikely to succeed by just splashing out and spending your hard earned cash on the most impressive and advanced model in the shop.

Performing those stunts and even just flying your aircraft comfortably and confidently takes practice, sometimes lots of it. You might be better advised in a less complicated trainer airplane to start with while you get to understand just how much concentration is really required to control a model airplane, then you can consider moving up to the bigger league.

Buying and flying your first radio control airplane should be a good experience that encourages you into the hobby. It is often recommended that beginners learn to fly with a high-wing trainer. What is it? A high-wing airplane is one with the wing on top of the fuselage, a build which allows for slower and gentler flights and fairly forgiving of control errors so making them ideal for new RC pilots.

High-wing trainers are a great way to learn the basic skills before trying faster low-wing airplanes which require considerable skill to fly safely. You can buy trainer airplanes in an almost ready to fly kit, requiring just some assembly to get going, or as fully assembled airplanes that just need their batteries charged.

Try to look for trainer airplanes that are specially built for durability and which can be easily fixed because like all beginner RC pilots you will have a small number of  'imperfect landings'. Easily repairable construction means you can be back in the air quickly having hopefully learnt from your experience. Airplanes with tricycle style landing gear are easier to control on the ground than those with low tails (sometimes known as tail-draggers) so take that into consideration when making your purchase too.

Don't worry too much about the power and electronics of RC for now. There are any number of combinations of power units and radio controllers possible but your first airplane will have that side of things all matched up for you. The guys at the hobby store will explain all you want if you have any questions.

There is no substitute for expert advice. Try to visit a radio control flying area and observe the airplanes, maybe wait until aircraft have landed before asking questions, though you'll notice the RC hobbyists, like most other hobbyists, are happy to chat. Then you're probably ready to go to a good hobby store and talk with the guys there. They will be happy to help you make the right choice, it's in their interest to encourage you and they really want to encourage newcomers into their world, the world of radio control airplanes.

Best Remote Control Airplane? Multiplex Easy Star RTF Electric Plane User Reviews - Gifts for Guys

Best Remote Control Airplane? Multiplex Easy Star RTF Electric Plane User Reviews - Gifts for Guys

With a 4.5 rating out of 5 on Amazon, whilst the Multiplex RTF Easy Star remote control plane is designed for first time pilots, user reviews suggest it takes a little more skill. Multiplex are argued to make some great products and this quite pricey RC airplane is argued to be one of them.

This toy comes as an RTF (Ready To Fly) not ARF (Almost Ready To Fly) remote control plane. This is important if you are purchasing a RC plane as an ARF will need considerable skill.Therefore this plane only takes some basic assembly and requires no skill.

Multiplex Easy Star RTF Features:

- Stable flight characteristics.
- Durability.
- Powered by a speed 400 motor mounted on the top so hard landings won't break the propeller or damage the motor.
- It does as stated by user's require a little skill to fly, but has the ability to recover in flight quite easily if a mistake is made. Made from Multiplex's durable "Elapor" foam, if the Easy Star does break it can be easily repaired with CA (super) glue.

The Easy Star Electric RTF RC Airplane Includes:

- Installed Hitec HFS-04MG Receiver.
- Battery: 1200mAh 7.2V NiMH.
- Hitec Neon-SS FM 72MHz 3-Channel Transmitter.
- Servos: Two Installed Multiplex Tiny-S Servos.
- Installed Multiplex Multicont X-08 ESC.
- Hitec CG-207 2Amp DC Peak Charger.

Multiplex RC Airplane User Review Advantages:

- The radio system is argued to be excellent.

- This is a quality plane made with above the bar parts.

- The receiver is 4 channel and the servo's are micro therefore the setup can be moved into another plane as your level of experience and tastes change.

- The wingspan is argued to be seriously impressive!

- Having a top-notch radio system will mean that switching it is as easy as reversing a plug in the transmitter and the back is screw-less so you don't have to unscrew 8 screws like on other models.

- Very nice simulator software available for this model on Internet.

- It can be used as an FPV (first-person view) pilot who use a real-time video camera in the plane to fly it, while the pilot is on the ground.

- The plane is very fast because it's so aerodynamic and many maneuvers like loop the loop or flying upside down will become second nature after a little practice.

- You can modify it to take longer wings from other planes.

- More powerful motors and lipo (lithium polymer) batteries have upped its performance greatly.

- To land on water if you can find some scrap foam, shape them into floats, you have a float plane!

Multiplex RC Airplane User Review Disadvantages and Advice:

- You should glue in the tail and rear wings instead of using their included double sided tape.
- Place a small piece of tape on the front and back of the canopy.
- Make sure you are 3 miles away from any airfields as it can be flown great distances and some users have stated that once the Easy Star Electric RTF remote control airplane is maybe half a mile away, the plane began to take instructions from someone else at the airfield.
- Put your telephone number and name on it so if it flies off into the woods someone will hopefully find it and return it.

WARNING: This thing is MASSIVE so keep kids at a safe distance.

The Best Remote Control Airplanes Manufacturers

The Best Remote Control Airplanes Manufacturers

Remote control aircraft flying is a hobby with a growing number of enthusiasts worldwide. The assembling of miniature aircraft and flying are challenging and invigorating to flyers. Manufacturers of these RC planes take great efforts in providing better products and services. ParkZone (Horizon Hobby), GWS and Great Planes Model Manufacturing are just three of the best remote control airplanes manufacturers that come up with innovations on radio systems, materials and product features. These companies produce traditional RC planes; assembled as purchased, ready to fly (RTF) models and new innovations such as bind-n-fly or BNF. They offer state of the art planes as well as beginner friendly models that encourage practice flying at small contained areas.

ParkZone is the brand name of Horizon Hobby, manufacturer of models such as Slow-V and P51-D Mustang. These are widely acknowledged RC planes for their features and looks. Slow-V is a ready to fly type that is designed for beginners, to get the feel of flying. Another ParkZone innovation is the Bind-N-Fly or BNF types. These are for hobbyists who already have transmitters. This let owners of spectrum transmitters to bind or connect their existing system to the RC plane and receiver crystal without the extra cost. ParkZone was voted as one of the best remote control airplanes manufacturers by retailers for coming up with models that features high detailed scale features, removable landing gear, add-ons and upgrades.

One of the best remote control airplanes manufacturers is GWS or Grand Wing Servo-Tech, also known as Grand Wing System in the US. It is a Taiwanese company that makes remote control aircrafts and accessories. It has its own line of electric motors, servos, radio systems and gyros. Grand Wing System in the US caters to the distribution of GSW-Taiwan products in North America. Product line includes the popular GWS slow stick which is a favorite of beginners and intermediate flyers alike. Its compact design and low speed feature makes it one of the best RC plane for novice flyers. GWS Tiger Moth made history as it was flown and shown to every state in the US, starting from Thonotosassa, Florida to Honolulu Hawaii. The Academy of Model Aeronautics acknowledged this feat by receiving and putting this Tiger Moth including its flight log book into the National Model Aviation Museum in Indiana.

Great Planes is one of the best remote control airplanes manufacturers, which came from the humble beginnings at Champaign, Illinois. It was founded by Don Anderson, who at the time was a mechanical engineer and flying enthusiast. Dissatisfaction with model aircrafts at the time urged him to build his own line of RC airplanes. It is the first company of its type to produce machines that uses computer aided drafting to make airframes with interlocked construction. It also has its own line of hardware and accessories for RC aircrafts.

The best remote control airplanes manufacturers produce top of the line products which caters from beginners to advanced flyers. Their research and development teams consist of hobbyist and expert flyers. Because these companies know that in order to stay on top they have to come up with features that elevate the hobby and sport to new levels.

Remote Control Aircraft For Spring Weather Flying

Remote Control Aircraft For Spring Weather Flying

If you're anything like me your thoughts wonder toward remote control flying fun when the weather shifts from winter cold toward spring warming.

But you can't just launch any RC aircraft into the sky. The changing weather conditions don't yet suit some of those models we love to send into the blue, though here in Indiana the forecast for some coming days steer my thoughts to flying fun.

The weather person this morning predicted record setting temperatures in the next few days. But does that mean I can take to the runways and launching pads with any air traveling craft I like flying?

Maybe, although I won't know that until I lick a finger each time I head outside.

Spring weather changes so quickly that you must test the air before you light that radio control engine up. And even then the weather might make a sudden change after your bird is in the air.

When the air is calm any model flies with no problem. But if the wind decides to blow you might lose your toy.

Blimps certainly require extremely calm days, and even then most are suited more for indoor operation than outdoor. Doesn't take much to knock one of those helium balloons off course, or cause them to defy your flight control attempts.

The bigger remote control airplanes and jets work okay in winds up to moderate speeds, and offer some great opportunities for getting an early spring start at heading into the clouds.

The more powerful flyers promise you the most fun if you're headed outside to fly before June or July in the Midwest.

If you fly the small, slower airplanes the outdoors isn't your best destination unless the day is super calm. The same goes for the helicopters. The helos operate better inside than in the wind too, and many RC helicopter designs demand indoor flying. They just don't act right in open-air environments.

You can't fly most models if it's raining of course. The electrics don't care much for water unless you seal them to protect the working components from moisture. So even if the temperature is up watch the sky for cloudy conditions. You don't want a sudden downpour ruining not only your day, but also future playtime until you fix or replace a drowned aircraft.

Your biggest threat in spring is sunny days. They're deceptive because sudden breezes and wind gusts hit you with no warning, and they bring doom for your radio control aircraft.

The slightest breeze pushes a helicopter around so easily that you lose flight control, and your helo takes off on its own course. You have no idea where it's flying. The same thing happens to the smaller airplanes, though they handle stronger breezes than the helicopters.

Sudden gusts are your worst enemies. Doesn't matter if you're flying an RC airplane or helicopter. A sudden gust pushes it off course quickly, and if any obstacle is present (a building, a light pole, or a tree, etc.) your model might slam into it. Then all you have is a handful of kindling.

I know you're impatient to get your remote control aircraft back into the air, and I wish you all the RC flying fun you can handle.

But watch that sky for threatening conditions, and make sure the spring weather conditions suit your flying activities. Otherwise that weather might turn your fun into gloom.

A123 Battery Cells For Your Radio Control Model Airplane

A123 Battery Cells For Your Radio Control Model Airplane

Electric model airplanes have been around for roughly three decades. A huge problem in the early days was battery energy density. In other words, they simply weighed too much for the amount of juice you could get out of them. This situation has improved dramatically in recent years with the advent of Li-Poly cells, but a battery pack for a larger model can easily cost hundreds of dollars. The advent of electric cars, such as the Toyota Prius has spurred an enormous amount of research into new battery technologies. In this article, I will describe an alternative to Li-Poly batteries that offers intriguing possibilities.

A123 Systems produces Lithium-Ion Nanophosphate cells. These cells have a nominal voltage of 3.3 volts and can withstand continuous discharge rates of 30C. They can be safely discharged down to 2.0 volts. The voltage remains fairly constant through the discharge cycle, but they do have a sharp drop-off at the end. Expect 300 cycles before you notice any reduction in capacity while at 1,000 cycles you'll have 75% of the original capacity. They are very safe. Overcharging or over discharging will not cause an explosion and will have little effect on the life of the battery. Balancing the cells when they are charged is still a good idea, but not absolutely required. They can be charged immediately after use in 15 minutes.

The cells are available in two sizes. The original M1 cell has a capacity of 2.3 Ah and weighs 70 grams (2.47 oz). A newer, smaller size can hold 1.1 Ah and weighs 40 grams (1.41 oz).

The primary source for A123 M1 cells has been DeWalt 36-volt portable power-tool battery packs. Each pack contains 10cells. I purchased two of these for $100 each through Ebay. The prices appear to have gone up recently to the $120-$130 range. Single cells can also be purchased online for $15 from a growing variety of vendors. You can find two of the smaller cells in a Black & Decker VPX battery pack which sells for about $15. The smaller cells can also be had for $12.50 each.

There are many Li-Poly chargers that support or can be modified to support the charging of these A123 cells. Because of the sharp voltage drop-off when discharged, you are probably better off using a timer when you fly. Otherwise you need your ESC to shut off the motor when 2.0 volts per cell is reached.

Bottom line? These cells give you 70% the energy density of Li-Polys for about 45% of the price. For many of us, that is a good trade-off. They are extremely safe and can be charged in 15 minutes. If you end up buying half as many battery packs because of the shorter charge time, then they become a much better value.