The latest trend in 3D heli flying is to run digital servos via receivers being
powered direct from two cell lithium packs. Fresh from charge, this can mean
voltages in excess of 8 Volts. In the USA some of the top 3D guys are running
DS8717 servos in this manner and appear to get away with it for a short while,
although service life is sure to be reduced.
JR have confirmed that the DS8717 is exactly the same servo as the DS8915,
re-badged for the US market. However we would strongly recommend NOT running
DS8915 servos in this manner as they will not be covered by our warranty. This
is also true of other current JR servos, which should also not be run direct
from a 2 cell lithium pack. If you wish to use lithium batteries to power your
R/C system then please use a good quality regulator at the recommended voltages
for the JR servos and gyro being used.
JR were concerned enough about this to issue a short statement, which is
reproduced below
“Although JR does not guarantee the DS8915 servo to work at 8.0V, this servo does
seem to be workable with 8.0V. But if you use the DS8915 with 8.0V then this
will be at your own risk. JR regret that we cannot give our approval for such
use.”
Please also note that we will be unable to repair any burnt out DS8717 servos.
We will be advising service customers with such servos that they have been sold
grey imports and to return them to their supplier for a full refund.
