Cox ElectraStar Electric C/L Model - Battery Upgrade?

My six year old daughter has been flying one of these. Just about the time she "got it" and soloed successfully, the on-board nicads seemed to lose their poop.

Would anyone know of a battery upgrade that would offer a bit more power and breathe new life into this plane? It's an excellent match for Emma: Flies on 12' of fishing line in our front yard, it's quiet, not loud or scary.

I am quite aware that we could upgrade to a small glow model, but this ship serves our purposes MUCH better right now.

In trying to show Em proper handle position, I showed her some video Bob Hunt shot over Bill Werwage's shoulder. As Werwage pulled into an inside loop, Em shouted, "I want to do THAT!"

Gotta preserve that enthusiasum while she's got it.

Rick Campbell

open the plane up, remove the battery and count how many cells are in it, you should be able to tell easily by looking / feeling them through the shrinkwrap. If the pack is labled for voltage the cell count is easy, 1.2 volts per cell, so 4.8 =4 cell, 6 volt = 5 cell, 7.2 = 6 cell, 8.4 = 7 cell, 9.6 = 8 cell.
Then either go to your local Batteries Unlimited and have them make you a new pack with higher capacity Ni-Mh cells, or go online to any of the battery suppliers like SR, Mr. Nicad, etc and order a replacement pack. Most have toll free #s to help you get the right pack.

You may have to do a little soldering for the leads to the plane but it will be 2 wires and should take 5 min.