Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S COLUMN is devoted to beginning Electric modelers - which includes beginners in aeromodeling as well as aeromodelers beginning in Electric. We will present an overview of Electric power, what it has to offer, and some suggestions for getting more information about this relatively new and very appealing aspect of our hobby. Electric is almost self-defining, just like "Gas" and "Rubber"-one of several common power sources for model flight. This column is primarily focused on RC Electrics, but the basic power source is fully applicable to Free Flight and Control Line. Electric can be flown indoors and out, and can power models ranging in size and weight from tiny one- or two-ounce craft to 20-plus pounds' worth of Giant Scale. There is no aeromodel type I know of that cannot be flown with Electric power.
How To Do It: Large Pack Slow Charger
The rapidly growing interest in Electric-powered aeromodels brings diversity of model size and type, as well as increased use of wide-ranging cell counts in the motor batteries. It is not uncommon to find batteries ranging from a few cells to 20 cells or more on the flightline of any meet. It is also not uncommon to find high-tech, high-capability fast chargers on the flightline. But what's missing seems to be "slow" chargers for the higher-cell-count packs. Two slow-charger versions are shown. They are basically the same simple, easy to use, inexpensive design; one version has adjustable output. The design is a constant-current charger that outputs a fixed current value independent of the cell count (up to the design limit). One can charge 1-22 cells with no significant effect on the chosen current value over the cell-count range - a very convenient feature.
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S TOPICS include meet announcements, some industry and new product info, and some reader reactions to topics past. Gordon Wheeler (5 Old Farms Lane, Cazenovia NY 13035-9444; Tel.: [315] 655-9068, Fax: [315] 655-3824) of the Voltaires Club (Central NY) wrote to tell us of this year's Annual Electric Fun Fly July 19-20. Last year's meet drew attendance from six states - it's a good one. Ken Myers (1911 Bradshaw Ct., Walled Lake MI 48390; Tel.: [810] 669-8124; E-mail 102575.3410¢ompuserve.com) sent info on the 1997 Mid-America Electric Flies-back-to-back meets July 12-13. This is really one big happy affair, with each day sponsored by a different cooperating club: the Electric Flyers Only, Inc., and the Ann Arbor Falcons.
Radio Control: Electrics
QUICKIE MEET Announcements include: The Old Time Eagles MAC hosts and FM magazine sponsors the Third Eagles All Electric Fly In, May 15 (rain date May 16) in Hope NJ. All FF and RC Electrics welcome. CD: Joe Beshar, 198 Merritt Dr., Oradell NJ 07649; Tel.: (201) 261-1281. I heard last year's meet was terrific! The E-Power Spring Sizzle is scheduled for May 30 from 10 a.m. to dark. Location: 600 Gude Drive East, Rockville MD. For info contact Dereck Woodward, 11159 Captains Walk Court, N. Potomac MD 20878; Tel.: (301) 309-0140; E-mail: weekendpilot@juno.com.
Really Super Sander
THE UBIQUITOUS #11 knife and sandpaper are no doubt the most-used tools in an aeromodeler's shop. While the former tool is singular in nature, the latter can take many forms. Anything from a simple piece of hand-held sandpaper to dedicated-shape sanding blocks are common model-building items. Many are available readymade in the hobby marketplace, but often the modeler will make his own. Just as there are many possible block shapes, there are also several choices of the sandpaper attached to these blocks. These choices include economy grades through more costly materials. Generally, the lowest-cost sanding material is simply not worth using. I normally use various "cabinet" grade papers that cut well and wear well. Tungsten-carbide sanding material is the best I've used.
