Radio Control: Electrics
This month's topics include a meet announcement, some speed control discussion for beginners, an advanced developmental motor power response shape control, plus a related proposal to equipment manufacturers. Michael Stewart (107 Taft Terrace, Washington NJ 07882; Tel.: [908] 689 6981) sent me an announcement for the Tenth Annual LVRCS Electric Funfly scheduled for June 7-8 at the LVRCS field near Easton PA. This is one terrific meet and I've been to all but one over the years. The Lehigh Valley Radio Control Society is a mixed-interest club (much like KRC) which includes representative Electric interest. This group does a fine job with this low-key gathering by offering open-field use most of the weekend, and several competitive challenges for those so inclined. The field is excellent, and if recent trend is an indicator you can expect about 50-60 registrants. The meet is early enough that you can still see many new E-projects just emerging from the Winter shop!
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S topics include two meet announcements, followup on a motor mount, some photo detail on the "emphasis" function discussed last month, a Mega-motor substitute, and a developmental slow charger for "large" packs. Dick Miller sent me an announcement for the Bassett/Brown Commemorative meet June 28-29 near Reading PA. The meet is sponsored by the Cocalico Prop Dusters and is a one-design event for the Miss Philadelphia OT. There's lots of activity planned, and many opportunities to compete, including an Electric option. Write to Contest Director Paul Ahnert, 442 West Marion, Lititz PA 17543.
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.
