Sunday, June 15, 2008
hexTronik Balancer/Charger
Several of my family members as well as myself, own the hexTronik Balance Charger. It has the ability to charge packs from 2 to 4 cells, at rates from .5 to 2 amps. It also can charge multiple 2 cell packs at once. The LED lights help you identify as each cell reaches the proper voltage.
This charger comes with the adapter necessary to plug into the cigarette lighter, already installed. I have found this very convenient. Most chargers come with alligator clips, and require that you either connect directly to a battery or purchase an adapter and solder it to the leads.
The charger also allows you to adjust the charging amp rate. Li-poly batteries are very sensitive to the charge rate and also their balance. A balance charger allows each battery within the pack to be charged individually and also balanced between each cell.
Please note: You should never charge a li-poly battery at a rate greater than 1C. For example a 1000mah pack should not be charged at a rate greater than 1 amp and a 1800mah battery should not be charged at more than 1.8 amps. I can not emphasize this enough. There have been reports of li-poly batteries bursting and starting fires if not properly charged.
My procedure has been to check the temperature of my batteries before charging. I don't have a scientific method for this, I simply hold them in my hand, and if it feels warm, I wait to charge it. I have been told that Li-poly batteries hold a charge for a very long time, and unlike other types, do not need to be peak charged prior to flying.
JR XP-6102-UL FM Radio
My cousin recently asked about the JR XP6102UL Radio. I don't personally own this radio, but I have owned several JR radios including the JR XF631, which appears to be the baby brother to the X6102, and it has been one of my favorite all purpose radios.
The UL version of the 6102 comes with 3 - S241 Servos. These are sub micro servos that I have used on many occasions in small aircraft where every ounce counts. I have also found them to be almost bullet proof as they have survived one accident after another.
Also included in the package is their well know R610UL 6CH Receiver. This too has proven to be a durable, light weight solution.
Full Specs - 6102FM, R610UL & 3-S241, MD2
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Tech Notes System Features - Select Key - On/Off Switch - Channel 5/Gear Switch - Rocker/Hover Throttle Lever - Throttle Cut Button - Trainer Button - Aileron D/R Switch - Digital Elevator Trim Lever - Aileron/Elevator Control Stick - Increase/Decrease Programming Buttons - Clear Key - LCD Display - Elevator D/R Switch - Digital Spoiler Trim Lever - Flap/Hover Pitch Lever - Digital Aileron Trim Lever - Neck Strap Eyelet - Channel 6/ Flap Switch - Throttle/Rudder Stick - Digital Rudder Trim Lever - Up/Down Scroll Buttons Program Features - Wing Type Selection - Flaperon Wing Type Selection - Elevon Type Selection - V-Tail Type Selection - Switch Select - Trainer Function - Modulation Selection - Model Copy Function - Model Type Selection - Model Name Entry - Model Selection - Function Mode - Dual Rates and Exponential - Servo Reversing - Sub Trim - Travel Adjust - Elevator to Flap Mixing - Aileron to Rudder Mixing - Throttle Cut Switch - Flap System - Programmable Mixing - Fail Safe - Servo Travel Screen - HELI Specific - Dual Rates and Exponential - Servo Reversing - Sub Trim - Travel Adjust - CCPM Swashplate Mixing - Throttle Cut Switch - Throttle Hold - Throttle Curves - Hovering Throttle - Pitch Curves - Revolution Mixing - Programmable Mixing - Fail Safe - Servo Travel Screen |
Friday, June 13, 2008
Radios Receivers and Servos
I know that there are other brands, but these are the ones that I have the most exposure to. I own all of the above radios, and they have all performed as expected. I do have my favorites, but it has more to do with personal preference than anything else.
My most well used radios are the Futaba Super 7 Series. This is a dated radio at this point in time, but has been a great programmable radio for my purposes. It holds data for multiple aircraft and has done all that I have asked of it, vtails, flying wings, sailplanes, many types of warbirds and the typical 4 channel type aircraft.
While the Futaba brand has been the most used in my experience, I do however prefer the JR brand. JR seems to have a more balanced feel, and the variety of receivers is outstanding. If I were to purchase a new radio today, it would be one of the new JR 7 Channel radios.
Hitec/RCD has been a good work horse as well. I have put it through the paces. There is no doubt that this is an adequate radio, I just don't prefer the user interface for programming and setup.
Slow Stick - Building Tips
Some kits indicate that they ship with a fiberglass fuselage channel. None of the kits that I have been exposed to have had this type. If yours does, I would imagine that it would still be a good option to add the balsa for reinforcement. This simple tip has prolonged the life of many fuselages during those early training flights.
The second tip is to wrap each leading edge (wing and tail) with a light packing tape. It may add a bit more weight, but the foam surfaces will be greatly reinforced by doing this. Once again, creating a more durable trainer.
The third is to replace the stock main wheels with some that are larger. I believe I was able to find some that were 3 1/2 or 4". This is not a vital step, but makes it easier to take off from grass runways. Once I have a picture, I will include it for reference.
Happy building
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Brushless Motor Guide
The following information has been very beneficial in helping me When choosing a brushless motor for your plane, keep in mind Please see the individual motor listings for more information Motors with less than 15 ounces of thrust: 2210-25: 0.8 ounce 2500KV motor providing up to 12.5 oz of 2210-21: 0.8 ounce 2100KV motor providing up to 12.5 oz Motors with 15 to 20 ounces of thrust: 2712-17: 1.0 ounce 1700KV motor providing up to 15 oz 2712-12: 1.0 ounce 1200KV motor providing up to 17 oz 2410-12Y: 2.1 ounce 700KV motor providing up to 19 Motors with 21 to 25 ounces of thrust: 2826-19: 1.7 ounce 1900KV motor providing up to 22 2826-10: 1.7 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 22 2408-21: 1.6 ounce 1600KV motor providing up to 22 2410-12D: 2.1 ounce 1200KV motor providing up to 23 2410-08Y: 2.1 ounce 950KV motor providing up to 23 2410-09Y: 2.0 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 24 Motors with 26 to 30 ounces of thrust: 2409-18T: 2.3 oz 1000KV motor providing up to 29 2830-10: 1.9 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 30 2830-09: 1.9 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 27 Motors with 31 to 40 ounces of thrust: 2409-12T: 2.3 ounce 1400KV motor providing up to 32 2836-09: 2.6 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 40 2836-11: 2.7 ounce 1100KV motor providing up to 37 Motors with over 40 ounces of thrust: 3530-10: 2.6 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 42 3548-10: 5.8 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 80 For reference purposes: 350 brushed/geared motor: 2.2 ounces and will produce 400 brushed/geared motor: 3.3 ounces and will produce |
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Slow Stick by GWS
- GWS - ICS-300li ESC Speed Controller (Brushed Motor/Li-poly Battery)
- EP 10x6 Propeller w/prop saver
- Li-poly 1800mah 18C 26 amp 11.1v 3-cell battery
- (2) SG50 5 gram Ultra Micro Servos
- Hitec 6 Channel Radio & Receiver
I have owned a Slow Stick for several years and have watched my father, brother and uncle each learn to fly with a Slow Stick after attempting to learn on several other types. They have now each mastered the basics of flying and at one point flew 5 days a week! They simply fell in love with RC and the Slow Stick. It was while watching them have so much fun with this plane that I decided to go back to something low and slow. I have loved every minute of it.
With two cousins interested in starting their adventure in flying, and not being in close proximity, I wanted to give some stats and helpful tips about this great little plane. There are many who have "modded" their slow sticks, but I simply chose to fly a stock model.
My stock plane came with a "brushed" Speed 400 type motor and gear reduction drive. I opted to purchase a speed controller made for brushed motors and Li-poly batteries. This allowed me to use the Li-poly batteries that I already owned and test the stock motor provided by GWS.
I have found the setup to be quite acceptable. I am able to take off in just under 5 feet and climb out at a reasonable rate. I normally experience flight times of 30 minutes or more.
With that being said, there are many different configurations for the Slow Stick that will work very well. As I previously stated, both my father, brother and uncle all fly Slow Sticks, and each is setup a little different. They each replaced the stock motor with a brushless outrunner motor and brushless ESC controller. They get phenomenal performance out of their planes. It is almost a hover craft with the right propeller combination. They also each fly with 3-cell li-poly batteries, but all are of different capacity.
I would consider the brushless setup to be the ideal for this plane. This is especially true if you can find the "slope glider" version of the kit that does not come with a power package, and then add your own motor and speed controller. I have seen this kit priced between $19.00 and $21.00. This is about a $10 to $15.00 savings over the standard kit price.
I have found the website www.headsuprc.com to be very beneficial. I have purchased many of their products, and have received quick service and all components have arrived timely and as described. They also have helpful information in regards to understanding the Li-poly batteries and the different C ratings, along with stats on the different brushless motor combinations so that you can make an educated decision based on the application.
Recommended Setup:
Slow Stick - Slope Version (no motor provided)
2410-9Y Outrunner Brushless motor and 20 Amp ESC
2- SG50 Sub Micro Servo
11.1v 1300mah 20C Lipoly Battery
6 Channel Radio - Hitec/RCD or JR (radio links are for reference only)
If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.