MattyB
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Posts posted by MattyB
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What is the nominal voltage of the pack? If you can charge it to 4.2V/cell, then it's safe to use the standard lipo programme. If its an LiFePo4, lithium iron phosphate pack (as@Phil Green notes) then you'll need to use the appropriate programme as they are only charged to 3.6-3.7V/cell.
Simplest answer - please post links to the your charger and the battery pack in question then we can answer with more confidence.
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Yes, all that info is in the RCG thread linked above. Simply search the thread for the model name of the PSU you have/are intending to buy, and the instructions will pop up if they are there. There's also lots of conversion videos on Youtube; again just do a search with the PSU name.
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21 hours ago, Tim Kearsley said:
I'm just intrigued to know how you are so knowledgeable that you can make statements like that.
19 hours ago, Nigel R said:You're claiming the findings of a world beating higher education and research establishment are 'pure codswallop' ?
4 hours ago, FlyinFlynn said:Yep.
Having taken a look at that piece of research, at first glance it does seem logical and pretty well done for the scenario it is modelling. For instance, they point that it's the accelerating in stop start conditions that is the really polluting bit, so any model that evaluates pollution at (say) a constant 30mph versus a constant 20mph is likely to paint an incorrect picture because there is more time spent accelerating with a higher speed limit. In these stop start conditions it also points out the average speeds achieved and journey time figures are only very minimally affected with lowered limits, something I suspect all of us would agree with.
However, I do see a major flaw in applying this research to the Welsh example. That study was done for Future Transport London (not sure exactly who they are, but probably a UK Gov quango), and was focussed on simulating the effect of changes on urban traffic in London. Yes, they did a lot of work to validate their models with real data for that scenario, but the scenario itself really isn't that applicable to the majority of welsh 30 zones IMO. Of course there will be areas of stop start urban conditions in the cities and larger towns, but a far higher percentage of the (now historic) 30 limits were in uncongested rural areas where speeds can be far more constant with minimal acceleration and braking. The effect on journey time and average speed of a drop to 20 limits will also be more significant in these spots. In that light, any improvement to air quality from a 20 zone does appear far less likely, a fact that the Welsh pilot study I linked to earlier seemed to validate.
Ultimately though, none of the above really matters at this point. The limit is here to stay now, unless it proves so unpopular that the main parties in Wales come to believe that overturning the change is a vote winner at the next GE in 2024. Until then, our welsh friends will need to get used to driving rather slower.... 😉
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Not a big fan of the commercial bench/charger supplies - I've had a couple, but they never seem to be that robust. I now utilise a dual server power supply, and that is absolutely rock solid. Lots of posts about that on this forum, here's one thread that should help...
The definitive thread (including huge listings of usable server and PC PSUs) is over on RCGroups here...
If you don't want to make your own, Coolice can sort you out with a ready to go version.
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On 24/09/2023 at 19:41, MattyB said:
Sorry, but no, you really don’t!
It’s your model, and if it had crashed because of an RF install or RX issue, it would have been your money and time needed to put it right. If you don’t feel happy the model is set up and safe to fly, don’t do so until you are. If your instructor says “let’s just go for it, we’re pushed for time” then I’m sorry, you need to start looking for a new instructor. So many times I’ve seen models crashed in entirely preventable ways because they’ve been rushed to fly before they have been properly prepped and checked - your instructor should be experienced enough to be able to teach you practices to avoid those kind of incidents, not pass on bad RC habits.
PS - Don’t forgot, even if you are not the pilot in charge, it’s your operator number on the model. Your responsibilities as an operator are below - based on that if it had crashed on that first flight following the refit and injured someone, I think you’d have been the person getting your collar felt, or worse…
https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/getting-operator-id
It seems like this semi-rant 😉 stunned everyone into silence! Apologies if that was the case, reading it back it does seem a little abrasive.
Having said that, I do still believe that a range test was mandatory in your situation, a) to give you the best chance of a successful flight, and b) to fulfil your legal responsibilities as an operator. Given the work you had done it was effectively a new model from an RF perspective, so should have been treated as such by your instructor. Given he is presumably an experienced modeller, I can't understand why he would have skipped that step.
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20mph speed limits - I humbly predict we’ll be able to add them to this list in fairly short order…
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18 minutes ago, Paul De Tourtoulon said:
Stop whinging, over here a lot of towns have the 30 klm/h limits ( 18.6 miles /h ) and locally the speed bumps ( 30% are illegal) you can't go over them at more than 15 klm/h ( 9mph )ant silly so-called run-offs for rain are a death trap on 2 wheels.( photo)
On the upside that speed bump does make a marvellous little raised area for a picket line. Out with the gilets jaunes...! 😉
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This pic of proactive reinforcement of my Durafly Excalibur rear fuselage shows how it looks after a repair using the description above…
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=36865610&postcount=1686
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Toto, based on the skills you have shown in your refit of the Arising Star you have nothing to worry about. Repairing in this instance is really this simple….
- Put tailplane flat on bench, underside pointing up
- Cut 3x 2-3” sections of narrow carbon strip with a razor saw or similar
- Take a ruler and cut three slots in the foam going across the split the same length as the carbon (see diagram in the other thread for suggested location, but in all honesty it doesn’t matter that much if you get enough in there)
- Push the carbon into the slits until the top edge sits at the same height as the bottom of the foam
- Wick in some thin cyano and leave to dry
- Refit tailplane and reconnect elevator
- Check elevator actuation, then go and fly!
The whole repair should take 15 mins, and that includes starting by getting a brew on…! 😉😂
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Oh, hello… @Nigel R, if you are struggling to sleep later tonight, I think I’ve found you a cure…!
https://assets.highwaysengland.co.uk/CPC_Speed_Band_17092019_v2.pdf
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55 minutes ago, Nigel R said:
Does anyone on this discussion have any genuine, well researched figures of emissions per mile at various speeds across a representative slice ofthe entire fleet of the UK? If not the emissions part of this discussion is no more than hot air.
It’s nowhere near as comprehensive as you are requesting, but the Welsh government’s results from pilot areas where they tried this does make interesting reading. Most of it is a case study in choosing metrics very carefully to support the change you’ve already decided to make 😉, but interestingly they were not able to demonstrate any improvement in air quality in these zones at all.-
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15 minutes ago, toto said:
Thanks Geoff,
I'll keep hunting for the elevator parts but if I cant source them ..... I'll maybe try making one out of balsa / ply etc. I real
Y dont want to but as a last ditch attempt and needs must, I'll have a go.
I've done a couple of raids etc now but nothing on this scale ..... ie .... making complete new parts ... especially flying surfaces.
Fingers crossed a genuine version pops up soon as it will be the quicker way to get the model into the air by far.
Toto
The quickest way to get that elevator repairable is to repair it - as we noted in the original thread, all it would take is a few short length of carbon strip, some thin CA and 5-10 mins of time. There is absolutely no need to build a new tailplane, that is complete overkill given the damage you have. This type of repair is done all the time and results in a stronger result than it was originally.-
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33 minutes ago, GrumpyGnome said:
This is when I get nervous for my boys........ against the aussies, we always seem to regret something 😞
(irritated at arms being raised like petulant schoolboys in the hope of influencing the ref; liked that Barnes told Jac to have a word with the team about chatting to the ref. I really AM a Grumpygnome!)
Looks like you wil get away without any nerves for the last quarter. How is Eddie going to explain this away as someone else’s fault?!! 🤣 -
48 minutes ago, Don Fry said:
Come on Wales. Shift that ball.
They’re doing that, and the Aussies are rocking. Will that missed chance just before HT cost them though? They really should be 15 up…
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5 hours ago, toto said:
I fancy one of those foam pusher type models. Nothing too big and that could maybe be flown as a park flyer. Maybe about a 1200mm wingspan so it can still be seen relatively easy and that could ge flown on 3s batteries.
I ront want to be buying into a whole new package again preferring to use some of what I have.
The fact that they dont have undercarraiges doesn't matter ...... its learning to do what I heed to do in the air that's more important. Approaches etc can still be learned without an undercarriage.
I have been looking but nothing has jumped outcat me yet. Budget ..... around £ 200.
I'll keep my eye open.
Toto
The Easyglider you already have will do everything you need for this type of flying, indeed they fly much better than the Bixler type models IMO. Just get that assembled and test flown by someone else, then it can be used somewhere other than the club field once you are happy to fly it on your own.-
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10 hours ago, toto said:
I do agree that if ever the model needed a proper range check ..... its now. However everything is rush rush. I have to go with the flow to a certain degree otherwise I could be swimming against the tide.
Sorry, but no, you really don’t!
It’s your model, and if it had crashed because of an RF install or RX issue, it would have been your money and time needed to put it right. If you don’t feel happy the model is set up and safe to fly, don’t do so until you are. If your instructor says “let’s just go for it, we’re pushed for time” then I’m sorry, you need to start looking for a new instructor. So many times I’ve seen models crashed in entirely preventable ways because they’ve been rushed to fly before they have been properly prepped and checked - your instructor should be experienced enough to be able to teach you practices to avoid those kind of incidents, not pass on bad RC habits.
PS - Don’t forgot, even if you are not the pilot in charge, it’s your operator number on the model. Your responsibilities as an operator are below - based on that if it had crashed on that first flight following the refit and injured someone, I think you’d have been the person getting your collar felt, or worse…
https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/getting-operator-id
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I’m again amazed that your instuctor would fly a mode so comprehensively reconfigured without a range check, but moving on…
Glad to hear it all went pretty well. Re the transient control issue, it doesn’t sound to me like the problem is between the master TX and the model, but the master and the slave. The important check is the master TX telemetry - if there’s no holds and an only the expected # of fades recorded, you can be comfortable that the RF issues are behind you and it was just a transient issue with the buddyng (or a instructor error as suggested above). Based on your description I’m 95% confident it’s a buddy issue, but the telemetry will confirm for sure.
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27 minutes ago, Martin Harris - Moderator said:
…On the related subject, I’ve always felt pretty secure with my telemetry reporting both signal strength received at the model and packet loss statistics. Do any of the RF experts see any potential problems in using these as real world monitoring to back up the possible shortfalls of artificial software controlled range testing?
RSSI telemetry has saved at least ltwo of my models from a poor initial setup back before I really knew how to install 2.4 in a composure gliders. It also notified me when my Ultraguard had been triggered in the Sebart Miss Wind after the UBEC failed on an early flight, meaning I could land immediately and troubleshoot the issue. In total I calculated those three instances saved me £1700 at least, so telemetry is 100% worthwhile IMO, though IMO it doesn’t completely replace the need to do a range test every now and then.-
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43 minutes ago, Martin Harris - Moderator said:
Interesting figures Matty. I have to admit that I haven’t costed it out in any detail. In practice, I give it an overnight blip when it drops below 50% so that’s about 9 hours to 80%. My annual mileage is unlikely to exceed 6000 so with a slightly better miles/kWh figure it’s looking like maybe a 3-4 year payback period which is better than my assumption.
I also have to admit to a healthy dose of scepticism about having a smart meter which I understand is integral with these off peak schemes but I am an existing Octopus customer. Funnily enough, I was perusing their plans earlier today but was astounded by the number of variations.
Yes, you need a smart meter for any smart tariff to work, so by not having one you are baking in costs that you don't need to meet. As an information security professional I am really not sure why so many people seem to be worried by them - I can assure you that there are many, many more invasive technologies that most of us are using every day, and (for me) the advantages (most obviously financial) of having one far outweigh the disadvantages.
PS - Remember whatever miles/kwh you have been getting up to this point in the summer months, that will dip as we go into colder weather. Estimated real world ranges here - by my maths that ~175 mile cold weather combined range is about 3 miles/kwh, so averaging 3.5 miles/kwh over the year is probably a decent estimate...
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15 hours ago, Martin Harris - Moderator said:
After some consideration of the practicalities, I realised that it would be quite suitable for my usage profile to charge from a simple 13A socket and made the commitment. There’s a small element of planning involved but only once have I been caught out by a sudden request to drive beyond the currently charged range - it would have been surmountable by a fast charge en route but it was easier to use my wife’s car. Maybe I’ll consider faster/smarter charging in the future but with my current low mileage it would take a long time to recover the investment.
Whilst you have two cars you can probably get by this way, but I would suggest you get a home charger eventually - I just looked it up, and it looks like your MG5 (which we loved when we test drove one) would take a whole day to fully charge from a 3-pin plug, meaning it is very hard for you to make best use of a time of use tariff.
Yes, the charger will cost an initial £750-1000, but if you can use something like Octopus Intelligent you will only be charging at 7.5p/kwh. If we assume you are paying something like 25p/kwh now to charge, the cost of the charger gets absorbed after somewhere between 15-20k miles of driving if your car averages something like 3.5 miles/kwh. You could also hire out that charger via something like Co-charger and make money from it when not charging, at which point that break even point would get closer:
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2 minutes ago, Rich Griff said:
May I ask please what futaba tx is it, and, is the connection a "push on spade female" type please ?
Thanks in advance.....
Go crazy - try reading his post....! 😉
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2 hours ago, Ron Gray said:
@Cuban8funnily enough we find ourselves in a similar situation, my wife’s aunt died earlier on this year and being someone who refused to pay for most things ‘official’ (government, council, solicitors etc) she left no will and sizeable investments which will result in those same bodies receiving huge amounts of her estate! That was the final straw to me getting an EV, you can’t take it with you!
1 hour ago, Cuban8 said:As one of the executors of my late friend's estate, I've learned a very important lesson regarding the management of one's even quite modest assets, considering the very low inheritance tax threshold as it stands at the moment. The value of my friend's property put his assets directly into the inheritance tax grab of 40%. I won't go into details but the taxman had enough from him to buy several very nice and expensive EVs!
Yep, couldn't agree more. Take professional financial advice to help plan how your estate is passed on, make a will and set up your powers of attorney - you won't be alive to see the benefits, but your descendants and beneficiaries will certainly thank you for it!
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38 minutes ago, John Stainforth said:
The IHT threshold is actually quite high at the moment, potentially up to 1 million pounds (combined Nil Rate Band and Residence Nil Rate Band for a married couple leaving their estate to their direct descendents).
True, but given how much property has risen in desirable areas such as London, the home counties and South-West, it is still relatively easy to get caught by it. That's why pensions are so important, as money in there is not viewed as part of the estate, and can be passed on without an IHT bill.
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19 minutes ago, Martin Harris - Moderator said:
I take no delight in seeing Ripmax in difficulties and hope they can recover to somewhere near their former status. Having had a few dealings with them, I found them very amenable to resolving customer problems on an individual basis.
That may be the case, but looking at their (non-https, looks exactly as it did in the mid noughties 🧐) website, Futaba is front and centre everywhere you look.
I am no big Futaba fan, but whilst sales have obviously dipped in recent years as brands like Jeti, Frsky and Radiomaster have grown more popular, they clearly still have a loyal following. Losing them must be a big headache for Ripmax, and they must be worried about OS going the same way given they too must have lost money from the Ripmax insolvency.
charging Li-on batteries
in Gadgets and Electronics
Posted
PS - Want a laugh? Check out how much Spektrum charge for a 2S 4000 Lipo pack these days...!
https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/80400/