Capt Kremen
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Everything posted by Capt Kremen
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model shop near Aldershot/Farnborough
Capt Kremen replied to Phil 9's topic in All Things Model Flying
Check out Modellbau UK. Not too far away. The shop is relocating so a phone call might be advisable. -
Oh no not another ESC question
Capt Kremen replied to Chris Walby's topic in ESCs (Speed Controllers)
I've had a motor intermittently stutter and then work at other throttle settings, turned out to be a duff solder (dry?) joint on one of the connectors. All, (factory soldered) connectors re-soldered, all resolved. -
The pupil does not perceive there's a problem other than 'The plane did a strange thing', 'It didn't turn', The winds taken it', 'I haven't got control' ... so then two instructors fly the plane 'buddy-box' style in the same conditions, no issues found with the equipment, aircraft operation, trim, c of g etc or weather conditions. (We're not attempting training in winds greater than 10mph usually it's 0 -5 mph down the strip i.e. not cross-wind).
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Further follow up to comments and replies so far ... The pupil does have a PC simulator to practice on at home. Most(?) of the time, correct orientation of the model and giving the correct inputs when flying away/toward, does not appear a major problem. (Verbal instruction prompts: ' Give Left / Right, Level the Wings, Throttle up/down etc. etc. do improve matters though!) The pupil has two aircraft and two transmitters to enable 'wireless' fly buddy-box training. A quality LiPo charger and selection of flight packs - so he has personally invested in the hobby. There appears some credence in the suggestion by Andy48 that it is perhaps more a social activity and the 'flying' bit will just happen!!! (We are very sociable bunch but we do fly a lot too between the banter, cuppas 'n sandwiches). I intimated in my original post that there had been 'issues' with the planes and equipment to contend with too ... that's an understatement! To name just a few .... And .. I hasten to add that between all the instructors involved, we corrected these BEFORE flight or else replaced the aircraft. (There must be numerous would be fliers out there though, obliviously using seriously dodgy airframes & equipment, all brand spanking new from so called reputable outlets). Wrong control responses (pupil error), ESC catching fire, radio binding dropping out, brand new LiPos failing, manufacturer connector solder joints coming adrift even before use, u/c wheels too small and wire too weak even for a well mown strip, failure of steerable noseleg assembly ... the list just goes on. Individually these issues might not seem much and most quickly remedied but add the pupil training issue and they compound the difficulties. We have persevered with using one airframe and one main instructor, so no, don't think chopping 'n changing has 'confused' the pupil. Out flying today, our tyro pilot was a lot better but come next week ... back to square 'minus' one perhaps?
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To reply and add to a few points raised: Pupil Anxiety/Nerves - Not obvious by observation of behaviour e.g. talking to fast, shaking, breathing increased. Concentration Lapse - Definitely. When in the middle of a flight he will start commenting on a fellow flier, what he had for breakfast, the local model shop etc. etc. 'Concentrate on your model Fred!!!!' (Note: ALL instructors always wait to ensure they have the sky to themselves with this pupil i.e. no other fliers in the air to distract and no others on the flightline offering their 'expert' comment and input either!). Another 'mature' flier who totally lost their confidence after serial crashes, has regained their 'solo' status through tuition with the same group of instructors (and their individual mentoring styles). Aircraft - Both Trike & Tail Dragger recognised training types have been used. Slow fliers too. Control & Instruction - Two instructors have been used at a time. One holding the 'master' Tx whilst the other stands alongside the pupil and gives calm, undistracted commentary and instruction. An instructor has flown the training aircraft with the pupils 'thumbs' over the thumbs of the instructor so as to feel the inputs, their amount required and see the results of those inputs. Flight actions have been tackled separately e.g. this flight, taxying, another flight, straight and level and so on. The pupil has a PC flight sim to practice on at home. Praise and encouragement is given even after the 'less than satisfactory' flights. (The instructors heading straight for the strongest cup of coffee to calm their state though!)
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Stevo thanks for your interesting input. .... but ... I'm a little puzzled ... aren't all these different styles of learning already being utilised ? V - Visual - the required manoeuvere / technique is being shown or demonstrated 'visually' before the pupils eyes. A - The instructor describes 'aurally' what he is doing and requesting to be performed R - The pupil is referred to written & illustrated documents e.g. the BMFA 'A Flying Start' training manual to 'read', study and make written notes about. K - The pupil is doing the action and experiencing it, the 'kinesthetic'
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Scenario A 'mature' club novice flyer in apparent good health i.e. eyesight, hearing, physical mobility, has been receiving tuition in turn from several seasoned, competent club instructors. Tuition has been made using several suitable 'electric' airframes. (There have been issues with these but they have been either rectified or alternatively resolved by changing to another aircraft - issues too lengthy to expand on here. Changes only made when absolutely necessary for flight safety, so as to allow the pupil to become fully familiar with the aircraft). Flight training has been regular, in favorable weather conditions and using a recognised 'buddybox' system, utilising two synced, fully serviceable transmitters. Flights consist of the pupil pre-flight checks, taxying, taking off, then asked to fly steady circuits. Landings are made by the instructor. Issue The pupil makes little, if any, consistent progress in all phases of flight. Just as it appears a task is being mastered or completed satisfactorily, the next time it is performed, it's fluffed to the point of control having to be taken by the instructor or else an aircraft loss or flight line accident would result. Calm, clear and patient instruction has been made including prior demonstration by the instructors of what is required. Concentration seems to be an issue therefore, the flights have been broken down into 'bite size' sequences i.e. instructor demonstrates, pupil to follow then instructor takes over to relieve any constant pressure. Comment What approach, technique(s), methods etc. etc. would folk use to help this tyro pilot in this situation? As indicated, the now considerable total hours spent patiently training with this pupil, using several club instructors, (i.e. to see if a change of personality would assist), does not appear to be having any effect.
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Converted to brushless & LiPo power, very smooth.
Capt Kremen posted a gallery image in Member Albums
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I have a FMS Yak-54 in typical sponsors display colour scheme of mainly Red & Blue. Lovely, but it all but disappears once it goes beyond 'prop-hanging' distance!
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Good hack model once you correct it's cheap components.
Capt Kremen posted a gallery image in Member Albums
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Early days, but so far so good with a couple of 3S 2200mAh packs used mainly in a Max-Thrust 'Riot'. I also have two 4S 4000mAh packs, (for my 'AcroWot', but haven't used these much yet. Time will tell, but like you Geoff, I have had so called quality, (read expensive) LiPo packs that have 'puffed' early in their life cycles whereas cheap(er) Zippy etc. have lasted years and ditto, have often been kept charged ready to go.
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Our club attends and static displays at the local summer fete, this event naturally attracts all walks and ages. Little interest is shown by 'Joe Public' even with a PC flight simulator that might grab the attention of the 'PC Joystick Generation!' With the odd exceptions, our club is an embodiment of 'Last of the Summer Wine' and the few new members that are recruited have more in common with Compo & Clegg. Matty B's post sums the evolving situation well, much as we may find that disheartening. Now where's my tube of balsa cement, Ever-Ready single edge blade and tin of 'Joy' dope ... the smell of yesterdays!
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Proposed new drone legislation/registration
Capt Kremen replied to Daithi O Buitigh's topic in All Things Model Flying
213 not surprising at all. The average 'Joe Bloggs', whether a hobby flier or not, rarely wades through government documents. What hope for CAA or BMFA documents, copius and detailed as they may be and assuming they are aware to visit those sites in the first place. How many model (and drone), fliers know of the free NATS (National Air Traffic) app for mobile phones & tablets called 'Drone Assist'? Have you tried it? You may find it quite informative and useful for conventional/non-drone fixed wing & heli flying too. Also, disappointed that the BMFA website & Facebook opening home pages do not have 'Stop Press' up-to-date information on today's news announcements.
