OZ e flyer
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Posts posted by OZ e flyer
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Simon I think there could be a simple solution to your problem. Work from your knowns and make sure it fits inside the maximums recommended.
for example;
You know the weight of your plane and the watts per pound formula to suit the style of flight you want to achieve.
you then know how many watts you’re looking for so that’s a known, let’s call it 400watts.
you know you know how many volts you’re going to have because of battery size (3s = 11.1 etc)
you know watts = volts times amps so 11.1volts times 36amps = 399.6watts
does that fall within the parameters stated on the motor data? If the answer is yes then you have a suitable motor. Select an ESC rated generously more than 36amps (50 maybe) then select and fit a desirable prop.
Using a meter, measure the amps being drawn during a static bench test.if it looks like you are going to draw more than 36 amps at full throttle then fit a smaller prop and try again. A little trial and error until you have your desired pitch and size prop and I reckon you’re good to go.
I always add about 10% in to my calculations and I believe it’s always better to select slightly larger than you calculate you’ll need if it’s practical. It’s how I’ve always worked with my setups and I’ve never had an issue.
best of luck.
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Was the use of gliders ever really successful from a military perspective?
I know they are using drones now that are almost gliders but I'm curious as to how effective they were during conflicts.
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I have to admit it was certainly a pretty strange idea.
What started as a cargo carrying glider becomes a spy glider. Strange. I guess they were trying to achieve something for a reason.
The aussie airforce was and I guess still is, very small so bang for buck becomes vital and innovation can sometimes provide that cutting edge advantage......not always though. Lol.
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Many thanks guys. I’ve been able to find a little more info now. Very short lived machine. 8 made only but it was 1952 when the project finished.
A most curious design that “suction wing”. It appears there was a suction fan in it as well and when operating (suction on) it appears the stall speed was slower. Amazing stuff. Couple more photos below if you’re interested.
thanks again for your help.
Shane
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Yep I think that’s the one. I believe it had an experimental suction airfoil wing design though.
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Hi everyone. I’m seeking any knowledge I can find on a glider that was made fleetingly for the Aussie airforce during wwII.
I know very little about the DH2 other than it was designed and manufactured in Australia by Dehaviland.
The Australian airforce (RAAF) is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year and there are people looking for information on this glider far and wide as it seems there is very little info on it.
Any help would greatly appreciated.
Shane
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I’m glad I don’t have to consider heating issues down here in Oz. My biggest issue is keeping the work area cool. Lol.
Piers makes a good point with regards to insulating though and is spot on regarding lighting. I use LED strip lighting around my workspace and it is brilliant as well as dirt cheap to run. I have even started fitting my house out with LED lighting because of the running cost and zero maintenance (no more blown globes or tubes). If you want to help out your lights though (you definitely don’t have to with LED) consider reflective or white ceiling surfaces and walls.
sunshine is not an issue down here so solar works brilliantly. My parents have been running solar power for several years and have not had an electric power bill since installing their system. All the surplus power they generate feeds back on to the main supply grid and this offsets their power usage bill. End result - no bill. Of course we are talking about a much bigger system than a garden shed though.
Dont be put off Amy. Do your research, weigh up the pros and cons, work out your budget and see where you’re at. I’m not a greenie power saver type of guy believe me but I do think solar power is worth the effort. I am looking at getting a solar system for my house this year (6.5kW which is really big) but I’m sure you could get a suitably sized unit for your requirements.
Let us know how you go.
Shane
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Great idea Amy. Not sure where you live but here in Australia, solar power is becoming very popular. There are many variations depending on your requirements.
Simple 12volt supply from a couple of panels running some 12volt lights, maybe trickle charging a deep cycle battery so you have night time power. This would possibly be the cheapest and if you have a little bit of electrical knowledge you could probably install it yourself.
More complex systems might include a couple of panels connected to an inverter that could potentially supply nearly all of your AC power needs for a shed but, you would most likely have to invest in a more substantial storage battery that could keep the power on at night and even the load out. You would also have to get someone who knows what they’re doing to install it.
Have a look at the Tesla power wall as an example. It is a VERY good system but a little expensive. They even make roof tiles that are photovoltaic cells so no big square panels on your roof. Once again a little pricey but if you are building a shed from scratch it could be a viable option depending on your needs.
so many choices and things to consider but I think it’s a brilliant idea. Good luck.
Shane
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Stall on downwind leg. Grumman Mallard. January 2017.
unfortunately 2 people tragically lost their lives. This happened in front of thousands of people setting up for our “Australia Day” celebrations.
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Then there’s one of these. **LINK**
Too expensive for my wallet though.
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I know exactly the type you mean Chris. The new stands do look a bit not right but, yes I’m pretty sure that’s how it’s used. The little tin acts the same way as the wick type desoldering tape.
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Chris I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be like that when in use. The tip sits in a tin of curly fine copper that’s supposed to clean the tip between use. At least that’s my understanding of them.
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When I finished my apprenticeship many years ago, butane powered soldering irons had just come out. Being an elevator tech, some times power outlets were not always close at hand to just plug a soldering iron in to so these little gems were perfect. Lightweight, portable and heat at the flick of a piezo igniter, brilliant. They also come with a selection of tips that include a little blowtorch attachment and the heat is adjustable by turning the flame down or up as required. I have used it to solder delicate little pc boards with the little pointy bit, through to heavy gauge wire using the blowtorch. Don’t think I would ever buy anything else now.
As for the cleaning, I use a little damp sponge and it works just fine. I think frequent cleaning is the best way to maintain the tip but in particular don’t leave the iron hot doing nothing with solder/flux on it. The combination of heat with the flux definitely shortens it’s life. Also always clean your iron before you put it away. Long term exposure to flux will also eat at it.
Just my two penneth worth but I reckon if you ask 5 people you’ll get 7 different answers.
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Thanks Piers, I did torment a little over wether to fit ailerons or not.
I decided ailerons but to be fair they will actually be flaperons, I have also removed the dihedral from the centre wing section so it is only the outer wing section that has the dihedral.
Totally agree with you re the extra weight from a larger battery. A bit of experimentation and a few tentative test flights I think.
Thats what I like about this forum, lots of different ideas and really good advice, plus I love seeing everyone’s twist on a design.
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What size battery Michael? I was going to use 3s 2200 but could go up to 3200 I guess for extra useful weight.
I wonder if the addition of the ailerons will affect the CG. Time will tell I guess.
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I decided to try making my aileron more “scale” like with a scalloped section on the wing and rounded leading edge on the aileron. Once I work out how to fit the control horn I’ll finish shaping the wing section, fit the wing bolt support panel and maybe do what someone else has and make up a little bit of fairing for the upper centre section of the wing panel where it meets the fuselage just to tidy it up a little.
Then it’s on to the outer wing panel followed by the right hand side wing, give it all a final smooth over with a little filler for the small blemishes and then on to covering. Probably transperant blue and yellow.
have you tried any inverted flying yet? If so how does it handle and do you have any problems with seeing orientation?
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Still lots of shaping and sanding to do.
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Awesome.
Mine is all cut from balsa plank. No kit. Hence the slow build. Here’s hoping mine balances as well.
pics following.
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Nice work Michael.
Im still working on mine. VERY slow build. I’m fitting ailerons and it has taken me a while to nut it all out but I’m getting there. So far fuzz, tail feathers and almost one wing panel done.
I hope mine will fly as well as yours.
I’ll put up a couple of progress pics.
TP
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Hi Kooka and Ace.
I’ve not seen the Christmas bush you have Kooka but it looks great. Might have to enquire at my local nursery. I’m in the west as well Ace and like you I’m guessing those beautiful yellow flowers always signify Christmas to me.
Merry Christmas guys.
TP
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I think this issue (and I’m sure we all agree it is a global issue) may be best addressed with compulsory registration. I think it’s probably the easiest way but the problem, as has been previously stated is policing/enforcement as well as administration.
Possibly one way to assist with administration is point of sale registration. It appears that this could be done even with the internet sales given that taxes can be imposed on overseas sales. Currently almost any retailer can sell “drones” and most 10 year old kids buying or receiving these “toys” have no idea of their legal obligations and the retailers don’t care.
I know this won’t stop those intent on breaking the law, after all with a little bit of know how, a handful of spare parts and/or a 3D printer you could make your own. You will never stop those intent on breaking any law.
Of course there are always far smarter people than I who will have far smarter ideas. Maybe one is the registration of ALL transmitters? Someone with some tech smarts may also be able to come up with some way of putting an electronic “fingerprint” in all transmitters so that smart detection devices can track down “illegal” use?
As is always the case those operating responsibly and legally will have nothing to fear but we will be the ones to bear the brunt of enforcement and registration costs.
Here’s hoping we catch these clowns and somehow stop future such behaviour. I hope and pray we never have a catastrophic accident caused by these activities.
Stay safe and have a very merry Christmas.
TP
Eflite Apprentice Issues
in ESCs (Speed Controllers)
Posted
Probably not the ESC. Sounds like the problem may be with the receiver or tx program and as Jason says, possibly a reversed panic switch. I assume all the other control surfaces work ok?
I don’t have the manual for my apprentice at hand but I’m pretty sure there is a way outlined in the manual to do a reset.
ive been flying my apprentice for a few years now and I still enjoy flying it. Almost always on expert mode now. But it performs really well and I get great flight times out of it. It has been banged up and rebuilt or repaired a bunch of times now but it’s a tough little plane.
hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.