EarlyBird

Popham Airfield (popham-airfield.co.uk)

I have learned a lot from this topic, which is why I joined this forum, manufacturers did supply for 4x1.5v packs and 4x1.2 Nicad packs which is taking me a long way back. This meant that servos were either designed for 4.8v or 6.0v power supplies and obviously they used the nominal battery voltages as everyone did. The servos had the design nominal voltage on the label to indicate which battery technology to use and the manual covered both versions. Throughout this topic everyone has been referring to the 4.8v with the exception of Paul. This has caused a lot of confusion as he appeared to be saying 6.0v could be used on 4.8v servos and had done it for years. Until I asked pointedly if he was saying a 6.0v power supply could be used on 4.8v rated servos. The answer. That's the beginning and end of the antagonism, I hope, as it all comes down to a simple misunderstanding. Interesting that, IMO, a simple misunderstanding has made a more informative topic in the long run. Steve

We have agreement Paul accepts that 4.8v servos should not be used with a 5 cell NiMh battery pack. Kept me entertained for a couple of days. Steve

I thought that was what they are.

That's the reason for different voltage specifications, which you knew all along. Does this mean that your advice to use 5 cell NiMh packs for 4.8v servos should be followed? Steve

That makes sense. Older version 4.8 as marked and newer version 6.0 as marked. Now why didn't I think of that? Steve

The electrical specs are what I am struggling with. Is the max voltage 4.8 or 6.0? The manual says both, but the servos have 4.8 on the label. Apparently, my interpretation that 6.0v is only when driving the Rx is wrong. Steve

I haven't got any so I can't do any testing to prove anything. What's a septic BTW. Steve

Thanks, I will ask one of the LMA guys. On second thoughts I will ask @Jon - Laser Enginesas I am so impressed with his expertise, and it will be a Laser as many of my club mates are proud owners of Lasers. John has four in one model and the sound of four running at the same time is music to anyone's ears but what impressed me most was how easy they were to start. I wish I could remember his name begins with R the model is a refurbished model and engines, a Lancaster just flew over on it's way back from Elvington, sorry Jon the sound of those four Merlin engines beat your Lasers. Rickett? Steve

Hm you have a few then, unfortunately I don't have any so I can't try a mix to suit me. What can I do, along with everyone else in the same position, but listen to an expert and follow their advice. Steve

Forgot, being a good boy and reading the manual, all my models use a 5v regulated supply, the one UBEC is switchable to 5v or 6v and the rest are electric ESCs. Which means I have no experience with a 6v regulated supply. Steve

From a UBEC or ESC using a two cell Lipo battery for example. From what I have read a four cell NiMh pack should be used if it's not supplying the RX. If supplying the Rx a five cell NiMh can be used because when the Rx is switched on the voltage will drop to acceptable levels. However, with a regulated supply the voltage will be maintained at 6v when the Rx is switched on, which is not good for the servos. Which takes us into disputed territory as some say it works fine and others say it's not in accordance with the manufacturer's specification. Not a problem in this case as NiMhs will be used. This is my understanding from what I have read, confirmation would be good. Steve

I read it as 4.8V or 6.0V when shared with the receiver. In other words, 4.8V if not powering the receiver but 6.0V if it is also powering the receiver. Not to worry. Steve

Thanks to Ron this is the important bit of information from the manual. Odd that 6.0V is ok if shared with the receiver, I guess there must be a reason. Steve

One of the biggest problems I had when working was caused by technicians having a closed mind mentality. Apparently, many people will draw conclusions from a one-off event which results in a work around that they will obstinately stick to for the rest of their lives, when challenged they quote supporting evidence and completely ignore everything that proves them wrong. Is an ancient old Tx system relevant to the present situation Paul? There are many posts on here stating that servos are run at higher voltages than the manufacturer recommends with no detrimental effect, I wonder how many failures are attributed to something other than overvoltage. Just because others do something doesn't mean it's a good idea but unfortunately there is a herd mentality where many will follow the example of whoever talks longest and loudest. 👍 Steve

Interesting that lower oil content increases performance. I have read the Saito manual and they recommend a minimum 20% oil content I was a bit taken aback by them mentioning Castor. I am thinking the high oil content is because some will use poor quality Castor and if using synthetic the oil content can be reduced and performance increased. What really puzzles me is that some on here add Castor to commercial glow fuel which then makes a 20% oil mix which, by the above, is detrimental to the engine's performance and adds to the cost then to reduce cost they buy 'any old rubbish'. My conclusion is that I can't trust everyone on here as some are self-professed experts drawing subjective conclusions from one off events. Jon it's a good Job you are here with your wealth of knowledge. Keep up the good work. Steve

Just what I am looking for, where did you buy it please. Steve

@fluffyninjaSomething is making me think that this is your first model.

Is it this one from Flying-Dreams? Discus CS from Flying-Dreams - Sussex Model Centre -SMC (sussex-model-centre.co.uk)

I justified the cost to myself by the build being a large part of the fun. It was not until later that I realised I had made a very robust model that would stand lots of abuse and last a lot longer than an ARTF. Steve

I took that to be old, outdated information which was true when the UK warehouse was open. They have confirmed to me that they don't include VAT at checkout and the courier will collect it and forward it to HMRC upon delivery. See here- This is the way HK Global have always worked, nothing has changed. Steve PS any progress with The OHmen?

Castor is a very old debate, here is one from 2007. There's a lot of good information in there. What I found most interesting was that old engines would tolerate castor, but modern engines built with finer tolerances needed synthetic. My understanding from Andy Green's topic is that all engines will run on synthetic and modern engines could have problems with castor. Nice to read a reasoned debate. Steve

It was the sound that grabbed my attention, it was obviously a twin but unique to my ears. It was well past my house by the time I caught it on flightradar24. It is rare, there are only five or six airworthy examples of all types, so that could be the only Gemini 1A flying. Steve

That's what I thought, easy for a scammer.