Tom Mann Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Hi allI'm looking to build an ultra simple plane with no ESC, just a full power electric run with timed cutoff. Scouring the web I see lots of nice things that seem to do half of this but then connect to a 'relay' which connects to a leg bone and a hip bone. e.g. http://www.hobbytron.com/CK002.html Being quite lazy, it'd be nice if someone would sell me a gizmo that I can rig up to my existing circuit of battery+on/off switch+motors (presumably instead of the on off switch) where I could twist a knob to set it to 10 secs or a minute of power depending on size of field... I don't understand whether it would run off the main power cells or off some aux cell.anyone crossed this bridge already? tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 I reckon all of these 555 based timers will need coupling to a relay of some sort in order to handle the large current you are requiring to switch. What is you objection to a relay? What current are you wanting to switch?Why not just use an ESC's inbuilt ability to shut off the power when a preset voltage has been reached - this in effect is exactly what you want to do isnt it ?? If weight or size is the issue, then again, I reckon a small ESC will be less than any relay based switch. If its miniature type stuff you are playing with, and relevant miniature currents, then something deploying a SCR and 55 timer could probably be fashioned up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Mann Posted November 26, 2008 Author Share Posted November 26, 2008 I geddit - so I just buy a small capacity battery whose voltage will drop off in the timescale I'm after - or indeed a programmable ESC where I can specify the cutoff voltage if there is such a thing. good idea bossStill not as user-friendly as a cox with a walnut sized fuel tank though... what with having to recharge or reprogramme ESC for subsequent flights off a single charge.Would have thought there might be a small market for a bespoke 'thing' where you specify the number of seconds of runtime, for free flight toystom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 blimeys I had forgotten all about this thread ! - many ESCs can be programmmed to activate the LVC ( low voltage cutoff ) to suit different cell types and counts, so it should be possible to get something suitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Foreman Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 If your feeling adventurous have a look here for a DIY free flight electric timer which requires conversion of an esc. There is a website here as well happy free flighting http://www.electricfreeflight.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul duguid Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 These may be of use: http://www.eft-inc.com/models/ff/smoothie.htmhttp://www.atomicworkshop.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=182The top one ships to the UK as well. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Mann Posted November 28, 2008 Author Share Posted November 28, 2008 Paul you beauty! thanks so much this is clearly the ticket. tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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