Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hi John My "Wombaling" tends to take three different forms: 1. I turn up at the field with a plane, 4 LiPos and a Transmitter. Have a natter, 4 flights a natter and go home. 2. I turn up with a 6S A123 equipped 40 sized model, a leisure battery, charger and transmitter. Fly for 10 mins, and then charge for 10 mins while I have a natter and keep this up for the whole afternoon. 3. I turn up with a 6S A123 equipped 40 sized model & 1 spare battery, a leisure battery, charger and transmitter. Fly for 10 mins, swap batteries and fly while I charge for 10 mins and keep this up for the whole afternoon. Of course there can be any combination of the above with more than one plane too.. Well thats the theory, I often contrive to break something or "land" at an odd attitude, but I guess we all do that from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kearsley Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Well up until recently, I've always "Wombled" down to the field with just the model, batteries and Tx - never had a problem, flown as much as I want to, haven't had to clean slime off the model and probably spent a few pence on each flight in the cost of charging the batteries again! Since venturing into the world of I.C. my wombleing is more elaborate and consists of model, flight box with fuel, starter, cleaning spray, kitchen roll, spanners, spare fuel line etc, etc - oh and Tx of course! I spend probably 80p per flight in fuel (it's a 1.00 4-stroke) and spend half an hour after the session cleaning off the goo. Nonetheless, I still enjoy it!It really is a case of you pays your money and you makes your choice. I enjoy both sides of the hobby. Chris, I like the sound of these A123's and I think that will be my next experiment.Cheers,Tim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Tim After a couple of years of using them, I find myself using LiPos for smaller models and A123's for 40 size and above. This is because they do weigh more, and are a bit bulkier. But there are so many advantages, its certainly worth having a go. Remember that for the quick charge times you need a charger with an A123 setting that has a high power rating. Best of luck, let us know how you get on. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 If an A123 is a set of instructions count me in ... otherwise its getting a little too technical for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 John A123's are just another type of battery. That I prefer 'cos they are easier to look after. See here http://www.puffinmodels.com/category.php?dept=265 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 I was only joking Chris. More seriously though, what would you consider to be a decent starter set up for someone new to electric flight. I realise this will be a purely personal view and may well generate response from others with their own view. Debate is good! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Ive just looked at your included link Chris. These look pretty much like the 2300 nimh battery packs ive recently made myself. These i only use to power the onboard radio kit obviously, not a motor. I built them becase i just dont trust those AA battery holders which are standard kit with all radio makes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Yes John they do look like them, but the technology is very different. You are quite right not to trust battery holders, especially in airborne packs. This is in line with BMFA advice too. I'm sure most radio makes come with welded or soldered up packs though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 2 x LiFePO4s ( A123s or M1s as they are commonly known ) also make an excellent airborne radio pack for larger models. At 6.6V nominal they will be fine for most Rx and servos without the extra complication of a regulator, and there are lower capacity versions of these LiFePO4 cells available which would suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Chris, Not sure what you mean by welded or soldered up packs being supplied by the makers. I use a graupner mx16 radio and i can assure you that the kit as delivered only includes a battery holder for flight. Agreed, the tx battery is pre-built if you see what i mean. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Timbo, Now you really are getting me into a flat spin! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Methanol and duracell rule ok! .... Unless you lot know otherwise! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 John Barber wrote (see)Timbo, Now you really are getting me into a flat spin! Johnooops, sorry John I will shut up now ( dont all cheer at once ! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 OK.. can i cheer for one though Timbo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 John, Futaba, JR, Multiplex, Sanwa and Spektrum radio all come with made up nicad/nimh packs, but as you say its not worth getting into a spin about In the summer I recommended an A123 electric setup for a lifelong IC flyer and he has been chuffed to bits with it ever since.He had already bought a Multiplex Mentor model which is designed for 3S 3200 LiPo.For it I recommended the following:-From www.hobbycity.com TR 35-48-B 900kv Brushless Outrunner TURNIGY Plush 60amp Speed ControllerTURNIGY BESC Programming Card (Not essential but makes ESC programming much easier)Turnigy Accucel-6 Balance Charger & Discharger (only charges at up to 5A so not the fastest A123 charger available)HXT UBEC 5/6v output, 5.5~23v Input (UBEC to supply receiver voltage from the flight battery)Female Polyquest - Male JST 4S (adapter balance cable for balance charging)and From http://www.puffinmodels.com/4S A123 pack. x 2 (which fitted this models battery tray perfectly).NOTE: John Emms at Puffin is always very helpful to recommend setups for any particular model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Cheers Chris, As always replies are well noted. As i live Germany it would not be practical to obtain kits or components from the UK. However, pretty much anything is available within a day or so via mail order of home. I will check availability of bits n pieces here. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Hi John, Why convert?Funny how many people complain about engine cuts and engine problems. I wonder why. It is a sign of lack of knowledge or poor engine plumbing.We never have that sort of problem in our club. When the odd one crops up it is an exception and we all wonder what on earth has gone wrong.As for 20 minute flights, most of us are happy with 10 minutes. if we want more we could fit a bigger tank. Of course in our club we all have an allocated frequencies with no duplicates so we have ten minute flights as often as we want without having to go the back of the peg queue.I wonder how those waiting for a peg like everyone in front of them staying up for 20 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Rigg Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Waiting for a peg is so old hat...2.4ghz in the way to goAs for IC flight, that's for another (bygone) era, and another forum come to think of it.And 10/20 minute flights will soon be a thing of the past too...we'll have Lithium-kryptonite cells, solar energy panels on the wings and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems to ensure the batteries never fade - the plane could stay up all day (and night)...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 12, 2008 Author Share Posted November 12, 2008 A lovely planet Nick. Is that where you live? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Think of it, Non stop flying!How boring, no time to stop for a cup of tea and a natter to your fellow fliers, no time to think about that last flight. The pleasure of a really nice greaser landing only once a day.No thanks, I will stick to my 10 minute flights. The growl and snarl of an engine, the chat between flights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kearsley Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I don't know about anyone else, but I'm ready for a break and a natter after 10 minutes anyway! I find that's about as much as I can do in one stretch of full concentration. Mind you, that's probably because I'm an old f**t!!!Tim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash dummy Posted November 16, 2008 Author Share Posted November 16, 2008 Hang on fellas ... I fear we are getting seriously off track here. My original point was that i can easily get 20 mins, plenty of fuel left in reserve. This does not mean that a 20 minute flight is a must. I made that statement to illustrate how (in my view) ic is a better option because i dont need to change battery pack every few minutes. Many who have contributed to this thread have given technical information stating that 20 minutes on 1 pack is possible.This answers my first question. My second and more important question was does anyone have, or know someone who has the electric version of the Kyosho Calmato Sport? Sadly, no feed back on that yet. As always though, many thanks for all contributions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Foreman Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 Why don't you ask this guy, he has posted a video of his glow to electric conversion of the Kyosho Calmato Sport? In fact when you watch Ultraohm's video he pretty much gives you all the info you need regarding motor, battery and flight time. N'joy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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