168 MODEL AVIATION
Focus on Competition
product is to be manufactured.
As in the example I’ve used in previous
columns, the manner in which
manufacturers determine servo output
torque would benefit from a standardized
method of measurement. There is currently
more than one way to measure the torque.
These different methods can and do produce
different specifications for output torque.
None are necessarily wrong, however.
But this means you could purchase a
servo marked 120 ounce-inch from one
manufacturer, and if that same servo had
been tested by a different manufacturer
using its methods, it may only measure 100
ounce-inch.
So the subcommittee’s goal would be to
develop a standard method by which servos
would be tested for output torque.
Therefore, if you purchased two servos from
two different manufacturers of the same
torque, and both indicate that they meet the
AMA standards for testing, you would
know you had two servos that were the
same in torque ratings. Manufacturers will
voluntarily comply with this program and
affix or print a label on the packaging so
that you know the product meets this
standard.
Labeling on certain products is also an
area that will more than likely be addressed.
As an example, there currently seems to be
a huge discrepancy in the information found
on Li-Poly battery packs. Some have almost
no information on them; others have a huge
amount of information.
This too needs to be standardized so that
a minimum amount of needed information is
displayed. This allows you to know better
what you are purchasing and, most
important, should allow you to operate the
pack in a safer manner.
I hope you see the huge benefit this
program will be able to provide to all AMA
members. Look for more information about
the program as it is kicked off more
formally.
Til next time ... MA
Steve Kaluf
Technical Director
[email protected]
IF YOU’VE BEEN following my last
couple of columns, you have read about the
possible formation of a standards group that
has been discussed since the February
Frequency Committee (now ETC—
Electronic Technology Committee) meeting
and the RCMA (Radio Control
Manufacturers Association) meeting in
March.
We are making some progress toward
this concept. On April 28, following a
conference call/meeting with some key
individuals, AMA President Dave Brown
established a subcommittee of the ETC to
develop and implement this program.
The first step in implementation of this
program is staffing the subcommittee. This
is being done initially from volunteers from
within the existing ETC and members of
the industry who serve on that committee in
an advisory capacity.
Following staffing, the initial group will
develop the scope of the program. This will
be what the program will actually be
charged with accomplishing, the methods
we will use, and the overall range of the
program.
The next step will be to develop a
product list that we feel should be handled
first. From that list a priority will be
established, assignments made, and we
should then be off and running. It is
conceivable that the make-up of the group
will change from time to time as we invite
subject-matter experts to work on certain
projects with the core group.
So what is the concept for this Standards
Subcommittee? As I’ve mentioned, much
of this still has to be developed, but, in
general, this group will help develop
standardized testing and labeling for
certain aeromodeling-related products.
We will not be dictating anything, nor will
this group create standards to which a
2006 Key Dates
July 24 - 30
EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh WI
July 4 - August 6
Outdoor National Aeromodeling Championships
AMA International Aeromodeling Center
Muncie IN
(Events attended by AMA HQ staff and/or officers)
Technical Update
Did You Know …
That any donation you make to AMA is tax-deductible?
AMA is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit association. This means that
any funds you donate beyond your regular membership dues
can be deducted from your taxes.
Please consider donating to AMA. Your gift will help us
continue our efforts to improve your organization.
07sig6.QXD 5/25/06 1:41 PM Page 168
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/07
Page Numbers: 168