Control Line Navy Carrier Dick Perry [[email protected]]
A look at electric power for Carrier models
In the last column I promised to report on the first contests in which electric-powered models competed in the Navy Carrier events. However, the first event didn't take place as early as I had hoped.
Two contests in Iowa were scheduled in May and June, but the May event suffered from weather that kept the Carrier models grounded. Things worked out better for the Sig contest in June.
Sig originated the Skyray Profile Carrier event and allowed electric power in it as an experiment this year. Several electric Skyray models competed against entries with conventional power. I've included photos of some of the aircraft and their power systems.
Not all models were flown successfully, with problems in the conventional control systems (not the electric-power portion) and the expected issues with new airplanes and new ideas. In the end, Pete Mazur finished on top with his electric-powered Skyray.
Skyray and .15 Profile events were chosen as the first test cases for electric-powered Carrier because the speed limits imposed in those events make power much less critical for overall performance. With the speed limit, it was believed that electric- and glow-powered models could compete more or less equally.
The real advantage to electric power is simplicity. Electric power is easier for someone who is new to the technology to set up successfully, whereas glow engines can be challenging to get the fuel tank and throttle optimized—especially for someone who is new to throttled engines.
Typical electric-power components and configurations
- Motors: Most electric models are using outrunner brushless motors. These are high-torque designs that turn relatively slowly compared to brushed motors and inrunner designs.
- Batteries: Most batteries are Lithium-based rechargeable packs. Li-Poly (LiPo) is common for the weight advantage, but Li-Ion batteries are also used.
- Propellers: Most installations use pusher propellers to improve low-speed handling. Outrunner motors typically allow larger-diameter, higher-pitch props.
- Starting: Starting is greatly simplified; the only required action is to insert the arming plug.
Control systems
- The accepted method seen so far is a single-channel electronic controller by Clancy Arnold driving the ESC.
- Clancy's controller is simple and light, and it can be powered by the battery-eliminator function of the ESC if the ESC is so equipped.
- The controller uses input from a 10,000-ohm potentiometer for control.
Control installation notes
- In the original design Clancy intended the potentiometer to be on the handle with electricity running through the lines.
- Most Carrier modelers are finding that a conventional three-line control system is simpler, with the usual mechanical throttle output going directly to a control horn on the potentiometer shaft.
- With that type of control configuration, existing glow-powered models can be converted to electric for those who want to experiment without building a new model specifically for electric power.
Other observations
- Propeller size and pitch don't seem to be overly critical for most electric models being flown so far.
- The electric-power configuration is relatively consistent from model to model, with the usual variations in details of equipment such as motor and battery brands—similar to the variation that exists in glow-engine events.
- The finish on electric-powered Carrier models can be whatever you want to use, including spray paint from your nearest hardware store or even latex from the last time you painted your house.
- The only thing you'll likely have to clean off the model is oil left by other competitors' glow engines that it might pick up from the deck.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
