Topics generated comments and controversy
Greg Gimlick
Three previous topics generated a considerable number of responses, so I wanted to follow up with some input from readers and manufacturers.
Arming Switches
This topic always generates plenty of responses—positive and negative—and the debate is often heated. There is no right answer, only opinions. There are times I like using them and other times I don’t. The decision is up to you, based on the environment in which you operate the model and your preferences.
Many of you sent photos of switches you’ve made and some were nicely done. Most of you wanted to know of commercial sources where you could order them. Two devices that I neglected to include are shown in the photos and both work well.
The ArmSafe system from SharpRC.com is an exceptional device that installs cleanly without detracting from the airplane’s look. The easy-to-grip plug can handle much more current than many other systems on the market. I like the choice of wire sizes to match your system and it uses high-quality, flexible, multistrand silicone wire.
The 10-gram system will handle the most demanding needs. The installation is straightforward with a round mounting plate (available in two colors) that keeps the outside of the airplane looking neat. Go to the SharpRC.com website and view the video tutorials on soldering and installation.
ArmSafe is a top-notch system that uses genuine Deans Ultra plugs instead of lesser-quality knockoffs. Customer support is excellent if you have questions, and it’s a US company with real people you can call.
I think you’ll be happy with the ArmSafe system. I’ve seen some airplanes that have the arming plug built into a scale detail such as a gun or inside the cockpit to hide it from view. It is also suitable for small airplanes, such as the Cox Sky Cruiser in the photo, that weigh less than a half pound.
Some Giant Scale fliers are using them in lieu of switches to arm their receivers. Coming soon is a plug that incorporates a resistor for charging the ESC caps before replacing it with the regular plug.
Arming and Sparking
I previously showed the Maxx Products arming plug, but neglected to mention the company’s newer version that incorporates an antispark button as part of the assembly. It’s the 699x series and available now.
More Antispark Information
This generated much more interest and controversy than I expected. Most of you seemed interested in using some sort of device to eliminate being startled when plugging in large LiPo packs.
It appears that one of the commercially available units I showed previously is no longer being sold, so building your own becomes more important. Wiring diagrams were shown in the October 2012 and February 2013 issues, so I won’t duplicate them here. You can find them in the archives at www.ModelAviation.com.
Several people asked how to determine the appropriate value for the resistor when you make your own. There is a website listed in “Sources” that has a nice worksheet that can determine the appropriate values for you.
I've used this site. It seems to do a good job selecting the right value, and the beauty of it is that it does the math for you. The method I usually use is much easier though, and is brought to me by battery guru, Red Scholefield. I use Red's recommendations when making an antispark device:
4S to 6S: 20 ohm 8S to 10S: 33 ohm 12S to 15S: 50 ohm
I've even built them into an arming plug that is put in place to charge the caps and replaced it with a regular plug.
Throttle Hold/Cut
This topic created much interest and many of you wrote to ask how to program your radio to do it. I don't know how to program all brands of radios so that's impossible for me to do.
How about sending me some photos of your successful programming and I'll share it with others? I'll accumulate them and post them online and in a column. I put an example of my JR 9503 mix for throttle hold/cut in this month to get us started.
Taking Off
I have too much to write about and too little room. I hope this clears up some questions generated by previous columns. Thanks for sending your comments and photos.
SOURCES:
- SharpRC.com
(603) 267-7872 www.sharprc.com
- No spark resistor
http://scriptasylum.com/rc_speed/nospark.html
- Maxx Products
(847) 438-2233 www.maxxprod.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
