Focus on Competition
Technically Speaking ...
Try something new! As I'm writing this we are deep in the middle of the AMA Nats here at HQ, and for me it's the first time I've been exposed to many of the different specialties in this great hobby. It is amazing to me how time and technology have not eliminated many of the old disciplines, even though they have erased so much of our past.
In fact, there are now several events called "nostalgia" or "classic" classes being flown in contests that actually bring back the old‑school airframes, engines, and the techniques that go along with them. I guess we're no different than the classic car folks keeping the old stuff running and alive.
I'll admit I got caught up in some of that when I made my first attempt at Free Flight. If you aren't aware, Free Flight is where it all began back in the day. The earliest control mechanisms involved things like wind‑up clocks, lighted fuses, and strategically warping the wings and tail. From what I can see so far, not much has changed in 70 years other than covering materials. Of course the object of the game is still the same: get it in the air, keep it there for a specified time, and then chase it down.
So take it from me — if you're ever in the mood for a new challenge or a change of pace, look to some of the other disciplines of the hobby. You might learn something new—or something old.
Appropriate-Size Battery for the Job
I've heard many complaints about batteries lately — not so much about quality or type, but that they don't store quite as much power as people expect.
I don't think there's enough understanding of the amount of demand we place on our radio systems today, given the size, scope, and complexity of our RC airplanes. With the addition of digital servos and the newer 2.4 GHz systems, battery capacity becomes a very pertinent issue. Even in small airplanes, this can be a problem.
Over the years with larger airplanes I've learned that when you add up the number of servos and the length of wiring, the required capacity can be enormous. Notice I say "capacity," not "voltage"; what's needed to run these large, hungry systems is milliamp‑hours (mAh) of capacity.
Many radio systems on the market are still supplied with very small‑capacity batteries. The voltage is usually correct (4.8 or 6 volts), but the capacity is often only 600 to 1,200 mAh — enough for maybe four to six flights in a .40‑size trainer. Trying to use batteries that size in anything larger or more complex is a disaster in the making.
Take care and time when deciding what you need for a particular system. Batteries are available in 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 mAh capacities, which are much more adequate for larger applications. This is one place where you're far better off having too much than not enough.
See you at briefing. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
