Focus on Competition - 2008/09

In fact there are now several events that
are called “nostalgia” classes 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 have to admit to getting caught up
in some of that in making 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 windup 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
and 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 be able to learn
something new or old—however you look
at it.
Appropriate-Size Battery for the Job: I’ve
heard many complaints about batteries
lately—not so much the quality or type,
but the fact of them not storing quite the
power they maybe should or what is
thought.
I don’t think there’s enough
understanding of the amount of pressure
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 has not eliminated many of the
old disciplines as it has too much of our
past.
Technically Speaking ...
Greg Hahn
Technical Director
[email protected]
we put on our radio systems today
considering the size, scope, and
complexity of our RC airplanes. With the
addition of digital servos and the new 2.4
GHz systems, battery capacity becomes a
very pertinent issue. Even in small
airplanes, this capacity can be a big
problem.
I’ve learned over the years with the
big airplanes that if you add the number
of servos and the amount of wire
involved, the required capacity can be
enormous. Notice I say “capacity,” not
“voltage”; what’s needed to run these
large hungry systems is milliamps or
amps of capacity.
Many of the radio systems on the
market today are still supplied with very
small-capacity batteries. The voltage is
correct in either 4.8 or 6 volt, but they
have very little capacity, usually between
600 to 1,200 milliamps, and that’s only
enough capacity to get four to six flights
out of 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 making
decisions on what you need for a
particular system. Batteries are available
in 3,000-, 4,000-, and 5,000-milliamp
capacities, which are very adequate for
larger applications. This is one place
where you’re much better off having too
much than not enough.
See you at briefing. MA