New three-part series on electric power systems
Q580: Bob, I know you have written about electric power systems several times. I was curious if, after all of your efforts, others might be updating what you started?
A580: I have seen several new efforts on electric power books. The emphasis is usually on selecting the right power system for a particular size and weight model aircraft.
I recently saw a new series of three books by Andrew Gibbs from the United Kingdom. The books are all titled Electric Power Systems. Part one covers “Mastering Motors,” part two is titled “More Than Motors,” and part three covers “Power System Solutions.”
These books are only available as e-books, which can be directly downloaded to your computer. The entire series is modestly priced.
I’ve listed the email address and website for Andrew’s company, Gibbs Guides, in the “Sources” section.
Sanding Sealer
Q581: Years ago I enjoyed using sanding sealers made by HobbyPoxy and K&B Products. Neither is available today. Although there are some good substitutes, I have found these products quite expensive. In some cases, the shipping costs exceeded that of the product itself. What do you use for a sanding sealer?
A581: Thanks to Ralph and Paul Bradley, I was advised to try a spray-type sanding sealer called Deft Semi-Gloss Clear Wood Finish. This is a lacquer-based product that sprays easily and quickly dries. It sands quickly to a smooth finish, ready for brushed or sprayed paint finishes.
I’ve seen 12-ounce cans of this product for as little as $6. It can be found at many popular, nationwide stores including ACE Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
Cleaners and Degreasers
Q582: I saw your reference to the Krud Kutter product, called The Must for Rust, which appeared in your June 2013 MA “Frequently Asked Questions” column. To my surprise, I discovered that this company offers a variety of chemical cleaning products. You might want to mention this in a column.
A582: My reader was right. I found many interesting products on the Krud Kutter website (see the “Sources” list). I found two items that looked noteworthy.
Ultra Power Remover will remove adhesives, caulk, foam, mastic, silicone, and roofing tar. A second product is called Original Krud Kutter Concentrated Cleaner and Degreaser, which is a stain remover. It will remove oil and grease stains from iron-on covering material.
These chemicals are all biodegradable and nontoxic. You can purchase these products at local ACE Hardware stores, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
Charging Battery Packs
Q583: I bring many battery packs to my flying field. They are generally fully charged before I get to my field, but as the day goes on, I end up with a number of discharged packs, as well as packs that I have not yet used. Is there an easy way to help distinguish charged from depleted battery packs?
A583: Electric power expert Tom Hunt again came to my rescue. Take a look at the photos. If he is using APP (Anderson Power Pole) connectors, Tom plugs a mating half into both the positive and negative leads of a fully charged battery. After flying with that pack and depleting the charge he places the plug back on the battery, but off center. That tells him that the pack should be charged.
When making up the plug, fill the opening (where the wire goes) with some silicone adhesive so you have no exposed pins. You could use this same technique with the Deans Ultra connectors.
Foam-Safe CA Cement
Q584: What is a good foam-safe CA to use with EPP and EPO foams?
A584: I recently tried Foam-Cure from Bob Smith Industries (BSI). It will set in approximately 15–30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to align parts. A 4-ounce bottle is only $5.
Thank You
I just wanted to thank everyone who offered their condolences on the passing of my wife, Irene. We had just celebrated our 50th anniversary. She lost her six-year battle with cancer.
SOURCES:
Gibbs Guides [email protected] www.gibbsguides.com
Deft Semi-Gloss Clear Wood Finish (800) 458-3338 www.deftfinishes.com
Krud Kutter (800) 466-7126 www.krudkutter.com
BSI (805) 466-1717 www.bsi-inc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
