14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
RIGrunner
The RIGrunner
is a convenient
and safe way to
run 12 VDC fieldcharging
equipment. With
one, you can run
multiple chargers
and battery coolers
from a car or field battery.
Imagine no more clip leads, messy
binding posts, frayed wire
connections, black tape, or short circuits!
Each unit is a 13.8 VDC power panel that uses the excellent
Anderson Powerpole connectors (aka Sermos). Standardize all of
your 12 VDC connections using Powerpoles. Each is color keyed,
polarized, and genderless.
Each outlet may be used at its full rating, and they are
individually fused with easy-to-find automotive ATC fuses. All
fuses have a handy blown-fuse LED illuminator to show shortcircuit
problems instantly!
All models are conservatively rated at 40 amps total (with any
outlet good to 40 amps). They feature a full, one-year parts-andlabor
guarantee; you pay only one-way shipping—no warranty
charges.
For more information and pricing on all RIGrunner models,
contact West Mountain Radio.
West Mountain Radio: 18 Sheehan Ave., Norwalk CT 06854;
Tel.: (203) 853-8080; Web site: www.westmountainradio.com/
RIGrunner.htm
Matt Chapman CAP 580 ARFs
Great Planes has announced an exclusive licensing to produce
scale RC models of the new CAP 580 flown by world-renowned
full-scale aerobatics performer Matt Chapman.
Whether it’s the sporty .46-.70 size or the impressive
International Miniature Aerobatic Club-legal 1⁄3-scale version,
Intermediate- and Advanced-level pilots will thrill and be thrilled
with these models’ looks and performance!
Both CAP 580 ARFs feature built-up, all-wood construction
with MonoKote covering; painted fiberglass cowls and wheel
pants; hardware packages; and step-by-step, photo-illustrated
instructions.
The 1⁄3-scale CAP’s fuselage offers two locations for the
aluminum tube that joins the main wing halves, allowing modelers
to adjust the airplane’s wing position to achieve the proper CG for
the engine size being used. It spans 99.5 inches, has a 1,885-
square-inch wing area, weighs 28-30 pounds, and requires an 85-
120cc gasoline engine. The street price is $749.99.
The smaller CAP spans 55.5 inches, has a 562.5-square-inch
wing area, weighs 6.75-7.5 pounds, and requires a .46-.61 twostroke
(7.5-10.0cc) or 52-70 cu. in. four-stroke (8.5-11.5cc) glow
engine. The street price is $199.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.greatplanes.com/
airplanes/gpma1285.html
E-Plus Gold Li-Poly Packs
The highoutput
e-Plus
Gold packs
are currently
available in
three sizes:
5s2p, 4s2p,
and 3s2p.
More sizes
will be introduced soon. All packs have a 50-amp capacity with
bursts to 70 amps.
Each pack is wired for the exclusive Duralite Stay Balance
Module. This unique device ensures that each cell and parallel cells
are balanced.
All packs are constructed with built-in air spaces between the
cells for cooling. The packs’ outsides are strengthened with carbonfiber
plates.
Every detail of the e-Plus Gold packs, from the solder joints to
the matching of the cells, is done with precision and care.
Please contact Duralite for pricing and further details.
Duralite Batteries: Tel.: (877) 744-3685; Web site: www.dura
litebatteries.com
Vibe 90 3D Helicopter
Made specifically to perform at the limits of 3-D helicopter
flight, the Vibe 90 has been designed from the championship
Vigor platform and includes carbon frames.
The Vibe 90 features many parts that have been redesigned and
upgraded to handle the incredible loads of today’s flying styles.
The new hardened main shaft, with its heavy-duty autorotation
assembly and newly supported bevel gear hub, has also been
beefed up.
The revised control system features an upgraded High Cyclic
Swashplate, one-piece CNC 3-D center hub with O-ring
dampeners, composite blade holders, control arms, and a new
adjustable flybar/blade ratio system.
On the tail, the rotor hub design, hub case, pitch lever, and
control lever have been upgraded, complete with a new carbon tail
control rod for improved actuation.
The Vibe 3D sells for $1,099.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign
IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
March 2005 15
Poly Quest PCM Guard and Li-Poly
Batteries
Reports about hazards associated with the use of Li-Poly batteries
are beginning to diminish. This is partly because modelers are
quickly learning the techniques necessary to safely charge and
discharge this new type of battery. Another part of this improvement
is related to new charging techniques that are quickly catching on
throughout the hobby industry.
Shulman Aviation and specifically Don Shulman (of the famous
Shulman family) has introduced a new line of imported Li-Poly
battery packs, sold under the brand name Poly Quest.
The battery packs themselves are available in 2S, 3S, 4S, and 5S
configurations (nominal 7.4 volts for 2S to 18.5 volts for 5S).
Capacities range from 300 mAh to 8000 mAh. The load capability of
these cells is in the 10C-12C range.
The test pack—the 2S1P 880 mAh—is rated at a load capability
of 12C, meaning that it should be able to take currents of up to 10.5
amps. What is different about this pack, as the photos show, is that
each cell’s output is accessible from the outside of the case with the
help of a proprietary multipin connector. A special connector/harness
(item PQ-MPT-2) will let you access each cell in the pack, via a red
plastic JST connector.
To complement this
type of Li-Poly battery pack wiring, Poly Quest is making
available a safety interface device called the PCM Guard. It is
actually an electronic module that attaches between your charger
output and the battery pack.
The PCM Guard has the mating half of that multipin connector
which plugs into the Poly Quest battery pack. Thanks to that
connector, the PCM Guard is able to monitor both cells (in this
case because it is a two-cell pack) during charging. The PCM
Guard is actually an add-on device.
If the two battery cells stay roughly in balance (close to the
same voltage) during charging, a red LED (on the PCM Guard)
will stay lit. However, if the cells become unbalanced and one
reaches 4.35 volts before the other, the red LED will go out and
the charging will be terminated. Using that special cable and
connector, you can then measure each cell’s voltage. One will
likely be different from the other, indicating that they are
unbalanced (have different voltages).
Under normal charging conditions, if the cells exhibit roughly
the same voltage, the red LED will stay lit and the charger itself
will terminate the charge when both cells hit their maximum
prescribed voltage.
The combination Poly Quest Li-Poly battery pack, the access
cable, and the PCM Guard are intended for use with a regular Li-
Poly charger. If the PCM Guard determines that the cells are out
of balance, you must manually charge each cell in the pack until it
reaches full capacity.
In the future, new types of chargers will become available with
separate outputs for each cell in the pack. During the charging
process, when each cell attains full capacity, the charger output to
that particular cell will cut off. But the other cells at lower potential
will continue on charge until they reach full capacity. In the end,
each cell in the pack will be fully charged, and that also means they
will be balanced, as they should be.
But that is in the future. Now these Poly Quest products will
alert you to a problem, allowing you to take steps to correct it.
During testing, the two cells in the pack were deliberately
unbalanced. One was taken down to 25%, and the other was taken
down to 75%. When that cell, that was close to full charge, got to
4.35 volts (which is then at full charge), the red LED went out and
the PCM Guard cut off the charger.
From that point, the lower-voltage cell was charged individually
until it reached the same voltage as the fully charged cell. When
this was accomplished, both cells were in “balance” (or at
the same voltage potential).
Some charge and discharge tests were run on the sample twocell
Poly Quest 880 mAh Li-Poly battery pack. At a 1C load (like
900 mA), the measured capacity was 930 mAh. At roughly a 5C
load (4.0 amps), the
pack became
somewhat warm
during discharging,
but the measured
capacity was 790
mAh, which is only
slightly below the
rated output.
Since this pack
was supposed to be
able to accept a 12C
load, I tried a
discharge test at 8.0
amps (approximately 10C) to see how it would handle it. The pack
did get considerably warmer with that load. But again, the measured
capacity was 760 mAh, which is not bad for that amount of load.
Keep in mind that this battery pack was tested with a constant
10C (8.0-amp) load. In flight, you will be throttling the motor, and
the average “duty cycle” will not be as severe as a constant-current
load.
The Poly Quest battery pack assembly, with the multipin
connector, is top quality. The PCM Guard does work as claimed. You
must remember to use a “2S” version of the PCM Guard with a twocell
pack, a “3S” version with a three-cell pack, and so on. That
particular part of the process is still not automatic.
Shulman Aviation should be complimented for importing this Li-
Poly safe-charging concept for the US hobby market.
Shulman Aviation: 1140 Citrus Oaks Run, Winter Springs IL
32708; Tel.: (407) 359-1020; E-mail: [email protected] MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/03
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/03
Page Numbers: 14,15
14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
RIGrunner
The RIGrunner
is a convenient
and safe way to
run 12 VDC fieldcharging
equipment. With
one, you can run
multiple chargers
and battery coolers
from a car or field battery.
Imagine no more clip leads, messy
binding posts, frayed wire
connections, black tape, or short circuits!
Each unit is a 13.8 VDC power panel that uses the excellent
Anderson Powerpole connectors (aka Sermos). Standardize all of
your 12 VDC connections using Powerpoles. Each is color keyed,
polarized, and genderless.
Each outlet may be used at its full rating, and they are
individually fused with easy-to-find automotive ATC fuses. All
fuses have a handy blown-fuse LED illuminator to show shortcircuit
problems instantly!
All models are conservatively rated at 40 amps total (with any
outlet good to 40 amps). They feature a full, one-year parts-andlabor
guarantee; you pay only one-way shipping—no warranty
charges.
For more information and pricing on all RIGrunner models,
contact West Mountain Radio.
West Mountain Radio: 18 Sheehan Ave., Norwalk CT 06854;
Tel.: (203) 853-8080; Web site: www.westmountainradio.com/
RIGrunner.htm
Matt Chapman CAP 580 ARFs
Great Planes has announced an exclusive licensing to produce
scale RC models of the new CAP 580 flown by world-renowned
full-scale aerobatics performer Matt Chapman.
Whether it’s the sporty .46-.70 size or the impressive
International Miniature Aerobatic Club-legal 1⁄3-scale version,
Intermediate- and Advanced-level pilots will thrill and be thrilled
with these models’ looks and performance!
Both CAP 580 ARFs feature built-up, all-wood construction
with MonoKote covering; painted fiberglass cowls and wheel
pants; hardware packages; and step-by-step, photo-illustrated
instructions.
The 1⁄3-scale CAP’s fuselage offers two locations for the
aluminum tube that joins the main wing halves, allowing modelers
to adjust the airplane’s wing position to achieve the proper CG for
the engine size being used. It spans 99.5 inches, has a 1,885-
square-inch wing area, weighs 28-30 pounds, and requires an 85-
120cc gasoline engine. The street price is $749.99.
The smaller CAP spans 55.5 inches, has a 562.5-square-inch
wing area, weighs 6.75-7.5 pounds, and requires a .46-.61 twostroke
(7.5-10.0cc) or 52-70 cu. in. four-stroke (8.5-11.5cc) glow
engine. The street price is $199.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.greatplanes.com/
airplanes/gpma1285.html
E-Plus Gold Li-Poly Packs
The highoutput
e-Plus
Gold packs
are currently
available in
three sizes:
5s2p, 4s2p,
and 3s2p.
More sizes
will be introduced soon. All packs have a 50-amp capacity with
bursts to 70 amps.
Each pack is wired for the exclusive Duralite Stay Balance
Module. This unique device ensures that each cell and parallel cells
are balanced.
All packs are constructed with built-in air spaces between the
cells for cooling. The packs’ outsides are strengthened with carbonfiber
plates.
Every detail of the e-Plus Gold packs, from the solder joints to
the matching of the cells, is done with precision and care.
Please contact Duralite for pricing and further details.
Duralite Batteries: Tel.: (877) 744-3685; Web site: www.dura
litebatteries.com
Vibe 90 3D Helicopter
Made specifically to perform at the limits of 3-D helicopter
flight, the Vibe 90 has been designed from the championship
Vigor platform and includes carbon frames.
The Vibe 90 features many parts that have been redesigned and
upgraded to handle the incredible loads of today’s flying styles.
The new hardened main shaft, with its heavy-duty autorotation
assembly and newly supported bevel gear hub, has also been
beefed up.
The revised control system features an upgraded High Cyclic
Swashplate, one-piece CNC 3-D center hub with O-ring
dampeners, composite blade holders, control arms, and a new
adjustable flybar/blade ratio system.
On the tail, the rotor hub design, hub case, pitch lever, and
control lever have been upgraded, complete with a new carbon tail
control rod for improved actuation.
The Vibe 3D sells for $1,099.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign
IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
March 2005 15
Poly Quest PCM Guard and Li-Poly
Batteries
Reports about hazards associated with the use of Li-Poly batteries
are beginning to diminish. This is partly because modelers are
quickly learning the techniques necessary to safely charge and
discharge this new type of battery. Another part of this improvement
is related to new charging techniques that are quickly catching on
throughout the hobby industry.
Shulman Aviation and specifically Don Shulman (of the famous
Shulman family) has introduced a new line of imported Li-Poly
battery packs, sold under the brand name Poly Quest.
The battery packs themselves are available in 2S, 3S, 4S, and 5S
configurations (nominal 7.4 volts for 2S to 18.5 volts for 5S).
Capacities range from 300 mAh to 8000 mAh. The load capability of
these cells is in the 10C-12C range.
The test pack—the 2S1P 880 mAh—is rated at a load capability
of 12C, meaning that it should be able to take currents of up to 10.5
amps. What is different about this pack, as the photos show, is that
each cell’s output is accessible from the outside of the case with the
help of a proprietary multipin connector. A special connector/harness
(item PQ-MPT-2) will let you access each cell in the pack, via a red
plastic JST connector.
To complement this
type of Li-Poly battery pack wiring, Poly Quest is making
available a safety interface device called the PCM Guard. It is
actually an electronic module that attaches between your charger
output and the battery pack.
The PCM Guard has the mating half of that multipin connector
which plugs into the Poly Quest battery pack. Thanks to that
connector, the PCM Guard is able to monitor both cells (in this
case because it is a two-cell pack) during charging. The PCM
Guard is actually an add-on device.
If the two battery cells stay roughly in balance (close to the
same voltage) during charging, a red LED (on the PCM Guard)
will stay lit. However, if the cells become unbalanced and one
reaches 4.35 volts before the other, the red LED will go out and
the charging will be terminated. Using that special cable and
connector, you can then measure each cell’s voltage. One will
likely be different from the other, indicating that they are
unbalanced (have different voltages).
Under normal charging conditions, if the cells exhibit roughly
the same voltage, the red LED will stay lit and the charger itself
will terminate the charge when both cells hit their maximum
prescribed voltage.
The combination Poly Quest Li-Poly battery pack, the access
cable, and the PCM Guard are intended for use with a regular Li-
Poly charger. If the PCM Guard determines that the cells are out
of balance, you must manually charge each cell in the pack until it
reaches full capacity.
In the future, new types of chargers will become available with
separate outputs for each cell in the pack. During the charging
process, when each cell attains full capacity, the charger output to
that particular cell will cut off. But the other cells at lower potential
will continue on charge until they reach full capacity. In the end,
each cell in the pack will be fully charged, and that also means they
will be balanced, as they should be.
But that is in the future. Now these Poly Quest products will
alert you to a problem, allowing you to take steps to correct it.
During testing, the two cells in the pack were deliberately
unbalanced. One was taken down to 25%, and the other was taken
down to 75%. When that cell, that was close to full charge, got to
4.35 volts (which is then at full charge), the red LED went out and
the PCM Guard cut off the charger.
From that point, the lower-voltage cell was charged individually
until it reached the same voltage as the fully charged cell. When
this was accomplished, both cells were in “balance” (or at
the same voltage potential).
Some charge and discharge tests were run on the sample twocell
Poly Quest 880 mAh Li-Poly battery pack. At a 1C load (like
900 mA), the measured capacity was 930 mAh. At roughly a 5C
load (4.0 amps), the
pack became
somewhat warm
during discharging,
but the measured
capacity was 790
mAh, which is only
slightly below the
rated output.
Since this pack
was supposed to be
able to accept a 12C
load, I tried a
discharge test at 8.0
amps (approximately 10C) to see how it would handle it. The pack
did get considerably warmer with that load. But again, the measured
capacity was 760 mAh, which is not bad for that amount of load.
Keep in mind that this battery pack was tested with a constant
10C (8.0-amp) load. In flight, you will be throttling the motor, and
the average “duty cycle” will not be as severe as a constant-current
load.
The Poly Quest battery pack assembly, with the multipin
connector, is top quality. The PCM Guard does work as claimed. You
must remember to use a “2S” version of the PCM Guard with a twocell
pack, a “3S” version with a three-cell pack, and so on. That
particular part of the process is still not automatic.
Shulman Aviation should be complimented for importing this Li-
Poly safe-charging concept for the US hobby market.
Shulman Aviation: 1140 Citrus Oaks Run, Winter Springs IL
32708; Tel.: (407) 359-1020; E-mail: [email protected] MA