How To Do It: Large Pack Slow Charger
The rapidly growing interest in Electric-powered aeromodels brings diversity of model size and type, as well as increased use of wide-ranging cell counts in the motor batteries. It is not uncommon to find batteries ranging from a few cells to 20 cells or more on the flightline of any meet. It is also not uncommon to find high-tech, high-capability fast chargers on the flightline. But what's missing seems to be "slow" chargers for the higher-cell-count packs. Two slow-charger versions are shown. They are basically the same simple, easy to use, inexpensive design; one version has adjustable output. The design is a constant-current charger that outputs a fixed current value independent of the cell count (up to the design limit). One can charge 1-22 cells with no significant effect on the chosen current value over the cell-count range - a very convenient feature.
Really Super Sander
THE UBIQUITOUS #11 knife and sandpaper are no doubt the most-used tools in an aeromodeler's shop. While the former tool is singular in nature, the latter can take many forms. Anything from a simple piece of hand-held sandpaper to dedicated-shape sanding blocks are common model-building items. Many are available readymade in the hobby marketplace, but often the modeler will make his own. Just as there are many possible block shapes, there are also several choices of the sandpaper attached to these blocks. These choices include economy grades through more costly materials. Generally, the lowest-cost sanding material is simply not worth using. I normally use various "cabinet" grade papers that cut well and wear well. Tungsten-carbide sanding material is the best I've used.
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS COLUMN WILL discuss some new products, sources of E-information, and more on small servos for small airplanes. ezonemag.com is a very popular site on the Web dedicated to E-aeromodeling, and is perhaps best described as an online magazine. Ed Bourke is the modeler behind this free adventure and each month posts a new "issue" for all to enjoy. The site offers many things that you might expect to find in conventional magazines, except they are all E-related. It also offers the ready availability of past issue info, and links to other E-areas of interest. There is some advertising on the site, and sometimes there are on-line product specials.
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S discussion will cover some new E-products seen at KRC '98, and will discuss some aspects of economy Electric. A photo illustrates a new mounting plate for Speed 400-type motors from Stitzer Model Design, 113 William St., Centre Hall PA 16828; Tel.: (814) 364-9530. This is a nicely fabricated aluminum plate, notched and drilled and ready for the motor to be tie-wrapped to it. The plate is then held to wooden bearers with screws as shown. I misplaced my pricing info, but you can get in touch with Sam Stitzer for full details.
Radio Control: Electrics
QUICKIE MEET Announcements include: The Old Time Eagles MAC hosts and FM magazine sponsors the Third Eagles All Electric Fly In, May 15 (rain date May 16) in Hope NJ. All FF and RC Electrics welcome. CD: Joe Beshar, 198 Merritt Dr., Oradell NJ 07649; Tel.: (201) 261-1281. I heard last year's meet was terrific! The E-Power Spring Sizzle is scheduled for May 30 from 10 a.m. to dark. Location: 600 Gude Drive East, Rockville MD. For info contact Dereck Woodward, 11159 Captains Walk Court, N. Potomac MD 20878; Tel.: (301) 309-0140; E-mail: [email protected].
