Radio Control: Electrics
Skyvolt was presented as a construction article in the January 1990 Model Aviation and was subsequently kitted by Today's Hobbies. I still fly the original model occasionally. Skyvolt was intended as a mild-through-moderately-aerobatic "next step" Electric. I described it as a next choice for those folks who entered Electric with a simpler design such as the Mirage, PT Electric, Electra, etc. As presented, the 395 sq. in. Skyvolt used a NACA 2412 airfoil section, offered power system flexibility, steering for ground handling, a versatile motor mount system, and a somewhat-complex but very light and strong structure. The idea was to "fill in a gap" that existed in E-designs of the day.
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S column shares new findings on the Sport Speed Control (SSC), follows up on recent product info, offers a circuit assembly aid, and continues the ongoing discussion for already-aeromodelers who would like to try E-power. This issue includes the final installment of the two-part Sport Speed Control article-a built-it-yourself project for E-modelers who have some electronic assembly experience. Developed during several years, the SSC is offered as a many-featured, but "robust" design; evidence supporting the latter is in data I've taken on SSC temperature behavior. Perhaps the most harsh application among my numerous SSCs is in an aerobatic Senior Skyvolt (see 2/99 column), wherein I have a 12-cell "15" geared installation, plus three midsize servos using the SSC BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) option.
Sport Speed Control
POWER PLATE ASSEMBLY: Assembly of the Power Plate begins by accurately fabricating the aluminum heat sink. Use the full-size patterns in the Power Plate Assembly drawing to aid in the steps that follow. It's easier to saw the 1/32 aluminum if you first double-stick tape it to a scrap of 1/8 Lite Ply as a backing. Mark and drill the five 1/8 holes, deburr all holes and edges, and radius the four corners slightly. (Caution: It is very important that the component side of the aluminum plate is fully deburred and smooth before mounting any parts.) Be sure the aluminum stays flat, and confirm that the finished piece matches the full-size drawing. Cut the pc board to size. This simple pc board can be etched or lines can be scored with a #11 knife and the copper tracks peeled back. Be sure that the result closely matches the full-size drawing.
Radio Control Electrics
THIS COLUMN discusses two E-meets, a good parts source with examples, a current project, and continues with the ongoing discussion of beginning Electrics for already-modelers. The first announcement is sad-one that is most anguishing to me: The Keystone R/C Club (KRC) has announced the cancellation of the 1999 KRC Electric Fly. There are several reasons for this year's action, and as of this writing no club position has been established regarding future years. I know this affects many readers, and I will update the subject in future columns. In the meantime, you can access KRC's Web page (www.krc.org) for more information as it is posted.
Radio Control Electrics
THIS COLUMN LISTS two meets, describes some new products, updates the Slow Charger, and continues recent discussions intended for new Electric modelers. Michael Stewart (107 Taft Terr., Washington NJ 07882; Tel.: [908] 689-6981; E-mail: [email protected]) is the CD for the Twelfth Annual Lehigh Valley Radio Control Society (LVRCS) Electric Funfly scheduled for June 12-13 at the club field in Easton PA. This is always a great meet; a two-day affair early in the season, it always brings out lots of new Winter projects. The meet features open flying plus some optional simple events-something for everyone-on an enviable field. I always look forward to this weekend and encourage your attendance.
