Radio Control: Electrics
This month's topics include a KRC '96 Overview, some related new product information, and more on an upcoming charger accessory. The '96 KRC Electric Fly was another major leap forward for this prestigious affair. This 17th annual gathering, held September 21-22, was on a huge new field: the Queen City Airport in Allentown PA. About 15 minutes north of the former location, this move was of fundamental importance. The meet had been overfilling the previous field - the largest model flying field in these parts-for several years. In effect, all parking, flightline, and vendor space was filled to a squeeze - effectively limiting the meet size.
Radio Control: Electrics
This month's topics include a new E-product, a connector use warning, and how to make an end-of-charge beeper. John Sermos, the modeler behind Sermos connectors, has just announced an addition to his well-regarded and much-used connector product line. (Sermos connectors are widely used on motors, speed controls, chargers, and so on.) It's an economy connector version, selling for $1.80 for a standard 4-pack (two connector pairs). This is about half the price of the "high-end" Sermos connectors. It is simply a standard Anderson part and uses the same basic interchangeable plastic housing and contact assembly found on familiar Sermos connectors, which are custom-manufactured for John by Anderson. Anderson sells the basic version of this connector under its own trade name (Anderson Powerpoles) to the electrical and electronics industry. Anderson Powerpoles are sometimes used by modelers, believing that they are the same as Sermos-brand versions, but such is not the case.
Radio Control: Electrics
This month's topics include a meet announcement, some speed control discussion for beginners, an advanced developmental motor power response shape control, plus a related proposal to equipment manufacturers. Michael Stewart (107 Taft Terrace, Washington NJ 07882; Tel.: [908] 689 6981) sent me an announcement for the Tenth Annual LVRCS Electric Funfly scheduled for June 7-8 at the LVRCS field near Easton PA. This is one terrific meet and I've been to all but one over the years. The Lehigh Valley Radio Control Society is a mixed-interest club (much like KRC) which includes representative Electric interest. This group does a fine job with this low-key gathering by offering open-field use most of the weekend, and several competitive challenges for those so inclined. The field is excellent, and if recent trend is an indicator you can expect about 50-60 registrants. The meet is early enough that you can still see many new E-projects just emerging from the Winter shop!
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S topics include two meet announcements, followup on a motor mount, some photo detail on the "emphasis" function discussed last month, a Mega-motor substitute, and a developmental slow charger for "large" packs. Dick Miller sent me an announcement for the Bassett/Brown Commemorative meet June 28-29 near Reading PA. The meet is sponsored by the Cocalico Prop Dusters and is a one-design event for the Miss Philadelphia OT. There's lots of activity planned, and many opportunities to compete, including an Electric option. Write to Contest Director Paul Ahnert, 442 West Marion, Lititz PA 17543.
Radio Control: Electrics
THIS MONTH'S COLUMN is devoted to beginning Electric modelers - which includes beginners in aeromodeling as well as aeromodelers beginning in Electric. We will present an overview of Electric power, what it has to offer, and some suggestions for getting more information about this relatively new and very appealing aspect of our hobby. Electric is almost self-defining, just like "Gas" and "Rubber"-one of several common power sources for model flight. This column is primarily focused on RC Electrics, but the basic power source is fully applicable to Free Flight and Control Line. Electric can be flown indoors and out, and can power models ranging in size and weight from tiny one- or two-ounce craft to 20-plus pounds' worth of Giant Scale. There is no aeromodel type I know of that cannot be flown with Electric power.
