Radio Control: Electrics
THIS COLUMN-is very hard to write! It's not that there isn't enough to write about; rather, it's that there is too much! The column, being of limited length, combined with an abundance of Electric info and a growing number of readers of all experience levels-makes it a monthly trip down guilt lane for me when I simply can't include enough for everyone. For example, there is a continuous stream of newly-interested modelers in need of basic "how to" information, while at the same time there is a large number of well-experienced fliers wanting "advanced" information. Then, there's the entire interest range in between, plus new product info, reader inputs and contributions, Electric meets to report on, and more, and more. I just can't do it all, folks. And just so you know I do try: it seems I'm a permanent member of the editor's "S-list" (that's "shorten-it" list)!
Radio Control: Electrics
UPCOMING Electric meets. I'd like to remind readers that it's my policy and pleasure to spread the good word about your planned activities in this column-but, I must know about them adequately in advance. (Hint! Hint!) June 21, 22 (tentative). The Daniel Boone Silent Flyers' 7th Annual Two-Meter/Electric RC Contest: The Electric event will use the "one-charge duration" proposal presented in my June column. For more information, please contact Jerry Zeigenfuse, 8 Craig Dr., Reading, PA 19606; phone (215) 779-3229.
Radio Control: Electrics
MY INCOMING LETTERS are most often responses to a recent column, and the writer usually has some questions. Sometimes a letter will just be a friendly conversational offering. Whatever the case, I do appreciate knowing that the column is being read, and I do try to be promptly responsive to individual requests for help. "RC Electrics" is itself often a reaction to incoming mail! One recent example was the April column which I devoted to the making of a high-current shunt-because several readers asked me how to measure those large motor currents. This month's column is another example. Many readers have requested information about how to get into Electric at low cost. These persons have varied reasons for asking. Some simply can't spend much, and that's perfectly OK.
Radio Control: Electrics
ELECTRIC RULES-a follow up. It is now late in May, about one month since the June MA hit the streets. The June column, you may recall, was "different" in that I strayed from the normal "how to" format and instead offered my thoughts on first-time AMA Electric rules. Surely, I thought, if anything would bring reader response, it would be my treading on the controversial turf of Electric rules! Now don't get me wrong; I wasn't trying to stir controversy. It's just that it seemed like an unavoidable risk associated with my true purpose-the development of first-time AMA Electric rules that everyone can live with-initially. Well, to date I've had seven letters of reaction. All seven were very "pro" the suggestions I made, and two of these were from "names" in Electric modeldom.
Radio Control: Electrics
FIELD TESTS of my June 1986 column's Electric rules suggestions have taken place on recent weekends. First came the Capital Area Soaring Association (CASA) Electric Contest on June 7-8 at the Sugarland Sod Farm in Maryland. Tom Dickey of Gaithersburg, MD gave me a rundown of the weekend's activities. The meet was a combined Two-Meter and Electric event. There were nine Electrics on Saturday and 13 on Sunday. Except for the absence of a graduated landing element, Electrics flew the same tasks as the Sailplanes. There was a total of six flights (rounds) per day, and one charge was allowed for each set of three flights.
