C.M. Duffield

FOR MANY YEARS, the modern RC system traditionally has had a meter that indicated RF output by bleeding off a tiny bit of the RF from the final amplifier, rectifying it via a diode and using the rectified output to drive a sensitive micro or millimeter. Most have afforded a rough indication of RF output that one could really only use as an indication if there were a significant change, e.g., "50 percent of normal." One simply estimated safe flying time for airborne battery pack, e.g., six 15-minute flights. Eventually, some improvement was afforded with the introduction of battery test units such as the Super Cycle and several others that discharge the pack through a calibrated load and indicate the discharge time. At least this provides one with a better estimate of capacity and helps spot bad cells.