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RE: Charge to 4.1v/cell
I find this chart to be very accurate: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6660057&postcount=7 The bottom line is, 3.7 volts is the number we need to be concerned with. At 3.7 volts you have about 20% left in the pack. That number is at no load and right after landing. The nice thing about the ICharger is the ability to reduce the high end cutoff voltage by fractional amounts. I have been gradually bringing mine down and have it at 4.16. I am flying 5,000 Zippy Compacts and use about 3,200 to 3,600 for Masters. So far I have about 30% to 35% remaining.
Posted on: 6/12/2013 10:06 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11541218
RE: Q80 13XS VS 14XS
Mike, I would guess because the 14 can swing a bigger prop.
Posted on: 5/30/2013 8:13 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11527792
RE: Charge to 4.1v/cell
A buddy of mine has a Cell Pro 10X and can't figure out how to set the upper limit. Can someone post the instructions please. Thanks
Posted on: 5/27/2013 4:19 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11524790
RE: Q80 13XS VS 14XS
Rune,I don't know if will help to go to a 14, but it's worth a try. I run a 14XS on an Arixtra that probably weighs about what your Spark does. I run a Falcon 21 X 13.5. Like I said I use about 3,200 to 3,600 on the new US Masters that is just about as intensive as schedule P. It takes just a bit under 7 minutes.
Posted on: 5/27/2013 12:01 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11524563
RE: Q80 13XS VS 14XS
Yeah, that makes sense now that I reread what he wrote.
Posted on: 5/27/2013 11:19 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11524530
RE: Q80 13XS VS 14XS
I understand that, but you said you were thinking of running a 21 X 14. The 13XS is designed for a 20 X 13.
Posted on: 5/27/2013 10:49 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11524502
RE: Q80 13XS VS 14XS
The 13XS is not designed to throw a 21 X 14 and may overload it. The 14XS can throw a prop this big. 3,000 for P is peanuts. I use 3,200 to 3,600 for the new Masters.
Posted on: 5/27/2013 9:53 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11524452
RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
If you can shorten the wires, take off as much as possible. The Sky’s will save a bit of weight, but the Compacts use rope for wires. I cut off about half the length on the Compacts and solder Deans on them. You will save a bunch of weight. The only issue you have with the Compacts is the wire is so thick it can be a challenge to solder the Deans. Here’s a tip. When you tin the wires, mash the end with a pair of pliers as the solder is cooling. It will help a bunch.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 10:27 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513300
RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
[quote]ORIGINAL: cmoulder What radios are the SPA guys using these days? [/quote] Babcock escapements
Posted on: 9/10/2012 10:47 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223876
RE: New pattern ship recomendation
Actually the Vanquish is built up, not composite.
Posted on: 8/21/2012 1:59 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11201225
RE: Nuance
Does anyone have the Ultracote/Monocote colors for the Nuance? Primarily the purple color. Thanks
Posted on: 8/20/2012 7:54 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11197386
RE: Dave Snow Wings/Stabs
A lot of good balsa is going into wind turbine blades.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 8:05 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111217
RE: redudant rx setup problem
My reasons for thinking he may have a servo or linkage issue is the heavy load on the one pack and the heating on the Fromeco unit. The big draw on the one pack seems just too high. In normal use, the Fromeco controller should never be hot, in fact it shouldn’t even be hardly warm. My guess is the voltage output on the Fromeco is below the Digiswitch and is not being drawn from little if any. The OP really needs to give us ma put back in not percentage.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 7:49 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110150
RE: redudant rx setup problem
So I posed this question to Ed at Tech Aero: I am currently running dual Tech Aero controllers (one switch) and 350 ma packs. I have the voltage set to 6 volts on both. Each pack is drawn down pretty much the same. My question is, if I leave one 350 on one controller, but use a much larger pack (1,000 ma) on the second controller will the draw be the same on both packs (50% from each pack) or will the draw be greater from one of the packs? In other words, do the controllers draw equal amount? This is his response: Changing the capacity of the pack isn’t going to change the amount drawn from each, so the smaller capacity pack is going to need to be recharged sooner than the higher capacity pack. So, at least for Tech Aero units, they indeed do isolate the batteries from the receiver and will draw the same amount from each battery.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 9:20 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110077
RE: redudant rx setup problem
I disagree. I think he has something more serious than misbalanced controllers going on. If you indeed are using almost 50% of an 800 pack for just four flights, that’s 100 ma per flight. Way too much draw. Not only that, the Fromeco controller shouldn’t be getting hot after just one flight. It sounds like you have a servo drawing way too much current or you have binding in the linkage.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 9:12 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110065
RE: Dave Snow Wings/Stabs
The most important issues to control weight is obviously the wing skins, but as important is the amount of glue. You need just an ultra fine bead of Gorilla glue. Like I said, I used a glue syringe with a very small opening. I applied the glue direct to all ribs and spars like Dave does. If I build another set, I think I can knock off a half oz. or so from each panel now that I know how little glue is needed.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 8:59 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110046
RE: Dave Snow Wings/Stabs
Doug, I too built a set of Dave’s Evo wings and Dynamic stabs. They really are a joy to build. One of the things I did was study Dave’s build thread inside and out. It really helped. Of course the real challenge is to get good contest balsa for the skins. As I am sure you know, it’s really hard to come by, but worth the effort to find. I got mine from Sig. One little trick to keep the weight down is to use a glue syringe for the Gorilla glue versus direct from the bottle. With the syringe you can run a really small bead. My wings came in at 8 ½ oz per panel before covering.
Posted on: 6/6/2012 10:59 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11109658
RE: redudant rx setup problem
Good info from Tech Aero http://d7kx18lgvr3p4.cloudfront.net/Tech-Tip%200601.pdf
Posted on: 6/5/2012 10:25 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108233
RE: redudant rx setup problem
Well let’s look at it mathematically. Lets say you draw 50 ma per flight and we have equal draw from both controllers (25 each). Keep in mind we are not drawing direct from the packs, but via the controller outputs. If each controller is indeed set at 6 volts, one half of the 50 ma need is pulled from each controller. So after one flight we have drawn 25 ma from each pack (theoretically). The 1,000 ma pack would (theoretically) now be showing 97.5% capacity remaining (975 / 1000). The 800 ma pack will be at 96.9% remaining (775 / 800). So in “Yepe”s case the numbers don’t add up if both controllers are set to a 6 volt output. The reality is this all just theory, I use dual Tech Aero controllers with dual TP 350 ma’s. Both controllers are set to 6 volts output. After several flights, I always put more back into one pack versus the other. We are dealing with $40 controllers, not $4,000. Silent-AV8T said it best. You should never, ever go by the percentage left on a volt meter. It just isn’t accurate enough. You should fly several flights and see how much you put back into each pack. The important issue here is we are not pulling direct from the packs. In this type of redundant set up (voltage the same), each pack will see equal current draw. The packs are not paralleled, rather the controllers.
Posted on: 6/5/2012 10:19 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108229
RE: redudant rx setup problem
First off, 6 volts is perfectly fine for newer version servos. Something is not right for sure. My guess is even though both controllers are set at 6 volts, the Fromeco voltage is lower than the Digiswtch so the 800ma pack is not being drawn from (or very little). There is nothing wrong with this. What will happen is you will draw from the 1000 ma pack and only when the voltage drops to the Fromeco voltage; you won’t see any draw on the 800 pack. My question is why such a large draw on the 100 ma pack? I’m assuming you are running this in a 2 meter plane with normal size servos. I draw about 40 to 50 ma for a 7 minute flight. You might try setting the Fromeco a hair higher voltage from the Digiswitch to have the receiver draw from the 800 pack to see how much it draws. One more thing, the size of your packs are way over kill. You are just adding extra weight. I run two 350 TP packs with two Tech Aero controllers and can get an easy eight flights.
Posted on: 6/5/2012 10:39 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11107420
RE: Proposed 2013/2014 Sequences
[quote]ORIGINAL: mjfrederick [quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF And I have to say that I have never seen a survey taken either here or on any other internet forum that would hold any water as to providing accurate results. [/quote] Amen. OK, in response to the difference between an avalanche, and the 2 loop w/ 1/2 rolls question: the difference is in the description. That's why I'm harping on it. The avalanche description does not state that you perform exactly 1/2 loop before you perform the snap, and then exactly 1/2 loop after the snap. The avalanche description states "... at the top [the model] executes a complete snap roll..." This description allows that the snap only be centered at the top. You actually have to start the snap immediately before hitting the apex of the loop, and you go through the apex during the snap, coming out of the snap on the backside of the loop. It is, in fact, integrated as Brian Clemmons pointed out. The description of the proposed maneuver says you fly EXACTLY 1/2 loop, perform 1/2 roll, perform EXACTLY 1 outside loop, 1/2 roll, and EXACTLY 1/2 loop. Oh, and Brian C, must you always add an "s" to the end of my name? [/quote] It’s written rather ambiguous. If you to look a littlie further at the “Downgrades”. It say’s “Prescribed rolls not centered at top of loops”. The way I interpret that is the rolls are to start before the top of the loop. Based on the “Downgrades” section I read it as “the rolls are integrated into the loops”, but that’s not what the “description” section says. In my opinion, the description should be written like an Avalanche (snap at the TOP of the loop) to match the “Downgrade” section or rewrite the “Downgrade” section to coincide with the description. Who’s on First!?
Posted on: 5/23/2012 11:02 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11091856
RE: Simple redundant pwr. Battery + BEC.
I use the Tech Aero duel regulator system. Only one switch is used and it is independent of the line voltage (if the switch goes out, the receiver still has power from both regulators). I use two TP 350 lipo’s. I use about 45 to 50 ma per flight and can get an easy eight to ten flights per charge. I have both regulators set at six volts, so both draw down at about the same rate. http://www.tech-aero.net/plr5-dr2
Posted on: 5/22/2012 10:34 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090515
RE: Parallel Charging
Everett, I agree, Ichargers seem to be bullet proof. I have two 306B’s that work every time. With two 306B’s and two 1,000 watt power supplies I can parallel charge twelve 5,000 packs all at the same time.
Posted on: 5/22/2012 9:54 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090463
RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
Dana, In parallel, the charger sees just “one” big high amp pack. In series it sees “one” high voltage pack. The balancing of the packs is more the issue. If you were charging two 5’s in parallel the charger is going to balance the five cells in each battery against the other cells in “that” battery only. Again remember the charger is just seeing five cells. In series charging, the charger is seeing “ten” cells and is balancing between all ten cells in the two packs. That’s why some guys don’t like to parallel charge because each pack may be a hair different from the other. In reality a really good balancing charger like the Icharger is going to get all the cells within a fraction of a volt. Does it make a difference over dozens of cycles? Don’t know for sure. Probably hard to prove it one way or the other. As you said, parallel boards are really great to charge a bunch of packs for storage.
Posted on: 4/19/2012 9:36 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11048574
RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
"Honestly though, I don't like Paraboards, I like to know how much I put into each pack. I'd rather use an iCharger 3010 and charge my packs as 10s" I don't find it to be a big issue. I time my flights so I know pretty much how much I am using. Parallel charging is not good, if your packs are not close to the same discharge. That being said, the 3010 is a great way to go.
Posted on: 4/18/2012 11:17 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11048125
RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
<script></script> I would personally go with just one 306B Icharger to start with and pay the extra for a 1,000 watt supply like the Meanwell for 209 bucks from EP Buddy and use a parallel charging board. With this set up you can charge six of the Sky’s at 1C or two at 3C. Just that one charger to start with will give you 30 amps versus 20 amps for the two 1010B’s. The 1,000 supply will also handle two 306B’s in the future. Cash outlays is about the same, but more horse power to start with and better upgrade capability down the road.
Posted on: 4/18/2012 11:38 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047363
RE: Parallel Charging
I parallel charge almost all the time. I am charging with a Meanwell 1000 watt supply and Icharger 306B. I can charge six 5,000 packs at 1c all at one time or two packs at 3c, etc. The thing with parallel charging is you can not mix cell counts, but you can mix size capacity of batteries. In other words, let’s say you have a five cell 4,000 ma and a five cell 5,000 pack. Just add them together, which is 9,000 ma or 9 amps. I use both Paraboard and Progressive’s. Both are excellent. The big pain is unless you standardize your batteries, you could wind up with a ton of boards. I stick to Deans and Thunder Power for the balance taps. I have Dean’s on all my main leads and just use balance lead convertors from my packs that don’t take Thunder Power balance leads. In fact, one thing I have found is, it can be a real pain to plug in six balance taps into the one board when I am charging 5’s. It really get’s tight. It actually works better to have a lead extension from the battery balance connector to the board. I just leave the balance extenders (convertors) on the board and plug the batteries into them. One of the down sides is you can not tell how much you are putting into each battery. As far as your charger is concerned, it’s just charging one big battery. Yes, they will be balanced if you charge with a balance lead. I would assume if one battery is out of whack, your charger is going to sense that and shut down. I have charged dozens and dozens of cycles and never had that happen. The way Cellpro charges (2 sides), I understand it can be an issue. I read that Cellpro was coming out with their own parallel system.
Posted on: 4/17/2012 11:36 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11045895
RE: Power issue
Strat2003 Yes, ten beeps. In series, if you plug in just one pack, nothing happens. The circuit is open. If it were in parallel, that could be the case. rm, gaRCfield Yes it was in "auto", I will change that.
Posted on: 4/17/2012 9:05 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11045688
RE: Power issue
nonstoprc I checked the packs and they were fully charged. bjr_93tz The small ripple was the very short time I was in the air. I agree, a bad connection would give voltage spikes. Joe, if I were to put money on it, it sounds like 4.0 was the issue.
Posted on: 4/16/2012 9:12 PM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11045145
RE: Power issue
Joe, I don’t know either, but for sure it’s gone. Thanks
Posted on: 4/16/2012 11:31 AM by Author "Portlandflyer"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11044353
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