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RE: 23rd Annual Pocono Pattern Contest, 22-23 June 2013
[quote]ORIGINAL: J Lachowski Weather forecast for this weekend is looking good! [/quote] Joe, I'll bet that's the news guys were waiting for... and that is excellent news considering the phenomenal deluges we're had this Spring. See you Friday! Been looking forward to this for a while.
Posted on: 6/17/2013 8:00 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11546367
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
Jason, I plan to do this, but am debating with myself whether to contact Icare and send it to Pletty through them, or to send it to Plettenberg directly. In the information sheet that comes with the motor there is complete info for contacting Pletty. I know that manufacturers don't want to see their retailers hassled with repair problems, so it's likely I will send it direct to Pletty. Anyone have any experience/opinions on how best to go about it?
Posted on: 6/17/2013 5:13 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11545581
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
I bought another Advance from Icare, installed it yesterday and flew it today.... What a huge difference! The problem was indeed the motor. Today it was just like old times with all batteries working fine, including some 3-year-old Rhinos that made it through the sequence easily with gobs of power to spare. During the contest in Canandaigua the model barely made it through the last half-triangle, but today with the new motor the power level was back to where I had experienced it just before the mysterious drop-off in power from the first Pletty. Today recharges were consistently in the 2300-2400mAh range where previously the batteries were requiring 3000-3200mAh. Even with the worst -performing pack the power and capacity were waaaayy more than needed for AMA Advanced. So the problem component has at long last been identified, but the mystery still remains - why did the Pletty suddenly lose power output capability? I sure as heck don't know, so I will contact Icare and make arrangements to send it to Plettenberg to see if they can figure it out. [b]EDIT:[/b] Just charged the batts from one of the last flights in light wind and put back 1974mAh and 1991mAh in the series-wired packs (Sky 4400 40C), and 2221mAh into one of the old Rhinos, and 2600mAh into a Sky 4400 40C pair with 81 cycles, this following the Advanced sequence plus several repeat maneuvers and a very long vertical at the end to detect any drop-off in power, of which there wasn't any!
Posted on: 6/15/2013 6:53 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11544343
RE: DERIVATIVE, New 2X2
Matt, I checked the stash of props today and in fact have 2 of the props on hand, so I will bring them to Pocono. Looks as if there is a viable single-bolt solution, and you have some suggestions from those who know way more than I do. As they are, the unmodified hubs are quite delicate for a gasser application, but I know that you will figure out how to make it work.
Posted on: 6/15/2013 6:32 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11544378
RE: DERIVATIVE, New 2X2
Matt, those 3-blade gasser props are indeed pretty heavy. If you want, I think I have a couple of 20x12 PT electric CF props that I would be willing to donate if you want to try making a 3-blader. I noticed (and I'm sure you have seen) that for the woodie 3-bladers they use a phenolic disk in the hub and peg the blades. I don't know if this would work with the carbon e-props but if you want to give it a shot let me know. Probably not compatible with your protocol for sanding down the wood props, but maybe you're in the mood to try something new. If you're going to Pocono I can bring them with me.
Posted on: 6/14/2013 6:14 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11543564
RE: 23rd Annual Pocono Pattern Contest, 22-23 June 2013
Joe, I seem to recall that there was a similar situation last year that ended up with a pretty good turnout. In any event, I have hotel reservations and kennel reserved for the dog, and at the very least I hope to stay and fly there Fri, Sat (and maybe Sunday) with you and your clubmates if that is okay. Would really appreciate it if you'd call/coach for me!!
Posted on: 6/14/2013 5:50 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11543548
RE: AMA Accepts Rules Change Proposal in Time for the NATS
[i]Download all the sensor data you want; present it to the pilot in any form you want, just don't use it to automatically fly the airplane.[/i] Even if it offers a competitive advantage, per Scott Smith's wings-level scenario, for example??
Posted on: 6/7/2013 2:19 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11536564
RE: Trailer rash?
Nope![;)] But, from [i]Seinfeld[/i], not that there's anything wrong with it.[:D]
Posted on: 6/7/2013 6:09 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11536056
RE: AMA Accepts Rules Change Proposal in Time for the NATS
In a contest flight with a 25mph quartering wind, who the heck has the time to look at all this stuff anyway? By all means, use it during practice, but during competition give me a beep or a buzz only if the plane's about to blow up. Otherwise, it's just a distraction I can do without. During practice for the Canandaigua contest, a guy stood out at the 150-meter pole and indicated whether a model was inside or past the pole, and I can tell you that 150 meters is shockingly closer than I previously assumed.
Posted on: 6/6/2013 12:34 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11535412
RE: Trailer rash?
[quote]ORIGINAL: gaRCfield I know minivans are the ideal vehicle for hauling equipment to pattern contests. I have given them a little consideration lately. However I need a truck and am not in the position to own two vehicles. A trailer is perfect for me as it can be used to haul things like lawn tractors and motorcycles and tools, and during pattern season I can leave my gear in it after 5 hour drives home from contests. I am going to drive my truck for another year and buy another truck after my next yearly salary increase. I hope to have a trailer before Nats. If anyone knows a good place between Cincinnati and Virginia to buy a trailer, I'm all ears. [/quote] Joe, [link=http://www.cargotrailersales.com/index.html]here's one[/link] in southeast PA, a bit out of the way but perhaps worth it if you can get exactly what you want by 'rolling your own' with a custom design. Probably something similar closer to where you live, found with a little googling.
Posted on: 6/6/2013 4:02 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11534902
RE: Trailer rash?
I don't know how that "soccer mom" stigma became so inextricably attached to minivans, but I wanted one years ago when we could have only one vehicle and it was my wife who insisted never-never-NEVER!!!!
Posted on: 6/5/2013 8:08 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11534726
RE: Trailer rash?
[quote]ORIGINAL: svrcp Hey Bob that good keep a spare gas can handy incase you run out and a fire ext. incase can catches fire. LOL just kidding . Jr [/quote] Funny thing, today I used that very same extinguisher to put out a fire on a guy's plane, a B-52 model that caught fire at Hudson Valley Radio Control Club! It is a Kidde ABC class fire extinguisher and it worked very well on some large LiPos. Everybody who flies electric should have one handy. I have never seen a glow or gas model catch fire, but 5 or 6 times I've seen electrics burn. I'm going to replace it immediately because you never know, and I have a couple inside the house as well.
Posted on: 6/5/2013 7:29 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11534695
RE: Trailer rash?
[quote]ORIGINAL: wagen017 It is unfortunate that in the USA you lost the beautiful concept of the estate car or stationwagon when moving to MPV or truck. Better mileage and enough space! I now use an Opel Vectra (yes boring, I know! :-) ) to move my pattern planes! Volkert [/quote] At a contest last weekend in Canandaigua, NY, the vast majority of vehicles there were either Dodge Caravans or Toyota Sienna minivans. They seem to have become the predominant vehicles of choice for Pattern, and I was very happy to finally get one of my own (Dodge Caravan) this past spring. Plenty of room in mine for 2 planes, camping gear (if not staying in a hotel) and dog. Canandaigua was my first multi-day trip with the whole kit and I was extremely pleased with it!
Posted on: 6/5/2013 5:28 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11534556
RE: 23rd Annual Pocono Pattern Contest, 22-23 June 2013
I'll be there Friday.
Posted on: 6/4/2013 6:02 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11532799
RE: any inexpensive good pattern planes?
I'm sure it works great, but not legal for Pattern competition... not yet, anyway.:) If I recall correctly you can switch it off, so it might be useful as a training tool or for sport flying. But that's a different can of worms.
Posted on: 6/3/2013 7:18 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11531741
RE: any inexpensive good pattern planes?
You have had some good suggestions so far. I have the 62" Osiris and it is an amazing model given its size. A couple of weekends ago I got to see a E-flite Splendor in action and it is quite capable of smooth and locked-in flight, despite the humongous elevator which is not needed for pattern. Easy enough to dial back the throws, but a very precise servo with tight gears, tight linkage and a high resolution on the radio will tame it. It is designed around the AS3X "auto stabilization" receiver from Spektrum, but there is no reason any other radio brand couldn't be substituted unless this is a "BNF-only" product at this point.
Posted on: 6/3/2013 5:21 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11531642
RE: DERIVATIVE, New 2X2
Just 3 words: FA BU LOUS![:D] Hard to conceive that it could be kept under 5kg with that powerplant and such a rich-looking paint job. You're gonna have it at Pocono, right??
Posted on: 6/3/2013 4:02 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11531588
RE: DERIVATIVE, New 2X2
[quote]ORIGINAL: MTK All up finished weight 4895 grams, which meets the original goal for this model.......... [/quote] That is truly an incredible accomplishment!!
Posted on: 5/28/2013 6:11 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11526018
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
Chad and Joe, I am just not going to worry about it any more and fly with the 21x14 Falcon. Seems good enough for now, and I will continue to monitor battery mAh usage and temps, etc. I will put the old Astro Whattmeter on it to see what kind of amps it is drawing. Switched back to the OS controller so don't have the data logging.
Posted on: 5/26/2013 2:21 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11523611
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
Maybe![:D] I now have 2 of the 21x14 V2's. However, on the corner around the last half-triangle I was still using full throttle, so it's a bit more complicated. I was very surprised that the batteries seemed so 'tired' at the end of the sequence and yet kept going, with some getting markedly better. Flying the FAI sequences, I guess you never have a problem with under-utilization of battery capacity!
Posted on: 5/25/2013 7:14 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11522367
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
Dana, assuming the motor is fine (although I haven't tested by swapping out with a new motor), the prop change seems to have [i]partially [/i]solved the problem by putting more load on the batteries. And the battery-as-culprit proponents also seem to be correct, BUT not because the batteries are fried but because they are 'lazy' from not being pushed enough. Sorry for the mushy answer. Much preferred to have a [i]Voila![/i] moment with a clear answer leaping out. I am sure Dave is correct about motors with regard to current state of the art. However after watching Jesky and Shulman flying direct-drive set-ups at the Nats, the gulf between them isn't all that big, or so it seems to me.
Posted on: 5/25/2013 6:03 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11522314
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
[quote]ORIGINAL: gaRCfield Hey Bob, any chance you got some wire shavings or a small screw or something in the motor? [/quote] Not that I could tell. Had it out of the model when checking the wires and connectors and it looks/feels/smells fine. BTW, it didn't get hot at all (nor the batteries/ESC) the day I was flying the crap out of them. The batteries were warmer (maybe 115-120*F) than usual, but previously they were barely warm, approx. 90-100.
Posted on: 5/25/2013 5:05 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11522273
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
Interesting stuff, Joe. Different chemistry, but previously thought to be immune from the memory phenomenon. I am pretty much running out of options, and I did see a noticeable improvement with the increased load, so we'll see how it goes from here. Still haven't tried a new motor. However, that would be a rather expensive test!
Posted on: 5/24/2013 5:54 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11521951
RE: Pletty Advance mystery
[quote]ORIGINAL: woodie Any updates on your situation? We got serious money riding on the outcome!!! or at least bragging rights.. ;-) Woodie [/quote] Hi, Woodie, we got back yesterday afternoon from a wedding in TN and a mini-vacation in VA on the way back. The day before we left for TN I got a chance to fly with the Falcon 21x14 and I think there was an improvement. Just to see what would happen, I decided to fly the crap out of the batteries and to keep going after the sequence, staying high and always observant of significant power drop-off and ready for a deadstick. I was surprised to find that the batteries actually seemed to IMPROVE in performance, even an ancient set of Zippy 20C's with many, many cycles - maybe more than 200, but I really don't know - that were part of the first batch of Lipos I ever bought about 3 years ago. Upon recharge I was consistently putting back in the neighborhood of 2800-3100mAh, with older and new batteries alike. Got me thinking.......... I had consistently been flying the sequence and then landing, trying to be very gentle with the batteries, and it occurred to me that perhaps there is a memory problem caused by not ever really "wringing out" the batteries' capacity or pushing their potential. Is this even possible with this battery chemistry?? I have NO idea about the validity/possibility of this kind of thing occurring, but it seems to have made an observable difference. Unfortunately I was under time constraints before the trip down South and wasn't able to be more methodical and regimented in the testing. However, I am not as worried about the batteries fizzling during a sequence so the added confidence is welcome.
Posted on: 5/23/2013 8:11 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11520206
RE: Oasis (NJ) pattern contest who is going?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Don Szczur We'll be there with team shirts to support the U.S. F3A Team. Anyone else planning to go? [/quote] Don, do you have the polo shirts or T or both? I can't make it this year due to a niece's wedding in TN, but I would like 1 each if you have them, size medium. Please advise how I can pay you and I will ask Anthony R to bring them back here for me, or I can get them at Pocono if you and Joseph will be there. Thanks much,
Posted on: 5/15/2013 3:09 PM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512545
RE: 150 meter rule.
[quote]ORIGINAL: rcpattern Matt, Yes, I was. Actually being the ED I believe helped as I had zero time to worry about the flying part of it. Flying was actually 10 minutes at a time that no one could bother me and was relaxing...lol. For whatever reason I agreed to do it again next year as well. I guess I'm not very smart, Arch [/quote] Arch, more belated kudos for a well-run Nats and glad you're back next year. It was my first Nats so I don't have anthing to compare it to, but I must say that Bobby Stout and Leslie Hochhalter (sp??) ran a tight ship on Site 4 while Tara was quietly working virtually non-stop all day in the scoring trailer. Many thanks to all the selfless individuals on your great team.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 5:05 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232152
RE: 150 meter rule.
[quote]Those blue things aren't vans, and google Earth reckons the strip is 60 ft wide and 600ft long. Non-stoprc, if you're being charged more than $25/year to join that club with such poor facilities, you're being ripped off... My club's at: 27°40'30.60"S 151°54'48.48"E [/quote] LOL! At the field pictured above by 2Sunny, all we have is a small grass strip, a little shack for the mower and a porta-potty, and that's it!
Posted on: 9/18/2012 4:48 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232140
RE: airtronics SD 10 G -jumpy servos.
[quote]ORIGINAL: F.Imbriaco I also have the same combo ( except the more robust JR 8611 Digital servos) in my 35% Carden Cap and fortunately, no jitters -even in low power mode. Perhaps it's because of the '' premium'' JR Digitals ? I had read that the Airtronics Digitals are quite good, but never tried them. I paused ; thinking that the cheap price, even less than some ''sport'' digitals, might mean lower quality. No knock against them because several guys I know are using them with great results. [/quote] Mine are working fine otherwise. When the Tx is several feet away from the model the jitters cease, so the only inconvenience was setting up the surface throws with a digital meter - what a beeatch that was!
Posted on: 9/18/2012 4:27 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232117
RE: Futaba MC 9100A ESC
It should work fine with the Himax. Very smooth throttle up from idle (brake) to full power with nary a hint of a squeal.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 11:40 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231305
RE: Futaba MC 9100A ESC
Got a chance yesterday to work on this and start to get a feel for how much throttle is needed. As you stated, Jim, a bit more than a couple clicks, however not much with my throttle curve as is. Nice that it is more predictable this way, and leaving a little power in after the stall gets it started cleanly on the downline with no tail waggle. Finally I am happy with downline braking with the OS brake @ 75% and with the best prop thus far for my set-up, a Mejzlik 20.5x12WE which Chris finally has in stock now at F3AU. Very wide blade, significantly more so than the PT's and also a bit heavier @ 87 grams.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 5:31 AM by Author "cmoulder"
in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230909
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