RE: Epoxy on A Foamie ?
Epoxy works well with most types of foam. So does Gorilla Glue. - Jeff
Posted on: 9/16/2012 10:41 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230663

RE: wall charger enough juice
Charging at 2A requires a power supply that can provide more than 2A. That's because no charger is 100% efficient. You might be able to charge at 1A, though even that would surprise me. - Jeff
Posted on: 9/4/2012 4:21 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11217546

RE: Flight times
[quote]ORIGINAL: andrewskj If you know the amp draw and the battery size what is the formula to get the expected flight times? [/quote] [size=4][b]Formula for Run Time[/b][/size] run time in minutes = (Battery Capacity in Ah/Motor Current in A) x 60 This is just a rough guide, and it requires that you know approximately how much current your power system draws. A wattmeter will tell you. The formula also needs your battery capacity in Amp Hours (Ah). Divide mAh by 1000 to get Ah. The simplest method is to measure your current at full throttle and use that number in the formula. In reality, you probably won't fly at full throttle all the time, so your average current usage probably will be less than the full-throttle value. Also, a power system will often draw less current in flight than it does during ground testing. So if you use the full-throttle current in the formula, it will generally give you a worst case flight time. Actual flight time will usually be greater. I've included some examples below. - Jeff Here are some examples. Example 1: 1500 mAh battery power system draws 12A 1500 mAh = 1.5 Ah 1.5/12 x 60 = 7.5 minutes Example 2: 1500 mAh battery power system draws 18A 1500 mAh = 1.5 Ah 1.5/18 x 60 = 5 minutes Example 3: 4000 mAh battery power system draws 25A 4000 mAh = 4.0 Ah 4.0/25 x 60 = 9.6 minutes Example 4: 5000 mAh battery power system draws 25A 5000 mAh = 5.0 Ah 5.0/25 x 60 = 12 minutes
Posted on: 8/18/2012 8:59 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198322

RE: power wires different, what is the best method
I would not change the wires on the video transmitter. They are carrying very low power and thus are large enough for their intended purpose. If you have the adapter cable for the transmitter as shown [link=http://www.protectiondepot.com/800mW-900mhz-Transmitter.html][b]here[/b][/link], I would use it. I would leave all of the wires and connectors exactly as they are. Then make a "Y" adapter that accepts the battery on one leg and splits into two legs, one that accepts the power connector for the OSD and one that accepts the power connector for the video transmitter. - Jeff
Posted on: 8/18/2012 8:55 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198320

RE: Chosing the right glue
[quote]ORIGINAL: royalstar05 Thanks for the help what about hot glue do you use this also [/quote] Yes, I have used hot glue with foam. Regular hot glue may be hot enough to melt foam, so use it with care. Also, the working time of hot glue is very short, so you have only a couple of seconds to position whatever it is you are gluing. - Jeff
Posted on: 6/26/2012 1:27 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11132777

RE: Chosing the right glue
When assembling foamies, I have used Gorilla Glue, foam-safe (odorless) CA, and two-part epoxy. Several times, I have used all three on the same airplane. For example, I have used CA to quickly tack foam fuselage pieces together, then applied fillets of Gorilla Glue to strengthen the joints. This is a good technique if you can apply the Gorilla Glue inside a fuselage where it won't be seen (it's not very pretty). Remember that Gorilla Glue expands and foams up as it cures, so it may not be the best choice for locations where the expanding glue would be unsightly or interfere with attaching other components. In such locations, epoxy might be a better choice. If you use CA, be sure to get some accelerator or "kicker." When used on foam, CA can take a surprisingly long time to cure, but if you give it a spray of accelerator, it cures instantly. So as you can see, each type of glue has its uses. - Jeff
Posted on: 6/25/2012 1:25 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11131451

RE: esc
You probably did not do anything wrong in the programming. When an ESC starts smoking (overheating), it usually means that the motor is pulling more current than the ESC can handle. This can be caused by using a prop that is too large. Remove the prop from the motor, hook up everything, and see if the motor runs with no prop. If it does, the ESC might still be OK. If the motor does not run, then the ESC has probably been damaged. Assuming the ESC is not damaged, I recommend you buy or borrow a wattmeter and try running the motor with a smaller prop while monitoring the current. If you have a 35A ESC, you must be sure that you don't exceed 35A. Better yet, give the ESC a safety margin by running at no more than 25-30A. If you provide more detailed information about the motor, prop, and ESC, perhaps someone here can make better recommendations. - Jeff
Posted on: 6/23/2012 8:58 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129357

RE: Strange launching?
Hi Dan - Did you intend to post your question here in the Electric Airplane forum? While you are welcome here, you will probably get more and better answers over in the Cars forum: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_225/tt.htm - Jeff
Posted on: 6/1/2012 3:01 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102977

RE: Engine Help
Try reversing the throttle channel (channel 3) at the transmitter. Futaba transmitters usually require the throttle channel to be reversed. - Jeff
Posted on: 6/1/2012 2:55 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102967

RE: Help troubleshooting a setup
I am not familiar with your specific gear, but I have a couple of generic suggestions. You don't mention the brand or type of transmitter you are using. If it is a Futaba TX, try reversing the throttle channel on the TX. This is often necessary with a Futaba TX. And of course, be sure the crystal in the receiver and the crystal in the transmitter are for the same channel! - Jeff
Posted on: 5/28/2012 4:12 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097779

RE: Need some motor standoffs. Where can I get
Go to the McMaster-Carr web site and click on "Spacers & Standoffs" under "Fastening & Joining." http://www.mcmaster.com/ I think you'll find what you need in a wide variety of materials (aluminum, nylon, brass, steel, etc.) - Jeff
Posted on: 5/28/2012 3:48 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097751

RE: power supply question for Accucell 6?
Hi Dave - Since you mention "new to electrics" you might not want to convert a PC power supply, although they do work well for powering our battery chargers. For an off-the-shelf solution, a power supply such as this one from Radio Shack will do the job: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103960 It's more than you need for the Accucell 6, but you'll never regret having more capacity than you presently need. For a lower cost solution, this Pyramid power supply would also work: http://radioproshop.com/pyramid-ps/ps8kx.htm Good luck! - Jeff
Posted on: 5/17/2012 2:13 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11084738

RE: Engine Help
We have all been in your shoes, and I am sure someone here can help you. However, you need to provide complete details: Which plane, motor, ESC, receiver, transmitter, etc. Complete information will make it much easier for others to assist you. - Jeff
Posted on: 4/23/2012 9:39 AM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11053518

RE: New to electric. Have a few Q's
Hi Pete - As you might guess, flight time depends on many factors: the type of plane, throttle management, your style of flying, etc. For example, a 3D plane that spends a lot of time hanging from the prop is generally going to consume battery power a lot faster than a slow flyer cruising lazily around the sky. If you know a couple of numerical vales about your power system, you can at least [i]estimate[/i] the flight time. [b]Formula for Run Time[/b] run time in minutes = (Battery Capacity in Ah/Motor Current in A) x 60 This is just a rough guide, and it requires that you know approximately how much current your power system draws. A wattmeter will tell you. The formula also needs your battery capacity in Amp Hours (Ah). Divide mAh by 1000 to get Ah. The simplest method is to measure your current at full throttle and use that number in the formula. In reality, you probably won't fly at full throttle all the time, so your average current usage probably will be less than the full-throttle value. Also, a power system will often draw less current in flight than it does during ground testing. So if you use the full-throttle current in the formula, it will generally give you a worst case flight time. Actual flight time will usually be greater. I've included some examples below. - Jeff Here are some examples. Example 1: 5000 mAh battery power system draws 50A 5000 mAh = 5 Ah 5/50 x 60 = 6 minutes Example 2: 5000 mAh battery power system draws 35A 5000 mAh = 5 Ah 5/35 x 60 = 8.57 minutes
Posted on: 3/9/2012 4:19 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10993433

RE: Dell Power Supply Help
Hi Dave - I am not familiar with that particular power supply, but the following links may help. - Jeff Here are a few discussion forum threads on the topic of converting a PC power supplies for use as 12V supply: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368639 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315179 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=55555 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=114054 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=41161 In addition, here are some helpful web sites on the same topic: http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/powersupply.htm http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/DESIGN_GUIDE.HTM http://www.marcee.org/Articles/PCPowerSupply.htm http://www.extensiontech.net/articles/howto/jb/pstu/ http://reckerclub.tripod.com/id105.html http://homepage.ntlworld.com/fast.electrics/PSU.pdf
Posted on: 3/9/2012 3:51 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10993408

RE: Replace Motor Shaft
[quote]ORIGINAL: lnl1950 Both motors have a hex key set screw that is not a 1.5mm (too small) and it is not 2mm (too large). I have searched for a 1.75mm hex key or something in between 1.5 and 2.0mm without success. Is this some special size that is only available to the manufacturers or am I missing something here?[/quote] Maybe they aren't Metric. Both 1/16" and 5/64" lie between 1.5mm and 2.0mm. - Jeff
Posted on: 3/4/2012 10:16 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986856

RE: Non - airplane application for motor
Edmund Scientific has several motors with gearboxes that might do the job for you. Here's one: http://www.scientificsonline.com/worm-gear-box.html They offer several others with different gear ratios. Hook up a battery through a potentiameter (variable resistor), add a switch, and you should be in business. - Jeff
Posted on: 2/18/2012 7:00 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10965254

RE: Safe thrust testing, BP Hobbies thrust stand.
Hi Dean - That looks like a good, functional test stand. I built my own, based on the design of Dr. Kiwi (Phil). I use the stand to test props and homemade motors. [image]http://www.astronomyboy.com/tm_images/motor_test_stand2.jpg[/image] Phil recommended that the test stand be configured in a pusher configuration, so that no part of the test stand or motor lies in the prop wash. I use a server tester to control the motor, which eliminates the need for a receiver and transmitter. - Jeff
Posted on: 2/12/2012 8:03 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10956220

RE: new to electrics, charger questions
The OP does not say that he bought the charger. He is asking if it the iMax B6 is a good charger. - Jeff
Posted on: 1/24/2012 9:41 AM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10925089

RE: Need plane for my electronics!
Your GWS geared 350 might be a little heavy for the And_Now. The plane was originally designed around the tiny little GWS IPS-A geared motor. I later upgraded to a small brushless. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from building an And_Now that is somewhat larger than 30", which might be better suited to the GWS 350 motor. - Jeff
Posted on: 1/17/2012 7:50 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10914500

RE: Need plane for my electronics!
[quote]ORIGINAL: flyinsolo11 As far as the density and resiliency of the bluecor, is it more similar to depron or epp? [/quote] BlueCor and its cousins more closely resemble Depron. It is not quite as stiff as Depron and not quite as smooth, but it makes fine airplanes. Below are a couple of planes I've built from BlueCor. - Jeff This one is a design called the "And_Now." It has a 30" wingspan, and I eventually put a small brushless on it. [image]http://www.astronomyboy.com/and_now/andnow_preflight.jpg[/image] And this is a J3 Cub with a 47" wingspan. Note that I left the plastic film on the fuselage side panel. [image]http://www.astronomyboy.com/tm_images/overall.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 1/17/2012 6:31 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10914376

RE: Need plane for my electronics!
If the plans specify 6mm Depron, you can probably substitute blue fanfold foam from a home center such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Fanfold foam is 1/4-inch thick, very close to 6mm. Fanfold foam is found in the home insulation department and comes in large bundles. It is used as insulation under aluminum and vinyl siding. Among the product names to look for are: Dow ProtectionBoard Dow High Performance Underlayment Dow Bluecor These are all extruded polystyrene foam insulation products. Not every store carries fanfold foam, and it is more common in some areas of the country than in others. This foam may or may not have a thin plastic film on one or both sides. The film can be peeled off fairly easily and should be removed at least from any area that will be glued. The film adds a lot of strength to the foam, so you may wish to leave it on the foam except where gluing. On the other hand, the film adds some weight, so removing it will make your plane lighter. Without the film, the foam can be bent easily into curved shapes. - Jeff Pictures of Dow BlueCor fanfold foam: [image]http://www.astronomyboy.com/tm_images/bluecor_bundle.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.astronomyboy.com/tm_images/bluecor_open.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 1/17/2012 11:36 AM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10913704

RE: Need plane for my electronics!
Hi Nick - Here is a web site that links to plans for more than 500 different foam planes. There ought to be something in the list that is right for you! http://www.rcfoamieplans.com/ It includes a photo of each plane and a links to plans and build threads. - Jeff
Posted on: 1/15/2012 8:10 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10910834

RE: Can someone suggest 3D foamie plans?
Tons of free foamie plans in this thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=851608 You'll have to sort through to find the type of plane you are looking for. - Jeff
Posted on: 1/9/2012 2:25 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10900380

RE: Can someone suggest 3D foamie plans?
3DFoamy.com has some free downloadable plans here: http://www.3dfoamy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=6 - Jeff
Posted on: 1/9/2012 2:23 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10900375

RE: Can someone suggest 3D foamie plans?
Perhaps the "3DX" plan on this page will fit your requirements. http://www.foamyfactory.com/airplanes.htm Scroll toward the bottom of the page until you reach the free plans for the "3DX – 3D Aerobatic Park Flyer." - Jeff
Posted on: 1/9/2012 2:17 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10900363

RE: lighted instrument panel for rc model plane
I don't know about [i]purchasing[/i] a lighted instrument panel, but you could certainly [i]make[/i] one. Here's a page showing how a modeler built an illuminated instrument panel for a static 1/444 scale Airbus A380: http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal4/3301-3400/gal3371_AB380_Greutert/00.shtm In the latest Model Aviation magazine, there is a photo of an R/C jet with a lighted instrument panel. - Jeff
Posted on: 12/19/2011 10:43 AM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10866645

RE: SPAD Debut
There are online vendors who sell coroplast in 24"x48" (and larger) sheets. Just do a Google search for [b]coroplast[/b]. If there is a sign shop in your area, pay them a visit. Sign shops use lots and lots of coroplast. Perhaps their scraps could become your airplane. - Jeff
Posted on: 10/27/2011 11:18 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10786147

RE: Brushless gets hot
Hi Bob - There is hot, and then there is HOT! If the motor is too hot to touch, that's bad. Excessive heat means the motor is drawing more current than it can handle. Prolonged running at high temperatures can permanently damage the magnets, and the motor will never work properly again. It is not unusual for motor makers to recommend props that are too large. Switching to a smaller prop will reduce the current and allow the motor to run cooler. Try a prop at the small end of the manufacturer's recommendation, or possibly a bit smaller. Another consideration is that a motor will generally draw more current during static testing than it draws in the air. That, plus the lack of an airstream to cool the motor makes static testing very tough on motors. Don't run the motor on the bench for more than 30 seconds at a time without allowing it to cool down. - Jeff
Posted on: 9/26/2011 2:56 PM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10735254

RE: Motor Problems
Perhaps the props are too large for the motors. Have you tried a 5- or 6-inch prop? - Jeff
Posted on: 9/19/2011 8:43 AM by Author "jdetray" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10723988