Battery and throttle combinations

[scififlyer]

With lighter LiPo (lithium-Polymer) cells available, r/c e-flyers are having a field day with longer flight times. Has anyone tried lipo cells for c/l yet?

How about throttled electric motors using electronic speed controllers (mosfets) as opposed to variable resistors?

[steve lewin]

I haven't tried li-poly yet, they're still a bit expensive for me.

But lots of people are using standard speed controllers either with control down the lines, via infra-red or even radio. Since people are starting to use brushless motors there's really no choice, they don't work without the correct controller.

I haven't seen a variable resistor control used for anything except indoor Round-The-Pole stuff for many years.

Are you flying ECL or are you just interested ? We could do with a few more fliers ;).

Steve

[scififlyer]

Flew those Cox electric C/L planes in the 70's, had a Mustang and a Spit on (maybe) 15' lines. I would like to build and fly e-c/l again, the technology is up to the task.

Lots of memories, flew those planes 'til the batts gave out. Even got them to loop, with a little "whip-assist". Plus the "carrier" event, with a unbent paperclip tailhook. I think I put a tailhook on everything in my youth, Free-Flight Carrier was a blast!

[Mike Palko]

I am yet to try li-poly for c/l also. I am still weary of paying $200 for one pack. If you compete you know you will need atleast 2 packs minimum if not more. I think in the next year or two li-poly will become more reliable, handle more amps, and drop in price. Maybe then i will change over.

I am still having better and better flights on my NiMH, not only do to battery break in but better trim, prop choices, ect..... I am building a new airplane for next summer that i hope will be competative with the glow ships.

I hope you are interested in E C/L!

[scififlyer]

Li-Polys are great for small motors, like "400 size", but will cost a lot for anything bigger; packs are built in-series for voltage, then packs are paralleled for amps. Sheesh! The money adds up quickly. I'm gonna start with Nimhs.

Yes I am very interested in EC/L! While I love slope soaring and great slopes are less than an hour away, the wind is not reliable and radio gear is expensive (in a foamie- you can't just remove it and stick it back in without major surgery).

Never flew nitro c/l at least not anything other than a .049 Cox or two. No interest in anything wet-powered.

Brushless motor controllers, hmmm... Maybe one of the electronic wizzes at Castle Creations can cobble a few up for c/l.