Here is another poor video of me flying the Escapade 40 with the NGH 9cc engine. I took five videos that day, but none of them really came out OK. This was the best one at the time. I clipped off the end as the taxi back was watching the grass grow for the most part. The camera had slipped down on me, and I hadn't noticed it. Sorry. I'll try again next time out.

Escapade with NGH 9cc engine flight video 02 m4v (10 min 49 sec)

Earl, and group,

Does anybody enjoy electronics or micro-controllers like Basic Stamps, Pic, arduino?

Yeah, for a few years I was really big into robotics and various microcontrollers and stuff.
They still have some of my projects and articles over here at DPRG http://www.dprg.org/
I played with the Basic Stamps a lot as well as various Atmel processors and ISOPods from NewMicros http://www.newmicros.com

I put a microprocessor into a Mini-Cooper RC car which made it into a autonomous robot and used it in one of the robotics competitions back then.

Earl,

I was wondering if you wanted to start a community based data acquisition system
for bench testing engines?

With a little extra programming it could be used for an inertia dyno. The group could
develop a stand that works for both bench testing, and dyno testing. And develop
flywheels for different engine sizes.

Also, I have an idea based on a "test tank" we used for Jet Ski's that may be able to
simulate an unloaded engine.


Bill M.

By the way. I have known about DPRG for several years, Wow.

I use 8051, PIC, and NXP mostly for various industrial sensing and control stuff. >Oh and also MC68HC908 & MC9S12C64 for Mega-Squirt 1 and 2<

Ray

Originally Posted by Capt. Quirk

Earl,

I was wondering if you wanted to start a community based data acquisition system
for bench testing engines?

With a little extra programming it could be used for an inertia dyno. The group could
develop a stand that works for both bench testing, and dyno testing. And develop
flywheels for different engine sizes.

Also, I have an idea based on a "test tank" we used for Jet Ski's that may be able to
simulate an unloaded engine.


Bill M.

By the way. I have known about DPRG for several years, Wow.

I've started building a dyno using cheap and easy locatable parts. The main part is a Velleman 4-Channel Data Recorder / Logger Kit for $65 U.S.:
4-CHANNEL RECORDER / LOGGER unassembled kit or
4-CHANNEL RECORDER / LOGGER assembled unit.







Source code is available so one can capture the data stream and present or save it anyway they want. Data is sent through USB connection to my notebook at 100 samples per second. I plan on using mine to capture RPM, Volts, Amps, and temperature. I plan on using a kind of dynamic braking system so I can vary the load manually or by preprogramed test. The engine will power an alternator which, in turn will power a cooling fan for the engine and the remaing power will just get dumped into a dumby load as wasted heat. I have most of the sensors but, lack the time to put it together.

I'll be using a large DC or AC motor to calibrate it from zero load (interial flywheel) to around 3 hp (my largest AC motor) or whatever the alternator will take. My dumby load can go to 7500 watts so about 10 hp but, the alternator that I have can only do 3.8hp.

Ray

Originally Posted by Capt. Quirk

Earl,

I was wondering if you wanted to start a community based data acquisition system
for bench testing engines?

With a little extra programming it could be used for an inertia dyno. The group could
develop a stand that works for both bench testing, and dyno testing. And develop
flywheels for different engine sizes.

Also, I have an idea based on a "test tank" we used for Jet Ski's that may be able to
simulate an unloaded engine.


Bill M.

By the way. I have known about DPRG for several years, Wow.

Unfortunately, I'll have to pass on that as I already have too many irons in the fire with too many things I have stacked up to do.
Thanks for the offer though.

For anyone interested: I will be starting a "build" log in the RCG DIY Electronics forums.



Bill M.

Originally Posted by Capt. Quirk

For anyone interested: I will be starting a "build" log in the RCG DIY Electronics forums.



Bill M.

I'll subscribe to it Bill and help anyway I can. When are you starting it?

Ray

I'll be watching for it too. I think you will find it interesting.

Originally Posted by Capt. Quirk

For anyone interested: I will be starting a "build" log in the RCG DIY Electronics forums.



Bill M.

I'll be keeping an eye out too.

And could possibly help but only have a small Sherline lathe.

Started the post here

I have maybe 25 flights or so on the Great Planes Escapade using the NGH 9cc engine now. I had replaced the two NMH battery packs in the plane with a single LiFePo4 two cell pack. It is running the RX and servos directly unregulated. I also put in a Tech Aero Ultra IBEC to power the CDI unit off of the same battery pack. The Ultra IBEC also provides a remote on/off switch for powering the CDI unit too. The battery switch reduced the planes weight some, helping to improve performance.

Now I had also mixed up a new jug of gasoline/oil fuel for the engine, and I had reduced the oil content down to about 20:1 too. I am still using the Amsol 100:1 two stroke engine oil as well. So I think the performance improevement is due to both reducing the plane's weight with the battery pack and the fuel having more gasoline to burn in it too. But in any case the take off roll is really nice now, much better power for flying.

I did a doppler speed check on the plane and I was getting a hair under 65mph for the low fly by's.

Great Planes Escapade with NGH 9cc gasoline engine flight 25 m4v (10 min 43 sec)

Which prop do you use on it ?Did you try to test with different props?

I have only used the Master Airscrew 11x7 prop with the engine on the airplane.
I haven't tried other props on the plane. The 11x7 seems to work quite well. I keep meaning to see what a 11x8 might do though. But I haven't tried it either.