Anyone have a schematic or a source for a simple timer that would shut down an electric motor after a specified flight time? I don't want to mess with any radio controlled ESC or anything like that. Thanks...

I have used the ZTRON timer. It is easy to set up and works well. Try this site for info: http://www.bsdmicrorc.com/productDet...58&catID=10006

- Norm

Are you aware there are already several C/L timers on the market (Z-tron and JMP)? They are available through www.windyurtnowski.com or www.bsdmicrorc.com.

You mention not wanting to mess with a R/C ESC. I assume from that statement you are using a brushed motor? Either way (brushed or brushless) you need an ESC for the mentioned timers to work.

Mike

What type and size of motor ?

If you do a search in this forum for "timer" you'll find lots of circuits. Some work with an ESC and some will drive a small brushed motor directly. You'll also find other ways of controlling motors e.g. with a servo tester down the lines. No radios needed .

Steve

Originally Posted by choffman41

Anyone have a schematic or a source for a simple timer that would shut down an electric motor after a specified flight time? I don't want to mess with any radio controlled ESC or anything like that. Thanks...

You can get the Zombie from Atomic Workshop. It has a built-in esc [4a], 2 timers, 2 power settings and a delayed startup.

http://www.atomicworkshop.co.uk/cata...roducts_id=182

Randy

ummm, maybe im being stupid here but couldnt you just use a switch if its only to stop the plane?

here is a small version off the timer Robert Jan designed. I tested it and it works perfect. You can adjust the time and the rpm off the motor. Every controller works with this timer for the brushless version s they have to be used in governormode for best control.

http://www.modelbouwforum.nl/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=52158

and here is the start off the project http://www.modelbouwforum.nl/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=49324

2 movies off me flying for the first time indoor control line
http://www.airtoimedia.nl/web/upload...oaandelijn.wmv

http://www.airtoimedia.nl/web/upload...indecircel.wmv

sorry, but the pages are in dutch. please feel free to ask questions on those pages even in english, we all can understand you then.

Can somebody please explain why you would want to use a timer? I consider preset flight time one of the bigest limitations of glow powered cl models!

I suppose it depends what exactly you are flying and also what you are suggesting instead of a timer.

A switch on the handle needs (draggy) insulated lines plus some (specialised) electronics in the plane unless you're flying with power down the lines. Just flying until the battery dies is a really bad idea and anyway many competitions have maximum flight times.

Steve

ahh fair enough, i just meant for casual flying, but i accept what you say about the insulated lines. The electronics would actually be very simple to make as long as full power all the time was ok. Just a relay, a few plugs and a small extra battery in the handle, a couple of AA baterys would do it. Far cheaper than an esc!

Originally Posted by bob_v5

The electronics would actually be very simple to make as long as full power all the time was ok. Just a relay, a few plugs and a small extra battery in the handle, a couple of AA baterys would do it. Far cheaper than an esc!

Been there, done that.....but it only works for brushed motors . Many people are using the more efficient brushless motors for new designs these days and they won't run without an ESC and some circuit which can simulate the signal from a receiver.

It really does all depend on what you want to fly. If you're happy to limit yourself to small models and stick with old-fashioned brushed motors (which can still be loads of fun) then you're right, you don't need an ESC and so you don't need a timer or other circuit to drive it. But there's an awful lot of electric C/L which you couldn't do with those restrictions.

Steve

ahhh brushless, forgot about them! I'm sure there will be (relativley) simple driver circuits around though, perhaps on electronics sites rather than rc ones.