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Richard Clark 2

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Everything posted by Richard Clark 2

  1. Posted by MattyB on 12/08/2020 11:27:07: Posted by TonyS on 12/08/2020 10:59:47: Looking at the set-up I suspect a big part of the problem is the lack of any airflow in the battery compartment. Worse than that it's a very snug fit in a foam cavity - like a hot water cylinder jacket!! Might be time to start punching holes!! There is a long thread over on RCGroups about this model - might be worth a trawl to see if others have had these issues and if so how they addressed them... PS - I see what you mean about the layout, there can't be much airflow getting to the pack in it's foam tomb... Edited By MattyB on 12/08/2020 11:30:07 It seems to fly very well.
  2. Posted by Steve J on 12/08/2020 10:16:39: Posted by Phil Green on 08/08/2020 21:09:14: You can do it much simpler than that and for much lower cost. You have drawn an H-bridge with relays. Your way will have a servo driving a switch and the limit switches switching the motor current. I would go for an Arduino and an L293 (or other H-bridge circuit if more current is required) which would also allow control of the motor speed. They are not relays as they don't need coils. Merely two limit switches and two diodes (all of which are already there) and a double pole changeover switch and a servo. Even a nine or ten gramme servo will do. As for speed, with screwjacks it will be 'slow' anyway and trying to make it slower it probably won't work at all as such jacks have extremely high friction. As someone who has been a professional 'big' computer designer for over 35 years and am now working on the new 'post electronic' computers I strongly believe the use of a computer, and probably a bridge for something so simple is merely a modern 'knee jerk' fashion. In much the same as a Victorian engineer's first thought would be a steam engine plus boiler
  3. Posted by jimmac on 12/08/2020 09:28:03: Posted by Phil Green on 08/08/2020 21:09:14: You can do it much simpler than that and for much lower cost......... Cheers Phil Thanks Phil and all you other guys for your advice, I can now go and help the owner of them. He isn't too internet savvy to find the help you guys have given. Yes. There is no need whatsoever to faff around with 'controllers' or 'Arduinos' and the like. Buying and figuring out how to program a computer for such a simple task is ridiculous.
  4. Posted by TonyS on 11/08/2020 23:49:37: I’ve a problem. I have a Hobbyking Phazer. It’s a small foamy edf that I use for a bit of fun and flying practice. It was built for a 3s battery or so the sales spiel goes. the last two times I’ve flown it with a 3s 30C 1800 pack, the packs have puffed up and been red hot on landing. ive bought a slightly larger 3s pack that is rated at 60c which I hope will last a bit longer. Would a 4s pack be better at handling the loads or would that simply fry the ESC and motor?   As MattyB says 4S will make it worse. The current will go up, not down. So you have done the right thing in buying a higher C rated battery. But even then, do NOT believe the C rating, as Simon appears to do. It is nonsense, just pure marketing hype. Though a 60C rated battery is likely to deliver the same or a little more current as a 30C rated one of the same capacity due to a lower voltage drop than the 30C one. This may marginally improve the performance even with the battery probably being slightly heavier, and the battery should not get so hot. Edited By David Ashby - Moderator on 12/08/2020 10:27:28
  5. Ridiculously over-cautious seeing it was written in November 2018. I now charge my high C rating cells (mostly  70C Thunder Power ones) at 4C. Thunder Power say 12C is ok. I tried it a couple of times and they stay  at  ambient temperature. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 11/08/2020 18:23:57
  6. Posted by Keith Miles 2 on 11/08/2020 15:55:58: Yeh, let’s blame the government, club committees, BMFA and those malevolent and irresponsible drone fliers! Let’s also openly announce our intention to ignore the law and risk a fine but perhaps saving 9 quid to buy a cheap servo or, maybe, a Chicken Balti with Pilau Rice and a Plain Nan? And let us never accept responsibility for our personal actions or consider their possible effects on others. Vive le revolution! 😊 Government:: They introduced this futile 'registration'. Futile? yes. Nobody who intends to break the flying rules will put an identifying number on the aircraft. Clubs: The BMFA does not demand you put the number on the plane so BMFA registered clubs shouldn't either. We fly on Forestry Commission land and the FC has said that if we feel there is a problem with people not registering and we wish to report it we should call the CAA or whatever, and NOT the FC. Takeaway orl icence? A purely personal decision. Only those who have never stolen an apple as a child, exceeded the speed limit, or cycled at night without lights should criticise any decision you make. Personal responsibility? Of course. You don't have to tell us, thank you very much. But 'hands up' those who have signed a chit saying they would be responsible citizens in all circumstances. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 11/08/2020 17:21:32
  7. Posted by kc on 11/08/2020 10:20:12: I said everyone who is in my club had registered with CAA . We don't agree with the law but are all law abiding citizens. The lawbreakers will bring aeromodelling into disrepute. We should advise the authotities of any aeromodeller who deliberately breaks the law by flying and deliberately not registering.......... It's good that none of. you have ever broken the speed limit. What fine fellows you all are. Snitching on other flyers is a fine example to us all. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 11/08/2020 10:43:18
  8. "What the hell has happened" Things change is all. Some for the better, some for the worse. As it's MY money and nobody else's I also rely on MY opinion and nobody else's I don't spend my money on the 'worse' (eg foamies and ARTFs of any kind) bur I do buy the 'better'. I don't care about 'value for money', only about. 'good'. Registration? It's just more futile government bureaucracy. Futile because most people of malevolent intent won't register. The wiser ones might because then they can practice their future malevolence without being fined or arrested. Neither will put their registration on their aircraft when actually perforning malevolent acts, rendering registration totally pointless for everyone. Did I register? Yes, Because our somewhat authoritarian club committee, elected only   because  they were the only ones willing to be on the committee,  insist on it.  I personally think It's less hassle to pay the £9 than argue with them. I certainly didn't register because I am any kind of 'law abiding citizen'.  Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 11/08/2020 10:27:18
  9. Posted by paul d on 07/08/2020 17:06:27: He'll probably offer you twenty quid but try and sell it for 2 grand after his band of bodgers have dragged there knuckles over it.
  10. Posted by Jon - Laser Engines on 06/08/2020 13:47:26: Posted by Brian Cooper on 06/08/2020 11:52:12: Hey, it's a hobby. . . Who keeps exact records of the expense? Me, otherwise i risk spending beyond my means! I have a credit card card (mostly used only for my online purchases) but I arranged for it to be paid off in full every month by bank direct debit. It's the only 'finance' I ever use. I run my 'financial affairs' such that there is both always enough in the bank to pay both this, monthly stuff such as council tax, and for the bank's magic money machine to pay out up its standard daily limit. Toy planes this year? The only expenditure I've made in 2020 is a Warbirds Spitfire kit at £159, which I probably won't start until October when the river trout fishing season ends. I've got enough model; 'stock' such as glow fuel, glue for repairs, frequent day to day flying, build the Spitfire to 90% complete, etc already and it was all purchased in 2019 so I don't visualise any further expenditure. Far less than usual but I've got too many planes already. Early next year? A Laser 70 for the Spitfire if you've got it in stock at the time I want it. If not OS or the landlord of the local pub will get the money . Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 08/08/2020 02:09:26
  11. Posted by Kim Taylor on 06/08/2020 18:25:29: Posted by Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 15:01:20: , I did buy two brand new Harleys. I was also influenced by though very expensive they are made by people who are paid real wages. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 15:05:52 Hopefully not the ones that they manufacture in India then!! Kim No I don't think the Indian made models are very successful being little different from Japanese-made mid size 'cruiser' type bikes.. Harley has problems (yet again). The big ones, though far more technically advanced than they appear and brilliant at what they are designed to do, sell to a declining and ageing customer set, myself included, and are too expensive for anyone except the 'dedicated'. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 18:46:05
  12. Posted by Peter Miller on 06/08/2020 14:57:07: I have now watched the whole thing. What a load of...... I shall never waste time watching "The restorers" again Oh! Can I interest anyone in buying some of my models at a give away price of £750 each!!! No restoration needed!!! Edited By Peter Miller on 06/08/2020 14:58:19 Naah. You are not as famous as Boddington. Who for some unknown reason suddenly 'rose without trace' fully formed and without even wearing a dress held together with safety pins
  13. Posted by Nigel R on 06/08/2020 14:32:09: Simple answer - no struts! I personally don't see any point building non-scale biplanes and most have struts. If ever I build another one it will be a Sopwith Camel. Because the author of the best war flying book ever written, 'Winged Victory',  an anti-war semi-autobiography,  flew a Camel. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 15:24:39
  14. Posted by Barrie Lever on 06/08/2020 09:45:48: Steve You are correct there and I do notice some more enlightened people altering their purchase decisions. We don't need to stop importing from China, just greatly reduce the unequal trade balance and keep them in check on regulatory conformance which is really what this whole thread is about. I would prefer to be a free and poor man rather than be a minion dictated to by the CPC. B. Trade is now global whether we like it not. I do like it. Though as much Chinese stuff is of doubtful quality I rarely buy it and also look to avoid 'hidden' though perfectly legitimate (ie not fake Chinese rip offs) Chinese manufacture with European and US names where the European/US manufacturer has contracted manufacture to China but charges Western prices. However, as the totally independently written book 'Well Made in America' about quality using Harley-Davidson after its management buyout and successful revival  in the 1980s as the core of the book, has been standard reading for years where I work, I did buy two brand new  Harleys. I was also influenced by though very expensive they are made by people who are paid real wages. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 15:05:52
  15. Posted by Nigel R on 06/08/2020 14:01:04: I'm aiming for just three wing bolts and one servo plug on my current build. I think that's probably an ok level of faff. I did consider going with elastic bands for the wings, they're also low on faff. I find struts are the main hassle. Even if they are not required for strength they have to be bolted on so they don't fall off or come loose and poke a hole in the wing. The only biplane I have so far made is the Flair SE5 and I didn't think to hinge them on the lower wing so there would be less bolts and they would fold.
  16. Posted by Eric Robson on 06/08/2020 10:34:15: Posted by Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 05:42:21: There are plenty on Outerzone. The 'Der Jager' is particularly pretty and the 'real' yellow one has a radial looking cowl though it actually had a flat four engine, However. You will only ever build one biplane as you will quickly find it's too much of a faff taking the wings on and off for transport . I dis-agree with that Richard, I always make sure they will fit in the car fully rigged before I build one. My last biplane the Dennis Bryant Hawker Fury was touch and go 60" span it is a shoehorn job but fortunately I don't have to take anything off. I could just get a fully assembled Flair SE5 in my previous car so I didn't buy the bigger and lovely ARTF silver and yellow Great Planes Stearman which I very much liked. and I know flies very well. Now I've got a 'spur of the moment' purchased two seat car with an engine where the planes should go so everything has to go disassembled where a passenger would sit. Thankfully my wife, though supportive, isn't interested in watching toy planes. And assembly of a biplane at the field is too much of a faff. Taking it apart afterwards when you want to go to the pub is even worse
  17. Posted by Dom (Essential RC) on 05/08/2020 22:41:58: My second flight so far more fun in aerobatics. No doubt will take it to the slope or try to catch some thermals soon. That was superb. I'm not particularly interested in the plane as I don't like foamies. However Your flying was excellent. It shows you are not 'scared' of model planes in the manner of "I might crash it" as unless something beyond your control breaks you won't and you know it. Many modellers never get to that stage. The filming? Lovely scenery always in focus with a big depth of field, perfect colour balance, and no 'arty' stuff such as constant switches to slow motion or frequent 'stop motion' which so often causes the thing to become totally disjointed. And above all the plane is not 'built to impress bystanders" Cheers and thank you.
  18. There are plenty on Outerzone. The 'Der Jager' is particularly pretty and the 'real' yellow one has a radial looking cowl though it actually had a flat four engine, However. You will only ever build one biplane as you will quickly find it's too much of a faff taking the wings on and off for transport .
  19. Posted by Tony Richardson on 06/08/2020 03:40:03: Simon Chaddock, you must be a golfer, you just scored a hole in one with that statement.. Spot on. And it's not just China. Who got fined for fiddling car pollution? VW and Fiat. Who didn't get investigated, let alone fined? Ford and GM. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 06/08/2020 03:51:46
  20. Posted by Graham Davies 3 on 05/08/2020 23:04:28: Posted by Richard Clark 2 on 05/08/2020 18:22:00: Posted by Erfolg on 05/08/2020 18:04:01: Increasingly it is a software update or change that is required to modify the performance of equipment, rather than a soldering iron. I have read this is the case with the Spektum Tx. Increasingly, the EU being an example, the use of regulations are a non-tariff barriers to importation. I understand within the EU (I also expect the UK) the importer must ensure compliance with regulations. That in itself does not ensure you using a product is safe from prosecution, you are responsible for compliance of the equipment performance (such as a Tx). It has high lighted many times on this forum, anything you sell in the EU must comply and show a CE mark (if appropriate). Yet I have read that you can legally buy Wi-Fi boosters (above permitted levels), yet the out put can be illegal. Many things are not as clear cut as I would like. Now in the USA, who knows? Bear in mind that the EU 'CE' process is self-certified by the manufacturer and is not checked by anyone else. Therefore it is meaningless. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 05/08/2020 18:30:37 Sorry Richard, that's not entirely true. Whilst CE is self certified by the manufacturer, it must be backed up by a technical file. CE is a good, regulated mechanism to ensure compliance to relevant standards. It is entirely reasonable for consumers to expect manufacturers, importers and distributors to comply. Good, reliable EU distributors will not place non compliant goods on the market. The issue is we are all in a 'race for the bottom' and will go for the slowest price regardless of the implication. This means we buy the cheapest Chinese product from the cheapest Chinese distributor. Whilst this does not necessarily mean poor quality, it does mean that your quality or compliance is not regulated. If the consumer takes this route, you have to be careful what you wish for... The same guys who decide to just put the sticker on can easily produce some 'technical' mumbo-jumbo to 'prove' the article is ok. CE marking is just another EU non-tariff barrier. One that doesn't even work as the whole thing,, is not checked by any 'official' body. And the sticker has become so wide ranging in its scope that official testing is impossible, though some scam companies have sprung up who say they will do the certifying process for you, The EU does this sort of meaningless nonsense all the time. Here' a 'reverse' example. Because burning wood for heat is very popular in eastern EU countries the EU officials recently 'deemed' that wood does not emit any carbon when it is burnt.
  21. Posted by Erfolg on 05/08/2020 18:04:01: Increasingly it is a software update or change that is required to modify the performance of equipment, rather than a soldering iron. I have read this is the case with the Spektum Tx. Increasingly, the EU being an example, the use of regulations are a non-tariff barriers to importation. I understand within the EU (I also expect the UK) the importer must ensure compliance with regulations. That in itself does not ensure you using a product is safe from prosecution, you are responsible for compliance of the equipment performance (such as a Tx). It has high lighted many times on this forum, anything you sell in the EU must comply and show a CE mark (if appropriate). Yet I have read that you can legally buy Wi-Fi boosters (above permitted levels), yet the out put can be illegal. Many things are not as clear cut as I would like. Now in the USA, who knows? Bear in mind that the EU 'CE' process is self-certified by the manufacturer and is not checked by anyone else. Therefore it is meaningless. Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 05/08/2020 18:30:37
  22. Posted by Ben B on 05/08/2020 17:38:46: I think making your own power supply is really dangerous. It's much safer to buy one of these scary PSU Shocking. I guess ultimately some people are happy messing around with mains voltage electricity and others aren't. I think the server PSU mod is very low risk as the mains side is just a standard PC / kettle lead. The only downside is some sound like a jumbo taking off!!! I must admit I like the hot glue mod though, I've always been somewhat unhappy with the aesthetic of the exposed PCB pads and dangling low voltage leads. Actually, probably the biggest risk with that style of PSU is a badly made UK mains plug with a partially sleeved earth plug (which should never be the case). Many cheap plugs (with semi sleeved earths) actually lose their earthing connection when you push them in fully. Not exactly great in a metal chassis PSU. My Imax B6 charger PSU has such a plug and when I touch the metal case I get a not so subtle but not unpleasant buzzing from my finger (50hz)..... There ya go. A power supply intended to work with a charger that has fully exposed high voltage connectors and a plug that doesn't fit UK sockets. QED.
  23. Posted by Keith Miles 2 on 05/08/2020 12:43:00: Posted by Doc Marten on 05/08/2020 11:45:11: Posted by Keith Miles 2 on 05/08/2020 11:12:01: Just a reminder of what the OP himself said about thread drift for those who might have missed it. Hence my comment about “hijacking”and self-indulgence. Hey, ho. Nobody has to read it Keith, the "Block member" button is a useful facility. Acting as a self appointed Mod is also, "self indulgent" don't you think? Let it continue, these things have a habit of providing useful information eventually. We have 2 threads running now, one pro server PSU and this pro ready made PSU, between the two, forum members should be able to make a decision and post were appropiate if need be. Edited By Doc Marten on 05/08/2020 12:04:34 “Self appointed Mod”? “Block member”? Dear, oh dear. Methinks some people take things, and themselves, too seriously and I refer to my earlier comments about why many people stay away from social media and forums. I would never block anyone. You learn far more from people who disagree with you than you do from those who say 'yes' all the time. Sometimes things get heated. So what? We are not spoilt five year olds or a herd of sheep. We are grown ups who still play with toy planes Edited By Richard Clark 2 on 05/08/2020 17:39:23
  24. Posted by Doc Marten on 05/08/2020 09:56:44: Posted by Richard Clark 2 on 05/08/2020 01:42:21: We soon changed his mind though didn't we? So not wrong at all , Quite so. For reasons of convenience over ability or safety. Time will be the deciding factor of wrong or right if that's what is really important to you. It isn't really a right or wrong as we aren't trying to 'win' anything. Ability. If it meets his (& her) needs it's 'able'. A 'neat' single box appearance may be part of its 'ability'. Safety. Most of them, server power supplies included, are made in China, which may or may not have quality implications. The EU-required CE mark is 'self-certified' by the manufacturer wherever the article come from. so it means damn all. Me? I use a cheap and cheerful 20 Amp Ripmax 'Power Peak' power supply that I purchased 19 years ago as it was available at the local model shop, which is why I bought it. It still works fine. Sometimes I also use a 16 amp unregulated and unsmoothed car battery charger. Being unsmoothed it makes the (Thunder Power or Astro Flight) charger display flicker but it doesn't matter. I also charge on the field, sometimes with and sometimes without the car engine running. We modellers fuss too much. Every time a new battery chemistry comes out we fuss again. The fuss dies down eventually.
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