April 2005 Newsletter

April 2005
Dedicated to the
Advancement
of Electric
Flight
President: Tom Hunt
Secretary: Tom Reilly
Editor: Tom Reilly
For changes in the meeting and contest dates
due to weather/conflicts,please call or email
Tom Hunt at 631-981-0372,
[email protected]
Prez Sez - page 2
Contest rules - pages 3 & 4
Febuary Show & Tell pages 5, 6, 7
Building it Backwards - 8 & 9
HOST
of NEAT
2005
Vice President: Jim Reid
Treasurer: Joey Cabana
Contact info:Tom Hunt 631 981 0372
[email protected]
Tom Reilly - [email protected]
Next meeting April 19th
This month's News Letter features:
SEFLI Contest Rules
A conversion, scratch built, backwards
flying project by Roy Thompson
Event Schedule - Back page
Thanks to Lionel Bernstein for his
contributions. (and Joey C. too!)
The SEFLI 2005 schedule.
Prez Sez
Calverton Field Report
Tom Hunt
Here I sit resting (from tons of yard
work) on a beautiful early spring
Sunday. I should have been out
flying. Unfortunately, I went out on
the cold and windy Saturday
(combining it with a trip to Aerocraft).
Those there on Saturday, helped with
some field maintenance (see
elsewhere in this issue).
You will also find in this issue a brief
report on the Toledo show
(Bob A, Jim R, Don A and I attended).
The contest and fun-fly season will be
in hand soon, so tune-up the
fingers, models and brains guys!
Prez Tom
Saturday April 9th was an impromptu Calverton
Field maintenance day.
Jim R, Joe C, Don A, Don P, Russ C, and myself
spread some fertilizer, seed and cleared a few
scrub trees and bushes from the north and west
sides of the field. This should certainly help
reduce the number of tree climbings this year.
Let's hope the fertilizer does some good and
makes our feeble attempt at growing grass worth
all the effort we put into it last year. If nothing
else, the field is a bit flatter and smoother than it
ever has been.
The field and parking area are in pretty good
shape, the road is horrible. Drive with care
coming in. There should not be anything else we
need to the field this year except cut the grass.
If it looks like the grass it taking root well, we will
fertilize gain in the fall.
Joe, Russ and Don P, spreading the good stuff, weed, feed and seed!
SEFLI CONTEST CIRCUIT RULES
General:
All contests begin at 8AM and the last round may not be started after 12 noon unless authorized by the
contest director. You are responsible for recording your own times (or scores) on the official score sheet
after each round. It is NOT your Timer's responsibility. Missing entries will be scored as "zero" points.
Slow Stik Combat
The model
All models must be a stock GWS Slow Stik. Model cannot be modified in any way in form or function. It
must remain 3 channel operation (rudder, Elevator, Throttle). The power system may be the stock
geared Mabuchi RS-370 motor or equivalent size brushless. However, the stock system may use up to
8 cells of the NiCd/NiMh variety, a brushless system can use no more than 2 Lithium (Ion, Poly, ect.)
Repairs to the model may be in the form of tape and/or gluing the original parts back to the model or if
the part is a write-off, it may be replaced by a new part made from a similar type foam (lunch tray type).
The replaced part must be a "faithful" replication of the old part.
Flying
All models will sport 15ft of magnetic tape, one end tied to the aft part of the model. All models will
launch at the same time (either ROG or hand launched, but if hand-launched, the LG must still be on the
model!). A clock will start and a timer will notify the flyers when 4 minutes has expired. As soon as
possible after launch, any modeler may try to cut or "touch" the streamer of another¹s model. Points will
be awarded for cuts, touches (not with your own streamer though) and midairs during the 4 minute
round.
A maximum of three rounds will be flown on any contest day. A model that has been damaged and
forced to the ground may re-enter the round at anytime before the 4 minutes are up. 10 points will be
awarded for a "streamer" touch, 20 points for a streamer cut. 50 points will be awarded for each Mid-air
to each pilot as long as the model is in the air at the end of the 4 minute time. If any model involved in a
midair is forced down and cannot return to the air before the time is up, they will be awarded all points
EXCEPT any midair points. A Midair is defined as any part of any model that touches any other part of
another model with the exception of the streamer.
SES (Sport Electric Sailplane)
The Model
Any model may be used that has a maximum of 2 flight surfaces and a channel dedicated to either
turning the motor on and off or a proportional throttle. A flight surface is defined by any movable device
that deflects into the air stream for the purpose of controlling the flight path of the model. A pair of
ailerons is considered one flight surface if they always move opposite to one another. A pair of surfaces
in a "V-tail" arrangement is considered one surface if they both move in the same direction, two, if they
also move opposite to one another. That is, if the V-tail flight surfaces are mechanically or electronically
mixed to provide pitch and yaw controller, than that is all the surfaces that may move on the model
(ailerons are not allowed). Assuming every model will have an "elevator", and rudder is forsaken for a
substitution of ailerons, the ailerons cannot be "mixed" to produce a flap or spoiler flight control. The
model may utilize any motor (geared or direct), but the battery compliment cannot be more than 7
NiCd/NiMh or 2 Lithium. The battery capacity is unrestricted.
Flying
The model will be sent aloft for a 2 minute motor run. The timing will start when the model leaves the hand,
or in the case of a ROG, upon the beginning of forward motion. The motor may be turned on and off in the
first 2 minutes or it may be run continuously at the pilots discretion. The motor CANNOT be run after the 2
minute mark is sounded by the timer. If the motor is turned back on after the 2 minute mark, the watch will be
stopped and the flight points computed for that time. The only time a motor should be turned back on before
reaching the ground is to rescue the model from flying away or to avoid hitting a ground based object. Once
the motor is shut off, the pilot will try to keep the model aloft for an additional 8 minutes (10 minute total flight
time). One point will be awarded for every second aloft, minus one point for every second OVER 10 minutes.
It is important to land the model on the ground at exactly 10 minutes to earn maximum points. The landing
point is arbitrary. If the model strikes a ground based object, the watch will be stopped at that time.
Terry Events (alternating month to month)
The model
The model must be a stock Graupner Terry. Enhancements to the strength or durability of the model must
be made over the foam, not as a substitution for the foam. If a significant portion of the model has been
damaged, repairs must be made foam as a base (expanded or extruded polystyrene) and strengthened with
wood and/or glass cloth. Rubber band wing hold downs may be substituted for the bolted on wing scheme.
Power system
Unless otherwise specified by the specific contest, the motor used to fly the model must be a stock Mabuchi,
Sun or Johnson "speed 400" size, sealed can, journal bearing, carbon brush motor. 7 cells (NiCd/NiMh) or 2
Lithium (or multiple parallel circuit lithium packs to increase capacity) are the maximum for most events. The
capacity is left up to the contestant.
Flying
Terry LMR (limited motor run)
Same rules as SES except the total flight time is 8 minutes (2 minute motor run, 6 minute glide). Three
rounds maximum will be flown on any contest day.
Terry Duration
A watch will be started upon launch and the model will be flown until battery exhaustion. The time aloft will
be recorded by the timer. Any number of cells of any capacity may be installed in the model, however, the
model will be handicapped as a function of watt/hrs. The points warded for flight time (1 point per second) will
be divided by the multiplication of the nominal voltage of the pack and the capacity of the pack in AH (amp
hrs). A NiCd/NiMh pack voltage will be assigned a voltage of 1V/cell and a Lithium chemistry pack will be
assigned a 3.5V/cell value. a 7 cell pack of 500mah capacity will have it's flight time score divided by 3.5
(7(cells) x 1 x .5(AH). If one flies a 3 cell 2000 Li-Poly pack, then that flight score will be divided by 14 (3.5 x 2
(cells) x 2(AH)). Three rounds maximum will be flown on any contest day.
Terry Target Tow
7 cells (or 2 Li) maximum. All models will be launched at the same time to chase and destroy balloons
towed behind another model. No time limit. Round ends when last balloon is popped or cut away or the all
models land. 50 points for a balloon pop, 25 for a towline cut, 10 points for balloon or streamer "touch". No
points awarded for mid-airs with tow plane. Balloons cut away but still intact may be popped on the ground if
made available. Three rounds maximum will be flown on any contest day.
Terry F5B
7 cells (or 2 Li) maximum. The pilot climbs his/her Terry to any altitude they determine in a 2 minute
window. After the motor is shut off, the model enters a 2 pylon course. The model is to be guided with the
power off running "laps" between these two pylons. Once altitude is not longer sufficient to complete the next
"leg" the pilot turns on the motor and exits the course to climb again. The clock only runs while the motor is
on. Execute as many "legs" as possible within the 2 minutes of motor run time allotted. Three rounds
maximum will be flown on any contest day.
SEFLI “Show and Tell”
General Meeting on March 15, 2005
Ron Bergmann’s Mini Telemaster, electric version designed by
Tom Hunt, from Hobby Lobby. WS 47½", Fuse 31½", Motor
Nippy brushless, ESC Jeti 18A, Prop APC 8x6, 8 cell battery,
Covering Red Monokote, White Monokote Trim. Beautiful, Ron!
Kevin Beck’s F-14A
TOMKITTY, 3 cell
Kokam, FMA M-5 Rx,
AXI outrunner 22-1234, 2 Hitec Servos
HS-81 & HS-55, Prop
APC 9x6, Jeti ESC
30-3P Looks fast and
may be hard to launch
with that pusher prop
in the rear.
Ron Williams and his second Radical RC Mini
Stick. WS 23", Wt. 7oz., Feigao 4200 Kv IPS type
brushless motor, ESC Castle Creations Phoenix 10,
2S1P Li-Po battery Apogee 830 mAh, Berg 4 Rx,
covered in Oracover (aka Ultracote) Not flown yet.
Kevin and his Ripmax Alliance. Powered with a Mega Motor 1516-5, 2.5:1 planetary gear box, 3S2P Kokam Li-Po battery, 2 Hitec HS 56BB, 2 Hitec HS 81BB, A JR receiver guides the model.
Mario DiDiego and his original design twin rotor Autogiro flies
with a small wing or, as shown, with only rotating blades.
Mario is working on converting this Glow powered model to
silent electric power in the future. The pilot’s head turns with the
rudder servo and adds a bit of realism to the model in flight.
Page 5
SEFLI “Show and Tell”
continued
George Rowsom’s “Acropro”. WS 45", WA 350 sq. in.,
Motor Phasor 15.4, Battery 35 2000mAh cells, Polyspan
covered with a final coat of Miniwax PolyUrathane.
RTF Wgt is 28 oz. Looks great, George!
Mike Glass shows the group the first test run of the paint finish on
his new DR-1 electric bipe. Mike has done very well with his first
model, the “Hell Raiser” and based on test flights of this model, it
looks like he has another winner. Good luck, Mike!
At rest on the table.
Joe Cabana brought in this absolutely
beautiful scale like electric helicopter
that Tom Hunt flew during the coffee
break period. This RC Version has
come a long way since electric helicopters were introduced to the model
world. They are easier to fly and very
stable and require just a little steady
control to keep them in the air.
The model is a RTF Hirobo Electric XRB Sky Robo R/C Mini Lama helicopter from Model Rectifier Corp. Inside the Sky Robo
box you will find a complete micro helicopter with a four-channel FM transmitter, receiver, and two servos. Also included are a
720 mAh Li-Poly battery and wall charger. No work or modifications are necessary. Just charge and fly! Joe said he paid $324
for the complete package. The four foam blades are designed to safely break and are easily replaced at $10.00 for a pack of 10
blades. This is the coolest little helicopter I’ve seen. It should be great for indoor or calm wind backyard flying.
Page 6
SEFLI 2004 CONTEST TROPHY PRESENTATION
The awarding of the 2004 Contest Trophies were
made at the March General Meeting on Mar. 15,
2005. The very unique and collectable trophy, designed, “grown” and constructed by our very able
president, Tom Hunt, can be seen in the picture on
the left.
The categories were TERRY, Slow Stick Combat and
Sport Electric Sailplane. The winners received the
special trophy and a cash prize of $25.00 for 1st place,
$15.00 2nd place and $10.00 for 3rd place. There were
three trophies in each category, 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Place. As you can see, some of our members placed in
more than one category. Alan Wander and Bob Erbe
each received two trophies. Great job, guys! I guess
they need more competition. Let’s get out and join in
on the fun of competing against your fellow members.
Typical Trophy
Slow Stick Combat
Bob Erbe 3rd
Tom Hunt 1st
Sport Electric Sailplane
Joe Cabana 2nd
Alan Wander 3rd
Jim Reid 2nd
(not present) Frank Fontana 1st Place
TERRY
Gill Carpenter 3rd
Bob Erbe 1st
Alan Wander 2nd
Page 7
Building It Backwards
by
Roy Thompson
One might think the title is suggesting reverse engineering a model by disassembly to its
basic kit components. Instead it refers to scratch building a tail first, aft main wing, pusher
prop, canard.
The “Canada Goose” was designed by Andy Lennon and published in Model Airplane News in
January 1981 (plan no. fsp01811). My version is an adaptation of those plans with modified
construction techniques to minimize weight and replace the .30 size glo engine with an Axi
brushless motor.
Sheet balsa skins used in the original were replaced with open framework stick construction
wherever possible in the fuselage and aft wing tip fins. Strip ailerons with simple aileron and
rudder servo mounting replace the barn door ailerons/ slotted flaps and eliminate the
original’s elaborate activation mechanism with fuselage located servos for these controls.
The Axi 2826-12 brushless motor is powered by a 1950 mAh Ni-MH battery of 14 cells and
turns an 11x8 APC E prop. The aft motor location requires two functional cooling air scoops.
Nose wheel steering is performed by a dedicated servo with transmitter mixing from
channel 4 to 7. This method allows the servo direction and travel to be adjusted
independently of the rudder servos and avoids a third servo drawing from a single receiver
channel output.
The canard surface control throws were intentionally limited to prevent a condition of
overly sensitive pitch control. However initial flights revealed the need for more travel
to maintain desired pitch attitudes without any tendency for oscillations.
The motor thrust line will need adjustment downward to minimize a
pronounced climb under high power.
Because of the rear wing location and downward fins visual orientation in
flight is very different from standard model configurations. Some Star
Trekkers in the observers group commented that it resembled a Klingon
“Bird of Prey” in flight.
The Goose is certainly not one ordinarily seen at the field. The metallic wine
Monokote, white Ultracote, and gold pin striping add to the model’s unique
appearance.
Wingspan: 51”
Wing Area: 450 sq in (350 rear, 100 forward)
Weight: 68oz (4 lb 4 oz) ready to fly
Motor: Axi 2816-12
Battery: 14 x 1950 mAh Ni-MH
Prop: APC 11 x 8 E
ESC: Jeti Advance 40-3P Opto
Power: ~400 watts
Density: ~ 90 watts/ lb
In flight photos courtesy of Gil Carpenter
The Author , and his creation
SILENTS PLEASE
C/O TOM REILLY
15 YOSEMITE LANE
CORAM, NY 11727
2005 SEFLI Schedule of events
April 19th General meeting
April 23rd SEFLI contest (Calverton)
May 17th General meeting
May 21st SEFLI contest (Calverton)
June 11,12th Lehigh Valley Fly-In (Easton, PA)
June 21st General meeting
June 25th SEFLI contest (Calverton)
July 9,10th? Mid-America (Saline, MI)
July 19th General meeting
July 23rd SEFLI family day and contest (scale)
August 13th SEFLI contest (Calverton)
Aug 16th General meeting
August 20th LIARS E-Fly (Bellport, LI)
Sept 16,17,18 The NEAT Fair (Drownsville, NY)
Sept 20th General meeting
Oct 18th General meeting
Oct 22nd SEFLI contest (Calverton)
Nov 15th General meeting
Nov 25th Turkey Shoot
Dec 20th Holiday Party