[NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?

[Larry]

Hi John,

I am going to the Seattle, Washington, RAMS club annual pattern contest on June 10,11.  http://www.seattlerams.com/

I am looking forward to it even tho I have yet to actually fly a complete pattern sequence even remotely correctly or in any way smoothly :) I'm still not 100% sure how to get from "take off" to "in the box" for the first maneuver!

The Quest flew its 3rd thru 5th flights today in moderate gusty winds. It handles very well so I am encouraged.

Your comments about the extra weight actually being a handicap make me feel better. I hadn't thought of it that way and that makes a lot of sense.

I have already looked at ways to shave some weight. Between wheel pants and some other small things, I could easily cut 3 to 4 ounces. To get the rest of it I will need a different battery pack.

The pack I'm flying now weighs about 45 oz . It is a 10S1P 5000 pack of the new 20-30C cells from Enerland (Pollyquest,Hyperion,Tanic). They are relatively heavy compared to ThunderPower Prolites. I could easily save well over a pound if I went to 10S2P Prolite 4200 pack. That wouldn't be a problem power wise or time wise because I could easily prop down to get the same or longer run times. I'm grossly over powered now. Peak power out is around 2280 watts with the current setup. - about 200 watts per pound. Way more than needed for pattern flying. It sure is fun hearing people go "Wow! That's electric???" when I take off and go vertical :)

The problem with new, lighter packs is mainly cost. I'm looking at close to $500 per pack. I don't plan to make it to the NATS any time soon, so I guess I wont worry about it.

I still think this needs to be addressed officially tho at some point.

Larry

P.S. Thanks to all for the warm welcomes!

PPS - I always have my flame suit on - I've been hanging out on RC Groups for years (VBG)
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Pavlick 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List 
  Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:25 PM
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?


  Larry,
   Welcome! In reality, an overweight plane is not an "advantage". You're not cheating even though the rules say the plane must weigh no more than 5Kg. You're only making your job harder. It would be in your best interest to try and lighten it up somehow, but in the meantime don't worry. We don't usually weigh planes at local contests. If you're flying in Sportsman then you have nothing at all to worry about. Go to a contest with the plane exactly the way it is now. When you're there, talk to some guys about weight saving tips. You will learn a lot. That's what this is all about. You're 11 oz. overweight. That's pretty severe but I bet you could shave a lot of it off if you tried. What batteries are you using? I took 6 oz. off of my Focus (glow powered) with some very easy mods.

  John Pavlick
  http://www.idseng.com

  BTW - What contest are you going to later this month?  

   


   -----Original Message-----
  From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Larry
  Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 10:34 PM
  To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
  Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?


    Hi all,

    I am brand new to NSRCA and pattern flying in general. I am planning to attend my first ever event later this month.

    I noticed in the rules that the weight limit is 5Kg without fuel.

    How does this apply as far as electric powered planes are concerned? Are the batteries considered the fuel?

    I am asking because my plane is a Quest 90 G2 converted to electric power and it weighs 4.04 Kg "dry" (no batteries) but it weighs 5.33 Kg fully "fueled" with batteries installed.

    I have asked about this on RC Groups and been told not to worry, no one weighs planes except at the NATS.

    Has there been any official word on this? I don't want to feel like I'm cheating in a contest or "getting away" with something.

    Thanks!

    Larry


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