Did YOU fly today??

[RichardV]

I finished the switch from EC5 to RCProPlus yesterday. I only burned my fingers twice and almost shorted out a pack a few times but they really are nice. Even made 2 special parallel charging leads so I can't connect them wrong.
There's now pile of old EC5s and Y leads I can get rid of.

It was a bit breezy today but the MK club was still busy. Around 3 nitro models as well. I got 10 flights in on the Specter and Oxys. Might be the last time for a while depending on what the BMFA recommends clubs do during the lockdown.

[Mike Sanders]

I can't connect them wrong.

We know someone who did manage to connect them wrong and shorted a hefty battery.

It was more than a bit breezy at sunny MK but it is good that the enthusiasts were there.

[RichardV]

We know someone who did manage to connect them wrong and shorted a hefty battery.

I think they were using singles on 2 packs to make 12S, so very flexible but too easy to make a mistake. I've done mine as 12S with a combination of singles and doubles. As long as I don't plug a single into a double, I should be OK. I copied the configuration in this pic. The rear battery needs a short extension to the red lead to reach the double.

BatteryLeads.jpg

They are far nicer to solder than EC5s and I get to use my big soldering iron instead of the skinny one. It all fits properly in the Specter now, no Y leads flapping around or being squeezed under the canopy.

[bigpops]

Might be the last time for a while depending on what the BMFA recommends clubs do during the lockdown.

From what I heard in the speech, outdoor recreation is allowed with 1 other person from another household. Obviously this isn't official yet, but what is expected.

This is the same as it was in mid May when the first lock down was lifted.

Edit: Details here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-nati...tent=immediate

Edit 2: Scratch that. The BMFA just sent out an email saying all organised sport needs to stop, and model flying is classed as a sport. Usually a good thing, but not in this case.

[acidla]

OXY 5 6s.

https://youtu.be/OB6sbCvqzPU

[p4ddy]

No but the recent threads are making want to get them out the loft and start again. I'd have to sale a bike first though.

[p4ddy]

No but the recent threads are making want to get them out the loft and start again. I'd have to sell a bike first though.

[aww]

No but the recent threads are making want to get them out the loft and start again. I'd have to sell a bike first though.

Was that a glitch in the matrix?

[acidla]

A shorter clip.

https://youtu.be/ldilfWukJig

[RichardV]

Got 26 flights done over the weekend. All 3 of my clubs are closed, so it came down to finding some quiet spots out in the countryside. Couldn't fly the 700 due to the attention it would have attracted but the Oxy 4 Max flies really well, and quietly, at 2,000 RPM.

[Mike Sanders]

I was hoping to fly today. I was going to test my 450 in the back garden.

After a couple of crashes I have replaced the tail drive gears. I then checked the head etc. with my new RC Logger pitch gauge. After a couple of days I decided that the feathering shaft was bent. I found that I was right when I checked it and also discovered that the main shaft was bent. I had spares for both so I replaced them. I then discovered that the tail slide shaft and bearings were U S. I had spare bearings but had to buy a new tail shaft slider. I did that and set up the tail end points.

I then took it out into the garden, plugged in switched on. The ESC won't power the motor! It won't even arm it. (It does bleep the cell count so that makes me suppose that the motor is OK). It blinks its red led rapidly. It is a Castle Creations Talon 35. I plugged it in to the Castle Link which shows that it is connected but says "unable to communicate with the device".

I suppose I will have to replace it but they don't seem to be available at the moment. All the usual suppliers say "out of stock". Does anyone know of one available (preferably new)? If not what other speed controller would be appropriate? I have only ever used Castles and I don't know how to programme anything else!

[trillian]

I've never been too picky about ESCs on 450s. I have had good experiences with the Align ones. Hobbywing, JR, Scorpion and YEP. Most have very basic programming using the TX sticks and a series of beeps, but once it's done you can just fly and not think about it.

[RichardV]

I then took it out into the garden, plugged in switched on. The ESC won't power the motor! It won't even arm it. (It does bleep the cell count so that makes me suppose that the motor is OK). It blinks its red led rapidly. It is a Castle Creations Talon 35. I plugged it in to the Castle Link which shows that it is connected but says "unable to communicate with the device".

Maybe it's lost calibration and won't arm until it sees throttle low. Have you tried lowering the throttle channel bottom endpoint to min (-150?) to see if it will arm?

[Mike Sanders]

Cheers Richard, I will give that a try tomorrow.

[Planehazza]

No but the recent threads are making want to get them out the loft and start again. I'd have to sell a bike first though.

Who's talking, mate? You, the bank, or SWMBO? Regardless, ignore the voice