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Old 08-20-2003, 04:49 PM
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Shortman
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Default Burn In

The newest RC Report magazine features an article that I couldn't stop but read over and over again. Its filled with information and very very helpful to all of us.

I am going to type it up word for word here so you can see it first hand.

BURN IN
by Richard F. Tax

"Burn In" is the term used to identify the process of aging electronic components and systems. This Burn In or aging process weeds out inferior components through their premature failure.
Due to the nature of semi conductor components such as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits, good components can last in excess of 40 years while, on the other hand, faulty components usually fail soon after being put into operation. It is because of this early failure or infant mortality that a Burn In period can increase system reliability and probably save you an airplane.
The Burn In or practice of component aging is required by many agencies, including NASA, the military, and the FAA. Their Burn In periods can last in excess of 100 hours while operating under extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. Generally, the manufacturers of radio control equipment do little or no Burn In and rely on the reliability of the product and quality of the components they purchase for their R/C Systems performance; however, you can do the Burn In yourself and learn something about your equipment at the same time.
Burn In is also a very good practice especially when one purchases a used or pre-owned R/C System or after your system has crashed or spent a week lost in a tree or swamp and been subjected to the elements.
Burn In periods can vary; so let's cpnsider a minimum Burn In of 10 hours. This is equivalent to sixty {60} 10-minute flights, which isn't bad for three nights and very little effort.
Following is a simple procedure.
1. Charge your transmitter and flight batteries for a minimum of 16 hours. This charge period is for a typical charge rate of C/10. Following R/C manufacturer's directions if other charge times are specified.
2. Connect your R/C system as directed and turn it on. As a matter of fact, turn it on and off fifty times if you like. Many failures can turn up here due to transient current and voltage spikes generated during the turn-on and turn-off period.
3. Now, with the system turned on, observe it closely. While operating your sticks (transmitter controls), check to see if all servos are operating smoothly and at about the same speed. Observe the transmitter meter output and make a mental note of its position. For meters reading RF output always check the meter reading in the same way:
a. for RF meters hold the transmitter in the normal flying position with both hands if double stick or cradled in your arm in the normal flying position if a single stick transmitter
b. antenna fully extended. Please do this after dark if you are in close proximity to any R/C Flying area.
c. for meters reading TX battery voltage one can ignore steps a & b above.
If anything is questionable at this point, get help.
4. Record the time. Put the transmitter (TX) down and let the system operate for two hours. On the first Burn In period, check the system every 30 to 45 minutes for servo speed. If the servo speed it slower that in Step 3, turn off the system and recharge the batteries. Reduced servo speed of all servos is an indication of reduced flight pack battery voltage. The speed of the servos should not be preciate. Servos should operate smoothly, quickly, and precisely.
5. Turn off the system after the two hour inspection. Recharge the batteries overnight or until the next day, again, for a minimum of 16 hours.
6. Repeat the Burn In procedure on the second night. Interemediate hourly checks are not required, but more frequent checks are an asset.
Repeat this procedure for at least three evenings.
Here are the results of your Burn In efforts:
Reciever - Every component in the reciever has been excercised to its fullest capability.
Transmitter - All components excercised 100% except the control sticks and the control potentiometers.
NiCd Batteries - have been cycled a minimum of three or four times.
Servos - All servo components are aged with the exception of the servo motors, potentiometers, and the driver-stage of the IC (Integrated Circuit) or servo amplifier driver-stage. These components operate at maximum ratings, only when the transmitter controlls are moved and the servomotors are running. Still, a partial Burn In has been performed on these components. Operating the system controls for an hour will insure confidence in these few remaining components.
Here is what you've accomplished: You've learned how to check your system for normal and thus, abnormal operation. You've developed the bahit of appraising your systems performance. You'll be able to recognize any depreciation in servo speed. You'll recognize any transmitter meter output depreciation should it occur.
You've learned more about your RC equipment and increased your confidence in its operation and performance.
Hope this helps all you guys out as it did me. My hands are dead for now....