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Welcome
to AMP'D; the on-line column all about electric flight!
A continuous flow of new technology has rapidly changed
the scope of electric flight such that formal organizations,
manufacturers, vendors, hobby shops, and most of all,
users like us are having a hard time keeping up. Even
when your hobby is an obsession, as it is for me, the
new products and changing technologies appear so fast
that it can make most people confused. The flooding
of various brand names from overseas helps provide competition
that lowers prices |
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and increases choices but it is often at a cost of
confusion, service, and quality. At AMP'D, we will
try to sort out these issues while focusing on electric
flight. AMP'D will sometimes address social or organizational
issues related to electric flight, but mostly, it
is about new products and the application of new technology.
Please feel free to ask questions or make suggestions
by e-mailing me at greg@rcuniverse.com
April
2008
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Issue
6 - I recently had an opportunity to see
Dave at a local club meeting where he was invited
to give a presentation on his objectives and long
range plans for the AMA.
After the presentation, I had some one on one
time with Dave and asked him several very candid
questions. |
February
2008
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Issue
5 - With brushless motors sustaining 30,000
to over 40,000 RPMs under load, EDF units started
performing very well. We first saw a series of
"fun" jets where the EDF unit was merely
used to replace an existing prop design, almost
as an afterthought. We also saw many streamlined
jet designs that were powered by pusher props.
Then, it finally happened...the first high performance
ARF ducted fan jets hit the market. This month's
issue of AMP'D is all about jet fever as EDF goes
mainstream. |
January
2008
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Issue
4 - One of the many advantages of electric
flight is that we can tap into the main battery
pack to supply power for the receiver and servos.
Most Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) have
a built-in Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that
eliminates the need for a separate receiver battery
pack - thus reducing weight and adding the convenience
of recharging only a single battery. In this month's
issue of AMP'D, we explore the need and advantages
of why we use regulated power. |
December
2007
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Issue
3 - For years now, I have heard concerns about
motor cost and complexity from many R/Cers wishing
to try electric-powered flight. The market has
responded with lower prices through competition,
reduced complexity through outrunners, and even
combo packages of matched components
that work together. This month's issue will address
motor selection confusion. |
November
2007
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Issue
2 - When it comes to making electric conversions
easier, I am always eager to use new products
in my next project. This month's column shows
a few of these items that have helped make it
easier for me to fly electric and "arm the
big boys". |
October
2007
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Issue
1 - Welcome to the first issue of AMP'D; the
on-line column all about electric flight! A continuous
flow of new technology has rapidly changed the
scope of electric flight such that formal organizations,
manufacturers, vendors, hobby shops, and most
of all, users like us are having a hard time keep.
At AMP'D, we will try to sort out these issues
while focusing on electric flight. |
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