wildblueyawner

Howdy All,

We're all aware of the importance of limiting the temperature of our motors and batteries; especially for those who go high throttle / aerobatics for extended periods, or recreational e-glider pilots who, not being limited by LMR rules, do extended climbouts for higher launches.

Motors are designed to dissipate heat quickly, and convection via vents or cowls has a major cooling effect. These factors make any method to measure temperature after landing suspect, due to the rapid cooling that occurs upon motor shutoff. For e-gliders, where minutes can elapse between climbout and landing, post-flight temperature measurements are all but meaningless. In addition, static on-bench measurements don't involve motor loads and rpms that match actual flying - ditto for airflow and cooling conditions.

By simply applying a temperature recording label to your motor and battery, you'll get a real good idea of safe throttle levels or run times in order to avoid frying things. The information can also be used to avoid combinations of motor/batt/gearing/prop that may be prone to overheating, or to assess the cooling effectiveness of vents, cowls, etc.

These labels are available in a variety of temperature ranges, and have dots on them that permanently turn black when the corresponding temperature is reached. See photos - The upper photo shows a temperature label applied to a motor, indicating that it went above 150 F (but stayed under 175 F). The lower photo shows a label applied to a CP-1300 pack, showing that it reached 125 F.

The labels cost around $1.50 each, 10 per pkg, available from McMaster-Carr Click here - Enter "temperature labels" in the search box; catalog page will appear

Trombe

My Feedback: (1)

I'm guessing there not reusable?

wildblueyawner

The labels are reusable, but not re-settable back to all white dots. Whatever dots have turned black will stay black permanently. The label stays effective however, regardless how many flights you take - The remaining white dots on the label will turn black whenever the corresponding temperatures are reached.

Azarr

Here's another option, and only $35.00. Infrared, no contact required. -27 to 420F (switchable to C). Four modes, normal, min,max, hold.