Which one is louder?
 

Our flying field just got castrated by a local homeowners association. Nothing more than 70 dbs. I have a BASU DVII in the box and had planned on using a Zenoah G38 based on all the good things I've read about the engine and the combination. Any idea what would be louder, a Zenoah G38 or a nitro Saito 200 or 220? I think both will be over 70 dbs, but I'm looking for the least noisy.

Thanks!

I doubt that any internal combustion engine can meet that sound level. Just the prop noise from some electric setups would break that level. They have set an unrealistic sound level that will ground your club.

Sounds like your club needs to find a more friendly location for your flying field. Homeowners associations are known for screwing anyone and anything they can. Good luck.

HOA = Here, Only, A__holes. Sorry, but hate 'em, hate 'em, hate 'em. Self serving, no good, fun killers!

Apologies to those offended, unless they are HOA members....

AV8TOR

"Castrated" was the proper word to use for your flying club. See here:

http://windenergydevelopmentllc.com/...els_Chart.html

Better look for a new flying site. HOA violations are legally binding in most cases and can be expensive. Personally, I'd sell my house and move....

AV8TOR

1) 70dbA is only half the data point with which you have to comply. At what distance must it be measured? Much as said above, 70 dbA cannot be met if measured at 10 ft. (a common specified measuring point). If measured at the field edge and that is 300 ft away, you might have a reasonable chance.

2) By what authority is the HOA making this requirement? Are you flying from property within the HOA's domain? Or, is the 70 dbA requirement at the edge of their authority and some distance from your flight area.

2) Does the HOA have like requirements for lawn care tools? At least in Texas, laws governing HOA rules are clear and strict. HOA rules are very difficult to change, and even more difficult to apply unevenly. I don't think any electric or gas powered lawn care tools would comply with a 70 dbA restriction.

Good luck, and don't give up.

Bedford

Before you give up your balls, get the full wording.

Sound radiation is a function of distance. There has to be a clear point where it is being measured at. It diminishes as a cubed function with distance as I recall.

That point is not going to be the same as 15 feet away. Also how do they handle construction noise, garbage collection, yard equipment? Are you being unfairly singled out?

As far as which is louder, depends on the muffler. Stock vs stock my guess is, sorry no guessing.

Hold on to those balls.

If you are not within their scope of authority they have NO business setting standards for you. With my LE background I ran into problems with HOA's thinking it was the job of local authorities to enforce their rules as law! HOA rules are a civil contract between property owners within a development, period.
HOA rules are something you sign up for when buy within one of these development's, your choice if you want give up many of your property rights and be subjected to the whims of folks with nothing better to do than dictate
their personal views on others.
Good luck with your problem........My old G-38 with a Benett muffler would never pass your standards..........

70 dBA sound level is typical for normal talking in a room.

Any gas powered lawn care machines put out closer to 95 decibels at 10 feet. Much higher noise for the operator. The garbage disposal puts out around 85 dB as does the washing machine or garage door opener.

Either of the engines in question will put out noise greater than 95 dB on stock mufflers. The Saito might sound more pleasant due to being a 4 cycle, but the measured noise would be similar to the 2 cycle.

My best set ups for this displacement size are piped and soft mounted on rubber iso mounts and use noise suppressing APC propellers with high pitch. The best sound I get is 89-90dB at 10 feet. This translates to barely audible at 150 meters distance from the flight line. My flying buds' electric planes of equal power and turning similar sized props are only slightly quieter at 150 meters.

The HOA requirement is ridiculous and should at least be challenged.

Keep us informed, I would like to know the outcome. Sorry about your problem.

Fair Winds & Happy Flyin'
Rich

+1 on all the above posts.

AV8TOR

I have two Saito 2.20 engines. One I have been flying for 9 years. The last 6 in a Balsa USA DVII, and the other has only one season of flights. When I am flying my Saito and a gasser is in the air, I can't hear the 2.20. The 2.20 is a lot quieter. I pulled the one season motor and sold the airframe. Let me know if you want it. Here is my 2.20 in a flight. pretty quiet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VQKq0JJyCE

The OP disappeared on us . The HOA must have done more than a castration . I was interested to hear whether the clubs property was actually within the HOA's pervue.

I've been lucky to have had only one experience with the Gestapo like tactics of an HOA in my life. It wasn't pleasant and I will never put myself in a position to be vulnerable to one ever again!! They would regulate when and how you went to the BATHROOM if they thought they could get away with it. Just like large scale politics; the desires of the few foisted upon everyone in their reach.

AV8TOR

I myself would never buy into an HOA controlled area . I have witnessed their desire to over reach their moral and legal authority onto those whose property adjoins an HOA area and also pressure law enforcement into pressuring non HOA members follow the HOA desires .
. It is disgusting to see and even worse to be involved in .
My stongest sympathy and best of luck to the OP