I was wondering how everyone installs their battery and receivers into their aircraft. I have a 4*40 and I would like to install them out in the open in the bay above the wing, but don't have a good idea for securing them. I don't want to install them under the tank because of a nose heavy condition, and may even want to install the battery in the area aft of the wing. Is velcro good and can you just glue it down? Any input would be appreciated.

I found that you can take two pieces of square balsa about an inch from each other and glue them in across the fuse, you can wrap the battery in foam and secure the whole thing with a tie wrap(zip tie). I have never had a problem with it coming loose. (not including a crash[:'(])

I like to secure mine in the same way. I also make mine eaisily movable. I can slide back and forth and still make it secure with a couple of zip ties so I can adjust my CG without adding weight. If I want tail heavy then move it back and secure it.

I use either velcro or zip ties, most of the times I use both just to be sure.
I have seen guys at my club who make a whole in foam to stuff their battery in it. It's a good way to do it I think, never done it that way though.

Hope it helps,

Bart

Batteries are pretty durable and will likely not need replacement for several years, or until there's something catastrophic enough to trash the plane around it, so I determine where it needs to go and glue it down with a dab of Goop silicone cement. I can still remove it if really necessary, but I've never had one come loose in flight or crash.

Personally I would call that a gamble. Depending on what type of aircraft you fly(meaning how much time and money you have invested in it) changing a battery pack ever other season is definalty not a bad idea. I cycle mine in the prime season every 2 months or so and off season times every month, to ensure a healthy memory. I understand I may be a bit too anal but I consider it cheap insurance to regularly cycle your batts and change them out ever other year or so depending on usage. Saves dumping a $600 to $1500 (or more) plane in the peak of the season which always seems to be when things go wrong.

Canardman: You don't worry about the twist in the fuselage breaking the balsa free. I was told for my servo installation the fuselage twist can be a problem. What size balsa do you use?

Barto: What do you put the velcro or zip ties around. Do you put the balsa across the fuselage also?

On the 4 star, you might want to consider putting the battery pack under the fuel tank as it will help with the balancing of the plane. Just putting under the tank wrapped in some foam will allow you to remove it later if need be. My son and I both are flying 4 stars and the balalnce is perfect with the battery under the tank. Good Luck, Dave