Electric Pattern?
 

Getting back into pattern after a 4 year hiatus. Considering electric. Previously I flew an EMC2 with an O.S. 1.40. Great engine. Any electric advice on planes and motors, batteries, etc. would be a huge help. Or should I stick with the 1.40?

Tony

RE: Electric Pattern?
 

Tony,

There is a dedicated forum on RCU titled "Electric Pattern Aircraft". Answers to many of your questions can be found there.

If you are starting from scratch, the cost of a modern pattern airplane set up as an electric is only slightly more than a glow airplane when you take in account field support items (chargers, starters, fuel pump, etc.). The two types of planes fly differently, but also can fly equally precise. I prefer the slower flying speed of the electric set up. There is less shake and vibration with the electric, meaning there will be longer servo life. Also I don't have to clean up the mess from a two stroke.

Right now battery life is a big question. The care and feeding of the lithium polymer batteries is a new learing curve. With the newer generation batteries and the balancers on the market, battery life will improve.

In summary the electric planes are newer technology with a different learing curve. Glow planes are more mature technology with plenty of experience or advise available.

By the way, I also have an OS140. I won't be giving up on my glow airplane, as it has been extremely reliable over the years.

Regards,

Steve

RE: Electric Pattern?
 

Thanks Steve. That helps alot. I agree the 140 is a great engine. I will more than likley go that route for now. But it will be interesting to see the electric set ups and see how they fly.

Tony

RE: Electric Pattern?
 

I had a similar dilemma a year ago.. I had a few YS120/140 engines from 10 years back, 2 pattern planes, ... I sold it all to get into electric. Very happy I did. It's a new learning curve, so go slow and learn all you can. It can be dangerous if you don't cool things properly and monitor your current draw.. but it's not real hard to figure out and be safe. I think you will find answers to any questions you have just by posting it here. Just look at who's flying electric and you'll see the future. On the LiPo batteries, I flew a 5s3p pack in my first pattern plane (some may not think it was a good one, but it did the job.. a Venus 40) knowing I wanted to get into a 10s3P on a larger motor for a 2M plane. This plan worked well, allowing me to get the basic's down on electric, have a lower introduction cost, which allowed me to use the same batteries in a 2M plane later on. The key (in my opinion) is to not discharge the batteries very hard (>70A) and DO NOT run them until they are about out of charge. I think taking 60% out of the battery over 10-12 minutes is a very safe discharge rate which will allow for many cycles (I had over 200 flights on my packs when I sold the plane - and they were still strong, and still in use today). Today I fly a 2M plane with the newer 5s4p packs, rated at 5300mah.. and I put back in between 2.8A - 3.2A after a Masters flight, Hacker C50-14XL, 22x12 prop.

Good Luck

sc

RE: Electric Pattern?
 

Tony,
I flew a os140rx last year as opposed to the years before with the ys 140.. I couldn't get my YS (fresh back from the factory) to run this year. Thank god for the reliable OS. Next year I will be flying electric and it WILL make a dramatic difference for me. If I were you and getting back into it and also can afford to go the electric route and is of interest for you, definitely go for it. I will be flying a AXI 5330/F3A powered Eclipse. I can't wait. Another month or so of building and I'll be having more fun!!!!!
Chris