A| Getting Started | |
| The intention of these pages is to give an overview of what's needed, some of the pitfalls and general guidance to successfully (and safely) fly model aircraft. | |
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| Radio Controlled FIXED WING AIRCRAFT | |
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A great sense of achievement and satisfaction can be gained from building and seeing a model fly for the first time. This is then ongoing by learning to fly the model yourself. There isn't really a great deal of pre-requisite skills required apart from a little patient and determination. Firstly to enter the sport you need to be choosing the correct model, engine, radio gear and ancillary tools/equipment. Buying new from the start can run into several hundred pounds but if your pocket (or Dad) allows this is a great way to learn the fundamentals of building and flying model aircraft. The other way is to purchase used equipment from perhaps someone who has learnt to fly and is moving onto a more aerobatic aircraft. Look in the For Sale section of this web site.............. |
| What's next ? | If this has 'wetted' your appetite for building and flying model aircraft click the Fixed Wing or Information quick link to learn more.. |
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| Radio Controlled HELICOPTERS | ||
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Learning to fly helicopters is a lot harder than Fixed wing and considerably more expensive. However, they are a bit of an adrenalin rush and are very challenging for the more determined flier. Internal combustion models are available in kit form or ARTF there are a lot of other items to buy as well, 5th servo, Gyro, training stand, electric starter, engine & pipe and the more expensive (heli mode) computer radio set up is advisable. Alternatively, there is a growing market of electric helicopters to choose from which are very reasonably priced and usually come with all the gear required. When building/assembling there is an exacting standard of set up required and it's useful to have the tools to complete this. |
 Raptor 50SE |
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There are a number of helicopter fliers in the Club and the best advice here if you are new to flying helicopters is to seek advice from one of these guy's. Most will assist with set up and test flying which will initially save the expensive of the additional tools and possibly repairs. If you want to know more click the Helicopters or Information quick link to learn more....... |
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| Control Line | ||
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Most often you will build a control line model from 'scratch' using a plan, raw materials and purchasing an engine. This in itself is extremely rewarding and very cheap. To be able to build and fly a model you are probably looking to spend about £ 80 all in !! Another advantage is that you learn about the dynamics and building skills of the sport. The Club has a strong contingent of Control Line fliers who are willing to assist with any advice on building/covering/flying the model. This is a great introduction to the sport for young people who have a limited budget. Many of the Club fliers design their own aircraft with great success which enables them to create a very personalised aeroplane. Although it is relatively inexpensive I |
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| would recommend that you seek help with building and learning to fly, use the Control Line or Information quick link for more..... | ||
| Electric flight | Safety with LiPo Batteries | |
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Well I'm convinced that the future of aeromodelling lies with electric power. In this world of increasing complaints about everything, electric flight has many advantages. It's relatively quiet, it's not smelly and oily like conventional I/C models. The cost's are coming down and performance/flight duration is increasing . Take a look at this video and make your own mind up! To see the rest of the Sebart range of ARTF electric planes go to www.tonysrcmodels.co.uk
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Despite what a number of people
may tell you Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are not fundamentally
unsafe, but they need to be treated with more care than NiCd or NiMH. If
abused sufficiently LiPo cells can catch fire and this fire can be
difficult to extinguish. The following precautions should help you enjoy
using LiPo batteries without having a major incident. The minimum safe discharge voltage is 2.5V per cell
when under load, or 3.0V per cell when not on load. When more than 2 cells in series are used, a
controller with an adjustable cut-out should be used and it should be
set at or above 2.5V/cell. Only charge LiPo batteries on a charger
specifically design for LiPo batteries. Always ensure you use the correct charging voltage
for the cell count. The maximum charge rate should be 1C, e.g. 0.7A for
a 700 mAh cell. For best charging, low charge rates should be used where
possible. Never leave charging LiPo batteries unattended (at
any charge rate). It is best to charge LiPo cells in an open space on
a non-flammable surface (such as a brick or quarry tile) and away from
flammable materials. For long term storage it is recommended that cells
are fully charged and then discharged to between 50% and 60% of their
capacity. Use connectors that can not be short circuited, or
use silicon fuel tube to protect exposed connections. Remove the pack from the model & inspect the pack
for damage to the wiring or connections. Disposal of LiPo batteries: |
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