We all have been there, we check out at a website and then it asks you to create an account, but do you do it? Here is why we think you should.
When you create a register user on our site, you can access your order tracking information. There are many times when the tracking emails get sent to spam or junk. With the ability to log in, you can check status of your order and any tracking information associated with it.
Return/Warranty information at the tips of your fingers! Being able to log in to your account will allow you access to past orders. Here you can verify purchase date if you need to return or file a warranty claim.
In addition to important dates, have access to past orders helps you locate model information. Let’s say you need a spinner replacement, but do not remember what size you purchased. With a simple search of your past orders, it is possible to find what size your ordered in the past and purchase a replacement!
So, while it may seem as though creating an account with us lacks benefits, we hope you can see it is well worth it!
With the addition of the new Elite Falcon 145HV/SB came the addition of the Flacon ESC cooling fan fit to that ESC. The new fan is designed to fit the Falcon 120/130HV and the 145HV/SB electronic speed controls.
The new Falcon 145HV/SW ESC by Elite is now in stock!
The Falcon product line represents advanced speed controllers for exclusive use in airplanes, drones, sailplanes or any kind of radio control application. With integrated telemetry and various possibilities of optional user configuration, the controllers offer high efficiency, low weight and precise motor control. The telemetry system in the Elite Falcon ESC lets you monitor in real time the Amperage (Amp), Voltage (V), and Capacity (mAh) consumed from the battery, ESC even calculates Power (W) output of the system. You can also measure the ESC Temperature and add external Motor Temperature and Propeller Positioning sensors. The Elite Falcon line of Brushless ESCs adds another revolutionary feature utilizing Backup Battery Integration. We have created a more robust hardware platform including increased cooling capability, smaller overall packaging, and selectable sensitivity to allow you to use any brushless motor that you choose. No matter which size you choose, the Elite Falcon series brushless speed controllers are right for your next project.
The new Esprit Elite HD Outrunners have a built in telemetry sensor to measure the core temperature of the motor. They are offered in 30cc, 35cc, and 40cc equivalents.
Elite series motors are the culmination of years spent designing and testing in extreme environments. Motors feature hardened steel shafts, built in fans, and a large radial bearing designed to carry the load placed on the open end of the rotor. Elite T125 (Jeti EX, Graupner HoTT, Futaba S.Bus2) micro telemetry sensor is installed in the motor to measure core temperature. These features, combined with an easy to maintain and repair design, promise years of worry free use.
Need batteries but hate soldering? No worries – we’ve got you covered! We will solder the female connector of your selected connector type to your battery before we ship it to you. Just pick which connector you need and we will take care of the rest! We offer Bullet, Jeti Anti-Spark, Multiplex, XT60 and XT90 connectors.
Opale recently announced an upgrade to their Auxiliary Motor Kit for the paraglider pilot Mike XL. The upgrade is now easier to assemble, stronger, and dampens the vibrations from the engine upon start-up. The upgraded kits are on their way, so keep an eye out for them to pop up on the site!
Check out these gems! 3D printed Jeti Rx holders! With five different models, there is one that will fit your Jeti Receiver. Type 9 will even fit your Jeti Central Box 100!
Models include: Type 3 (R3/RSW/900 REX), Type 9 (R7/R9/R11/Central Box 100), Type 14 (R14/R18), Type REX 7 (R7/R7 REX Assist), Type REX 10 (R10/R12 REX Assist).
In the last Flight School segment we discussed the basics of batteries – key terms and what they mean. Now we are going to dive in a bit deeper and discuss the different chemistries that are out there and some of the differences between them.
All batteries, as explained previously, consist of a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. Through a chemical reaction (a redox reaction specifically), electrons flow through these parts creating an electrical current, which is then used to power any device that is connected to the battery circuit. The chemical makeup of the cathode, anode, and electrolyte can change aspects of the battery. This makes understanding battery chemistry a must when searching for the right battery for your airplane.
Lets take a look at the properties that will differ based on battery chemistry:
Cell Voltage - Battery voltage is a measure of the pressure from a power source that moves charged electrons (known as current) through a circuit. It is measured in volts (V). Batteries of the same chemistry will provide the same nominal voltage, but that nominal voltage will differ when comparing batteries of different chemistries.
Energy Density - Energy density is the ratio of energy stored to size of the battery cell. This can come into play when considering fuselage size and flight style. Energy density is energy stored per unit of volume, gravimetric energy density is energy per unit of mass.
Rechargeability - Some batteries are not rechargeable, and others are. The battery chemistries you will see in the RC flight industry will be rechargeable.
Self-Discharge - Even if you are not using a battery, it will still undergo chemical reactions that will result in a loss of charge. This process is known as self-discharge. Depending on the chosen battery chemistry, the amount of self-discharge over time can vary.
Cycle Life - In addition to self-discharge, batteries have a limit on the amount of times it can be charged and discharged. This is called cycle life, and again, differs based on chemistry.
Economics - Just like everything in life, based on the material inside, the cost of your batteries can be effected.
Safety - Some chemicals are very stable, others are very volatile. Battery chemistry plays a big part in how safe your battery is, and what practices should be employed.
Now that we have discussed some of the properties that can be effected by different battery chemistries, lets take a look at the chemistries found in RC Flight.
Nickel Based Batteries; (NiCd and NiMH)
NiCd – Nickel-Cadmium batteries are made with a Nickel Hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) anode, Cadmium Hydroxide (Cd(OH)2) Cathode, and an electrolyte of Potassium Hydroxide (KOH). While they are affordable, provide a large cycle life, and can charge quickly, they have a high self discharge rate and it is very hard to tell charge based on voltage. In addition, they are toxic and corrosive, so disposal is difficult. NiCd batteries also suffer from the “memory effect” which is where a battery, if not fully discharged, will “remember” the previous discharge level, loosing the ability to discharge past that level in the future.
NiMH – Nickel Metal Hydride offer many of the same pros and cons as NiCd, only it removes the toxic Cadmium and replaces it with a metal alloy hydride for the anode (which actually results in higher performance).
Lithium Based Batteries; (Li-Ion, LiPo, LiFe)
Lithium based batteries have high energy densities, making them a great choice when weight and size are of importance. In addition, they also have much lower self-discharge rates.
Li-Ion – These batteries, Lithium Ion, use a porous material for the anode (such as graphite or silicone) and an ionic lithium compound for the cathode. Multiple chemistries exist for the cathode, including Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4), and Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2). The electrolyte used consist of lithium salts dissolved in an organic compound, which due to the properties of lithium as well as the compound, are highly explosive. These batteries come in a hard outer casing.
LiPo – Lithium Polymer batteries are much like the Lithium-Ion, however they differ in what the electrolyte is made of. In LiPo batteries, you will find a gel lithium polymer instead of a liquid. This provides less of a chance of the electrolyte leaking out. Although this is a safety improvement, LiPo batteries have a soft casing as opposed to their counterparts – Li-Ion.
LiFePO4 – Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are a type of Lithium Ion battery, but this particular chemistry has its own set of properties, differing from the other Lithium Chemistries. The energy density of LiFe batteries comes in a bit lower than that of the Li-ion or LiPo batteries, but better than that of the Nickel based batteries. In addition, LiFe batteries have a long cycle-life, are more affordable and safer overall.
So far, in the Flight School blog segments, we have touched on electric systems; motors and esc’s. But, there is another important component – the battery. This is another task that can seem daunting when looking at all the information and the many options available. We hope that this will give a breakdown of what you might need.
Battery Chemistry
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy. It can be used to power other devices electronically. Batteries consist of a cathode (positive electrode), an anode (negative electrode), and an electrolyte medium between the two. As we mentioned earlier, there are several type of batteries that utilize different chemicals to produce electrical energy. We are going to define the types you may encounter in the hobby, but for this segment we wont dive to deep into the chemistries just yet.
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
LiFe (Lithium Iron)
Li Ion (Lithium Ion)
LiPo (Lithium Polymer)
Capacity
The capacity of the battery determines how long you will be able to fly. This number is listed in milliamp hours (mAh). The higher capacity, the longer you can fly. Keep in mind, there are many different variables to consider when thinking in terms of how long you will be able to fly (such as what you are powering or how you are flying).
Cell Count (Voltage)
Most times there are multiple cells in the battery. These are often indicated with the number of cells, followed by a “S” or a “P”. “S” indicates that the cells are connected in series with each other (positive to negative) where “P” indicates that the cells are connected in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative).
Each cell has a specific nominal charge measured in volts. These voltages will vary based on the battery chemistry used. The voltage will determine how fast your electric motor will spin, within the parameters of your system. The higher the voltage, the faster the motor will spin. This information will come into play when considering RPM of your motor.
Your motor will help determine your battery needs, so when selecting your battery, make sure you know your motor (and load) requirements and specifications.
LiPo battery connected in series
C-rating (Discharge Rate)
The C-rating is how fast a battery can safely be discharged. It will be listed as a number with a “C” after it. For example, some of our Jeti Pro Power Batteries are 30C. This means that the discharge rate of the battery is 30 times more the capacity of the pack. Typically, the higher the C-Rating, the higher burst energy can come from the battery. This is important in different flight applications such as 3D or racing.
There are many things to consider when looking into your power needs, but we hope this makes it a bit easier to understand. Stay Tuned! In the next segment of Flight School we will dive into battery chemistries. Check out our line of batteries here.
Esprit Tech stands behind the quality of the products we sell. That is why quality control checks are important to us. At MAV Sense, all Elite Falcon Electronic Speed Controls are factory tested and must pass quality checks before they are shipped out. Each and every ESC undergoes a full spectrum calibration before leaving the manufacturer. The speed controls must pass quality checks in regard to voltage, amperage, used capacity, and temperature. Once these requirements are met, the ESC’s are then able to be shipped to their final destinations.
