This is such a great video posted online by revilozone! Not only can you watch the beautiful Split 1.6 as it floats majestically through the air, you get a birds eye view from the sky as well. Not to mention the landscape is simply breath taking!
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.
The recent 2.01 Firmware updates for the Falcon Line of ESC’s now include a Heli/Governor mode! The speed controllers contain a fast and precise governor function. With many parameters available to program, you are able to precisely dial in the settings for your specific needs.
The Elite Falcon Electronic Speed Controllers 145/200/220 contains a driven output for the external fan (5V, up to 300mA). It is activated as soon as the controller temperature reaches 55°C. Take a look at the diagram below to see how it is properly connected.
Note: If the pins are misaligned, a result of the fan spinning backwards (connected one pin over) or the fan running continuously (connector is upside down) will occur.
Introducing the newest addition to our Paramotor line – the paramotor auxiliary motor kit by Opale! Never fear the return of your Paramotor during slope or thermal flying when this Auxiliary Motor Kit is near.
With the use of the Opale auxiliary motor and spinner/prop assembly, you can regain altitude while still operating your pilot in optimal free flight conditions. This kit is very efficient allowing you to operate it on a very small battery pack. The lack of a large prop ring and backpack frame maintain the clean paragliding profile of the pilot.
This kit can also be used to launch the model for flying sites where slope is not available.
Do you remember back in March we wrote about Saul Levin’s Aeronaut Volksplane VP-1 model – the one that is to be raffled off at Joe Nall 2024? If not check it out here. Saul is building that particular model to coincide with the Joe Nall Fly-In community build.
Well, we thought it only fitting to follow up with the community project that was started at Joe Nall this year, and is to be finished next year at Joe Nall. The community build is a project that anyone can join in to build. There is no time or skill level requirement to build, the only requirement is that you have fun!
This year the build is a 75% Scale Volksplane. The final project is also to be finished and raffled off at Joe Nall 2024 – so you will have to check back next year to see the build complete!
Check out this great video posted on Saul’s YouTube Channel Plane Fun RC.