Getting Started in Electrics
by Randy Smithhisler 7/14/99

Getting started in electric powered modeling has never been easier! With the huge variety of quality equipment that is now available (such as motors, batteries, speed controllers, and chargers), building and flying that first "clean powered" model can be a breeze.


At the recent RAMS electric fly-in, I had many club members ask me "what type of model should I build" and "where can I get the components that are required". These are probably two of the most common questions that are asked throughout the country at electric fly-ins. Ten or fifteen years ago modelers that chose to use electric power were limited on what type of model that they could build and fly. The motors and other electrical components were still in their infancy. But today all of that has changed! There are numerous companies that now produce excellent motors and other associated items for powering great performing electrics. Also, there is almost no limit on what size or type of model that can be made to perform well using "quiet" electric power.


Your first electric powered model does not have to be a departure from the current type of model that you are flying with glow fuel. In most cases you can start with a popular kit or set of plans that were originally designed for glow power. By making some minor weight savings while building the model and selecting the correct motor and battery combination, your initial venture into electric power can be an outstanding success. There are several ways to gain help in selecting the best possible power combination. One of the best ways is to contact a major manufacturer or supplier of electric motors. They have up to date knowledge on what has worked with other modelers across the country and are very willing to share their expertise.


Here are a few of the companies that I would recommend contacting:


New Creations R/C (Kirk Massey owner) www.newcreations-rc.com (Ph. 409-856-4630)
Kirk has a "HUGE" stock of electric power items and is the largest distributor of AstroFlight motors and equipment.


AstroFlight Inc. www.astroflight.com (Ph. 310-821-6242)
AstroFlight manufactures high quality cobalt motors, speed controllers, chargers, and other items for electric flight.


Model Electronics Inc. (Pete Peterson owner) www.rc-aero.com
(Ph. 206-440-5772)
Probably best known for their high performance "Turbo Ten" motors and gearboxes. Also manufactures "Battery Power Tubes" and has MANY years of experience flying electrics.


Aveox www.aveox.com
(Ph. 818-597-8915)
One of the best known manufacturers of brushless motors. These motors will virtually never wear out and are very efficient.


MaxCim Motors Inc. (Tom Cimato owner) www.maxcim.com
(Ph. 716-662-5651)
Maxcim is also a well-known producer of quality brushless motors. Tom has been a tremendous help to a lot of northwest electric modelers.


Of course, there are many experienced electric flyers in the Seattle area that could also help with your first adventure into electrics. I know that fellow RAMS member Bernard Cawley or myself would be more than happy to help you get started. We are also privileged to have an outstanding newsletter published in the Puget Sound area which covers every facet of electric powered flying. This newsletter is called "Charge Ahead" and a lifetime subscription is only $5.00!
You can contact Rick Fischer at dcrcr@aol.com for more information.


If you had the opportunity to watch some of the RAMS electric fly-in, you may have recognized some of the kits and models. I would like to mention a few of these so you have a sampling of some "very easy" glow to electric conversions. The SIG Manufacturing's LT-25 was well represented throughout the entire weekend. There were approximately five or six LT-25's flying with a wide range of motors and battery combinations. Bernard Cawley mentioned that he made no wood or frame changes to his "HOT" performing LT-25. The LT-25 is a perfect subject for conversion from gas to electric. Its airframe is designed light but strong and the wood used in the kit is excellent.


Another model airplane that has been popular with northwest electric flyers is the Carl Goldberg
J-3 Piper Cub. This model flies well with a motor that runs on 16 to 21 cells. Some modelers have chosen not to make any changes to the basic kit, but I would suggest replacing some of the lite ply fuselage parts with balsa.


One of the best "all around performing" models seen at northwest electric fly-ins has been SIG Manufacturing's Four Star 40 (flown by Pete Peterson). This low wing sport plane can be powered by Model Electronics Turbo Ten or AstroFlight geared motors with outstanding success. If you want to start with a fun and "highly aerobatic" electric this may be the one!


For additional reading on electric powered modeling see:
www.ezonemag.com
(this monthly magazine is probably the most popular web site on electric airplane modeling)
Bob Aberle's book "Clean and Quiet" (a great resource for beginners and is filled with up to date information)


Thanks and I will see you at the field,
Randy Smithhisler (253-927-4672)

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