Getting Started with Electric
When first built many years ago, Electric RC planes were a challenge, both in weight and power. Few motors were available, appropriate batteries to power the motors were heavy, and inefficient. Glow planes were the only thing available meaning you had to make a major onversion to fly electric. But many pioneers in this area of the hobby persevered, and over the past few years, this has all changed, and even a beginner can get into the hobby inexpensively, and with an aircraft that will last through the learning process.
With the advent of brushless motors, power to weight improved. Then along came Lithium Polymer batteries, and weight went down even more. The in-flight portion of the Electronics have also come down in weight. All these advances have contributed to bringing Electric RC into the realm of everyday flying. Clean, Quiet electric powered planes are appearing in greater numbers at flying fields all over the world. The range in size from less than 5 oz. Indoor models to 20+ Pound competition models.
If you are a beginner, the same basic rules apply as if you are flying a glow or gas powered plane. We all would love to fly that scale model of a P-51 or even better, one of those beautiful and fast Electric Jets. But if you are a beginner, stick to a trainer. Something with a high wing, and slow flight characteristics. There are many of them on the market, and will assist you in learning to fly before you get into the more performance oriented models.
And even with these types of planes, get some help. Join a club, or just contact someone who can fly proficiently and you can learn the basics without destroying your investment. The RAMS Club has a program to assist you to learn to fly, and at a very reasonable cost. Check out our training program at http://www.seattlerams.com/Training/TrainingMenu.htm
Many people try this hobby without any help, and give up after they destroy their first plane on the first flight. There are those that have successfully trained themselves, but they are in the minority. So don’t take a chance, get some help.
What does it take to fly an electric airplane?
First: A Plane Check around the internet, and your local hobby shop, and you will find many choices to satisfy every budget. I have linked to those that I would suggest for a beginner. These are ready to fly planes including a radio system that can be used in a second plane as you progress into the hobby. Though the Radio is not as sophisticated as the one listed above, you do end up with a complete package that will be in the air within a few hours of work, and includes everything needed to do so.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/soareasy.htm
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/easystar-rtf.htm
Second: A Radio System Check the following links for a good dependable Radio System, which includes everything except the servos. You would choose servos that are capable of flying the plane you choose. Larger the plane, larger and more powerful servos are needed. Once you have a Transmitter and Receiver, they can be used on multiple planes. So this is an investment that you only have to make once.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/755491.asp
Third: Electric Motor and ESC Depending on the chosen plane, you will choose a motor and ESC that will provide the necessary power to fly well. The larger the plane, the larger the motor and ESC you'll need.
Fourth: A battery pack One that will provide the power and flight times you want from the plane you’ve chosen. Lithium polymer batteries are the choice of most Electric pilots today. They are a bit expensive depending on the size you need for a given application. Nicads, NiMh and A123 batteries are also used, but there is a weight penalty over using Li-poly batteries.
Fifth: A charger Designed for the type of battery pack you have chosen to use. There are many chargers on the market. Choose one that will balance charge if using Lithium Polymer batteries. There are a lot of cheaper chargers that will do the job, but a better charger is a good investment as it will make your batteries last longer.
The FMA 4S is a good choice; http://www.fmadirect.com/new_applications/multi4.html
My method for making these choices is Hobby Lobby and their online catalog. Check the following link and you will find a good trainer aircraft, and the accessories needed to get it flyable. All on one page. This is a typical ARF, and will have good instructions to get it together, and comes pretty well complete, with the exception of the needed accessories listed at the lower part of the page. Note that it makes it pretty much a no-brainer to obtain and assemble your own creation.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pilot1champ.htm
After you have mastered your trainer, you can progress to something a bit more challenging. But be aware that you’re Transmitter and receiver can fly your second and subsequent planes so it reduces your investment as you progress in the hobby.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/mustang.htm Or http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hornet.htm
There are a number of places on the internet to find reference material on Electric Flight, and numerous books and manuals to get you started. Here are just a few links to get you started.
Quiet Flyer RC – Online Electric hobby Shop http://www.quietrcflying.com
E-Flightline – high performance models and accessories http://www.e-flightline.com
Dymond Modelsports – Online Electric Hobby Store http://www.rc-dymond.com
RC Universe – Electric Online Magazine http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/index.cfm
Wattflyer Forums – Online forum devoted to Electric Flight http://www.wattflyer.com/forums