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VOLUME #15 ISSUE 3 March, 2003
Webpage for the Springfield RC Club is at
this link:
Next Meeting: April 3, 2003
Midtown Carnegie Branch, 397 E. Central, Community Room, Lower Level (not Upper Level this time) (the Old Main Library) Springfield, Missouri, 7:00 P. M.
Contents
Boliver Sport Fly, see announcement at Sleeth's Hobby Shop
Sprinfield RC Club (Blacksheep Squadron)
April 26th ------ Field maintenance day, with fun fly afterwards.
May 24th ------ An old fashioned fun fly. A committee will consider just which activities would be enjoyed by the most members. It will be limited to members and their families. Doug Bennett, Sparky Wessels, and Jeff Schmidt volunteered to serve on this committee.
June 21st and 22nd ------- AMA sanctioned IMAC contest.
July 19th --------Novice pattern contest. Similar to last year. Contestants cannot have placed in an AMA sanctioned contest.
August 16th & 17th --------- Float Fly will probably be at Lake Springfield. There was discussion about checking into the possibility of using Fellow's Lake. It was mentioned that previous attempts however, had been unsuccessful.
September 6th & 7th ----------- AMA Sanctioned Pattern contest. Doug Bennett, Mike Howard, Jeff Schmidt, and Dan Curtis, volunteered to serve on this committee.
October 11th & 12th --------- Heli-Fly Contest. Dan Curtis,
John Clevenger, Don Livermore, and Doug Bennett will make up the committee for
preparation.
Field News
I flew a couple of planes at the field today -- just after you left. Ron told me you came in just short of the runway with your big, pretty Taylorcraft. Glad to hear it only bent the nose gear. Sure was windy. Had some gusts to 25 mph before I left. Mike was pulling the roller with a tractor. Hope that will mash those Mole holes down for a few days.
Ron Hyde is always in the lime light when it comes to flying excitement at the field. Ron had some anxious moments in his efforts to hand launch the small, beautiful, kit built seaplane. The Norvell .061 engine just didn't deliver the power it needed with the 15% Nitro. Then he had his hands full with his grossly modified four star forty into a two motor push-pull menagerie. The two engines just didn't want to cooperate at the same time. Now Ron is ready to make the maiden flight of his twin motor Pegasus. He has mounted two .30 Magnum four strokes under the wings. Quite a balancing act. Better get out to the field and see this. Ralph.
P.S. You noticed, in my article about Ron Hyde, that he had crashed a couple of his experimentals, and that he was preparing to try two more out. Well, looks like he succeeded with them - the twin engine Pegasus, and the new Cap 232. He flew the Cap again while I was there. I indicated in the article that he "was" going to fly them. Guess that is old news now. Ralph Todd.
Springfield, Mo. RC Club, Minutes of March meeting, March 6, 2003, Ralph Todd, Secretary
The club met in the basement meeting room at the downtown Carnegie library. The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by club president Dan Curtis. A motion to accept the minutes of the February meeting, as printed in the newsletter, was seconded and passed. With the absence of Kevin Murdock, copies of the treasurer's report of last month's transactions, were passed around by Ralph Todd for the members to review. Twenty one members were added during February, and 4 more brought their dues to the this meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
O.D. Fine reported on the current condition and problems at the flying field. He said the moles are presenting a rather serious problem to the grounds, especially at the north end of the runway. Aircraft have received considerable damage from hitting the mounds. Several methods have been tried to exterminate, or run them off. But nothing has worked. It was suggested we check with the conservationist for advice.
Plans were made for repairing and improving the protective fencing on field maintenance day. This will be on Saturday April 26th. There was discussion also on putting more gravel on the parking areas.
NEW BUSINESS:
A letter was read by the president from a new Hobby Town hobby store opening near Ozark on March 22nd. They were requesting names and addresses of our club membership. They are sending out coupons, and possibly organizing a mailing list. Members present voted to not send out a list of our names and addresses.
President Curtis called for suggestions as to the possible need for field and runway improvement. The subject of lengthening and widening of the runway was brought up, as well as pouring concrete pads for pilots preparing for take off. Jerry Kutz made a motion that we send reminder notices to last years members, who may have forgotten, that this year's dues and due and payable. This was seconded, voted on, and passed.
Mike Howard offered to laminate our membership cards, without charge.
Ron Hyde announced that he has a source for ordering nice light weight jackets, hats, and T-shirts with the club's logo. The jackets would be $27.00, and T-shirts $12.00. It would require 2 to 3 weeks for them to be ready after ordering.
It was decided to change the combination on the field lock about April 1st. Members will be notified as to the new combination.
Dan Curtis asked for members to give more input on activities to our editor, Russ Rhodes. He is doing a great job. But he really needs our help.
The club determined that there would be no set time for flying lessons, but that request be made to our instructors, Russ Rhodes and Sparky Wessels, who will work out a time. Other competent pilots are also eager to help.
The president brought up the subject of possible international concern about RC aircraft and terrorism. This subject was rarely thought of in the past. But with advanced technology, and the world situation, it could involve certain areas.
Bob Pace and Charley Lange volunteered to take over the job as raffle chairmen. Ralph Todd recommended that members look around to see if they have any old planes, tools, or accessories they could donate to help make raffles more fun.
A motion was made, seconded, and voted on to adjourn about 8:30 PM.
Membership
Information
Dues
2003
Effective
January 1, 2003, all dues are payable on a calendar year basis for those who
were members in 2002. As was the
case in 2002, the dues for the year are $75.00 for adults and $50 for juniors
(students under 18). The dues apply
no matter when you decide to pay your 2003 dues.
As was
the case last year, NEW members will pay a pro-rated amount based on what month
they join the club for the first time.
NOTE:
You must show proof that you have paid your AMA dues for 2003 in order to
receive your 2003 Blacksheep member card. Either
mail your dues with a copy of your AMA card or bring the card to
the January meeting to show to the Treasurer.
You may
mail your check payable to SPRINGFIELD R/C CLUB and a copy of your AMA card to:
Kevin Murdock, Treasurer, 3448 E. Stanhope Terrace, Springfield, MO 65809
Thanks to Charley Lange the following photos have been taken recently at the field. Below each photo is a space for the pilot. At the next meeting (April 3, 2003) if you can correctly identify all the pilots that go with the planes, you get 5 extra raffle tickets absolutely free and legal. Just ask Dan and/or Russ. What a deal!! You must be present at the meeting to participate. In the event that no one can correctly identify all the pilots the "ballot" with the most correctly identified pilots will receive 5 extra raffle tickets. What a deal!!
(Note: To enlarge the plane, click on it. Simply print off the table, newsletter, or fill in the sheet at the meeting, April 3, 2003.)|
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National
Newsletter
Spring is almost here,
get your models ready for flying season
By LARRY MASTERS
As I type this, there is still a
foot of snow in my back yard, and it’s 20 degrees outside. My calendar says that
spring is near, so I feel compelled to write this article, although I’m not sure
if winter will ever end.
If you are new to this hobby, please do not just pretend winter did not happen.
You must make sure your equipment is airworthy before you go to the flying
field.
You should cycle your batteries in your airplane and your transmitter to make
sure they are up for the job. Personally, I will only use a set of batteries for
three years before recycling them. If they are newer than that, then they must
be cycle tested before I will trust them. There are three ways to cycle a set of
batteries—you can buy a fancy charger with a built-in cycler, you can borrow a
fancy charger with a built-in cycler (they do come in handy, so maybe you should
lean towards buying one), or you can manually cycle the batteries. Do not just
charge them and let them drain to empty, as this can damage the cells.
If you have fuel left over from last year, you can use it if you have kept it
out of direct sunlight and in an airtight container. If not, don’t use it. You
will not damage anything by trying to use old fuel, but you will drive yourself
crazy trying to get the engine to run well. If you cannot get a decent engine
run, check your glow plug, and if that’s okay, try some fresh fuel.
The airplane should be checked thoroughly before you get to the flying field.
Make sure the engine bolts are tight. Inspect the prop for cracks, and make sure
the prop nut is tight. Check the hinges to make sure that they are not loose or
broken. (This is especially important if you use EZ hinges or if you fly an
Almost-Ready-to-Fly.) Check for any broken wood or torn covering on the wing and
fuselage.
Once you get to the field, take a moment to review the field rules. Be aware of
where the field boundaries are and where flying is permitted and forbidden. It
is not a bad idea to do a range check to make sure your radio system is still
functioning properly. (Get the frequency pin first.) After you start the engine,
listen for any rattles or any unexplained noises before you take off. Buzzing
servos are a warning that you either have a control surface binding or you have
a bad servo. Either one can spell disaster. Check to see that your control
surfaces are moving in the proper direction.
Above all, have a happy and safe flying season.
from Talespins
Dayton Wingmasters
Larry Masters, editor
Dayton OH
Battery Facts
By SCOTT MACKEY
Three types of batteries are commonly used in the RC hobby: Nickel Cadmium (NiCd),
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA). NiCd and NiMH batteries
are generally used in radio transmitters and receivers. SLA batteries are
typically used in field boxes for powering devices with a greater current draw,
such as engine starters, fuel pumps, and glow starters.
There are important differences between NiCd, NiMH, and SLA batteries and in how
they should be handled and maintained.
Charging and Discharging:
• NiMH batteries have approximately 40% higher charge density and will run
longer on a charge than will their counterpart, NiCd batteries.
• NiCd batteries have a problem with memory effect, thus may suffer reduced run
time if they are not discharged completely before recharging. NiMH batteries do
not have a memory effect problem to the same extent, although occasional
discharging may be beneficial.
• NiCd batteries have a theoretical approximate charge cycle life expectancy
twice that of NiMH batteries. However, because of memory effect, a NiCd’s
battery life may be shortened.
• Today’s NiCd and NiMH batteries have a life expectancy of about 400 to 1,000
full charge/discharge cycles.
• NiCd and NiMH batteries will perform better when trickle charged at the end of
the charge cycle. This will ensure that they won’t be overcharged.
• The Hobbico AccuCycle, for example, uses an internal timer to automatically
switch from a higher constant charge rate to a trickle charge.
• Batteries that are charged per the manufacturer’s specifications can be left
on a trickle-charger indefinitely.
• NiMH batteries cannot handle high rate charging. Thus, high rate peak
detection, or time-controlled chargers are not recommended for NiMH batteries;
only slow charging is recommended. On the other hand, NiCd batteries can be
either slow or fast charged.
• Held in a charged and unused state, NiMH batteries will discharge
approximately twice as fast as will NiCd batteries. Therefore, you should always
charge your NiMH batteries the night before each use.
• Because of variations in quality of manufacture and purity of materials, it is
difficult to generalize on how long NiCd or NiMH batteries will hold their
charge. You can experiment with individual battery packs that have been stored
by using a cycler/analyzer such as the Hobbico Accu-Cycle. With this, you can
determine how long it takes them to discharge. Cyclers are very useful for
determining the discharge time in minutes, or the actual battery capacity in
milliampere hours (mAh).
• Running a new NiCd and NiMH battery through at least three charge/discharge
cycles before putting it into service will help it to reach its maximum
capacity.
• It is a good idea to keep a log on each of your NiCd and NiMH battery packs.
When performance begins to degrade, you should consider removing them from
service. Seventy percent of rated capacity (in mAh) is a generally recommended
cut-off point.
• SLA batteries do not suffer from memory effect and should be kept fully
charged. These batteries have no requirement for discharging prior to charging.
• A proper charge level during storage will extend battery life. Initially, an
SLA battery can be charged with higher currents, but as it reaches near full
charge, current should be reduced to a trickle charge to avoid overcharging.
• If an SLA battery completely self-discharges during storage, sulfation will
occur, which reduces its life. The time it takes for complete self-discharge is
temperature related. Cooler temperatures can extend this time.
Storage:
• Store your batteries in a cool, dry location. Do not expose them to direct
sunlight or to temperatures below 30 degrees or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Always discharge NiCd and NiMH batteries before storing, and fully charge SLA
batteries before storing.
Scott Mackey received his electronic technician diploma from the Ohio Institute
of Technology. He is currently completing work on an Associate of Applied
Science of Electronic Engineering degree at Columbus State Community College.
Aviator sayings
“If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it
right.”
A sign in the VF-45 Aggressor squadron (similar to Top Gun)
A smooth landing is mostly luck; two in a row is all luck; three in a row is
prevarication.
Airspeed, altitude or brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the
flight.
“If you’re faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as
possible.”
Jon McBride, astronaut
When a flight is proceeding incredibly well ... something was forgotten.
Just remember: If you crash because of bad weather, your funeral will be on a
sunny day.
“A pilot who doesn’t have any fear probably isn’t flying his plane to its
maximum.”
Max Stanley, test pilot
“Never fly in the same cockpit as someone braver than you.”
Paul F. Crickmore, test pilot
Blue water Navy truisms:
There are more planes in the ocean than there are submarines in the sky.
If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it’s probably a helicopter,
and therefore, unsafe.
Mankind has a perfect record in aviation: We’ve never left one up there.
Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers.
What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot
screws up, the pilot dies; if ATC screws up, the pilot dies.
Never trade luck for skill.
from The Super Glitch
Tulsa Glue Dobbers, Inc.
Mauricio Papa, editor
Broken Arrow OK
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Club Contacts:
| President: Dan Curtis- 887-2971 | Vice President: George Ashley- 883-2621 |
| Secretary: Ralph Todd- 859-3073 | Treasurer: Kevin Murdock, 823-7865 |
| Board of Directors: James White, Ron Cannell, Ray Niles, Lonnie Cort, Harrold Carrol, Charles Newton. | |
| News Letter Editor: Russ Rhodes, 3164 S. Glenhaven, Springfield, Missouri 65804, rgr592f@smsu.edu | |
| Web Site of Springfield RC Club: http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/blacksheeprc/index2.html | |
David Sleeth - Owner
"Your Edge to Better Quality & Service"
1912 E. Sunshine, Springfield, Missouri 65804
Radio Control Equipment Specialists
Airplanes, Boats, Cars, Plastic Models, Parts, Service, Tools
(417) 883-1118, (800) 730-3138
