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Gyroscopic forces can be surprisingly high (click small images to enlarge and get more information). | Motors and ESCs must be well cooled (click small images to enlarge and get more information). |
ESC matters
It is important that the ESC is rated for at least a little
more than the current being drawn by the motor. A generously
rated ESC will run cooler, and will provide more 'headroom'
for any propeller changes.
Like the motor, the ESC must also be adequately cooled. This is extremely important if the RC system is fed by a BEC which is part of the ESC - if the ESC overheats, the BEC may no longer work, causing a loss of control. It is not possible to over cool an ESC.
ESC installation
The ESC should not be free to flap about; make sure it’s
restrained in the model and that its associated flight
battery and RC system connectors cannot become undone
in flight.
Battery installation
The battery must be properly restrained - you really don't
want it falling out of the model in flight, endangering
people below. The battery must not be able to move inside
the model either, otherwise it may shift in flight causing
a disastrous change in the CG of the model. This would
render the model un flyable.
Battery cooling
The battery should be adequately cooled. High power installations
will generate much more heat than lower powered ones.
Don't over cool or under cool the battery - LiPo batteries
must not be allowed to overheat, and work best when slightly
warm.
The battery must be firmly held within the model. The battery of this Interceptor by Chris Golds is retained by two straps. | Props should be balanced - any vibration may lead to equipment failure. |
Propellers
The propeller should not be overlooked. It's important
to make sure the prop is balanced, otherwise it will create
vibration which can cause a high rate of wear on the airframe
and electronics, which can potentially lead to equipment
failures. Also, any energy used to produce vibration won't
be available for propelling the model, so a balanced prop
will bring a performance benefit too. Spinners may also
need balancing.
Motor failures & multi-motor models
Motor failures with multi motor models are potentially
much more serious than for single motor models, as an
asymmetric power condition can quickly cause a pilot to
lose control.
The damaged model in the heading picture was a Lancaster, which unfortunately suffered a failed gearbox, leading to an asymmetric power condition. Moments after the failure, the model entered a spin and crashed. At least the builder had not spent time painting the model! Happily, the airplane was rebuilt and finished to a high standard, rewarding its builder with satisfying flights.
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