The Amazing RC Lithium Battery
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Lithium battery
technology is based on the material characteristics of lithium - the lightest metal with the highest electrochemical potential of any solid material. The technology has not yet fully matured and is still being improved continuously as new metal and chemical combinations are being tried to increase energy density and prolong service life.In many ways, lithium is superior to nickel and lead-based chemistries and the applications for a lithium battery are growing as a result. One of the most exciting applications of course is in the radio control hobby field. A lithium battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge and frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often (they are good for 300-500 discharge/charge cycles) or use a larger battery. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges.Aging of lithium-ion is an issue that is often ignored and a lithium battery has a lifetime of 2-3 years. The clock starts ticking as soon as the battery comes off the manufacturing line and the capacity loss is the result of increased internal resistance caused by oxidation. Eventually, the cell resistance will reach a point where the pack can no longer deliver the stored energy, although the battery may still contain ample charge. With lithium cells, there is always the risk of fire which can result from shorting, improper charging or crash damage to the batteries. And because a lithium battery fire is very hot (several thousand degrees) it often starts other fires which can result in burning down the house! Now the reason fire occurs is due to contact between the lithium and oxygen in the air. It doesnt need any other source of ignition or fuel to start, and burns almost explosively.Please follow these simple safety rules:Store and charge in a fireproof container, never in your model. I keep and charge mine in a metal garbage can lid. Never leave the charging process unattended, especially overnight. Charge in a protected area away from any combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging process. Never attempt to charge a lithium battery that has been damaged and if it has been damaged, carefully remove it to a safe place for at least a half hour to observe. After sufficient time to ensure safety, damaged cells should be discarded at a recycling depot, not in the garbage.. Always use a dedicated lithium charger, never a Ni-Cd/NiMh charger. Use charging systems that monitor and control the charge state of each cell in the pack because unbalanced cells can lead to the overcharge of a single cell in the pack resulting in swelling. If swelling occurs, discontinue charging immediately and remove to a safe place outside.Other than thatenjoy!!Superior lithium ion polymer batteries (LiPol or LiPo) like the Thunder Power above and the Apogee batteries below, use a polymer electrolyte that can be packaged in flexible material and designed to prevent explosion making them safe to handle as an RC battery. These cells offer working voltages in the range of 3.0~4.2V compared to 1.2V~1.5V for lead acid, NiCd, and NiMh rechargeable batteries so it takes only half the number of cells to achieve the same voltage. Note: as I mentioned, many chargers used in the radio control market today can't support the lithium rechargeable battery characteristics and therefore require their own unique charger, which you'll find by clicking here. LiPoly Battery Features:Thunder Power, E-Flight and Apogee are some of the best lithium batteries on the market!Up to 1000 cycles (twice the ordinary)Extremely lightweight & compactProvides 5X the operating time of same-sized NiCdsNo memory effect3.7 volt cell output provides 3X the reliability of NiCdsCell chemistry is non-toxic and contains no carcinogens
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Radio Control Nitro Cars
Enter The World of Radio Control Nitro Cars
While electric models may be less expensive and easier to operate, "gas" powered
radio control nitro cars
and trucks have the definite edge when it comes to realism and performance. These RC cars are NOT powered by gasoline-they use a special fuel, commonly referred to as "glow fuel" or "nitro." But they do capture the sights and sounds of real, full-size racing like no electric can. The nitro RC car engines roar powerfully...exhaust vapors trail your machine...and the speeds are unbelievable (up to 80 mph!)
There is a huge variety to choose from: trucks, buggies, sedans, stock cars and more. Many come in "sport" or "competition" versions. First-timers might prefer the sport models gas powered rc cars for their lower cost, though if you're set on racing your radio control nitro cars you may want some competition features, such as ball bearings and oil shocks. When you choose a nitro RC car, make sure you understand what it does and does not include. Some kits already come with an engine. Competition-level cars provide the basic chassis, but often require you to purchase an engine and body separately.
You can control radio control nitro cars with the same type of 2-channel radio system used for an electric model. The one difference is that you will also need batteries to power the receiver in your vehicle. There is no battery pack for this RC cars motor that might also be used to power the receiver.
Some gas powered RC cars are powered by 4-cycle small internal combustion "glow" engines but most use a 2-cycle unit. They burn a nitromethane-based fuel that includes special lubricants for engine protection.
In addition to glow fuel, a number of fuel accessories are available that make it easier to operate radio control nitro cars. To get the fuel from its container into your model's tank, for example, you can use a Fuel Pump (powered and hand-crank options are available), suction-type Fuel Bulb, or a small Fuel Bottle with specially angled neck for reaching easily into confined areas. And fuel filters, installed in the fuel lines, will trap impurities before they can reach and possibly damage your RC cars engine.
Full-size automobile engines use spark plugs that ignite fuel with a spark...glow engines use a "glow plug" that, once heated with a battery-powered "glow starter," hold that heat to continue igniting the glow fuel as you race. Your radio control nitro cars engine may or may not come with a glow plug. Regardless, you will need additional plugs because they do need to be replaced-it's always a good idea to take several spares with you to the track for your RC cars. The glow starter, too, must be purchased separately.
You now have an assembled nitro RC car or truck, a radio, an engine and fuel. That covers the basic equipment that makes an assembled gas model ready race. But you need a few additional items to transform it from a static machine to a radio control nitro cars that springs into action at your command. Those include the following pieces of track equipment. (Remember, the vast majority of these are one-time purchases. Buy them once and you're all set for a long, thrilling nitro RC car racing career!)
12V 5 Amp Field Battery - to power all of your electric track equipment
12V Charger - to recharge the field battery
Glow Starter or Glow Plug Clip - both of these items provide your glow plug with the initial heat it needs to burn fuel; a Glow Starter carries its own battery, while a Glow Plug Clip is powered by your field battery.
Starter Box or 12V Starter with Car Adapter - if your radio control nitro cars engine is not equipped with its own recoil starter, you will need one of these devices to start it.
So there you have it, everything needed for you to burn up the track with your RC cars and trucks...Enjoy!
While electric models may be less expensive and easier to operate, "gas" powered
radio control nitro cars
and trucks have the definite edge when it comes to realism and performance. These RC cars are NOT powered by gasoline-they use a special fuel, commonly referred to as "glow fuel" or "nitro." But they do capture the sights and sounds of real, full-size racing like no electric can. The nitro RC car engines roar powerfully...exhaust vapors trail your machine...and the speeds are unbelievable (up to 80 mph!)
There is a huge variety to choose from: trucks, buggies, sedans, stock cars and more. Many come in "sport" or "competition" versions. First-timers might prefer the sport models gas powered rc cars for their lower cost, though if you're set on racing your radio control nitro cars you may want some competition features, such as ball bearings and oil shocks. When you choose a nitro RC car, make sure you understand what it does and does not include. Some kits already come with an engine. Competition-level cars provide the basic chassis, but often require you to purchase an engine and body separately.
You can control radio control nitro cars with the same type of 2-channel radio system used for an electric model. The one difference is that you will also need batteries to power the receiver in your vehicle. There is no battery pack for this RC cars motor that might also be used to power the receiver.
Some gas powered RC cars are powered by 4-cycle small internal combustion "glow" engines but most use a 2-cycle unit. They burn a nitromethane-based fuel that includes special lubricants for engine protection.
In addition to glow fuel, a number of fuel accessories are available that make it easier to operate radio control nitro cars. To get the fuel from its container into your model's tank, for example, you can use a Fuel Pump (powered and hand-crank options are available), suction-type Fuel Bulb, or a small Fuel Bottle with specially angled neck for reaching easily into confined areas. And fuel filters, installed in the fuel lines, will trap impurities before they can reach and possibly damage your RC cars engine.
Full-size automobile engines use spark plugs that ignite fuel with a spark...glow engines use a "glow plug" that, once heated with a battery-powered "glow starter," hold that heat to continue igniting the glow fuel as you race. Your radio control nitro cars engine may or may not come with a glow plug. Regardless, you will need additional plugs because they do need to be replaced-it's always a good idea to take several spares with you to the track for your RC cars. The glow starter, too, must be purchased separately.
You now have an assembled nitro RC car or truck, a radio, an engine and fuel. That covers the basic equipment that makes an assembled gas model ready race. But you need a few additional items to transform it from a static machine to a radio control nitro cars that springs into action at your command. Those include the following pieces of track equipment. (Remember, the vast majority of these are one-time purchases. Buy them once and you're all set for a long, thrilling nitro RC car racing career!)
12V 5 Amp Field Battery - to power all of your electric track equipment
12V Charger - to recharge the field battery
Glow Starter or Glow Plug Clip - both of these items provide your glow plug with the initial heat it needs to burn fuel; a Glow Starter carries its own battery, while a Glow Plug Clip is powered by your field battery.
Starter Box or 12V Starter with Car Adapter - if your radio control nitro cars engine is not equipped with its own recoil starter, you will need one of these devices to start it.
So there you have it, everything needed for you to burn up the track with your RC cars and trucks...Enjoy!
JR radio control info
JR Radio Control Systems Reviewed
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JR radio control
is one of the better-known brand names in R/C. The following list is a brief summary of some of the JR systems, highlighting a few of the JR models and providing some differentiating features of each system. For a more thorough discussion of each model, refer to http://www.jrradios.com.
JR Quattro This is considered the most basic JR radio control. It is designed for beginners to the hobby, and is based around a 4-channel non-computer airplane FM system. The JR Quattro has 4 - 527 standard servos and includes a servo-reversing feature. This feature is controlled with switches that are located away from the main controls as a safety feature. The Quattro boasts a 3 color LED indicator that gives you a quick snapshot of your batterys voltage. Even though this is the baseline JR model, it has the standard adjustable stick length for more individualized control.
JR 421EX This control is also well suited for beginners, and it is the step up into the JR radio control computer models. The 421EX is a 5-channel system designed for airplanes. It has 4 - 537 ball bearing servos, also with a servo-reversing feature programmed into the computer controls. This model is built for easy programming and includes a two-model memory so you dont have to keep reprogramming the system before switching between planes.
JR XF662 The next jump in JR radio control leads to the 6-channel FM computer model XF662. This system is suited for beginners as well as intermediate fliers. With 4 - 537 ball bearing servos, the XF662 is equipped to handle airplanes as well as helicopters that have 4 servos. The computerized radio stores 6 models of each type of craft.
JR XF662 heli This JR radio control is the cousin of the XF662 and includes all of the same features. The difference is that the XF662 heli has 5 - 537 ball bearing servos, giving it more advanced control of helicopter models.
JR X378 Moving up the chain of JR radio control systems, the X378 controls helicopters, airplanes, and sailplanes. It is for intermediate fliers, and includes a 7-channel computerized FM system. The X378 has 4 - 537 ball bearing servos and an 8-model memory.
JR XP8103DT JR advertises this radio control as a 3 in 1 system. The XP8103DT is designed for the more advanced radio control pilot. The 8-channel computerized system has specific software features for airplanes, helicopters, and gliders. This JR radio control is one of the more advanced models, and it is programmed with more trim control features than the others. It has 4 - 811 ball bearing servos.
JR XP8103DT heli This is the XP8103DT with an extra servo for added control, specifically for helicopters. Other than the additional servo, it has all of the same features of the XP8103DT.
(All links open new windows)
JR radio control
is one of the better-known brand names in R/C. The following list is a brief summary of some of the JR systems, highlighting a few of the JR models and providing some differentiating features of each system. For a more thorough discussion of each model, refer to http://www.jrradios.com.
JR Quattro This is considered the most basic JR radio control. It is designed for beginners to the hobby, and is based around a 4-channel non-computer airplane FM system. The JR Quattro has 4 - 527 standard servos and includes a servo-reversing feature. This feature is controlled with switches that are located away from the main controls as a safety feature. The Quattro boasts a 3 color LED indicator that gives you a quick snapshot of your batterys voltage. Even though this is the baseline JR model, it has the standard adjustable stick length for more individualized control.
JR 421EX This control is also well suited for beginners, and it is the step up into the JR radio control computer models. The 421EX is a 5-channel system designed for airplanes. It has 4 - 537 ball bearing servos, also with a servo-reversing feature programmed into the computer controls. This model is built for easy programming and includes a two-model memory so you dont have to keep reprogramming the system before switching between planes.
JR XF662 The next jump in JR radio control leads to the 6-channel FM computer model XF662. This system is suited for beginners as well as intermediate fliers. With 4 - 537 ball bearing servos, the XF662 is equipped to handle airplanes as well as helicopters that have 4 servos. The computerized radio stores 6 models of each type of craft.
JR XF662 heli This JR radio control is the cousin of the XF662 and includes all of the same features. The difference is that the XF662 heli has 5 - 537 ball bearing servos, giving it more advanced control of helicopter models.
JR X378 Moving up the chain of JR radio control systems, the X378 controls helicopters, airplanes, and sailplanes. It is for intermediate fliers, and includes a 7-channel computerized FM system. The X378 has 4 - 537 ball bearing servos and an 8-model memory.
JR XP8103DT JR advertises this radio control as a 3 in 1 system. The XP8103DT is designed for the more advanced radio control pilot. The 8-channel computerized system has specific software features for airplanes, helicopters, and gliders. This JR radio control is one of the more advanced models, and it is programmed with more trim control features than the others. It has 4 - 811 ball bearing servos.
JR XP8103DT heli This is the XP8103DT with an extra servo for added control, specifically for helicopters. Other than the additional servo, it has all of the same features of the XP8103DT.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Must read gas powered RC car information
The Gas Powered RC Car Explained
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The gas powered RC car
is a very popular form of radio control vehicle. Many people begin their hobby with electric vehicles, then decide to make a jump into the gas powered variety. Both the electric and nitro rc car have their advantages, but many people enjoy the added challenges of a gas-powered vehicle.
If you are thinking of buying a gas powered RC car, here are just a few of the basics youll need to know before you get started:
Fuel
The main part of a fuel powered engine is, well, the fuel. They dont run off of the regular gasoline that our automobiles use. Instead, the fuel used in a gas remote control car is a highly combustible mix of methanol, nitro methane, and castor or synthetic oil.
Nitro fuel is rated by its nitro methane content. A nitro rc car, especially the smaller scale car, works well on a fuel that is 10-20% nitro methane.
Larger, more powerful engines may benefit from a higher content such as 30%, but only if the engine can efficiently handle such a mixture. Otherwise, the higher mixture will just be burned away while the engines power sees no increase.
If you have a question about what mixture to run in your nitro rc car, you can experiment with different ratios or ask someone with more experience what they have found to work best in a particular engine.
Lubricants are contained in the fuel to help keep your engine running smoothly through normal wear and tear. The two stroke engine in your gas powered RC car benefits from the fact that lubricants can be added directly to the fuel.
The fuel travels through and past all of the moving parts in the engine on the way to the combustion chamber. The lubricants cling to the metal of the moving parts on the way past, and any remainder is burned off in the combustion process or released in the engines exhaust. Having just a little blue smoke coming from your gas powered RC car exhaust is a good indicator that you have enough lubricants in your fuel to do the job.
Glow plug and igniter
Once the fuel gets down into the combustion chamber, there needs to be sufficient heat to maintain the desired combustion. A nitro car contains a glow plug system for this purpose.
The glow plug itself is a stationary coil of wire that glows red or white hot when coupled with the glow plug igniter. This igniter is a 1.5-volt, battery-operated component that starts the heating process. What the igniter does is provide the initial spark necessary to heat the glow plug and begin the combustion process, much like the spark plugs in your car.
Once enough heat is generated in the combustion chamber, the heat feeds the glow plug, which keeps the chamber hot, and a cycle is created. As long as there are oxygen and fuel available, the igniter is no longer necessary to maintain the heat of combustion.
While these are only a couple of the components of a gas powered RC car, they are the heart of the nitro-powered engine. Once you get an understanding of these parts, you are well on your way to nitro fun.
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The gas powered RC car
is a very popular form of radio control vehicle. Many people begin their hobby with electric vehicles, then decide to make a jump into the gas powered variety. Both the electric and nitro rc car have their advantages, but many people enjoy the added challenges of a gas-powered vehicle.
If you are thinking of buying a gas powered RC car, here are just a few of the basics youll need to know before you get started:
Fuel
The main part of a fuel powered engine is, well, the fuel. They dont run off of the regular gasoline that our automobiles use. Instead, the fuel used in a gas remote control car is a highly combustible mix of methanol, nitro methane, and castor or synthetic oil.
Nitro fuel is rated by its nitro methane content. A nitro rc car, especially the smaller scale car, works well on a fuel that is 10-20% nitro methane.
Larger, more powerful engines may benefit from a higher content such as 30%, but only if the engine can efficiently handle such a mixture. Otherwise, the higher mixture will just be burned away while the engines power sees no increase.
If you have a question about what mixture to run in your nitro rc car, you can experiment with different ratios or ask someone with more experience what they have found to work best in a particular engine.
Lubricants are contained in the fuel to help keep your engine running smoothly through normal wear and tear. The two stroke engine in your gas powered RC car benefits from the fact that lubricants can be added directly to the fuel.
The fuel travels through and past all of the moving parts in the engine on the way to the combustion chamber. The lubricants cling to the metal of the moving parts on the way past, and any remainder is burned off in the combustion process or released in the engines exhaust. Having just a little blue smoke coming from your gas powered RC car exhaust is a good indicator that you have enough lubricants in your fuel to do the job.
Glow plug and igniter
Once the fuel gets down into the combustion chamber, there needs to be sufficient heat to maintain the desired combustion. A nitro car contains a glow plug system for this purpose.
The glow plug itself is a stationary coil of wire that glows red or white hot when coupled with the glow plug igniter. This igniter is a 1.5-volt, battery-operated component that starts the heating process. What the igniter does is provide the initial spark necessary to heat the glow plug and begin the combustion process, much like the spark plugs in your car.
Once enough heat is generated in the combustion chamber, the heat feeds the glow plug, which keeps the chamber hot, and a cycle is created. As long as there are oxygen and fuel available, the igniter is no longer necessary to maintain the heat of combustion.
While these are only a couple of the components of a gas powered RC car, they are the heart of the nitro-powered engine. Once you get an understanding of these parts, you are well on your way to nitro fun.
Radio control car gas info
Radio Control Car Gas Explained
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Contrary to what it may sound like, radio control car gas isnt gasoline at all. It is referred to as nitro fuel, and it is actually less volatile than regular gasoline. It is flammable, however, and care must be used whenever filling or operating a gas powered radio control car. It can not be said too many times never, ever try to use real gasoline in your
radio control car gas
powered vehicle.
This gas is actually a mixture including lubricants, methanol, and nitromethane. The lubricants used in the fuel can be synthetic or castor oil base. These lubricants serve the same purpose in your radio control car gas as they do in other 2-cycle engine fuels.
Because of the makeup of the 2-cycle engine, the lubricants in the fuel flow on both sides of the pistons and through the crankcase and keep these and other engine parts well lubricated. Whatever oil doesnt stick to the desired parts is simply burned through the combustion process or released in the exhaust.
The lubrication in the fuel can also help keep the running temperature of the engine desirably low. But you cant rely on too much of a good thing.
While more oil may keep temperatures even lower, it also lowers the ratio of nitromethane in the fuel, which is responsible for the actual amount of power transferred to the vehicle. But putting in too little oil to make room for more of the nitro can result in overheated, worn down engines in which extra power wont do much good.
The nitromethane content of a fuel is what it is generally rated on. This is the fuel that results in power in the vehicle.
Typical radio control car gas has a nitro content of about 10% - 20%, but many enthusiasts experiment with their own levels to achieve the mixture of power results and long engine life they are looking for. Larger radio control cars may benefit from higher nitromethane ratios, but remember the warning about too much of a good thing.
There is certainly a level of diminishing returns where more nitromethane doesnt convert to more power and just takes up the space where precious lubrication should be. Its a give and take relationship that takes quite a bit of mastering if you are going to experiment with your own fuel rations.
How does this radio control car gas work, anyway? It uses combustion within the engine to transfer power from the fuel into mechanical power. The combustion chamber has what is known as a hot spot created by a glow plug (similar in concept to a spark plug in regular vehicles).
The pistons create compression, the glow plug gets hotter, and the combination of the two results in the necessary combustion begin to burn and keep burning the fuel to power the engine.
As long as the combustion cycle continues to receive the oxygen and fuel it needs to keep the process going, the radio control car gas will continue to burn and power the engine.
So if gas powered radio control cars strike your interest, remember that the fuel is the key to running and maintaining a powerful engine. And also remember to use the proper safety and caution with the flammable materials involved.
(All links open new windows)
Contrary to what it may sound like, radio control car gas isnt gasoline at all. It is referred to as nitro fuel, and it is actually less volatile than regular gasoline. It is flammable, however, and care must be used whenever filling or operating a gas powered radio control car. It can not be said too many times never, ever try to use real gasoline in your
radio control car gas
powered vehicle.
This gas is actually a mixture including lubricants, methanol, and nitromethane. The lubricants used in the fuel can be synthetic or castor oil base. These lubricants serve the same purpose in your radio control car gas as they do in other 2-cycle engine fuels.
Because of the makeup of the 2-cycle engine, the lubricants in the fuel flow on both sides of the pistons and through the crankcase and keep these and other engine parts well lubricated. Whatever oil doesnt stick to the desired parts is simply burned through the combustion process or released in the exhaust.
The lubrication in the fuel can also help keep the running temperature of the engine desirably low. But you cant rely on too much of a good thing.
While more oil may keep temperatures even lower, it also lowers the ratio of nitromethane in the fuel, which is responsible for the actual amount of power transferred to the vehicle. But putting in too little oil to make room for more of the nitro can result in overheated, worn down engines in which extra power wont do much good.
The nitromethane content of a fuel is what it is generally rated on. This is the fuel that results in power in the vehicle.
Typical radio control car gas has a nitro content of about 10% - 20%, but many enthusiasts experiment with their own levels to achieve the mixture of power results and long engine life they are looking for. Larger radio control cars may benefit from higher nitromethane ratios, but remember the warning about too much of a good thing.
There is certainly a level of diminishing returns where more nitromethane doesnt convert to more power and just takes up the space where precious lubrication should be. Its a give and take relationship that takes quite a bit of mastering if you are going to experiment with your own fuel rations.
How does this radio control car gas work, anyway? It uses combustion within the engine to transfer power from the fuel into mechanical power. The combustion chamber has what is known as a hot spot created by a glow plug (similar in concept to a spark plug in regular vehicles).
The pistons create compression, the glow plug gets hotter, and the combination of the two results in the necessary combustion begin to burn and keep burning the fuel to power the engine.
As long as the combustion cycle continues to receive the oxygen and fuel it needs to keep the process going, the radio control car gas will continue to burn and power the engine.
So if gas powered radio control cars strike your interest, remember that the fuel is the key to running and maintaining a powerful engine. And also remember to use the proper safety and caution with the flammable materials involved.
Hacker Brushless Motors
Quality Hacker Brushless Motors and Other Choices
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Hacker Brushless
motors have become the power system of choice for many modelers because of their high quality, tremendous power and high efficiency. Their solid magnet, two pole rotors permit very high rpm (revolutions per minute) and they've been specifically developed for radio controlled models.
All motors are designed and produced in Southern Germany near Munich (Home of BMW). Every motor embodies precision German technology and manufacturing techniques to create very powerful and efficient motors systems.
Hacker Brushless motors are very highly regarded with the German competition flyers. However, they are not just suited to competition use, as a very wide range of windings are available, making them suitable for almost any model requiring the high performance and efficiency of a brushless motor.
If you're interested in a Hacker but can't afford one, I do carry the incredible MTM brushless motors which have revolutionized the brushless field. Click on the photo below and you'll be taken to my other brushless motor page.
Brushless motors are much more powerful than traditional brushed motors. There are no contacting parts, so there's nothing to "wear out" like on the regular motor.
As for outrunner motors like MTM, the reason for this term is that the magnets rotate around the outside of the stationary windings, versus the magnets rotating inside of the windings as in the earlier breeds. In the out-runner motors, the rotating outer case conveys the rotary motion to the prop shaft.
The advantage an out-runner style motor has over the conventional brushless motor like Hacker makes, is a marked improvement in torque. With the magnetic force being applied at a greater distance away from the pivot point, a greater torque is obtained for the same electrical power consumption.
But, the increase in torque is offset by a loss in RPM capability. The centrifugal forces involved would tear the outer case apart if run at the same speeds as a conventional brushless.
How coincidental it is, then, that we always take high-speed motors, gear them down, and sacrifice the high speed for torque anyway? Seems like theres a step in there that we could avoid altogether, and thats exactly why the three MTM motors center around eliminating the need for a gearbox.
I hope this article sheds some light on the subject of motors, especially Hacker Brushless and the affordable MTM outrunners pictured above.
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Hacker Brushless
motors have become the power system of choice for many modelers because of their high quality, tremendous power and high efficiency. Their solid magnet, two pole rotors permit very high rpm (revolutions per minute) and they've been specifically developed for radio controlled models.
All motors are designed and produced in Southern Germany near Munich (Home of BMW). Every motor embodies precision German technology and manufacturing techniques to create very powerful and efficient motors systems.
Hacker Brushless motors are very highly regarded with the German competition flyers. However, they are not just suited to competition use, as a very wide range of windings are available, making them suitable for almost any model requiring the high performance and efficiency of a brushless motor.
If you're interested in a Hacker but can't afford one, I do carry the incredible MTM brushless motors which have revolutionized the brushless field. Click on the photo below and you'll be taken to my other brushless motor page.
Brushless motors are much more powerful than traditional brushed motors. There are no contacting parts, so there's nothing to "wear out" like on the regular motor.
As for outrunner motors like MTM, the reason for this term is that the magnets rotate around the outside of the stationary windings, versus the magnets rotating inside of the windings as in the earlier breeds. In the out-runner motors, the rotating outer case conveys the rotary motion to the prop shaft.
The advantage an out-runner style motor has over the conventional brushless motor like Hacker makes, is a marked improvement in torque. With the magnetic force being applied at a greater distance away from the pivot point, a greater torque is obtained for the same electrical power consumption.
But, the increase in torque is offset by a loss in RPM capability. The centrifugal forces involved would tear the outer case apart if run at the same speeds as a conventional brushless.
How coincidental it is, then, that we always take high-speed motors, gear them down, and sacrifice the high speed for torque anyway? Seems like theres a step in there that we could avoid altogether, and thats exactly why the three MTM motors center around eliminating the need for a gearbox.
I hope this article sheds some light on the subject of motors, especially Hacker Brushless and the affordable MTM outrunners pictured above.
Essential gas powered remote control car info
Gas Powered Remote Control Car Explained
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The main thing that makes a
gas powered remote control car
different from electric cars is the engine. A gas powered remote control car runs off a nitro fuel powered 2-stroke engine. Much like their 4-stroke counterparts, these gas powered rc car engines have a carburetor, intake, exhaust, and cooling block.
We wont get into the specific workings of a 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke engine here, but we will go over the main parts of a 2-stroke engine that a radio control hobbyist will need to understand.
The carburetor is the part of the gas powered remote control car engine that mixes the fuel and air before sending them on to combustion. The mix created by a carburetor can be fine tuned for specific proportions depending on how much air you want to run in with the fuel. Running a high mix of air to fuel is called running a lean mixture, while running a high mix of fuel to air is called running a rich mixture.
Running an engine on a lean mix of air and fuel can result in a higher performance output, but if you run it too lean you will starve the engine of the necessary lubricants in the fuel. These oils found in the fuel are the only means a 2-stroke gas powered remote control car engine has of lubricating its engine parts. This lack of lubrication will cause the gas powered rc car engine to burn hotter and most likely shorten its life.
On the other hand, running a mixture too rich will deprive the engine of the fuel necessary to maintain the temperature needed for combustion. Getting this mixture at the desired level is what tuning a carburetor is all about. It is an acquired skill and depends mainly on what performance you want your gas powered rc car to achieve and what mixture of fuel you are using, but learning this skill is definitely worth the effort to the serious gas powered remote control car enthusiasts.
What happens when the carburetor finishes its mixing and sends the fuel and air mixture to be burned? First, the pistons pressurize the fuel in the engine. Then the pressurized fuel crosses paths with a part of the engine known as the glow plug. This glow plug is much like the spark plug of a 4-stroke engine. It is responsible for heating the pressurized fuel and causing it to combust. The burning of the fuel continues as long as it has air and fuel to feed it. The gas powered rc car engine then has the power it needs to turn this combustion into an energy transfer to the mechanical parts of the car.
This is a really simple overview of how a gas powered remote control car works. But its important to know the basics of your car so you can make the right decisions when it comes to how to tune it and how to care for it so that it provides you with many hours of fun. After all, it isnt supposed to be all work, is it?
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The main thing that makes a
gas powered remote control car
different from electric cars is the engine. A gas powered remote control car runs off a nitro fuel powered 2-stroke engine. Much like their 4-stroke counterparts, these gas powered rc car engines have a carburetor, intake, exhaust, and cooling block.
We wont get into the specific workings of a 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke engine here, but we will go over the main parts of a 2-stroke engine that a radio control hobbyist will need to understand.
The carburetor is the part of the gas powered remote control car engine that mixes the fuel and air before sending them on to combustion. The mix created by a carburetor can be fine tuned for specific proportions depending on how much air you want to run in with the fuel. Running a high mix of air to fuel is called running a lean mixture, while running a high mix of fuel to air is called running a rich mixture.
Running an engine on a lean mix of air and fuel can result in a higher performance output, but if you run it too lean you will starve the engine of the necessary lubricants in the fuel. These oils found in the fuel are the only means a 2-stroke gas powered remote control car engine has of lubricating its engine parts. This lack of lubrication will cause the gas powered rc car engine to burn hotter and most likely shorten its life.
On the other hand, running a mixture too rich will deprive the engine of the fuel necessary to maintain the temperature needed for combustion. Getting this mixture at the desired level is what tuning a carburetor is all about. It is an acquired skill and depends mainly on what performance you want your gas powered rc car to achieve and what mixture of fuel you are using, but learning this skill is definitely worth the effort to the serious gas powered remote control car enthusiasts.
What happens when the carburetor finishes its mixing and sends the fuel and air mixture to be burned? First, the pistons pressurize the fuel in the engine. Then the pressurized fuel crosses paths with a part of the engine known as the glow plug. This glow plug is much like the spark plug of a 4-stroke engine. It is responsible for heating the pressurized fuel and causing it to combust. The burning of the fuel continues as long as it has air and fuel to feed it. The gas powered rc car engine then has the power it needs to turn this combustion into an energy transfer to the mechanical parts of the car.
This is a really simple overview of how a gas powered remote control car works. But its important to know the basics of your car so you can make the right decisions when it comes to how to tune it and how to care for it so that it provides you with many hours of fun. After all, it isnt supposed to be all work, is it?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New York City Walking Tours
Do you want an insiders perspective of New York City? Then there is no better way than to take New York City walking tours. New York City is a city of museums, ancient architecture, galleries, media outlets, big corporate companies, stock exchanges and performance venues. It is not only the most populous city in America, but also one of the most popular cities in the world. Tourism is a major industry, with hundreds and thousands of people visiting the city each year. Although New York City has the reputation of being the most expensive city in the world, you could enjoy it on a shoestring budget if you have done thorough research and are planning on a long distance walk through the city. A walking tour through the Big Apple is also the best and the most inexpensive ways to find juicy deals on goods. The best walking tours include going through Chinatown and Little Italy, or going on a popular themed tour such as the Sex and the City, Gangs of New York or Friends tours offered by various tour operators across the city. You would have to stay overnight in a hotel, allowing you more time to go through the entire city in the next few days. Even today a walking tour through the entire city, from Greenwich to the museums and galleries, would cost almost the same as it would have cost you a few years ago. Some of the things not to be missed are the evening shows and the famous monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. What more could you ask for? New York City Tours provides detailed information on New York City Tours, New York City Bus Tours, New York City Helicopter Tours, New York City Walking Tours and more. New York City Tours is affiliated with New York Laser Hair Removal Surgery .
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