SAM 2015 Electric Rules

(Editor's Note: Just in case you lost your copy of the rules published in SAM Speaks...)

More About SOS From Jack Hiner

(Editor's Note: Jack Hiner has been making a careful study of SOS potential subjects vis a vis the new battery rules. He has taken the scientific method of testing motors, ESCs, and batteries.)

"Steve,

I soldered up test jumpers today so I could get an amp reading with the Thunder Power 160mAh 25C single cell Lipo.

The motor is an XP7-A ESC, Silver Bullet outrunner and GWS 6/5 prop.  This is the set up I use in my Miss Production for SOS tests this year.

I tried two T. P. 160 single cell packs and the highest amp reading at start up was 2.12 amps.  Second cell a bit lower.

So the XP-3A ESC should work for SOS.  Mike McIntyre may have other recommendations for ESC and SOS for 2015.

Glen Poole and I both flew SOS last time in early November.  When Glen flew early in the morning the temperature was in the upper 20's.

I waited until it warmed up to about 41 degrees and made my flights after Glen left for home.

My SOS Miss Production is ready for 2015 rules and I plan on flying it a Eloy in January, 2015.

Jack

Single Cell Chargers - A Working Review From Jack Hiner

(Editor's Note: I have been corresponding with Jack Hiner of SAM 117. He really likes Spirit of SAM competition and has some things to say about 1S chargers. The new SOS rules specify  a maximum of 160mAh 1S cell for the motor battery.)

Jack writes:
"Both chargers are designed to have the single cell Lipo plugged directly into the charger.  The Four-Play (on the left) only has the connector for the smaller single cell Lipo such as the Thunder Power single cell 160mAh.  The Hitec X4 has 4 different connectors for each port so it's more versatile.  Connectors are designed for just so many insertions so I use jumpers for both chargers.  If the jumper or extension connector gets damaged over time just replace the jumper.  Hobby King USA sells a 5 pack of these extensions for a little over $2 when I got mine.  10 cm long and known as "Mini Plug Extensions For Micro Battery 10 cm".   E-Flite calls these connectors "Pico Plugs".  So get that SOS model modified and flying per the new rules.  These jumpers can also be used for the male and female connectors on radio installations and test equipment."

Southwest Regionals Map - New Location for RC Field

Bob Angus, the Contest Director mailed a map and event schedule to me for RC events at the Southwest Regionals in Eloy this coming January 18, 19 and 20. Watch out for speed traps set on the exit off of I-10. (Those in the Roadrunner Squadron know of which I speak!)

Richardson RC Club Antique/Vintage RC Fun Fly

The Richardson RC Club is planning a Vintage/Antique Fun Fly for May 30, 2015

Location: Princeton TX

Site :  Richardson RC Club Field

Contest Director: Ed Kranz; Phone 214-673-9698; Email ekranz@mail.smu.edu

Visit Website:  RRCC.ORG  

On behalf of the South Central Region of the Vintage RC Society, and Chapter 4 of the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM), The Richardson RC Club would like to invite you to come out and enjoy a day of showing off, flying, and bragging about your Vintage, Antique, Pioneer, Classic and Nostalgia R/C Aircraft  This will be an open flying,  fellowship event.  No serious competition, just flying. All SAM and VR/CS eligible aircraft are encouraged, but any RC aircraft is welcome to participate. Raffle, lunch available, landing fee includes lunch, and one raffle ticket. RV Camping is available nearby. 

Gates Open: 8:00 AM

Pilot's Meeting: 9:00 AM  

Sponsor: RICHARDSON RC CLUB