AMP'D

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Welcome to AMP'D; the on-line column all about electric flight! A continuous flow of new technology has rapidly changed the scope of electric flight such that formal organizations, manufacturers, vendors, hobby shops, and most of all, users like us are having a hard time keeping up. Even when your hobby is an obsession, as it is for me, the new products and changing technologies appear so fast that it can make most people confused. The flooding of various brand names from overseas helps provide competition that lowers prices and increases choices but it is often at a cost of confusion, service, and quality. At AMP'D, we will try to sort out these issues while focusing on electric flight. AMP'D will sometimes address social or organizational issues related to electric flight, but mostly, it is about new products and the application of new technology. Please feel free to ask questions or make suggestions by e-mailing me at greg@rcuniverse.com

	Issue 14 - Although new market trends are lowering prices, most of us consider the cost of Lithium batteries to be a significant part of our electric flight setup. When our batteries loose capacity over time, or from abuse, we start to realize that it is important to maximize our investment. As I prepare for a long cold winter here in upstate, NY, my focus in this month's issue of AMP'D is to show some simple preventive measures that anyone can apply to slow the aging process of Lithium packs, especially during the off-season months when they may not even be used.
	Issue 13 - If you want a larger model with more power or maybe a good building fix, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on an R/C model. With the right skill set, and attitude, you can create something impressive enough to get noticed at any flying field. My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D is to show some higher power EDF models that, without breaking the bank, can be flown off grass, have functional retracts, and provide enough thrust to make that awesome jet sound!
	Issue 12 - Our R/C hobby has so many facets that sometimes it can become overwhelming to take it all in. Recent advances in technology have allowed many of us to enjoy the hobby without being skilled in all aspects of it. Today, we can learn almost anything about R/C from the Web. We have on-line communities, clubs, cliques, forums, marketing, and sales. We can easily go on-line and spend our entire R/C budget for the season! In this months issue of AMP'D, we'll see how electric flight has improved the performance and appearance of several scale aircraft. Originally flown using glow engines, these beautifully detailed planes are now scale electric conversions.
	Issue 11 - Advances in all facets of technology from Lithium batteries to spread spectrum radios to tiny brushless motors, controllers, gyros, and servos have all combined with new techniques like thrust vectoring, coaxial blade rotation, plastic, carbon and foam construction techniques to make an exciting new generation of indoor flying models. From easy flying RTFs like the ParkZone Vapor or E-flite Blade mCX to skillfully hand-built rubber-powered conversions and precision flying 3D "mined" foamies, the culmination of increasingly larger gatherings like the Great Planes E-Fest, ETOC, and Heli Smackdown events all mean only one thing...that Indoor Flying Rocks!
	Issue 10 - Since mainstream EDF is relatively new, if you are a real jet enthusiast, it doesn't take long until your interest goes off the beaten path. You want a larger model with more power or maybe a good building fix. You can't see spending thousands of dollars on an R/C model but you want something between 3lbs and 10lbs with enough power to get noticed or even take-off with functional retracts. My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D is to introduce newer EDF enthusiasts that want to advance faster than the current mainstream market allows without breaking the bank. The choices for EDF are both vast and exciting when you start to venture off the beaten path.
	Issue 9 - From the moment we start to fly, exhilaration is felt that becomes our addiction to the hobby. As soon as we master our first R/C trainer, we're on to the next level. Our excitement for an ever increasing challenge was what attracted us to this hobby in the first place. Every flight is a different experience and there are no guarantees. My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D is to reveal a few fast setups that range in cost and complexity but all with a common goal...to inspire your passion by creating an R/C model that satisfies the need for speed!
	Issue 8 - In a fast-paced world, where our hobby time is limited, the invasion of Almost-Ready-to-Fly planes (or ARFs) has been a real blessing for many R/Cers. Other models are so popular that they may get lost in a "sea" of similar ARFs at the local flying field or R/C event. With only a minor change, here or there, your plane can stand out from the rest. My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D will not be to convert an ARF to compete with the Scale Masters or Top Gun craftsmen, but rather to inspire your imagination to create your own simple model changes that will help scale it up!
	Issue 7 - VTOL is an abbreviation for Vertical Take-Off and Landing. VTOL describes fixed-wing aircraft that can lift off vertically. This classification includes only a very few aircraft like helicopters, autogyros, jump jets, and tiltrotors. Helium-filled balloons and airships are not normally considered VTOL. The following project was dedicated to our passion for making a functional VTOL design for the hobbyist using conventional components available at multiple vendors.
	Issue 6 - I recently had an opportunity to see Dave Mathewson at a local club meeting where he was invited to give a presentation on his objectives and long range plans for the AMA. With an average AMA member age of about 58, has technology or social change outdated the need for the AMA? These questions, and many more, are investigated in this month's AMP'D as the AMA Gets Electrified!
	Issue 5 - With brushless motors sustaining 30,000 to over 40,000 RPMs under load, EDF units started performing very well. We first saw a series of "fun" jets where the EDF unit was merely used to replace an existing prop design, almost as an afterthought. We also saw many streamlined jet designs that were powered by pusher props. Then, it finally happened...the first high performance ARF ducted fan jets hit the market. This month's issue of AMP'D is all about jet fever as EDF goes mainstream.
	Issue 4 - One of the many advantages of electric flight is that we can tap into the main battery pack to supply power for the receiver and servos. Most Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) have a built-in Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that eliminates the need for a separate receiver battery pack - thus reducing weight and adding the convenience of recharging only a single battery. In this month's issue of AMP'D, we explore the need and advantages of why we use regulated power.
	Issue 3 - For years now, I have heard concerns about motor cost and complexity from many R/Cers wishing to try electric-powered flight. The market has responded with lower prices through competition, reduced complexity through outrunners, and even “combo” packages of matched components that work together. This month's issue will address motor selection confusion.
	Issue 2 - When it comes to making electric conversions easier, I am always eager to use new products in my next project. This month's column shows a few of these items that have helped make it easier for me to fly electric and "arm the big boys".

Issue 1 - Welcome to the first issue of AMP'D; the on-line column all about electric flight! A continuous flow of new technology has rapidly changed the scope of electric flight such that formal organizations, manufacturers, vendors, hobby shops, and most of all, users like us are having a hard time keep. At AMP'D, we will try to sort out these issues while focusing on electric flight.