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 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 With an average AMA member age of about 58, has technology or social change outdated the need for the AMA?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.