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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Another $ .02 (Observations so
far......)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>For a while, 90% of the focus will be on
batteries. A comparison could be made between a single fluid pump drawing
from three different tanks simultaneously--you will get a slight difference in
the amount drawn from each due to friction losses, tubing or pipe
characteristics, length, gravity, etc. If you put the same amount
back in all three each time you refill--eventually you will get an
under/overfill situation. Same thing happens with the cells(I am
surmising). In a heavy charge/discharge cycle, this is
dangerous. That's why cell balancing is so important as they tend to get
out of balance over time. This can be alleviated by individual cell
balancing every so often--if the pack is built to do so. Kind of a large
problem to my way of thinking as there are MANY packs out there that do not have
that capability....and no one is really talking about it. Probably huge
liability issues there.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The good news is several manufacturers are working
on individual cell balancing chargers with multi-plugs that will do it all as
they are charging at maximum rates.(Then only one required.) One
manufacturer thinks he'll have a 20c discharge rate cell that will allow
smaller, lighter packs with possibly higher charging rates.
</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>We'll see. Another has gotten over 700
cycles out of the pack and apparently still over the arbitrary 85% cap.
threshold(or so I have read).</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Several folks are working on new motors--direct and
geared along with some large programmable controllers. Apparently, most of the
problems have been centered on too much draw (too much prop) that screws up the
motor magnets--causes The motor to draw more than the controller is
rated for and blows the controller if it hadn't already been blown.
Evidently if you use the stuff as rated--the systems are fairly
reliable.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since I decided some time ago to take the jump--I
have built several small park and indoor airplanes. It's pretty nice to
run down to the park at halftime and get in a couple flights and only miss a few
minutes of the second half. The power is there and can be controlled
well. It DOES feel a little like cheating! The manufacturers are
working on ways to get the weight AND the danger out of the
batteries.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The evidence supports that IF the systems are
operated within capacities and balanced properly they will last FAR longer than
100 cycles. I suspect that once you do it by the numbers--it'll be like one of
those sweet engines that you set at the beginning of the season and didn't have
to touch the rest.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am holding off until the last minute to buy power
systems as they seem to be changing almost by the day. I did go ahead and
order the first airplane for it, though. BTW--get one of the indoor 3D
jobs and find the local indoor club--keeping it between the basketball goals
will keep the fingers and depth perception nimble.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Richard S.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>