Power Systems


Engine Swap Using Your Step-Ladder!

Engine Swap Using Your Step-Ladder!

One way to mount your new or replacement engine in a model is to use a ladder! Yes, that’s right, an ordinary step-ladder you likely have around your shop! To mount an engine at the very first point of adding the engine, or adding a new engine to an old model, you have very little […]
Unexpected Engine Problems & Solutions

Unexpected Engine Problems & Solutions

After building a Balsa USA Fokker D7 1/4-scale biplane and doing the final setting up on the engine prior to taking to the field, I discovered a violent vibration problem with not one but TWO brand new engines! Good Results on the Test Stand I first ran my original engine choice for the D7, a […]

Custom Gas Engine Throttle Arm

Custom Gas Engine Throttle Arm

Many times the control arms as delivered on gas engines are not up to the job. That is, they are too small or wrong shape for the job at hand in getting a pushrod attached to open or close the butterfly valve. This is pretty easy to remedy without getting on the computer and searching […]
Pick your power: electric, gas or glow!

Pick your power: electric, gas or glow!

There’s an old saying that suggests, “If in doubt, add power!” And we have to admit, there are some Model Airplane News editors who do believe there’s just no substitute for horsepower. But when it comes to selecting which kind of power system to use, many RC modelers can use a little help. Model Airplane […]

Don’t cook your ESC!

Don’t cook your ESC!

Avoid these common power system mistakes Electric fliers all have one thing in common regardless of the size or type of models they fly—the electronic speed control (ESC). It doesn’t matter if you fly helicopters, airplanes, giant-scale, indoor, or micro models; at the heart of your power system is the speed control, and if it’s […]
Getting Started with E-Power

Getting Started with E-Power

Today, our hobby is enjoying a literal “Golden Age” of RC electric flight. The amount of quality motors, batteries, controllers and connectors is just about limitless as are the types and sizes of airplanes you can fly with E-power. Even though there are plenty of plug n play packages out there where you get everything […]

Model Airplane Fuel Systems Explained

Model Airplane Fuel Systems Explained

Radio control model airplanes rely on two basic systems to fly, the radio system and the power system (excluding gliders). When you have a nitro-burning glow engine if your engine loses its fuel supply, you’ll find yourself in a dead-stick situation with a plane that wasn’t designed to be a glider. To prevent dead-stick landings, […]
This MaxAmps pack has a whopping 150C charge rate, so it can be charged very quickly.

LiPo C-Ratings and What They Mean

What do charge rates mean, and is there a noticeable performance difference between high and low rated packs? Charge rates are just what they sound like. It is the amp rate at which you are capable of charging a specific battery pack. Most commonly you will see this at 1C, 2C, and all the way […]

Battery Talk: What the Numbers Mean

Battery Talk: What the Numbers Mean

Every now and then I get a question from someone at an RC field, and it’s nearly always the same question: “How many milliamps is that battery?” The first time I heard that, I didn’t know how to respond because the question didn’t make sense to me. So my “What do you mean?” response resulted […]
Your first 2-stroke: a basic guide

Your first 2-stroke: a basic guide

Two-stroke glow engines are by far the most popular engines used to power RC model airplanes. They are relatively inexpensive for the power they produce, they are easy to start, run and maintain, and once you learn how to properly take care of them they will last for many years. Let’s take a closer look. […]
Increase Battery Life

Increase Battery Life

When it comes to electric aircraft, one of the key components is your battery pack. It is the only power source to keep your aircraft in the air, requires constant maintenance, and if not watched it will most likely be the first thing that needs to be replaced. But with the right care and careful […]
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | CHANGING THE COMPOSITION OF FUEL

CHANGING THE COMPOSITION OF FUEL

By Dave Gierke Occasionally, you may want to change the component percentage of an existing fuel, such as increasing its castor oil content. This would be advantageous for the break-in and normal operation of certain engine types (e.g., ringless iron/steel pistons/cylinders; plain-bearing crankshaft support). What are the requirements? You must know the existing oil percentage, […]
Air Age Media ©
WordPress Lightbox