YARRA VALLEY

AEROMODELLERS

NEWS LETTER October 2012

All the news that’s fit to print (and some that’s not)! President Vice President Jon Goudge 0400 688 787 Bill Wheeler 9761 0323 Secretary Treasurer Hugh Coleman 59681 629 Adrian Whiter 9739 6686 hugh.coleman@bigpond.com Registrar Public Officer Steve Powell 9739 6686 David Nichols 9752 5830

davidnichols83@dodo.com.au Web Master Editor Stuart Thornhill Hugh Coleman scthornhill@gmail.com

John Willis Hangar 9 P47 Thunderbolt

Next meeting: Monday 29

th October, 2012 8.00 pm

Guest Speaker – Dave Pratley from Hyperion Australia. Dave will be telling us about the latest in Battery Technology and 2.4Gig Spectrum Products. Should be well worth hearing.

Newsletter now on our website at:- www.yarravalleyaeromodellers.com

What’s on Where

Nov 3-4 Fun Fly Ararat A&DAC

10-11 40th Anniversary all-sorts fly-in & display at Lake Narracan, LaTrobe Valley LVMAC 11 ‘Classic Pattern Aerobatics’ for ‘early’ .60 size models Rosebud West NMAA 10-11 Old Timer. Sat: ½ A, Burford & Duration

Sunday: Texaco, Climb & Glide, ’38 Antique (incl. electric in ½ A & Texaco. Cohuna CMFC

11 Yarra Valley Aeromodellers Club day YVA 16-18 Victorian State Champs: Helicopter At the VMAA State Flying Field

NFG 18 Sportscale (ARF & Scale) Melton MMAA

24-25 Annual Fly-In and Swap Meet Hamilton HMAC 25 Old Timer. ½ A (including electric) Burford, ’38 Antique and Climb & Glide

Haddon Field BAM

REMEMBER TO CLEAN UP AFTER

YOURSELF AT THE FIELD.

THIS INCLUDES TAKING HOME

YOUR OLD WING BANDS AND

SMOKE BUTTS!!!

CLUB BADGES

Your Club Badge should have arrived in the mail by now. If you have not yet received yours, please give Adrian Whiter a call on the number listed on Page 1.

Rule 5 a. of the club rules states-

At all times, YVA members must display their club badge. This is to enable quick and easy identification of members and visitors.

Failure to display the members club badge will result in a grounding of that member from flying until their badge is displayed.

CLUB HATS

All New members! If you want a gratis club hat, then please come along to a general meeting at the Yarra Valley Aeroclub rooms on the last Monday of the month to collect yours!

CLUB AUCTION

Saturday 8th

Dec 2012

Bleases Lane

Sausage Sizzle (Soft Drinks Supplied)

YVA CLUB DAY November 11th

2012

Details Later in this Issue

Presidents Report

Hello fellow club members, and welcome to the October edition of YVA news. Firstly I would like to give special mention to the mowing team and to Damien Mould whom have been managing through the variable weather conditions to maintain a serviceable runway for our benefit and enjoyment. The roller has been used more recently to smooth out the indentations and inconsistencies in the surface. It has been many weeks since I have been out to the field and I am looking forward to the next opportunity when it presents itself. I must say my last visit was mid week on a Wednesday and I was there alone with young Daniel trying to refine the performance of his Razzel 3D. The wind was at 90 degrees to the strip but that did not

interfere with the activity. I took the opportunity to maiden my Miss Vintage and to my delight the model flew straight off without trim or need to correct any nasties. The only issue is it fly’s way too fast for that style of model. I will be fitting a bigger prop prior to the next outing and hope this will correct it. It was good to see many of our members attend the club outing to Model Engines on the 26th September. I have spoken to several people and all agree that they enjoyed a very informative evening based on the content delivered buy the ME team in their presentations. We also collected a few bargains along the way so it was a great night all round. I have written to Model Engines to thank them for their hospitality and hope they will invite us again next year. (insert Photo) and ME logo

Happy Landings Jon Goudge YVA President

Vale Allan Bray

Fellow club members, we recognise the passing of one of our own, a past member, and good friend to many of you, Allan Bray. Allan was always happy to help and share his knowledge through clubman ship or across the counter at Charlies shop on Fridays. He has maintained his interest despite his illness and kept in contact with some of you throughout despite ceasing to be active in the hobby. I first met Allan some 20 years ago flying out at P&DARCS. He presented a magnificent Super Chipmunk and proceeded to demonstrate how to fly with finesse. This has always stuck in my memory as it was so impressive and set a bench-mark for others to follow. Allan worked as a news cameraman in the days when film was king. He reached the top of his profession as senior news cameraman / operations manager amassing many friends and colleagues over his 30 years with channel 7. Our sympathy is with his family, wife Nanette, daughter Naomi and son Adrian. Jon Goudge YVA President

ENGINES, MOTORS OR...?

I thought I’d try to write something a little thought provoking. I have run the gamut of power from my days in the early 50’s starting with rubber through various forms of IC until discovering electrics. The article is not intended to attempt to convert you to electrics but, hopefully, make you think. Personally, I don’t like two stroke glow engines but when I started in RC the only practical power, certainly in WA, was two strokes. They offered two positives being simple and nearly faultless in operation. The basic loop scavenged .40 or .60 was about as easy as you could get but the only problem was minimal muffling. This simplicity changed as the manufacturers (and there were an abundance in those days) followed the power race. In 1976 I got one of the first early “open rocker” OS .60 four strokes and began to feel more comfortable. The engine was absolutely superb and apart from its very quiet engine note it ran like the proverbial Swiss watch. Numerous of fellow modellers responded with “gutless” until they saw my friend Greg Watson fly one in his 80” span Mick Reeves Hurricane at a weight of 5kg . His “little” .60 handled it with ease in all but the very worst of conditions. After that I ran nothing but four strokes but did try diesels with a conversion from Davis Diesels in the USA but became more fond of PAWs from Macclesfield. These were able to swing very large props comparatively quietly. The drawbacks were that the car reeked of the smell and burnt diesel oil was even filthier than glow. When back in Oz I found it increasingly difficult to purchase reasonable quantities of quality ether.

In 1989 I tried my first electric with a little ARF Aeroflyte Domino. That little cheapie did over two hundred flights until I literally wore it out. In those days motors were relatively low power, batteries heavy, ESCs simply didn’t exist the only choice was IC props. If you did wanted high power brushed motors they had to come out of either Germany or from Astro in the US which all usually wound up costing an arm and a leg. A photo will show some of my still existing motors.

Two giant leaps came with near simultaneous advent of brushless motors and Lithium Polymer batteries. The motors provided greater power and the batteries lighter weight. As an example, a typical 3S 2200 pack will provide greater voltage than an eight cell 2200 Nicad pack and at less than half the weight. A further example, my old Seagull Decathlon used to fly on 20 cells meaning it was carrying roughly 1.2kg in battery weight alone. My criticism of IC engines however is not so much the sound, smell or general messyness but its limitations. Like or loathe electrics if one wants a model weighing 1.0g or something weighing 30kg you can do it. The weights are mentioned only because the MAAA places limits on voltage and voltage is part of the power equation. Too many modellers ignore one of the most important components and whether flying IC or electric so we should think of propellers. Because of this in further articles I’d like to explore are the greater interaction between motor and battery pack and thus the selection of propeller choices as well as your choice of motor and batteries. David Hipperson…

Book Shelf project

A while ago my Daughter in law Julie had said she’d seen some shelves for son Bailey’s bedroom. She had

seen a bi-plane design on the web. Next thing I knew I’d volunteered to make a set. Based very loosely on a Gypsy moth, it took 2 planks of pine about 190mm wide and 19mm thick and 1200mm long, a piece of MDF and about 15 hours. I’ve attached a few pictures of the project including the successful delivery to a satisfied customer. The propeller is an 18x6 beech, the wheels buggy wheels acquired from a pram outside Safeway. As with any scale model it needed a pilot. This was sourced from England where a small company makes all manner of teddy pilots. Naturally we selected Biggles. Complete with a leather jacket and flying goggles, he looks the part. So, all you granddads out there, give it a go…

Left - The project’s underway

Right - All assembled for the first time Left - Assembled, painted, ready for installation… Below - A satisfied customer and his Dad…

Bill Wheeler…

Editors/Secretaries Note:

You will notice that this months News Letter is a week earlier in the month than usual. This is because SWMBO has dictated that we are getting away from it all for a week… Two nights in Daylesford (at the Grange no less) and 4 nights in Halls Gap… Should make for a nice break. Anyway, I will be back in time for the next meeting, so I will see you all then! Cheers, Hugh Coleman

What Can I Fly ?

Most of you will know that there are some categories of models in Australia that you cannot just go out and fly without inspection and certification. For those of you who are not sure, here is a refresher. There are three main categories of models that require certification and until they are certified you are NOT allowed to fly them. If you do you will very likely void your insurance cover. The three categories are; Heavy Models, Giant Models and Turbine Models. Inspectors have been appointed for all of these categories and you should contact the VMAA secretary or look on the VMAA website for contact details for these inspectors. Our club is fortunate enough to have Damien Mould as an endorsed inspector. Heavy Models. This category includes all models (fixed wing and rotary) that weigh from 7 kilos to 25 kilos. If your model weighs over 7 kilos and you have not had it certified then you had better stop flying it until you do so. Giant Models As the title suggests these models are larger again. Any model (fixed wing or rotary) that weighs more than 25 kilos and less than to 50 kilos fit in this category. If the model is over 50 kilos it cannot be flown in Australia as a model Aircraft. This category is relatively new however the VMAA has appointed two inspectors for this category so far. It is very important in this class to contact the inspector early in your build as it is important that the inspector sees the model through the build process as well as the final flight test. Turbine, All Gas Turbine models (fixed wing or rotary). That’s right I said all. No starting weights here if the model is turbine powered then it needs inspection and certification before the model leaves the ground for the first time. What happens at inspection ? Don’t be scared, the inspector is a modeller just like you and he understands that you may be a tad nervous. He will check over the model first to satisfy himself that the construction and radio set up are adequate for this type of model. He will then satisfy himself that you can start and operate the model in a safe fashion. Obviously a flight test is an important part of this. But how you start and restrain the model for starting, plus how/if you check that no one is standing in a dangerous position around you whilst you start the model is also taken into consideration. When you are certified to fly you can be certified for aerobatic or basic flight. If you can’t demonstrate that you have the ability to fly the model acrobatically then you won’t be certified to do so. Who is certified to fly the model ? Only the person named on the certification certificate to fly the model can fly it. Once the model is certified you can’t just let your mate fly it. Anyone who fly’s the model must be themselves certified to fly that particular model. When does it need re inspection ? The model will need to be re-certified every 3 years or after an accident where it needs repair. Who can certify them ? The MAAA, on recommendation from the VMAA appoints Heavy, Giant and Turbine inspectors. The inspectors can only certify models in the category they have been appointed to inspect. So a heavy model inspector cannot certify a turbine or giant model unless they have also been appointed as an inspector in that category as well. An inspector cannot certify his own model unless they are in a remote area where they are the only inspector and it is not possible to get another to do the certification. The important things to remember are:

If your model is turbine powered or over 7kgs Do Not Fly it until it is certified.

You cannot test fly prior to getting the model certified

Only the person/ persons noted on the certification certificate as the pilot can fly the model If you fly an uncertified model you may void your insurance protection

Jon Goudge…

Ninja…

Being the CD and going along to the club comp. rounds this year I thought “we’re missing something here. Then it dawned on me! Combat wings in the combat! And so it was Ninja was born. Based on memories of control line combat from the 70s and based on a OS10 size engine. She has Elevons and looks, to quote the vernacular, “Horn”. Daniel varied his with twin fins and an underbody vertical stabilizer come needle valve protector. Mine is electric with a Turnigy 2826 motor with a 2S Lipo. Structure comprises a 1”square leading edge backed with 6mm hardwood. Second 6mm spar at the rear provides the strength of the model. Do they fly? Not too sure yet they haven’t gone far enough to qualify a ‘flight’ but we’re getting there. So here’s a few pictures to show it off.

Left and Below – The Finished Articles. Ready for Combat.

Bill Wheeler…

The basic framework complete on my electric version. The two boxes either side of the centre will house the radio,

battery & speed controller.

The longest I’ve EVER seen Daniel with an iron in his hand . Covering his in White and fluro yellow should result in a blur across the

sky. Velly difficult to focus on…

YARRA VALLEY AEROMODELLERS CLUB DAY

November 11th 2012

-Limbo -Climb and Glide Electric -Climb and Glide IC -Touch and Go -Bomb Drop -Combat (Flying Wings only) -Fun Scale Flying (NOT Scale Aerobatics) Judged on Scale realism as per VMAA Schedule for Scale Manoeuvrers 2012 (Expurgated)

Yarra Valley Aeromodellers Fun Fly Club Day Scedule

1 Limbo (2 x 2 Meter poles with ribbon across top)

2 planes up at a time, call in models in order while the other holds off.

5 passes each per heat.

Successful negotiation – 10 points

Successful negotiation inverted – 20 points

Ribbon cut – minus 50 points 2 I.C Climb and glide

Timer starts at taxi

Take off and climb for 30 seconds

Timer will give 5 second count down, At “0” back off to idle.

Glide as long as possible

Timer stops at touch down (Must land on the Mown Strip)

Add 30 sec. to score if go “Dead Stick” after climb 3 Electric climb and glide

Timer starts at Taxi or Hand Launch

Take off and climb for 30 seconds

Timer will give 5 second count down, At “0” turn throttle to idle.

2 minutes to return to ground (Must land on the Mown Strip)

Starting Score – 20 Points. 2 points off for every 5 seconds over or under 2 minutes.

Timer stops at touch down 4 Touch and Go’s

Timer starts at Takeoff.

Takeoff and attain height

Circuit, crossing each end of runway

Touch and go

As many Touch and Go’s as can be achieved in 3 minutes. 5 Bomb Drop

Entrants have one attempt to drop a flour filled bag closest to a defined marker on the strip. 6 Combat

Class competition for flying wings (Max 48” Span)

Heats of 4 in the air at once.

Streamers of set length attached via string

Cut streamers attract 10 points.

Mid air Collisions are not scored and may lead to disqualification from the heat. 7 Fun Scale

All Sport Scale and ARF Scale models are eligible.

Scoring as per attached Schedule. Judging is as per VMAA Trophy Fun Scale rules with selected maneuvers. (See Attached)

Own Choice maneuvers must be nominated and a caller must be used.

Competitors may enter as many or as few events as they wish. One entry per event per competitor.

Entry is open to all YVA members regardless of flying standard, but the ground jury reserves the right to refuse entry on the basis of unsafe model condition.

Any model can be entered in any event unless otherwise specified (I/C of Electric).

Scale Models – Stand-off scale, ARF Scale, Scale.

Fly-offs will be run in the event of ties.

Frequency management applies for all events. The frequency board will be monitored.

Junior entries open only to members under the age of 14 years.

Competition will begin at 10.00 AM SHARP!

Aggregate points will be awarded for placings 1st through 4th which will go towards the annual Championship award. Fun Scale Flying will be judged as follows…

TAKE OFF MAX 10 POINTS LEVEL FLIGHT FLYPAST MAX 10 POINTS FOUR Own Choice manoeuvres from the list below.

MAX 10 POINTS FOR EACH MANOEUVRE LANDING MAX 10 POINTS REALISM IN FLIGHT MAX 30 POINTS (see below)

Realism in flight is the main judging criteria, and includes: a) Speed of the model and engine noise (tone & tuning) max 10 points b) Stability & trimming max 10 points c) Size of figures & flight elegance max 10 points

Own Choice Manoeuvres are selected from this list.

Chandelle Stall turn lmmelman turn One loop Split S (reversal) Cuban eight Normal spin (three turns) Roll barrel / axial = must be nominated Touch and go Sideslip to left or right Flight in triangular circuit Flight in rectangular circuit Flight in a straight line at constant height (maximum height 6 metres) Wingover Inverted flight

Fun Scale Flying Competitors are expected to use a caller. Manoeuvres must be nominated prior to flying and must be called clearly to enable the judges to adequately prepare. Any manoeuvre considered by the judges to be outside of the scope of the prototype will be marked as a zero (For instance, a WWI Model doing a Cuban eight).

This is a NO Prize fun day. No prizes or awards will be given for placings, but placings will attract aggregate points towards an annual Club Champions Award

Competition begins at 10.00 AM sharp! Entries may be accepted after 10.00 by

negotiation with the ground jury

The Field is closed for general flying during the running of this event.

LIGHTING YOUR MODEL!

Weather permitting being in the dark is no longer an excuse not to go flying. By fitting a bunch of the latest high efficiency LED’s to your plane it’s easier than you think to go flying in the dark – and LOTs of fun! Here’s how: rig up your plane so that you illuminate the following areas at a minimum; 1. The top of the wings 2. the sides of the front cowl 3. The fin both sides 4. “headlights” facing forward 5. I plan to add rear facing Red Tail-lights. The LEDs are setup so you have 3 in series with a 100 Ohm resistor. Use the finest wire you can find. The order is not important, but the LED polarity is- ensure the long lead of each LED faces toward the 12V supply. For 2 LED’s use 200 ohms ( 2 x 100 resistors). Each bank of LEDs will draw about 20-30mA which is not much- so no problem for a 1200mAH Li-Po 3 cell battery which can deliver… 1200mA, and will be more worried about powering the motor than the LED’s.

What LEDs do you need? LEDs can be very powerful but the following LEDs are available online at www.altronics.com.au and they work well;

Partrt # Color Light output mcd Retail $ each Z0806A BLUE 5600

Z0862B RED 6300

Z0865A GREEN 8500

Z0866A YELLOW 7500

Z0868A ORANGE 4500

Z0876B WHITE 13000

Whats on the Web this Week

This month, I want to focus on www.rcscalebuilder.com This is a sight that seems to be a lot more focussed on scratch building and kit building of scale models than anything else. There are sections for plan and kit builds from such luminaries as Brian Taylor, Dave Platt, Nick Zirolli to name but a few. Then again, sections on kits from Balsa USA, Top Flite, Proctor…Etc, Etc. Registration is required and this allows unlimited read access to all forums. Articles however are restricted to Site Supporters and this requires a 1 off payment of 20.00 USD. Some may consider this an imposition, but when you consider what a magazine subscription costs these days, it’s really a small price to pay for such a wealth of information at your finger tips. Hugh Coleman…

Happy Landings All!