Umair Gaines
Setting up electric RC airplanes requires an understanding of various electronic components and their functions. The process involves selecting the appropriate motor, battery, and electronic speed controller (ESC). When choosing a motor, factors such as size, desired speed, thrust, and flight time need to be considered. The battery, which provides the voltage, is crucial for supplying power to the system. ESCs play a vital role in converting direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC) required by the motor, and they also have built-in safety features like the low voltage cutoff (LVC) to prevent battery over-discharge. Additionally, binding the receiver to the transmitter is essential for controlling the aircraft. Designing the plane's structure, including the wings, fuselage, and tail, requires careful calculations to ensure stability and desired flight characteristics. Building the plane using materials like foamboard, along with electronics placement, completes the setup process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Fun, aerial photography, FPV |
| Electronics | Motor, battery, ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) |
| ESC | Handles Amperage draw of the motor, has a built-in safety feature (LVC), may have a brake |
| Motor | Brushed or brushless, the latter has 3 wire leads |
| Battery | LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries are standard, with a good power-to-weight ratio |
| Weight | Total weight = 2-4 x weight of electronics |
| Wing Area | Use an online calculator to determine the required wing area based on model weight and desired flight handling |
| Aspect Ratio | High aspect ratio (long and skinny) for gliders and trainers; low aspect ratio (short and wide) for aerobatic models |
| Horizontal Stabilizer | 25-35% of wing area |
| Materials | Foamboard, Popsicle sticks, barbecue skewers, drinking straws, Adams foam board, heat-shrink, hot glue, packing tape |
| Tools | Sharp utility knife or hobby knife, hot glue gun |
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![RC Airplane,RC Plane, 2.4GHz 2 Channels RTF RC Aircraft with 3-Axis Gyro for Beginner Easy to Speedy Fly Glider Toys with 2 Extra Batteries [ 3 Batteries ] White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613o9A54CxL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right motor and battery
Motor Selection:
First, determine whether you need a brushed or brushless motor. Brushed motors have two wire leads, while brushless motors have three. Brushless motors, such as the commonly used outrunner motors, are more efficient and provide higher torque, making them ideal for spinning propellers.
Next, consider the KV value (revolutions per volt) of the motor. This will help determine the RPM (revolutions per minute) you can achieve. For example, a 680KV motor will provide 680 RPM per volt. If you want your propeller to spin at 10,000 RPM, you'd need around 14.7 volts from your battery.
Additionally, pay attention to the power rating of the motor. More powerful motors provide more manoeuvrability and performance. However, they also consume more energy, so you'll need to balance this with your battery selection.
Battery Selection:
Batteries provide the volts, which are the pressure or stored energy that pushes electricity through the system. The higher the voltage, the more power your motor can draw. However, higher voltage batteries also tend to be heavier, impacting the overall weight of your aircraft.
When selecting a battery, consider the capacity (measured in mAh or Ah) and voltage (V). A higher-capacity battery will provide a longer flight time, but it will also be heavier. The voltage will impact the speed and power of your motor, so choose a battery that matches the requirements of your selected motor.
Finally, ensure that your battery and motor are compatible with your Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). ESCs regulate the power to the motor and may have specific voltage and current limitations. Some ESCs also have built-in safety features, such as a low voltage cutoff (LVC), that will turn off the motor when the battery gets too low to protect the electronics.
In summary, choosing the right motor and battery involves a careful balance between power, weight, and efficiency. Consider the size and weight of your aircraft, the desired performance, and the electrical requirements of your components to make informed choices.
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Selecting an electronic speed controller (ESC)
When selecting an electronic speed controller (ESC) for your electric RC airplane, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the ESC is compatible with your motor. Brushed RC motors have two wire leads, while brushless RC motors have three wire leads. Brushless electronic speed controllers are commonly used in RC airplanes and play a crucial role in converting direct current (DC) from the battery into three-phase alternating current (AC) required by the motor to function.
It is recommended to choose an ESC with a rating of 30 percent or 10A more than the maximum current draw of your motor. This ensures that the ESC can handle the amperage draw of the motor effectively. For instance, a 10A ESC would be suitable for a 24-gram Turnigy 1300kv motor, while an 18A ESC would provide a larger buffer for added peace of mind.
The ESC's BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) is another crucial aspect. Most BECs built into ESCs are compatible with up to a 3s LiPo battery. If your setup includes a BEC and you intend to power your receiver with a flight battery or a UBEC, it is imperative to cut the positive red wire connecting the ESC to the receiver. This precaution prevents dual positive sources of electricity from entering the electronics, which could lead to undesirable consequences.
Additionally, consider the safety features incorporated into the ESC. Some ESCs feature a low-voltage cutoff (LVC) function, which automatically shuts down the electric motor when the battery reaches a critically low level. This safety mechanism ensures that the radio and servos remain operational, powered by the BEC. Certain ESCs offer programmability, allowing you to customise the voltage cutoff levels, while others come with factory settings that cannot be modified.
Lastly, pay attention to the placement of the ESC within your RC airplane. Ensure that the ESC is positioned in a well-ventilated area to maintain optimal cooling during flight. This consideration is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring the longevity of your electronic components.
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Binding the receiver to the transmitter
Before binding, it's important to ensure compatibility between the transmitter and receiver. RC transmitters and receivers are typically designed to be compatible within specific systems or brands, so it's crucial to refer to the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines to determine which components can be successfully paired.
To bind the receiver to the transmitter, follow these general steps:
- Turn off the radio.
- Push the binding button on the transmitter.
- Attach the binding plug to the BATT position on the receiver's connector pins.
- Plug in the main battery to the receiver.
- Turn on the transmitter; the light on the transmitter should be green, and the flashing light on the receiver should turn solid.
- Pull the jumper plug off the BATT position on the receiver.
If you encounter issues during the binding process, such as persistent flashing lights, ensure that there is sufficient distance between the radio and receiver.
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Calculating wing area and aspect ratio
The wing area and aspect ratio are critical components of RC plane design. Wing area is a fundamental geometric characteristic and is calculated as the plan surface area of the wing. The fuselage section where the wing is installed must be included in the wing area calculation.
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the wing's span to its chord. It is calculated by squaring the wingspan and dividing it by the wing area. A long, narrow wing has a high aspect ratio, whereas a short, wide wing has a low aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is used to predict the aerodynamic efficiency of a wing because the lift-to-drag ratio increases with aspect ratio, improving fuel economy and the gliding angle.
When designing an RC plane, it is important to keep in mind that cutting parts of the model can affect the aspect ratio and, in turn, the plane's stability. The recommended build material for RC planes is foam board, as it allows for a lightweight, inexpensive, and easy-to-build design. The wing area can be calculated by multiplying the wingspan by the chord length.
For a rectangular wing, the formula for wing area is:
Wing Area = Wingspan X Chord Length
For a true elliptical wing, the formula is:
Area = pi * 1/2 Span * 1/2 Chord
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Sourcing parts and electronics
When it comes to sourcing parts and electronics for your electric RC airplane, there are several options available. Firstly, it is essential to determine the type of motor, battery, and electronic speed controller (ESC) that you require.
For the motor, you can choose between brushed and brushless options. Brushed motors are simpler and consist of stationary stator magnets, an armature, a commutator, and brushes. Brushless motors, on the other hand, are more common and efficient, with two types: inrunner and outrunner. Inrunner motors have a stationary can and a spinning shaft, while outrunner motors have a spinning can and a fixed shaft. Websites like Horizon Hobby provide specific recommendations for completion items, which can be helpful for beginners.
The battery is another critical component. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are the standard for RC airplanes. Each cell in a LiPo battery has a voltage of 3.7 volts, and you should ensure that the cells do not go below 3.3 volts when fully discharged and do not exceed 4.21 volts when fully charged. Additionally, consider the Amp capacity of the battery, which indicates how much current it can supply over an hour.
After selecting the motor and battery, you can choose an ESC that can handle the amperage draw of the motor. The ESC regulates the motor's output for throttle control. Some ESCs have built-in battery elimination circuits (BECs) that provide power to the receiver, but separate UBECs can handle higher currents and voltages.
When sourcing parts, websites like HobbyKing offer a wide range of options at low prices. You can find both the transmitter (the most expensive electronic component) and receiver at affordable prices on this website. Remember that the receiver and transmitter must be a matching pair and operate on the standard 2.4Ghz frequency for RC planes.
Finally, consider the weight of all the electronic components and the model plane. The total weight of the plane will likely be 2 to 4 times the weight of the electronics alone. This weight estimate will help you calculate the required wing area for your plane's flight performance.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to consider the size of the plane, the speed you wish to achieve, necessary thrust, and desired flight time. Once you have an idea of these factors, you can select a motor that will give you the desired thrust and flight time.
ESC stands for Electronic Speed Controller. It takes the direct current from the battery and converts it to the three-phase alternating current that the motor needs to spin. To select an ESC, it is good practice to choose one that is rated for 30% or 10A more than the max current draw of your motor.
First, plug the bind plug into the BAT slot and then plug in the power connector from your ESC. Make sure the ESC is connected to the motor and the battery. Next, turn on your transmitter while holding down the bind switch. Wait a few seconds and if the flashing red light on the receiver stops flashing, you have successfully bound the receiver to the transmitter.
