SSC plane weight
Moderator: hbartel
Hey Paul, removing 4 oz is only going to make your plane end up higher in the trees[:D] but really, we have planes that weigh barely over the minimum and some that are pig heavy(3 1/4 pounds)they all fly well. this is more of a game where you just have to learn to fly the plane and manage energy,i dont think 4 ozs will make much difference. when you build a new plane, just build as light as you can, and fly it however it comes out.a heavier plane will out dive a lighter one to get away, but the lighter one will catch up eventually(usually as soon as you pull out of the dive)call me if you want to get together and fly sometime.
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Hi Paul,
I used to fly a 370 mAh Ni-Cad. It was ok, but sometimes I would have to charge at all-day contests.
I since switched to 750 mAh Ni-MH packs, and go all day without charging. To me the extra ounce over a 400 mAh Ni-MH is worth not worrying about running out of juice or missing a round because I forgot to charge between rounds. Just my personal preference. As long as you check your battery periodically and make sure to charge it either is fine.
I used to fly a 370 mAh Ni-Cad. It was ok, but sometimes I would have to charge at all-day contests.
I since switched to 750 mAh Ni-MH packs, and go all day without charging. To me the extra ounce over a 400 mAh Ni-MH is worth not worrying about running out of juice or missing a round because I forgot to charge between rounds. Just my personal preference. As long as you check your battery periodically and make sure to charge it either is fine.
I don't have many more rounds in than you do, but I like to hook my battery up to the charger between rounds if it needs it or not. That kind of routine keeps me from forgetting to charge or check my batteries. Having a set routine for fueling, charging, starting and all helps me out and let's me concentrate on flying. Of course I'm the kind of guy who is completely organized or totally out of whack, no in between. My wife is sure I'm AD... Oh look a butterfly.Slowfly wrote:What size batteries is everyone using? I found some 400 mah AAA Nmh that are only 1 ounce for a 4.8V pack. Is this enough or will I have to charge between rounds?
Re: SSC plane weight
Weight is important for very tight turning, but tuning your plane correctly is just as important. Also reliability is more important than saving an ounce or two. Still, the best pilots won't be more than 2-4 oz over minimums unless it is a backup plane.
What is probably most important is having all your planes fly the same. You need to be able to know that each plane you bring to a contest will fly a certain way and know those limits. Take a look at the planes of the top pilots. All will be nearly identical.
You don't need to worry about that for the first year or so of contests. Just fly and have fun, but as you start building up a fleet for winning, then start focusing on having multiple planes, all flying the same and within 4 oz of min weight for SSC.
BTW weight is slightly less important on Open B planes.
What is probably most important is having all your planes fly the same. You need to be able to know that each plane you bring to a contest will fly a certain way and know those limits. Take a look at the planes of the top pilots. All will be nearly identical.
You don't need to worry about that for the first year or so of contests. Just fly and have fun, but as you start building up a fleet for winning, then start focusing on having multiple planes, all flying the same and within 4 oz of min weight for SSC.
BTW weight is slightly less important on Open B planes.
jj (John J)
[img]http://www.rccagallery.com/albums/JJ-John-Jaugilas/P40RightThumb.thumb.jpg[/img]
Crosswinds R/C club
12th Pursuit Squadron
RCCA #579 AMA #9474
[img]http://www.rccagallery.com/albums/JJ-John-Jaugilas/P40RightThumb.thumb.jpg[/img]
Crosswinds R/C club
12th Pursuit Squadron
RCCA #579 AMA #9474