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To
reduce the chance of frustration, a new modeler should become involved
with other modelers in order to learn the necessary skills. This may
involve simply by joining the club and becoming acquainted with
experienced modelers. These modelers are a source of knowledge and
experience that can be invaluable to the new modeler when he begins to
build his first aircraft and when he begins to learn to fly. An
experienced modeler can act, as an R/C flight instructor to teach a new
person the skills required to fly the aircraft properly and to avoid
the inevitable crash.
New modelers must realize
that a radio controlled model aircraft is not a toy. It is a true
aircraft in that it flies and operates by the same principles as a
full-scale aircraft with the difference being the size and weight. We
want you to be a safe pilot, for yourself, your fellow club members,
and the sport itself. Unsafe practices and procedures can result in
serious injury. The average model will fly in a range of 30 to 100 km/h
and weigh 2,5 to 2,7 kg. The force of the model hitting an object can
be devastating especially if it hits a person. Models must be
controlled properly both for enjoyment and for safety. The skills
required to accomplish this must be learned from an experienced
modeler. We are happy to provide all the assistance needed for you to
get the most out of this hobby.
Lithium Polymer Charging, Handling, Safety Information
Charging:
Lithium Polymer batteries have specific charging requirements and ONLY
chargers rated for Lithium Polymer cells may be used. The best chargers
are those which require the user to manually select cell count and
charge rate for each pack of cells, then automatically check to see
that the settings are correct. The E-Tec line of chargers belongs to
this category. Chargers which use only automatic detection of cell
count (and on that basis set charge voltage) are prone to error, and
can damage cells or cause a fire due to over-voltage charging of
cells. We recommend that these chargers be set manually, if used.
Other chargers are set manually, but do not include a safety circuit to
oversee that setting. These are prone to user error, and should also be
checked very carefully to insure proper use.
For best results, a CC/CV charger, like those in the E-Tec line, should
be used. These charge initially at a constant 4.2V and constant 1C
rate, then taper the charge rate as the battery nears full capacity.
Cells are about 90% charged in one hour, and can be left connected for
another 40-50 minutes to complete the charge. The maximum permissible
charge voltage per cell is 4.25V. The maximum charge rate for Lithium
Polymer cells is 1C (ex: 0.7A for the ET-0700 cell). Please do not
charge your lithium polymer at any rate higher than 1C. Doing so may
reduce the capacity and life cycle of the cells, with very little
savings in charge time.
Charging Safety Tips
Lithium Polymer cells are a tremendous advance in battery technology
for RC flight. However, due to the chemistry of lithium cells, there is
a possibility of fire
if charging is not properly done. It is unavoidable due to the nature
of lithium itself. This is no different from many things we use in
daily life – knives, kitchen cleaners, automobiles, for a few examples
– which are inherently dangerous, but which can be used very safely by
adhering to simple rules and precautions.
Be
absolutely sure that the Lithium Polymer charger settings are correct
for the battery pack being charged – both voltage and current settings
Care should be taken to charge on a fireproof surface, such as brick.
Do not charge batteries near flammable items or liquids
Keep a dry fire extinguisher nearby - or a large bucket of dry sand, which is a cheap and effective extinguisher.
Do not charge inside an automobile, especially while driving
Batteries should NEVER be left unattended while charging
Handling Cautions:
New cells may have a high initial charge, and care must always be taken
to insure that loose cells are not short circuited. Please:
Do not put the loose cells in a pocket, bag, or drawer where they could
short-circuit against other items, or the battery tabs could be pressed
against each other.
Do not place the loose cells on any conductive surface, such as a metal-topped table.
Keep loose cells and battery packs WELL out of reach of children!
Buy pre-assembled packs from an authorized dealer, rather than assembling packs from loose cells
Take care that the cells are not punctured, especially by metallic objects like hobby knives.
If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly
wash with soap and water. If in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool
water. Immediately seek medical attention for this, or for burns.
Although environmentally friendly, lithium polymer cells must be FULLY
discharged before disposal. Use a resistor setup (light bulbs, for
example) to accomplish this, to avoid the possibility of a
short-induced fire after disposal.
The following is from the safety information provided by a Li-Po
battery manufacturer, and is typical of the safety tests we found. This
does NOT necessarily mean that all Li-Po batteries would have the same
result, but does show that Li-Poly batteries may be robust against
various conditions found in RC use. Most interesting was one test we
found in which the battery, when fully charged, was penetrated by a
large nail, then discharged and gave 60% of normal capacity. On the
subsequent charge/discharge cycle the same battery gave 90% of
capacity. These tests were conducted in a laboratory by professionals,
and should not be duplicated at home.
Lithium Polymer Batteries are only approved for RC use, and may not be
used in any other application. Battery discharging, charging, electric
motors, spinning propellers, and flying models all have the potential
for serious injury to persons and damage to property. In purchasing
these products, the user agrees to accept responsibility for all such
risks, and not to hold the E-Tec manufacturer, distributors, or
retailers - (all including owners and employees) - responsible for any
accident, injury to persons, or damage to property.
As used in radio-controlled model aircraft, discharge rates exceed the
manufacturer’s specified maximum rates for these cells. Therefore, the
use of E-Tec batteries in radio-controlled models is to be considered
experimental, and there is no warranty, expressed or implied, by the
manufacturer, distributors, or retailers with respect to the capacity,
life in cycles, storage, or discharge characteristics of E-Tec cells in
RC use, nor any other use nor aspect.
Safety Precautions for Lithium Polymer, NiMh and NiCD cells or battery packs offered by TanicPacks.
1. Never fast-charge any battery type unattended.
2. Never charge Li-Po cells/packs at any rate unattended.
3. Only charge Li-Po cells/packs with a charger designed specifically
for lithium polymer chemistry. Example chargers include the Kokam USA,
LIPO 402, LIPO 102 and LIPO 202; Bishop Power Products Apache S1215 and
S1500; Great Planes Triton; and Schulze chargers with lithium charging
capability.
4. Li-Po cells can ignite because of unmatched cell capacity or
voltage, cell damage, charger failure, incorrect charger settings and
other factors.
5. Always use the correct charging voltage. Li-Po cells or battery
packs may ignite if connected to a charger supplying more than 6 volts
per cell.
6. Always assure the charger is working properly.
7. Always charge Li-Po cells or battery packs where no harm can result,
no matter what happens. We suggest a brick box or likeness. Have sand
handy in a bucket for any need to extinguish any fire. NEVER use water
on any cells or battery pack.
8. Never charge a cell/pack in a model. A hot pack may ignite wood, foam, plastic, etc.
9. Never charge a cell/pack inside a motor vehicle, or in a vehicle’s engine compartment.
10. Never charge a cell/pack on a wooden workbench, or on any flammable material.
11. If a cell/pack is involved in a crash:
a. Remove the cell or battery pack from the model.
b. Carefully inspect the cell or battery pack for shorts in the wiring
or connections. If in doubt, cut all wires from the cell or battery
pack.
c. Disassemble the pack.
d. Inspect cells for dents, cracks and splits. Dispose of damaged cells (see below).
12. Dispose of cells or battery packs as follows:
a. Discharge: with the cell or battery pack in a safe area, connect a
moderate resistance across the terminals until the cell or battery pack
is discharged. CAUTION: the cell or battery pack may be hot!
b. Discard:
- NiMH: place in regular trash.
- NiCd: recycle (cadmium is toxic).
- Li-Po: puncture plastic envelope, immerse in salt water for several hours and place in regular trash.
13. Handle all cells or battery packs with care, as they can deliver
high currents if shorted. Shorting by a wedding ring, for example, will
remove a finger.
14. Always store cells or battery packs in a secure location where they cannot be shorted or handled by children.
15. When constructing a pack, use only cells of the same capacity (mAh).
Glues, rubber cement, epoxy, and other adhesives
Glues,
rubber cement, epoxy, and other adhesives contain a solvent which, when
applied, evaporates out leaving the solid adhesive portion behind.
Rubber cement, epoxy, instant glues, model glues, and plastic adhesives
contains five dangerous solvents. Many adhesives are extremely
flammable. Some adhesives are skin and lung irritants and
allergy-sensitizers while others can cause burns to skin and eyes. Many
of the solvents used in adhesives and glues have narcotic, possibly
fatal, effects when inhaled in high concentrations. Inhalation of fumes
from cured epoxy resins may result in coughing and bronchial spasms for
several days.
Instant glues contain small
amounts of solvent which rapidly dissolve. This product is considered
to be of low toxicity, but there are other concerns to be noted.
Instant glues bond so rapidly and strongly that the least sloppiness
can result in an undesirable and sometimes dangerous situation. A drop
of glue on the finger followed by a touch to the eye can end with a
semi-permanent finger in the eye (which will release in less than 24
hours). The safest glues on the market are white glue, library paste,
yellow wood glue, and glue sticks. White glue effectively bonds most
porous and semi-porous materials such as paper, cloth, wood, and
pottery. White glue can also be used for big jobs such as laying
hardwood floors.
Use: Use white glue, glue sticks, or yellow glue when ever possible.
Never use toxic adhesives on laminated cutting boards, bowls, or a
product which contacts food. Carefully read the label. Wear protective
gloves with adhesives and cements. If the glue contains solvents, use
only in a well ventilated area with plenty of fresh air. Avoid wearing
soft contacts, which may absorb solvent vapors. If the adhesive is
flammable be certain to extinguish sources of ignition (such as pilot
lights) if you will be using a large quantity of the solvent in a room
where a source of flame is located. Keep the lid tightly closed when
the glue is not in use.
Storage: Store away from children and sources of flame. Make sure cap or lid is tightly secured.
Disposal: The best way to avoid a waste disposal problem is to use it
up as intended. If the adhesive or glue is anything other than instant,
white, or yellow glue, it is recommended that this product be disposed
of by a licensed hazardous waste handler or saved for a house hold
hazardous waste collection. However, if the glue or adhesive has
hardened, it may be thrown in the trash destined for the landfill.
General Disclaimer
All
users acknowledge and accept the disclaimer's in order to obtain access
to this site. Contents of this site are subject to the following terms.
Contents are only for general information or use by our clients and job seekers (as indicated).
The information on this site maybe updated or withdrawn from time to
time. However, we hereby exclude any warranties (whether expressed or
implied), as to the quality, accuracy, efficacy, completeness,
performance, fitness for a particular purpose on the site or any of
it's contents, including (but not limited) to any curriculum vitae or
job posting (collectively referred herein as vacancy details) contained
within the site.
We will not be liable for any damages (including, without limitation,
damages for any consequential loss or loss of business opportunities or
projects, or loss of profits) howsoever arising and whether in
contract, tort or otherwise from the use of or inability to use the
site, or any of its contents, or from any action or omission taken as a
result of using the site or any such contents.
We accept no responsibility for the content or accuracy nor do we make
any representations by virtue of the contents of this site in respect
of the existence or availability of any jobs advertised.
We make no warranty that the contents of the site are free from
infection by viruses or anything else which has contaminating or
destructive properties and shall have no liability in respect thereof.
You should note that certain links on the site lead to resources
located on servers maintained by third parties over whom we have no
control and accordingly we accept no responsibility or liability for
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Where part of the site contains advertising and other material
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All liability is excluded to the extent permitted by law including any implied terms.
Variations and amendments to these terms may be made, without notice, as required by the site management.
The information contained on these pages is updated on a monthly basis
as necessary. However, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not
occur. rchover
will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience
caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these
pages.Pricing also is subject to change at any time and cannot be held
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