Over and over again!!!!

[condar]

I'm sure that this topic has been discussed over and over again but, after spending last night reviewing ALL of the forum history for "aerial videography and photography", I didn't find this discussion in regards to AP.

(Please correct me if I'm wrong or just to dang blind to have seen the topic!!!)

Gas vs. Electric for AP is the topic here.

I understand the vibration and exhaust issues of a gasser and I also understand the potently shortened flight times of an electric but, who has tried what.?

For a newbie as myself, looking for a long term investment, I would like to hear arguments from both sides, in regards to AP.

I feel that electric helis will only become more efficient in the future. So why not learn and become proficient in that technology now? On the other hand, I don't feel that e-helis may not reach the payload capacity of gassers in the near or in the next 10 years.

What is your take on this topic? I'm just trying to make sure I make a wise investment and make sure that I don't "out grow" or reach the limitations of a machine as I progress.

[MarkWebber]

I feel that electric helis will only become more efficient in the future

Without a doubt. Definately seems the direction that heli's are headed.

On the other hand, I don't feel that e-helis may not reach the payload capacity of gassers in the near or in the next 10 years.

I don't think that will necessarly be the case. Alot of guys are getting good payload capacities right now. Duration seems to be the current shortcoming. And, for most of us, the duration possible with a gasser isn't used.

[WillJames]

The other thing to consider is noise. With an electric machine, unless they see it they probably will not hear it. For me the silent flight is not an option it is a necessity with even our local R/C club having to eliminate all but electric flight 2 days a week after 5PM and all day Sunday.

[Tonystott]

I think the tide has definitely turned, and the single factor which seals it as far as I can see is the availability of cheap A123 cells. Gary Goodrum has provided evidence that you can buy THREE packs of A123 cells for the price of a single LiPo pack of similar effective performance, and because the A123 cells can be charged at around 6 amps, it then becomes just about feasible to fly continuously by rotating the packs. And this capability can only improve.

This is apart from the other benefits of electric such as noise, vibration etc.

So if I was starting out, there is no way I would consider anything else.

[GGoodrum]

I would agree with all these comments. I think many here, like Tabb, Greg, DJ, Mark and others, have shown that large electrics certainly have more than enough power to carry pretty much anything a gasser can, and then some. I also think that with an optimised setup and the right LiPo packs, you can come prety close to the same sort of durations as well. The problem is that this can be quite expensive and it is hard to recoup that sort of investment for most of us.

The a123-based approach is a great compromise. The cells are a lot cheaper and have the sort of robust charateristics that lend themselves well to our application. They are inherently safe, so no over charge/over discharge worries like we do with LiPos, and they can be recharged at a 10A rate, with the right charger, which means about 15 minute recharge times. I have six 10-cell packs that I use with my Raptor and my Logo 10. The Raptor uses two of these in parallel and the L10 uses one. Usually, I either fly one or the other, so I haven't even needed to worry about recharging on site, but I am confident I can handle most scenarios and fly pretty much continuously, if need be.

-- Gary

[MLaBoyteaux]

When you mention large payloads, it doesn't matter if it's electric or gas, the size of the heli is proportional to the payload.

A Maxi Joker2 can lift a 10lb mount, although not for the same duration as a gasser. But it's an 800mm+ class heli and you won't be flying it around in an urban setting.

My opinion is that if you're lifting a 2.5lb camera or less, go electric. A Raptor conversion, or one of the Logo helis. Under 1.5lbs and stick with a Logo. If you're good at marketing yourself, you can find the jobs to make it work. If you're not comfortable knocking on doors and being a salesman, you may find it difficult to justify.

Anything bigger than that, or adding an additional KS-2 gyro and you're looking at a MJ2 or a gasser. Then you've got to be able to justify the added expense of the electric. If you've got a market that can support the large electric, then that's what I'd go with.

I can't find a market in the DFW area that could justify investing in a MJ2. It may be different in other areas of the country. I've got two gassers and an E-Raptor. I may sell the Condor this spring unless I can pick up some golf course video jobs.