Two questions from a newbie . . .

[Rj_murray]

Hey all,

Anyone have info or comments on the LipoSack? Seems to me there might be two problems: first, you can not see the pack when charging and secondly, does the heat not build up and have no way to escape during charging?

The second question, can anyone recommend an instructor or good mentor/teacher in the Phoenix area?

Thanks,

Rick

[Jermo]

Hey all,

Anyone have info or comments on the LipoSack? Seems to me there might be two problems: first, you can not see the pack when charging and secondly, does the heat not build up and have no way to escape during charging?

The second question, can anyone recommend an instructor or good mentor/teacher in the Phoenix area?

Thanks,

Rick

I use a LipoSack, I dont' need to see the pack during charging, it doesn't do anything. I don't experience any heat buildup. The packs are nearly room temperature when I finish charging.

no idea on an instructor. Check with your local hobby shops, I'm sure they know where the Heli drivers fly.

Have fun :)
Jermo

[Rj_murray]

Hi Jermo,

Thanks for the info, I guess I should have explained the need for a visual. I was thinking in the event the pack was bad, you would have no way of seeing that it was expanding or starting to smoke, is where I was coming from. Also, have you ever had a pack lightup (catch fire) on you, in the bag?

Thanks,

Rick

[Jermo]

To date I've never had a lipo event. Keep in mind I've only been using them since december of last year. Generally you only have issues if the pack is physically damaged (especially punctured). IF you experience an overly firm landing and suspect damage to the pack just sit it in a safe place outside on a non flammable surface...(I use my brick steps). I also allow my packs to cool to room temp before I charge them I've heard this helps the life of the batteries.
Jermo

[Pinecone]

If I think the pack is damaged, I charge it outside. In a lipo sack.

If I think it is fine, I charger it indoors, in a lipo sack.

Flying Model magazine has a contruction article on a lipo safety switch that shuts off the charge is the pack starts to swell.

[Rodan]

RJ, check out Duncan's RC in PHX. They might be able to hook you up with an instructor. Or maybe try some of the local clubs.

There is also a fun fly March 9-11 in PHX. I'll try to post the link later (at work at the moment).

If you're ever headed up to the Prescott area, shoot me a PM, and I'll be happy to spend some time with you. I'm no expert, but I'll help if I can!

[Rj_murray]

Hey Rodan,

Thanks so much for the info. I will definitely make the fun fly next week-end, which is usually the best day to go? Also, thanks for the info about resources in the PHX area. And I will for sure get with you, when I make it up north in the future! Fyi, I have a TREX 450SE that has not been in the air as of yet, for numerous reasons, but can hardly wait to try! Any experience with this bird?

Regards,

Rj

[Rodan]

I fly a TRex 450SA, so I know something about them... most of which I learned here :wink:

I also have a Raptor 50V2, that's going to be a scale ship pretty soon.

I'm not sure what the schedule is for the Fun Fly, even the info packet they sent me didn't have a schedule of events... :roll: I'll be coming down with a couple of the local heli guys on Saturday. I'm not sure if I'm going to fly yet...

Here's the link for the FunFly:http://phoenixfunfly.armsaz.com/

[Rj_murray]

Hi Rodan,

Following is what I got back from the organizer ... hope it helps and thanks for all the info. Rj

"Tentative schedule is Friday, open flying (pilot's meeting between 10 and 11), Saturday pilot's meeting at 9 followed by the start of events. Events will pause at noon for demos and people to get lunch, than continue (Novice, Intermediate and Advance). Conditions permitting, a afternoon microheli event, and providing enough entrants a night flying event. Sunday drag races. Raffle tickets will be on sale Friday thru Sunday with drawings beginning on Saturday at noon, need not be present to win providing info is on ticket."

Eric

[Rodan]

Thanks!

I'm not sure what time we'll be down...