Dave gave a very informative tutorial on engine maintenance, including replacement of bearings and valve adjustment.  He used his Saito 125 4-stroke as a guinea pig.  Bearing replacement was surprisingly easy, and took under 1 hour.  A 2-stroke engine would be even easier.    Dave said the set of front and rear stainless steel bearings cost about  $12 from www.rc-bearings.com .  Contact Dave with questions or for a copy of the tutorial material.

We welcomed new member Rob to the Club.

A group of us are planning to drive up to the WRAM show in White Plains, NY on Saturday, Feb 20.  If you would like to come along contact either Dave, Jack or Jon.

]]> http://www.skypirates.org/archives/171/feed/ 0 http://www.skypirates.org/archives/check-you-batteries/ http://www.skypirates.org/archives/check-you-batteries/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:21:14 +0000 jmac http://www.skypirates.org/?p=183 It’s that time of year again! With springtime and flying season just around the corner, this is a good time to check your batteries. I’m speaking mainly to those of you who fly glow and gas; you electric flyers are always on top of your batteries.

If your packs use NiMH or high-capacity NiCd cells then their lifetime is typically only about 3 years. If your packs use lower capacity NiCd cells (for example the 500 and 600 mAh packs that come with transmitters and receivers) then your packs may stay good for longer. Storing at a high temperature, charging at a high rate, leaving your pack constantly on charge, using an unreliable peak-detect charger, and other abuse will shorten your pack’s lifetime.

Cycle your pack and get a capacity reading. If the capacity is less than 80% of the rated capacity then you should replace the pack. After a full charge, let the pack just sit for about 5 days. Then cycle it and see how much capacity was lost through self discharge. If the pack loses more than 15% in 5 days then replace it.

Of course, before each flight everyone should check their receiver’s voltage using a loaded voltmeter and their transmitter’s voltage using the transmitter’s built in voltage indicator or readout.

Dave made a motion to change our rule regarding the maximum number of aircrat that can fly simultaneously from three to four, and to add a new flying position midway along at the southwest half of the flight line fence.  This would mean opening a section of fence as was done last year at the northeast side.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Jon and Barry discussed the Club’s policy on discounts on dues for new members who join late in the flying season, and the Club’s policy on the initiation fee.  From the ensuing discussion it became clear that the club does not have a well-defined policy for these.   Jon will draft a fee schedule that defines our dues, initiation fee, and pro-rating policies and submit it for consideration at the December meeting.

The meeting closed at about 9:30.