Radio Control: Electrics
Bob Kopski
THIS COLUMN — is very hard to write! It's not that there isn't enough to write about; rather, there is too much. The column, being of limited length, combined with an abundance of electric information and a growing number of readers of all experience levels, makes it a monthly trip down guilt lane for me when I simply can't include enough for everyone. There is a continuous stream of newly interested modelers in need of basic "how to" information, while at the same time there are many well-experienced fliers wanting advanced information. Then there's the entire interest range in between, plus new product info and reader contributions. Electric meets and reports multiply and multiply. I just can't do it all, folks. And just so you know I do try; it seems I'm a permanent member of the editor's "shorten-it" list.
Electric rules
Based on incoming mail, there is a recently increasing interest in electric model competition. Readers are asking me for event suggestions, and the AMA is again considering electric events and rules in its committee. I think this is because electric has "grown up" very rapidly in the past one or two years. Yes, I think we're finally past the "Does it fly?" stage.
Personally, I've always defended two points:
- A) Delay "rules." Spread the idea and clarification of electric far and wide first—otherwise rules won't matter.
- B) When it's finally time for AMA competition rules, keep them simple and suitable for everyone.
I think the time is at hand. There is now both enough accumulated experience and active participation in electric to warrant the establishment of first-time AMA rules. I continue in my deep conviction that any initial rules must be simple, equitable, and promote electric for everyone. I absolutely discourage any rules that favor those who can afford to buy their trophies.
I've been closely associated with what has become one of the largest electric meets anywhere—the annual KRC Electric Fly. Reflecting on the 1985 Electric Fly—a "no-rules," low-key fun-fly with about 60 participants and 120+ planes—helped shape my thinking. There were all kinds of models (sport, scale, old-timers, sailplanes, aerobatic) and all kinds of power systems. I treated that meet as a laboratory and asked: how could competitive events and rules be structured so that everyone there could have participated on the spot, with no forewarning, using the models, abilities, and resources they had?
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." — Albert Einstein
My goal was to devise events that would give a wide variety of modelers a reasonably competitive chance. I don't expect everyone to be fully satisfied, but I believe it's reasonable to start simple and grow from there. AMA rules can and should evolve.
First: I think initial AMA RC electric rules should establish three categories:
- RC Electric Duration
- RC Electric Aerobatic
- RC Electric Scale
Second: I think initial AMA RC electric rules should permit, within each category, any plane, any motor, and any nickel-cadmium battery/charge technique. This "anything goes" approach would have accommodated nearly every model and modeler at the 1985 KRC Electric Fly.
RC Electric Duration
Duration will likely be the most popular category. It can be a catchall ("come fly anything") or subdivided locally (for example, Sailplane and Old-Timer). Here "duration" means time in flight, however accomplished—thermals or not.
Suggested basic rules:
- Participants are allowed one plane/power-system and one charge-up for the day in each model-type grouping.
- The meet is flown in rounds (for example, three rounds). Contestants are called and must fly in rotation as frequencies allow.
- Each round has a maximum time limit (for example, five minutes). This max includes motor run time.
- The contestant may apply power as he wishes throughout the flight. The one charge must last through all rounds.
- In the case of a max, a landing must be made within one minute (for expediency) or that flight's score is forfeited.
- Scoring example: one second = one point.
- Precision landing is optional and may earn extra points; power use during landing is at the pilot's discretion.
- An impound area or roped-off collection area may be warranted to ensure only one charge is used.
The idea is to keep things simple and fair. A "hot shot" who can afford expensive batteries or motors has no automatic advantage if everyone is limited to one charge. The format encourages learning charging techniques, rewards piloting skill and strategy, and remains flexible for local contest directors (CDs) to change round counts, time limits, or allow separate charge-ups for morning/afternoon sets.
RC Electric Aerobatic
The aerobatic event should permit any electric model. Pilots fly personal routines in one or more rounds with as much time as needed per round.
Suggested approach:
- Allow pilots to select standard maneuvers in any sequence—think "freestyle."
- Assign point values to standard maneuvers; harder maneuvers earn more points.
- Permit each maneuver to be flown two or three times at the pilot's discretion, accommodating pilots with limited repertoires.
- Pilots must manage their battery charge strategically—choosing between a few high-point, high-power maneuvers or several lower-power maneuvers to maximize overall score.
This approach balances strategy and skill and allows many to participate regardless of model size, launch method, or cell count. Over time, specialized electric aerobatic designs and skill classifications (Novice, Expert, etc.) will emerge, but start simple.
RC Electric Scale
Scale is central to many modelers, and electric scale is a natural fit. For initial rules, adopt a sport-scale philosophy: encourage entry-level investment and broad participation.
Suggested approach:
- Invite entrants to bring any electric scale project they have—any size, type, or power system.
- Provide a simple sport-scale judging framework that rewards faithful outline, finish, and basic flight characteristics rather than heavy, precision-scale requirements.
The goal is to tempt would-be scale modelers into trying electric without forcing a major construction commitment. Start broadly and let the event evolve as interest and experience dictate.
Pylon
Pylon racing is a special interest and may not fit the "any plane, any motor, any battery" philosophy. Pylon typically favors one-class, motor/battery-specific approaches and requires dedicated experience and rules. I have little pylon experience, so I leave detailed pylon rule-making to those familiar with the class.
Finally
I've taken a stand in favor of simple, inclusive initial AMA electric rules that promote maximum participation: Duration, Aerobatic, and Scale, each allowing any plane, motor, and nickel-cadmium battery/charge technique. I realize many details are left to be filled in, and local CDs should be able to adapt these basics to their needs. I encourage groups planning an electric meet to try this approach—you'll draw the largest possible response because no one is "outruled."
Please forward any comment or question (with SASE, please) to: Bob Kopski 25 West End Dr. Lansdale, PA 19446
Query: How many readers would be interested in economy-quality reprints of past MA electric features and columns? I make no promises—I need reaction first!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
