Author: Santino G.

Conquering flight: Basic aerodynamics (Part 2)

Santino G.

In building a 3-channel RC plane, I found it was necessary to learn the basics of aerodynamics. Not for constructing the plane itself, but to make sense of why I keep crashing it. This blog will document everything I learned in this regime of knowledge. (Courtesy Pilot Institute) There are four main forces that act on a plane (RC or otherwise). These are thrust, drag, lift, and weight. Thrust is the forward force produced by the motor and propeller. Lift is the upward force generated by the wings. Weight is the downward force due to gravity. Drag is the force … Continue reading Conquering flight: Basic aerodynamics (Part 2)

How I charge my LiPo batteries

Santino G.

Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, with their high energy density and affordable price, have risen to prominence among RC hobbyists. Effectively dethroning nickel-metal hydride, LiPo batteries enable RC vehicles to be lighter and run longer. However, as with all engineering advancements, certain trade-offs had to be made in the R&D phase. LiPo batteries can, if not handled properly, explode. This doesn’t happen often, but the very fact that it can should be a warning to every hobbyist. Do your research! One of the most common ways a LiPo battery can combust is by charging it incorrectly. It is therefore necessary that … Continue reading How I charge my LiPo batteries

Conquering flight: Proof of concept (Part 1)

Santino G.

In order to intuit new concepts, one must first remove the abstraction it is automatically plagued with. For me, the concepts are aerodynamics and electronics, and the way I have chosen to parse them is the radio-control hobby. This series will record the steps I took to make a 3-channel RC plane. Exposition of RC planes For the reader who may be uninformed in this hobby, the following paragraphs will provide the necessary details. An RC plane, or radio-controlled plane, is basically a toy. You have a remote, called a transmitter, that you use to control the plane’s speed and … Continue reading Conquering flight: Proof of concept (Part 1)