PMAC Blog

Anyone interested in trying some indoor flying as a club night theme?

We are keen to try this out early next year with a view to regular events through the winter months when outdoor flying is miserable.

I want to explore the different types of Synthetic oil available and any of your experience with them especially at different oil ratios.

I am told there are two basic types of synthetic oil base, one called  Polyaklylene Glycol (PAG), a substance not too dissimilar to anti-freeze and the other a more expensive type made from an ester base.To the best of my knowledge, most US-based synthetics are PAG-based (with the exception of the oils used by Cooper Fuels) and most European synthetics are Ester-based.

This brings into question the oil ratio we use which is typically 20% and my research shows that ratio is needed to ensure engine protection with the PAG base synthetic but a much lower ratio can be used safely with an Ester base Synthetic.

I have been using Coolpower (a PAG base) for a long time now at a ratio of 20% for smaller engines, 18% in my .50 powered helicopter and down to 10% in a ST2300 which, at that ratio is still pushing copius quantities of liquid gold through the engine.
Now I am trying to get some Cooper oil ( an Ester base) to try out in my smaller glo  engines at a lower ratio to see how much power increase can be obtained without harming the engine. I have read that by dropping the ratio down to around 12% it is like increasing the nitro content. Until I can get Cooper oil I will try some Motul Micro (which I used to use before Coolpower but at 20%) as that is supposed to be an Ester based synthetic oil as well.

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There is so much information out there on the different 2.4 systems it can be very difficult to come to a decision whether to move over to that technology now or wait awhile or even which brand to buy.

We are attempting to put together an information package for the October club night that may help you decide which way to go. We will not be making any recommendations as the two main systems are both very good.
I choose the Jr / Spektrum DSSS system as I considered that system was the best for my needs in that I thought they catered better for the higher currant demands of the larger models.
I would have liked to wait and see what was around the corner in the next generation of 2.4 sets but, like all computers and electronic devices, they are nearly out of date as you buy them. I feel sure that ‘Telemetry’ will feature very soon, there is some telemetry available now with the XPS system and also with the Spektrum RC car series and I wish they (JR / Spektrum) would hurry up and make it available for aircraft use, but I imagine that will mean buying another complete new system as it would not be compatible with the present generation receivers.

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Every now and then people ask about having some kind of club event so here is your voice on this matter.

Comment and tell us if you would like organised events scheduled and the type of event you would like to participate in. If you are not interested just say so, that way we can gauge the level of interest.

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Coming up with good ideas for club nights is very difficult time after time so here is your opportunity to suggest something.

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