The eRC 25A Brushless Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) (above left) at the top of the photo allows programming features such as motor timing, acceleration rates, braking options, and voltage cut-off adjustment using the optional programming card shown in the foreground, or using input from the
mable ESC before, I was interested in its ca- pabilities. It can be programmed either by transmitter throttle sticks or the optional LED programming card (ERCE02). I chose to use the card and had a lot of fun with it trying out all sorts of combinations available for motor timing and “soft” acceleration; braking settings; voltage cut-off thresholds; and reversing the motor rotation (just for the heck of it!).
To use the card, you just plug the ESC re- ceiver wire into the right socket on the top edge of the programmer, then plug the bat- tery into the ESC. After about a 2-second de- lay, you can press the button for the function you wish to change and then press the “Val- ue” button to cycle through the list of avail- able settings for that function, all shown on the card’s LED screen.
Exploring all of the settings available from all of the functions gives an almost bewilder- ing combination of choices. Fortunately, you can also return all of the functions to the fac- tory defaults by simply pressing the “Reset” button. I finally chose a “soft” start, a low
transmitter throttle stick. The selected APC 9–6 electric prop (above right) proved to be a perfect match to the eRC BL450S motor. With this combination the plane flies easily on less than half power, adding significantly to its flight duration using a Power Wing 2S 2100 mAh 20C Li-Po battery
voltage cut-off, and a “soft” braking function as the starting places for the ESC. After the plane was covered, the rudder and stab were hinged with DuBro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape, a very simple and easy way to hinge small non-glow powered planes. The stab was hinged on the top and the rudder on the right side. The control horns were routed onto the wire pushrods and then epoxied into place in the slot pro- vided on the respective surfaces.
Flight performance
There’s really not a lot to comment on here, because as noted in the opening para- graph, the plane flies like a Telemaster. Since there was no c.g. location specified in the manual or on the plans, I balanced the plane on the wing spar, set the control throws as they were specified on the plan, and took the plane to our club field for its maiden flight.
I really liked the “soft” start afforded by the programmed ESC as the plane made a most realistic taxi and take-off into about a
five mile per hour wind coming straight down the runway. As the plane lifted off, there was the usual readiness to make needed trim changes to correct the flight path. Not a single click of any kind of trim adjustment was made. The little plane was absolutely perfect.
After about a six-minute flight with slow passes, the obligatory loop, touch-and-goes, a couple of rudder-induced stall turns, and many photos for this article, the plane was brought back to the runway with the prop barely turning over using the “soft” braking function. It made a beautiful wheel landing, dropped its tail and coasted to a stop right in front of me as the prop quit turning. It just doesn’t get any better than that! Hobby Lobby has provided the perfect transitional airplane for modelers wanting to bridge the gap between the world of RTFs, ARFs, and kit-built airplanes. The Mini- Telemaster V2 remains true to its long and extensive bloodline and will provide a satis- fying building and flying experience for any modeler.
This top view shows the little plane’s Telemasterheritage (above, at left). UltraCote white was used for the accent trim. The UltraCote Lite transparent red reveals the well-engineered, light framework. Flying weight was a shade over 22 ounces. Three-quarter front views of the finished plane (at left) resting on Larry’s driveway, ready for its maiden flight. The Mini-Telemaster doing what it does best (above). It is a delightful flyer, docile in all respects, and perfect for relaxed flying sessions.
FLYING MODELS 51
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