Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / June 2004

Hi all

I've posted here a few times already in reagards to the powered glider
(OK Models Caloway) that I'm still building.

My final, and largest, obstacle in the whole assembly process has now
become how to cram everything into the fuselage.  I realize this is a
common issue with R/C planes (I built a glider once before), and I've
done quite a bit of mechanical/electronics work in the past requiring
extremely cramped enclosures.  However, I cannot see any possible way
I'm going to be able to cram everything into this fuselage and still
have the battery be removable in any practical sense.

If everything were going to be more or less fixed in there I'd have no
problem, but I've got to squash cables, bend and twist stuff.  I am
certain that after a few times removing the battery for charging
something is going to get damaged.

Incidentally, the items inside are: Motor, speed controller, receiver
and nicad battery pack (and one servo towards the back).  Due to the
fuselage design, the battery pack must be located on the bottom of the
fuselage with the other components above it.

I see only two possible options at this point:

1. Keep the battery fixed inside the plane and charge it in place.  I
realize this means I cannot swap out battery packs and also presents a
potential hazard by charging it inside the plane (though, is this as
bad for ni-cads as the lithium batteries I've heard of?)

2. Cut an opening on the bottom of the fuselage and use it to
install/remove the battery.  (Note, the way the fuselage is
constructed, there is no way to have the battery be on the top near
the removable canopy - the battery must be on the bottom.)  If I cut
this hole on the bottom, I would reinforce it and make a removable
plate.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Regards,

Monkeyboy