eSoaring.net

Hi Looking to start e-soaring,But before I commit to spending .How long can you expect a Lipo battery to last in a 2 meter glider, ie climbing to height and gliding down?
I fly i/c at the moment and can literally fly most of the day (after refuelling).
Ive heard that the batteries will not last for long so will need a few batteries for a days gliding.

Ive got a Turnigy SK3530-1100 motor/Turnigy Plush30A speed control/Turnigy 2200 3cell & Kokam 2000 2cell batteries.

Can any of the above be used in a electric glider set up?

Questions probably sound basic but no one I know can be considered knowledgeable about batteries and electric setups,so i thought Id ask the experts.

Anyone fly gliders near Hereford?

Thanks in advance.

If the motor and battery pack will fit in - don't see why not.

If you prop. for 30 Amps (a bit less would probably be safer) you would be putting some 300+ watts in from your 3 cell pack
This would mean something like 240watts at the propellor shaft (around 1/3rd horse power)

(Your 2 cell pack may be suitable - but the lower voltage would mean only 2/3rds the power at the same currents - OK if your model is not too heavy)

A 30 second run should get you amply high.
A good (healthy) 2200mAH pack will nominally give you 132 amp minutes (absolute max)
Your 30 second run will use 15 amp minutes

Play safe and recharge every 4 or 5 flights.
Or run less amps or seconds.
eg 20 second climb will use 10 amp minutes - should be safe for 6/7 climbs
alternatively prop for 20 amps, run 30 seconds - works out the same.

Play it safe to start with - fly less climbs, check out how much you have to put back in.
NB - in cold weather, dont start with a cold battery pack - its performance and life will suffer.
Try to keep the pack at about 20C

Lastly - make sure the C rating of the pack is adequate for the current you will pull.
At 30A you will need about 15C or better on a 2000mAH size pack.
(Good makes will deliver their C rating - dodgy brands make big claims and sometimes struggle. Kokams have always had a good reputation, Loong Max from Giant Cod etc have also proved excellent and excellent value for money)

With on field chargeing - or just a spare flight pack, you should get lots of flying in - and good battery life.

Hi
Welcome to the esoaring community.

I use a 3 cell 1500 lipo in my Thermal Magic and can climb to height about six times on one charge when practicing. I can fly three competition flights on the same battery. That should be an hour flying if you are making the maximum. Rather less in fact depending on the weather. Two batteries or using your 2200 should give a good long flying session. I find I cannot concentrtate longer than two batteries.

Regards

Trevor

Thanks for your input that seems long enough duration for me,even better if you find a thermal,Next question what would be a good glider to introduce a novice to e-soaring.I like the look of the Highlight and Fillip 400 gliders?(not keen on the foam gliders)
I did buy a chinese thing with a brushed motor fitted(£40 all in) a few years back and to be honest it put me me off using electric ,It was probably a waste of money.
I do like the look of todays sleek looking gliders.
Anyone near Hereford?
Chris

Hi
Not hijacking your thread but would just like to say a BIG Thank you to Gordon for the explanation on duration of batteries, just starting out myself.
I have a foamy Easy Glider Pro.....goes really well, and I have hit the dirt a couple of times on landings......no damage at all, just went off and flew again!!
Terry