Date: 5/9/2003
NewsWANT TO GO FASTER BY ADDING CELLS???
Then you must take away some prop area or expect motor and cell problems.
I was asked recently what will happen if they went from 6-8 cells and left everything else the same
He knew increasing voltage would increase amp draw and therefore power output. He asked wouldnt he have twice the power think h could go mauch faster?
The answer is yes but the real figure is 2.37 times and that is in theory in practice what usually happens is:
1. The Motor:
A 6 cell motor generally cant produce the extra torque necessary to turn the same prop 33% faster ie the extra voltage = 8/6
This means the motor run at less than maximum efficiency and higher amp draw and produces lots of waste heat.
Not only will runtime be down, brushes and or magnets can be damaged.
2. The batteries:
As the motor runs below max efficiency the current draw can be up to 25% higher. While it might run at 50 amps in a well setup 6 cell race boat with the same prop on 8 cells the motor will be drawing up around 70-80amps
This equals split shrinkwrap venting and cell damage.
THE TRICK to over coming these problems when going from 6 to 8 cells is to get your 6 cell prop and look for a prop with:
* same number of blades
* same blade shape
* a least 10% less swept volume - ie 10% less area than the circle made by the prop
* same pitch.
For instance if on 6 cells you run a X442 then on 8 go to an X637
or if on 6 you run an X438 on 8 go to a Y536
This reduces the amount of torque required to spin the prop and allows the motor to spin out and run at max efficiency
Everything stays cool and your boat goes faster
If you still get heating go smaller diameter.
NB this applies to high quality motors like the Lightning Neo 540. For other motors like ferrite modifieds brush and comm wear will increase dramatically.
NB 540 can motors and the like may well fail altogether on 8 cells
Date: 1/19/2003
News
FAST SPORT 700BB8.4 and 800BBX setups
A lot of guys here have talked about the merits of different 700 motors for running a sport hull fast
Most go to a 700bb 8.4 and 12 cells
Here is an alternative which is cheap fast and has good runtimes
For ABS hulls up to 28-30" try the 700 bb 8.4v try 16 x CP1700's - why?
The 700 will take 16 cells and runs reliably and cool - the cell pack weighs the same as rc2400'sso handling is excellent.
The cheapest of the RC-Hydros controllers (the best in the world and available exclusivley from fastelectrics) will run this setup without problems. The cost is low all the way around.
With an Octura X442 or graupner carbon fibre 42 the boats are much faster than with 12 cells and higher pitch props and runtime is 4.5-5 minutes mark
We have been testing this setup for the last 12 months and it is a screamer.
A new video of a Cen Baja running this setup will be posted shortly on www.fastelectrics.com - and it is fast! We will also be selling these setups as kits.
Alternatively for 29-36" hulls especially fibreglass ones use 18-20 cells and a 800BBX 14.4v motor this comes wired cooled and with a motor-cable connector; it is faster still
These setups are the cheapest and most relaible electric speed in the 30-40mph range you will find.
Date: 11/22/2002
News
FASTELETRIC N2 MONO SERIES – REESOR TAKES THE WOOD
After a year of torrid racing in the Lightning N2 Mono Series Neil Reesor has taken the series win.
Neil’s victory was built around fine drives in the Michigan Cup and Canadian Nationals. He used his Reesor Boatworks N2 hull to beat out the best North America could field. Congratulations Neil you are a champion!
Final Points 2002 Fastelectrics N2 Mono Series 1st Neil Reesor 700 2nd Doug Twaits Jr 625 3rd Randy Naylor 525 4th Alan Nayman/Edwin Otero/Greg Schweers 400 5th Trey Adams/ Howard Tucker/Dick Crowe 300 6th Josh Joye /Brian Vega/ /Tony Triechel 225 7th Jay Stolz/Tommy Levescy 169 8th Jon Vanderwall/Jeff Vasquez 127 9th Wilmer Bates 65
Last years winner Doug Twaits Jr again proved that quality rises to the top with a series second place only 75 points off Neil after the 5 race series.
Randy Naylor blew by a whole bunch of guys during the season and not surprisingly took a place on the podium.
As with 2001 a bunch of guys made the series a success. Round winners were Edwin Otero at Florida; Neil Reesor at the Michigan Cup; Doug Twaits took out the NAMBA Nationals; Allan Nayman at the Canadian Nationals and Greg Schweers at the October Heats. In fact the whole leader board looks like a who’s who of FE in North America.
Again congratulations to Neil on a consistent season and thanks to all the guys who joined the series for a little fun.
Fastelectrics would like to send Neil a special vote of thanks for his effort as it was built around a Lightning Neo 540 - thats right in 2002 a brushed motor hosed down the brushless from Lehner Mega and Hacker and Kontronik and Hopf!
Andrew Gilchrist www.fastelectrics.com November 2002
Date: 9/21/2002
News
BRITISH MPBA SAW Records Day 2002
ASTEC has just posted the results for the british speed trials hel last week
" Well this was a very busy day for us starting at 0800 with trying to set up the lasers - it's near impossible!! Never mind there was a backup plan!! Anyway we started around 10.00 Strange that none of the moaners offered any help, oh well twas always thus. Really the day got of to a slow start, booking in the 39 boats, sorting out duties etc takes it's toll. " go to the link below for all the results http://www.astecmodels.co.uk/sawresults.htm
Date: 9/21/2002
News
TUNING THE ABC SUPER HAWAII
These are a couple of tips to keep you Super Hawaii fast and reliable
Gearbox: bush the spur gear shaft so the sur gear is always in contact with the full face of the pinions. Not doing this will result in the gears stripping
Cooling: Water cool the brushes by soldering a short length of 5/32" brass tube to the motor terminals and wrap a yard/metre length of 5/32" aluminium coil around the can. Make sure it is a tight fit. One way to do this is wrap it on a D size battery cell then fit it to the motor
Props: Try and Octura X642
Hot-ups: The simple route is to use two 16-17 turn modifieds - these will need water cooling and a X642 or X442 prop to avoid overheating.
An alternative motor solution is the Graupner 700BB it works out cheaper is fast and requires no maintenace at all. BUT you will need to remove the gearbox and put in a new motor mount and use a new connector for the motor to output shaft
If the handling is starting to bug you the next step is to put on better quality hardware. A separate rudder and driveline will stop the hopping in turn and allow it to run fast thru a turn.
Turn fins will help with stability in turn and improve the steering response
Trim tabs will help tame any porpoising (the nose bouncing as the hull runs)
Andrew Gilchrist
fastelectrics.com
Date: 8/19/2002
News
Choosing a motor for maximum runtime
heres the most fundemental secret of all - pick a motor with its peak efficiency at the amp draw you want to run at
1. work out your cell capacity
2. work out run time
3. work out your amp draw from 1 and 2
4. then go find your motor
It will suprise you just how long you can get at good speed using this method
Sprint motors are designed for high efficiency at high amp levels - often their efficiency at low levels like 25 amps is compromised as a result. In short their design means it will be hard to get longer run time.
The 700BB 8.4 has peak efficiency at around 20amps - it will run 5 minutes easy on 2400s at 28mphish - its efficiency rating is only 75% - now with motors like a brushless where you are running at 80%+ most of the time and 3300mah cells you can run faster for much longer.
If you choose to keep speeds lower and go for runtime you will usually get a double benefit as by running at a lower current draw the cells actually have more capacity and will yeild additional runtime.
__________________
regards
Andrew
fastelectrics.com
supporting model boaters
Date: 7/11/2002
News
FASTELECTRICS.COM Motor Cost Comparison 2002
Introduction
Running a fast electric can impose high loading on electric motors.
Picking the right motor for your needs and the equipment you have could save you hundreds of dollars and/or many hours of maintenance.
Fastelectrics annual review of motor costs sets out to establish the real costs of buying and owning electric motors for racing or heavy sport use.
This year has seen the widespread introduction of less costly high performance brushless motors at the top and lower price ranges and price falls for brushed exotics. New low priced controllers from Hacker JETI MGM and Lightning and RC-Hydros have complimented these
Not surprisingly the winners have changed from 2001. Surprisingly, modifieds can be some of the most expensive packages with costs in excess of topline brushless motors with programmable controllers. The biggest surprise of all may be the best value motor for a novice.
Method
The major part of the review focuses on a person wanting to run a mono or rigger in the N2 (6 cells any motor) class.
Assumptions
All motors are used at 10 race meetings ie 30 heats.
A 05 user will own a commutator lathe, intends purchasing one or will have a shop do the work
A ferrite motor will require new brushes at 6 runs in mono and 3 runs in hydro; and the armature, bearings springs will be replaced during or at the end of the season.
A Neo 05 motor was assumed to have ¼ the recurrent costs of a ferrite motor but otherwise costs were equivalent
Neo “exotics” would use one set each of brushes and bearings per season
Brushless motors would use one set of bearings per season
The findings:
The cheapest N2 motor setup over 12 month is most likely to be a Mega Mini 3 ($228) followed by a modified running a mono direct drive ($190-$210 if shop serviced)
At $185 the MEGA 22/20/… & Jeti brushless controller were calculated to be the cheapest N2 motor /esc over a full seasons running.
Runner-up, if you have a commutator lathe, is a modified/esc/direct combo for N2 mono at $350. If you don’t have a lathe and want a brushed motor/esc combo the Mega Mini 3/esc ($380 for hydro or mono) or a Lightning Neo 540 /esc ($399 for mono and serviced by a shop) rank high on value.
If you want to win regardless of the level of competition and run N2 grab a Lightning Neo (mono only - $399 if you have a lathe - $410 to get it serviced by a shop); or a Hacker 50-L (mono and hydro) and Master Navy 77-3P ($650). If you want to go brushless on a budget a Mega 22/20/2 and Master Navy will $450 will make an excellent value package particularly in a mono.
The Hacker brushless setup will set you back $650. However this is less than the cost of running a 05 modified in hydro with a set which includes, motor, gearbox, esc and lathe and parts. This combo topped the cost chart at $625-750
I also had a peek at the higher cell count classes:
8 cell - I am looking at lower maintenance options here. Mega 22/20/…/Jeti - $320; Mega Mini 4 - $325; Lightning Neo at $320 (with shop doing the maintenance); Plettenberg 290/20 at $700; Mega 22/20/… with Master Navy 77-3P - $650; and Hacker B50-L /Master $670 The most expensive setup, at $800 per annum, was a modified/gearbox/esc/lathe running in a hydro.
12 cell - Graupner 700BB 8.4v /esc - $225; Mega 22/30/../Jeti - $390; Plettenberg 290/20../Esc - $600; Mega 22/30/..Master controller - $620; and Hacker B50-XL /Master 77-3P – $750. The most expensive setup was a modified/gearbox/lathe running in a hydro, which came in at $950 per annum.
Summary
Picking the right motor and or motor/esc can save you hundreds of dollars.
Brushless motor prices have fallen to such an extent that purchasing ancillaries for a modified may push its cost to near that of a top of the line brushless with a fully programmable controller! If you want a brushed motor there are real savings to be made by selecting a more modern low wear design and having a shop do the maintenance, particularly on motors like the Mega Mini, Lightning Neo and Plettenberg
While total costs are similar the cost structure of motor ownership varies widely. If saving more than $60 is a hassle but being able to fork out $10-15 a month for motor maintenance is not a problem then a modified may be for you.
If you can start saving now for a better motor for next year go for it. Through next season you will enjoy the extra time available for running and the $-savings on maintenance which can go toward an “ultimate” setup.
For a total novice go 700BB 8.4v /Esc – at $225 (with 6 extra cells) this is cheaper than a novices’ next cheapest alternative of a shop serviced ROAR Stock motor $254.
Date: 3/20/2002
News
DO YOU HAVE A POND OR LAKE THAT FE's CAN USE
Hi we are looking to compile an AUstralia wide Ddirectory of ponds ad loakes people can use to run their fastelectric boats.
the main criteria we need are the name, name of road for access, a description of it and the name of the owner to contact for permission
Email andrrew@fastelectrics.com
Date: 3/13/02
News
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO RUN
On our locations page we have just listed:
* 35 Sites in Sydney
* 32 sites in Hunter, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Illawarra
We have also given you Gregory Directory map references adjacent street names type of pond and the owners names
Before you run ask the owners. It is the path to success.
If you have a group, consider joing the AMPBA. Many organisations now require you to have Public Liability Insurance and for as little as $30 per annum the AMPBA will provide that; plus a rule book plus assistance with organising racing or fun activities
BIG NEWS - finally the AMPBA is about to get its own website!
Date: 1/10/02
News
Fast electrics.com have just bought down Australia's hottest deals brushless motors.
Try $AUD387 for Mega 22/20 & Jeti 70 combo.
This motor is equivalent to an Aveox 1409/1.5 except it is lighter and spins a little faster. Great for Sport, 8 cell classes and P-Offshore
Or the Hacker B50-L and the Hacker/Jeti 4 step controller for $730. This motor holds the NAMBA 8 cell Hydro Oval and 8 cell Mono speed records.
To bring prices this low there are some conditions
The SPECIALS run till 26 JAN 2002
Product will be ordered 1. After payment is received and; 2. On closure of the specials offer; with a view to delivery ASAP
SHIPPING IS FREE
Call or e-mail NOW for ordering information
E-MAIL: andrew@fastelectrics.com
Date: 1/3/02
News
Australian fastelectrics to be hit by Lightning in 2002!
In 2002 fe in Australia is set to experience enormous growth
In January the first of fastelectrics.com race hulls, will hit the water. A 6-cell mono and catamaran will follow a rigger and model of the Miss Thriftway cabover unlimited These hulls will be of very high quality.
The opening deals on hulls will be spectacular and these hulls will run fast and handle like a dream.
Also coming is the pick of the Graupner sport range. The beautiful B24 batboat mono in Aqua Limone livery and the red-hot Graupner Tornado hydroplane will both be available shortly. This summer look cool and have fun!
Motors will put out more power. The range of Graupner sport motors and Lightning Man Neo motors will expand. That means better deals and more power.
Expect to see new LOW cost brushless motors within the next few weeks. And Australia’s best deals on Hacker brushless motors, which run up to 140kph
New hardware will be launched too. In addition to the Fullers Fast Electrics range the Graupner power sets will be available, which will provide a motor, drive line and rudder for under $200.
Also new 12+ cell hydro and mono hardware range will be launched.
New sport cells will be onboard by the end of January.
In April the second edition of Australia's own boating and flight magazine put out by the RaceLines group will be on the newsstands. This promises to be a bumper issue with tests of kit boats, a round up of club news and articles on fastelectrics in Australia.
It is hoped to have a bi-monthly or quarterly edition of this magazine throughout 2001
Date: 11/12/01
News
New Records
NAMBA Electric Straightaways
Califormia November 9-11
Driver Class Cells mph kph 1-waymph
JTurner M2 Mono 4 33.7 54.26
PMcDonald M2 Hydro 4 45.45 73.17
DWollard N2 Hydro 6 54.77 88.18 55.69
RFuller O Mono 8 43.27 69.66
LLarson 1/16 8 61.37 98.81
GHold O-Hydro 8 63.99 103.02
LLarson Tunnel 12 42.93 69.12
DWhitt Offshore 12 42.19 67.93
GSchweers P Mono 12 50.33 81.03
BVega P Hydro 12 73.64 118.56
DWhitt Q Offshore 18 53.4 85.97
GSchweers Q Mono 18 57.25 92.17 65.00
DCrowe Q Hydro 18 82.41 132.68
DCrowe S Hydro 24 87.11 140.24 89.28
CFine T-Mono 32 61.74 99.40
LLarson T Hydro 32 87.51 140.89
Date: 10/22/01
News
FASTELECTRICS TURNS UP THE HEAT
fastelectrics.com have made a couple of changes to put more value into your r/c hobbies
1. Shipping is now $0 and we ship first class air to anywhere in the world (our prices remain the same so now we are streets ahead of the competition! Hulls and boat kits will have some shipping but this is kept low.
2. Monthly specials are up These are specials on a range of RC boat and car stuff – a great place to pick up a bargain for X-Mas or yourself - these are up now.
3. In apparel you can see our polos and tees - prices are good and the only guys wearing these right now run very fast and very hot, so you will be in good company – and we have a jacket coming too.
4. For ESC’s and Batteries we now stock Astro Flight - anything you want just ask We have chargers controllers servo testers and parts in stock right now.
5. we have some new hardware
The Dolphin Outboard kit to get your Kyosho outboards reliable and fast
The Limited Sport Hydro and Bladerunner kits will be up as soon as I get the pics to Dick and we will have new turn fins for hydros and monos soon.
Andrew
fastelectrics.com
02 4933 4925
Maitland NSW
Date: 10/22/01
News
FASTELECTRICS TURNS UP THE HEAT
fastelectrics.com have made a couple of changes to put more value into your r/c hobbies
1. Shipping is now $0 and we ship first class air to anywhere in the world (our prices remain the same so now we are streets ahead of the competition! Hulls and boat kits will have some shipping but this is kept low.
2. Monthly specials are up These are specials on a range of RC boat and car stuff – a great place to pick up a bargain for X-Mas or yourself - these are up now.
3. In apparel you can see our polos and tees - prices are good and the only guys wearing these right now run very fast and very hot, so you will be in good company – and we have a jacket coming too.
4. For ESC’s and Batteries we now stock Astro Flight - anything you want just ask We have chargers controllers servo testers and parts in stock right now.
5. we have some new hardware
The Dolphin Outboard kit to get your Kyosho outboards reliable and fast
The Limited Sport Hydro and Bladerunner kits will be up as soon as I get the pics to Dick and we will have new turn fins for hydros and monos soon.
Andrew
fastelectrics.com
02 4933 4925
Maitland NSW
Date: 10/22/01
News
FASTELECTRICS TURNS UP THE HEAT
fastelectrics.com have made a couple of changes to put more value into your r/c hobbies
1. Shipping is now $0 and we ship first class air to anywhere in the world (our prices remain the same so now we are streets ahead of the competition! Hulls and boat kits will have some shipping but this is kept low.
2. Monthly specials are up These are specials on a range of RC boat and car stuff – a great place to pick up a bargain for X-Mas or yourself - these are up now.
3. In apparel you can see our polos and tees - prices are good and the only guys wearing these right now run very fast and very hot, so you will be in good company – and we have a jacket coming too.
4. For ESC’s and Batteries we now stock Astro Flight - anything you want just ask We have chargers controllers servo testers and parts in stock right now.
5. we have some new hardware
The Dolphin Outboard kit to get your Kyosho outboards reliable and fast
The Limited Sport Hydro and Bladerunner kits will be up as soon as I get the pics to Dick and we will have new turn fins for hydros and monos soon.
Andrew
fastelectrics.com
02 4933 4925
Maitland NSW
Date: 8/26/01
News
hUnconfirmed reports from European sources indicate that in 2001 NAVIGA races will be 5 minutes in length for hydro classes and 6 minutes for mono
It is also understood that micros have not yet been incorporated but will be in coming seasons.
The 205 + increase in race lengths follows changes in the ECO classes during 2001.
Following an increase in race length from 5 to 6 minutes lap times have dropped rather than increased as expected. This has seen entire 6 minute races run at higher speed than the five minute races were last year.
Racers believe steady improvements in cell capacity and technology and the increasing affordability of new more efficient motor technology have been key factors in achieving higher speeds.
Throughout the 2001 summer Hydro 2 (12 cells) European racers have regularly averaged 10+ second per lap over a four minutes race – speeds which would not be disgraced in 1.5 minute sprint racing in North America.
Euro racers hope lap times will follow the trends in the ECO classes and are looking forward to the all electric straightlines in November. It has been suggested the ‘endurance” boats will produce high speeds.
------------------
Andrewg
www.fastelectrics.com
Date: 7/4/01
News
Lightning Man N2 Mono series is runs red hot
Three rounds - three winners - three series leaders and nearly 30 series participants from across North America have left the series and the points spread wide open.
In Anchorage it was Brian Vega who turned on the heat and drove his (Lightning Man powered) El Lobo into first place for 2001 NAMBA Nats class crown. Topping a red-hot field Brian became the third winner and moved into equal fourth in the series with Allan Nayman and Doug Twaits. Congratulations Brian.
Larry Larson followed Brian home at the Nationals. In doing so Larry too k the opportunity Alaska offered to himself, Dick Crowe and Dennis Whitt to move into the series lead. Larry drove a hauling race with his Lightning Man powered El Lobo.
Greg "Mr. Mono" Schweers filled out the podium with his G-Force powered El Lobo. This places him in equal 5th spot with Neil Reesor.
Dennis Whitt placed 4th in Alaska with his Reedy powered BBY Oval Master. Dennis drove hard and fast and was only blocked from taking the series lead by Larry’s do or die effort. Dennis moved into a comfortable second place just 56 points behind Larry.
Dan Eames and Ray - sponsor of the Nationals - Fuller entered the leader board for the first time too. Dan’s 5th puts him in equal 7th spot in the Series; and Ray’s sixth moved him to equal 8th place
Kris Kenyon, Scott Bickford, Randy Naylor, and Dunc Blanchard ran hard an into 7,8 9, and 10 respectively to make the Alaska race one of the hardest fought races of the year.
Dick Crowe – N2 Mono record holder with his Lightning Man powered El Lobo blew out of the first heat. Going for all out speed in heats 2 and 3 Dick suffered from too much of a good thing and uncharacteristically finished out of the points. Class shows through and Dick is still able to win the series.
Trey Adams Ric Boersma, John Vanderwall and Andrew Joye sat out the Anchorage round but are likely to be back for the California and/or Batavia rounds
After 3 brilliant rounds the leader board now stands at
ROUND 3 POINTS STANDING
Place Racer Points
1 L. Larson 525
2 Dennis Whitt 469
3 Barry Janzen 427
4 Doug Twaits 400
4 Alan Nayman 400
4 Brian Vega 400
5 Neil Reesor 225
5 Greg Schweers 225
6 Dick Crowe 169
6 Andrew Joye 169
7 Ric Boersma 127
7 Dan Eames 127
8 John V’wall 96
8 Trey Adams 96
8 Ray Fuller 96
Round 4 of the Lightning Man Pan Am N2 Mono Series breaks from the NAMBA calendar and goes to Batavia on July 28/29 before heading to California for the Fullers August Heats.
Batavia is sponsored by Hilltop, Hughey Boats Danvo, Octura and fastelectrics.com.
It will see racers including Ed Hughey, Tom Balmes, Jim Phelps, Andy Valentine, Jeff Stevens, Jim Fraiser, line up for the first time and no doubt the Joye family will be out again, in force.
The number and quality of competitors racing in the series for the first time raises the possibility of yet another new round winner. With more racers joining the leader board it is likely the series winner will not be known till the Fullers August heats in California.
The intentions of series leaders Larry Larson Dennis Whitt and Barry Janzen in relation to Batavia are unknown at this time. Anyone of these three, Doug Twaits, Alan Nayman and Brian Vega could establish a strong series lead with a win there.
Thanks to the Anchorage organising committee of Jay Turner Larry Larson Joe Kornegay and Dan Eames. The 2001 Nationals has left an indelible impression and provided smiles all around for hundreds out here in the e-bleachers.
On to Batavia!
Date: 7/1/01
News
It is Sunday night and we are just back from the Moonlighters monthly run at Eyeneek Youneek on Marsh Rd at Bobs Farm.
Another hoot of a day with delighful weather water and boating companions.
I took the final cerison of the CEN Baja hotup kit out and it was hooting.
This boat is now fast with good runtimes and shows what can be achieved with a little tuning of motor and hull.
Simon Bestmann ran his worked Kyosho tunnel which has been getting the fastelectrics treatment with a Graupner 700 bb and new prop. Simon and dad Steve have made a new waterproof radio box.
The performance of this boat is fantastic - the hull flys beautifully For a little over $100 it has been transformed.
I also ran my Kyosho Wavemaster (featured on Rum Runner Racing in 2000) with a Lightning Man Neo and 8 cells. On good cells this hull is a rocket. We now have two hot options for turning the Kyosho Wavemaster into a Wave Blaster!
Also for sale for $200 was a Kyosho Alantio fully built by a leading Hunter nitro racer The boat is a boomer and comes with extra cells for 15 minute runtimes - if you are interested call me on 49334925 or email me at andrew@fastelectrics.com
The Moonlighters is not to be missed - on one pond, sail, gas, nitro, and fast electric co-exist and are enjoyed by all.
Everyone has a mosey and a poke around to see what we are all doing and a chat about equipment and building technique.
There are some terrific tugs fishing vessels ferries and yachts and Cazjays cafe is handy with refreshments and facilities.
Date: 6/21/01
News
NEW AND YOUR STUFF AT FASTELECTRICS
http://www.fastelectrics.com/motors.asp
Check out the pics of the 800BBx - exclusive to fe.com - larger than a 700 - for 18-20 cells with replaceable brushes
http://www.fastelectrics.com/hulls.asp
Some new funster hull packages
The GTM mini hydro hulls hardware and motor packages – mini size - mega fun - up to 15 minute runtimes
The CEN BAJA 272 - we stock the 6-cell model to keep the price low - but 12-cell hotup package we sell makes it fast, reliable and it handles!
The Academy Triton 5 Offshore Cat - a fast fun boat for foolin' or running in your local offshore class
http://www.fastelectrics.com/brushcoolers.htm
Ever wondered how to cool the brushhoods on a 05 without soldering pipes near the brush dampers? Garry Finlay (the designer of the RCBM Ms Thriftway) has solved the problem - his tabs also keep spring removal and replacement easy.
http://www.fastelectrics.com/video.htm
New pics of Elio Mirabelli – our first customer still coming back for more; The Brother’s Finlay’s full stable f four immaculate scale hydros; David Kingston’s clean and mean Kyosho Speed Vee 800
Date: 6/6/01
News
EXACT SPEEDS SET FOR NEW AMPBA RECORDS
At Caribbean Gardens on May 12/13, 2001.
Steven Fox // A -Outboard Tunnel record = 80.862 kph (50.246 mph) with a fastest one way pass of 81.44 kph (50.605mph).
Tony Grinter // X - Hydro record = 165.745 kph (102.991mph) with a fastest one way pass of 169.8 kph (105.517 mph).
Date: 6/5/01
News
NEW AUSSIE NITRO RECORDS
Tow new records were set at Caribbean Gardens Melbourne on May 12 and 13
Running at conditions at the former Ski Park owned by Caribbean Boats were perfect on Saturday for outboard and X-hydro records.
Steve Fox drove his 3.5 Modified K&B Bandit Killer to a two way average of 80.9kph. Steve has been working the hull up and feels he has finally broken the Nova Rossi stranglehold on the Modified record.
Tony Grinter pushed his K-90 powered SG Eagle X–Hydro to 164kph and had a one way pass of 168kph (102mph) to set an outright record.
Date: 6/4/01
News
NAYMAN STORMS MICHIGAN
Alan Nayman has blitzed N2 Mono to take the honours in Round 2 of the Lightning Man N2 Pan Am Championship at the 2001 Michigan Cup.
Alan from Cleveland took the class with three straight wins. Congratulations Alan!!
Barry Janzen took 2nd (2x2 1x1- that secret prop!)and Neil Reesor (2X1 + DNF) showed the international contingent had the metal to take a podium finish.
Guys great racing!
Congratulations to Neil and Steve for great team work and Neil for taking fast time in N2 mono with their LM Neo powered RBW Hornet.
Going intothe #rd round at the Nats the Championship is wide open.
Alan Nayman and Doug Twaits with a first place a piece.
Barry Janzen and Dennis Whitt with a second place each.
And Larry Larson and Neil Reesor with a third each.
Reports from the site indicate the racing was close and tight - but cold brrrrr. Several N2 boats were extremely fast but struggled to avoid blow overs.
I hear P Hydro, P Mono and N2 Hydro will make the books and there is one team with serious bragging rights after they took home the Michigan Cup.
According to racers, Dennis Whitt and the MMEU team were the big winners with a great event and excellent racing.
Great show guys - on to Alaska and the 2001 NAMBA "Midnight Sun" Nationals on June 29-July 1. Thanks to Steve Reesor for sneaking me some early news.
------------------
Andrewg www.fastelectrics.com
Lightning Man - Lightning Fast!
Date: 6/2/01
News
MICHIGAN CUP - ROUND 2 PAN AM CHAMPS
In 2001 the Michigan Cup, makes it mark as an elite fast electric event.
Michigan is also the scene of the 2nd Round of the Lightning Man Pan Am N2 Championship. Going into this round are the two leaders Doug Twaits (1st in Florida) and Dennis Whitt (2nd in Florida) with #rd Place Larry Larson sitting out the round as he prepare for the Nationals
As Doug is uncontactable and Dennis has been busy organising I have been talking to racers about the weekend.
Steve and Neil Reesor are bringing an international element to the Michigan Cup. In N2 they will run their "Hornet", featuring an adapted Hughey twin bo9x with a combo of handmade, Hughey and Fuller hardware. Motor is an LM Neo running the ubiquitous Octura X438.
Team Driver r17yo Neil Reesor is driving plan can be summed up in the “to finish first, first you have to finish” adage. Tight lines low risk driving and avoiding roosters is the game plan. “Finish heats, score points, be consistent.”
Steve believes RBW will be the underdogs
Big things are expected from Chris Harris, Barry Janzen, Eric Johnson and Dennis.” Doug Twaits will be fast! .
“We know we are up against it this year as we are
using two year old 2000's facing I'm sure the very best batteries on
the market...”
Dennis and Eric have found their Lightning Mans preference for large props hasn’t suited their deep vee BBY hulls and gone to high revving modifieds and small props. Reports are Dennis is driving a rocket
Many teams including the Reesors are looking at new technology – the Hacker motors are of most interest are looking at new technology
“We will use the race measure the performance of our hulls, evaluate technology, look at the Hackers and then we will decide which hull to buy one for this year...this fall
probably.
12 year old Andrew Joye will be stepping up from N1 to debut his 6 cell Danvo Sonia. Running a 9 turn 3.5,Tekin controller and custom hardware Ken describes the boat as a rocket! . Andrew will also run his N1 Hydro
99 Nats finalist Barry Janzen is back on the road after a year establishing a new business.
Barry turned the interview on me by opening with “ What makes you think I am giving out secrets! I still have two big races this season and I have to keep my race setup top secret!
Then a curve ball “Are there any secrets anyway?” this guy can dissemble. Watch the mind games fellas this guy obviously learnt from the cold war warriors.
Spies say his N2 mono will be carbon Oval Master with a 9-11T - D4 or Reedy - that camp is as tight as a drum
.
Barry’s boats run “real loose” but he has promises this year to go “slower and tighter for the remainder of the season.”
“In Miami, my boat was absolutely ballistic but I blew it over in round 2 and it cost me the podium. It is amazing how fast Dennis is and how tight he runs his boat. I guess I need to learn from him on that one. “
Barry is not a man afraid to cut beryllium copper and claims “a special prop that I have been working with.”
Good luck to everyone racing at Michigan this weekend – it looks like a great event with some fascinating duels ahead and some brand new classes
------------------
Andrewg
www.fastelectrics.com
Lightning Man - Lightning Fast!
Date: 5/22/01
News
NEW HULL ESCs AND MOTORS FOR AERO AND MARINE MODELORS
fastelectrics.com has the first of a new range of electronic speed controls up and running at http://www.fastelectrics.com/speedcontrols.asp
Also check the hulls page to get the first full shots of the mono, hydro and tunnel prototypes.
A rigger will be added soon too.
The controllers come in 70 and 100 amp versions for up to 14 cells with BEC or up to 30 cells using a receiver pack.
Each can be water-cooled for a few cents to obtain another 10 amps continuous power handling.
The ESC’s are designed to cope with the amp loads commonly experienced in fast electric sprint racing with utter reliability. For High cell counts an opto-coupled version is available. They also feature extremely low resistance, with a plug and play setup and with anti glitch circuitry for a smooth response and hassle free running.
Check em out!
MICRO HULLS ARRIVE
Also coming to Australia are the new GRM micro hulls. These are the cutest things on water.
There are three versions of these 38cm hulls. – A shovel, tunnel hull and rigger. Designed to be powered by 400 size brushed motors The Micro hulls offer speed at low cost in an ultra-convenient package. Powered by a 400-size motor they are fast and exciting r/c vehicles.
Testing of these hulls has seen them outrun 30mph 12 cell mono hulls. In Europe fitted with 200 sized brushless motors they have run at 35mph for 15 minutes.
Estimated price for a complete hull and motor electronic speed control hardware and prop is about the same as a simple Kyosho mono hull. The difference is these are three times as fast and run on the inexpensive high capacity penlight cells.
FASTELECTRICS ADDS HACKER, MEGA MOTORS AND SCHULZE TO ITS STABLE
The fastest electric motors in F5B pylon are the Hacker brushless motors, which are now achieving speeds in excess of 250kph. These Motors are a unique designed – very light and efficient with high current handling and –power output.
Hackers are the current world champions and have recently set speed records in 12 cell hydro (107kph) and 8 cell oval racing. These are exceptional value and take electric motors to a new level.
Also now available are the MEGA brushed motors the Mini and Midi series these are 550 and 800 sized motors for 7-18 cell aero models and 6-12 cell marine use. These are fantastic value offering the power of a plettenberg at less than half the price.
Also coming is a range of MEGA brushless motors, which are being designed with input from fastelectrics.com. These will be very high value motors with cutting edge performance levels for flight and marine applications.
With motors like the Hackers and Megas entering the market the age of the brushed exotic may be drawing to a close.
To control the new motors the full range of Schulze and Kontronik controllers will also be available.
Date: 4/26/01
News
WARBY IN WARBY OUT - SPEED ATTEMPT TEAM NAMED
Australian water speed legend Ken Warby has named the team to attempt his 23-year-old World Water Speed Record of 317mph – and he is not the driver!
In a surprise move Ken has appointed son David Warby as principal driver and himself in a test and backup role.
This means David, a 33-year-old resident of Australia’s Hunter Valley, will start favourite in the race break his father’s record.
Announcing the 2001 lineup Ken Warby has put heat into the international competition for racing’s ultimate prize, the World Water Speed Record and sponsor dollars.
Warby's announcement throws down the gauntlet to the British Quicksilver team which is developing a boat which reverses the design of the Warby’s 3 point hydroplane
”The new plan is to let the Brits strut their stuff and see if the boat is better than I think it will be,” Ken said.
David Warby is an Australian hydroplane racer with the Taree Boat Power Boat Club.
David’s current race boats are Aussie Spirit; a supercharged 8.5 litre Chevrolet powered hydroplane, Diablo – former Australian unlimited Champion Hydroplane owned by Sydney motor dealer Jim Broadly and a new hull “Maverick” which is nearing completion.
Accepting the announcement David Warby said the drive would fulfill a lifelong ambition.
“Looking at the competition, I think myself Very lucky to get the drive in the new jet boat.”
“It must have been a nightmare for Ken [Dad] to make the choice.
“I am very lucky to be in a position to have a shot at filling my life's ambition, and add my name to a list of legends.
“Growing up as a kid watching my Dad against impossible odds take on the world and beat them.
“I knew that was my future.
“Under no pressure from Dad I started building and racing Hydroplanes, Getting a feel for speed.
“I'm looking forward to showing Dad what his boat can do, and keeping our name on the trophy for many years to come
Dave runs fast electrics with the Hunter Valley Fast Electrics group and is often seen around the offices of fastelectrics.com.
While at the record course Dave will be running his Astec Will rigger and new Gary Finlay hydro just in case more records can be set.
Contact: Andrew Gilchrist (61) 02 4933 4925
Date: 4/25/01
News
INTERNATIONAL 700 SPEED TRIALS
Well the 700 motors seemed to have grabbed a lot of peoples attention speed power and no maintenance all for less than $100 are just too tempting.
Following a suggestion by some European and US guys steps are under way to set up a 700 only speed trials
This will be in November 2001 and will be run around the world over the same weekend.
The specification of the event will be developed using a poll which will be setup shortly on the Rum Runner Racing Q&A.
This will deal with the length of the SAW course, the hull classes and the cell classes to be run.
This is a fun event and hopefully will be hosted by HVFE.
PAN AM CHAMPS AND MORE SPEED
This weekend also sees the Lightning Man Pan Am N2 Championship kicks off with the Miami Fast Electric GP.
This meeting is shaping up as one of the hottest on record. The early reports and videos I have been sent show 6 cell monos capable of 70kph and 6 cell riggers running 80kph+!!!!
The 12 cell class riggers are running 100+ kph. Last weekend Dick Crowe took his turn fin off his rigger and ran 110kph on the first outing of his new 12-cell hull. (Video is available at http://www.drcwebservices.com/eun/video.htm
2001 is going to be an absolute blast of a season and hopefully we will be seeing the same technology available here within weeks.
2001 is shaping up as the year of speed!
Date: 4/2/01
News
BIG NEWS
The biggest news in Australian marine sport is not far away stay tuned.
NEW!!! 700 NEO SPORT HYDRO
A new class has emerged recently in the USA after discussions between racers around the world what they would like to race.
The idea came from Andy Kunz of RC-Hydros fame after a session on the www.fastelectrics.com/setups scale engine
Andy's 12 cell hydros currently hold the North American National Championship and have dominated the major regional meets across the USA.
Andy noted a lot of racers were buying his hydros putting in high quality hardware and ESC's and using the Graupner 700 bb 9.6v Neos, instead of the exotic brushed and brushless motors common in this class
The 700 Neos motors are a 42mm diameter 66mm long sealed can motor originally made for the cordless tool market. They are very powerful (1/3 hp) use low amp draws (so runtimes are long) and require virtually no maintenance.
The discussions with modelers using 700 Neos found the motor was popular because it offered low price ($120 vs. up to $500 for high priced exotics), high perceived value and low maintenance.
A lot of guys running these hulls said they wanted to race their models of full size race boats but felt the they would be outclassed in existing classes where exotic brushed, and brushless motors rule the roost
Originally proposed simply as P-Scale hydro with a specified motor the class has grown a life of its own. In the last 5 days more than 200 posts have appeared on the USA's two largest discussion boards
The class discussions at RumRunner Racing and Reesor Boat Works have attracted an enormous amount of discussion and sometimes had tempers running hot.
Recently Dan Chase posted a survey on Rum Runner Racing - here are the results to date
78% want a hull of any material and 53% want a minimum length of 24" another 23% want any sport hydro hull
The vast majority wants the hardware left open to any type or brand (84%) and cells to be a sub-c size (90%).
Interesting the type of motor is split evenly between the Graupner 700bb 8.4 (ferrite) and the Graupner 700bb 9.6v Neo motors.
The respondents want the class open to all (88%) - not restricted to novices and they want a longer race length of 10 laps or more (63%).
The most liked elements of the class are the low build costs (31%) and potential for close competition (28%). Everyone who has taken the poll has committed to racing the class if it becomes available in their club.
Dan is going to publish the final results soon and may do a follow-up poll to hone racer preferences. This looks like being the hit of 2001.
You may wish to adopt a similar class - get on to the Q&A at fastelectrics.com or RumRunner Racing and make your feelings known.
Andrew Gilchrist
Date: 3/25/01
News
OCTURA PROPS
Recently I interviewed Tom Perenzkta the owner of Octura props to get the low down on the characteristics of the different props int he Octura range
The results of that conversation are being posted as a table on the prop page at
www.fastelectrics.com
Tom was able to explain the characteristics of each prop type, expalain things like the difference betwee a teen series prop and the x and P series props, which have most lift etc
Check it out - this is one of the webs most complete guides to the selection of the correct Octura prop for your boat.
Andrew Gilchrist
Date: 3/22/01
News
OLYMPIC ROWING VENUE GOES FAST ELECTRIC
INTERVIEW WITH MR OCTURA
Hi this weekend Guy Shane Ben and I are going
to Penrith to check out the Olympic Rowing
Center.
The gardens are landscaped, the lakes are
wave damped and the water is clear clean and
weed free. In fact it is a great place to take
the family for an afternoon
There is access to the water via pontoons which
are the ideal setup for racing or cruising.
there is waterside parking and great walking
trails.
Part of the Penrith Lakes Scheme this venue will
only expand. I spoke recently with centre
stf and they are investigating the viability of
full size racing there in the future
The cost is a mere $6 per racer which for this
kind facility is very reasonable
Hopefully in future we will have full blown
events there. Oval, drag racing racing or
tuning/fun days.
Also early next week I will be posting the
results of an interview I did today with Tom
Perenzkta the Owner and founder of Octura props.
All last we will have a source for what prop
to use when and why.
Andrew Gilchrist
Date: 3/10/01
News
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP TO A 6 CELL MOTOR
Analysis by www.fastelectrics.com/setups.htm 6 cell boat motor costs shows the wrong motor choice can leave you with a hole in your wallet
Costings are based on a person coming into 6 cell at the sport or race level. They assume there will be a tendency to buy cheap and run low on maintenance.
At the other end is the racer who would like to win. So which combinations deliver on these scores. All figures are for the costs of ownership during the first year. The results are sumarised in a table and text and give real dollar values - its in $US but the relative costs are exactly the same in $AUD
What did it find ?
Two exotics were among the winners for low cost and value!!
There are a stack of hidden costs which if ignored can make a common Stock motor based setup as much as a Plettenberg.
For the winners - you will have to read the whole article and you will have the info to make the best motor choice for you.
MS MADISON - the movie
Keep and eye out for this one - it will be a blast
As part of the celebration news is fastelectrics.com will be doing a Ms Madison drop sponson shovel nose replica of the movie's star
CELL POWER MAY DOUBLE W/IN 2 YEARS
New sulphur technology raises the prospect that electric boat power could double within two years. Combined with lower weight performance is set to boom
The details of the Li Sulphur cells remain under wraps. However information to hand indicates the cell will discharge to 100 amps and is very light. It uses alcohol and water instead of acid. It uses a low cost charger. The new cell will be 2.0 volts per cell instead of 3.6 volts.
It is expected this technology ill start becoming available in 2001 or 2002.
A little more toward the edge is the news on research into lithium based batteries. This raises the prospect of sub-c cells with 3.2v and 30mah capacity
From "Nanotube-Based Electrodes for Li-ion Batteries" by Michael J. Heben, Ph.D.
"We have recently investigated carbon nanotube materials as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Single-walled (SWNT), multi-walled (MWNT) and template-synthesized (TSNT) carbon nanotube materials have been tested as anodes.
"Lithium storage is strongly dependent on the preparation conditions, and capacities of up to 950 mAh/g have been obtained with good cycling stability for SWNT.
"TSNT materials offered the opportunity to investigate the effect of pore size and annealing temperature on the lithium insertion properties.
"In addition, we have discovered a new nanostructured cathode material with capacities of over 1000 mAh/g. The preparation procedures and structural of this electrode will be discussed."
An excerpt from the Small Fuel Cell and Battery R&D conference can be found at http://www.knowledgefoundation.com/sfc2000.html
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