RC India

RC Models => Self-designed, DIY and College Projects => Topic started by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 05:20:16 PM



Title: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 05:20:16 PM
hello;
There is a major interschool project of ours in the end of july.
I know it is a little early but it is better to start off early.
Objective: To build a solar powered free flight glider.
I am starting from scratch and plan on using DC 'toy' motors as the project has to be submitted. (no scope for brushless motors)
The school can fund upto 2000 rs and i can get 2000 more myself.
Please help me.
I ve gone through the solar plane build thread by aneesh bhaiya but that's a big plane. mine has to be small.
In this situation; assume that i am a complete newbie.
Thanks in advance


Title: Re:
Post by: rcrcnitesh on May 17, 2016, 05:26:24 PM
Are there any size restriction?

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Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 05:37:21 PM
No

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Karthick Ashwath on May 17, 2016, 06:37:26 PM
Maybe you can use helium (just a wee bit of it) and make your project much easier
Or if you are willing to take risk, H2 :-)
Just make sure that there are no lipos around.
Maybe you can put some of it in a bottle and build your plane around it.

All the best


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 07:09:23 PM
Ill see. Thanks btw.

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 17, 2016, 09:03:32 PM
Weight is crucial.
Make the wing and fuse as light as possible.
And try to down gear the motor. And a bigger prop may help in thrust.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: K K Iyer on May 17, 2016, 09:22:10 PM
@prabal276,
The simplest solution is a balloon filled with just enough helium to float in the shade.
When exposed to the sun, it will take off!

Perhaps the rules are more complicated. Can you share them?
Regards.


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 10:05:31 PM
Sir; it has to be a project on efficient resorce use. No specific guidelines.
Only rule: it should fly on solar power at a low cost. Our team is the rule breaker and decider.it should just fly. I dont require any rc control. The power generated by the panels are to be sufficient to drive the motor and fly the plane through a football ground. Thats it.
Regards

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Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 17, 2016, 10:08:58 PM
We need to decide the power system thatll be used and i have decided that a clark-y wing will be good.(hot wired).the fuse will also be made out of hd thermocole and similar to that of the solar impulse 2.

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 17, 2016, 10:36:37 PM
@prabal276
initially im my project for testing cells ----1 cell is cut into 3 parts and thats giving 1/3rd the rated current
that means for using it as a 2s u need 8.4v around--(.56v each cell)--u need 15 cells-ie 15 cut cells=5 new cells-700-800rs(rc hyderabad)
each cell is 12.5x12.5cm  ie 12.5x5=.625m wing span and with a minimum chord of 14-15cm
each can give u a rated current of 1.75amps (tested)(9.30am-1pm mostly)
each cell weighs 8grms--40g
tabbing wirs around 10g

All u need to do is build a .7m or more depron wing and cello tape or transparent sheeting -to stick solar cells
keep a balsa stick or cf as body
depron sheet tail with micro servos or actuators

and most importantly a good coreless brushed motor geared setup-(this im not sure) and mini reciever and esc(a single mini chip models)

let me know your views
plane posted weighs around 200grms(2 bottles as fuse(50g))

Regards
aneesh



Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 03:00:13 PM
what if i want to use a rewired brushless hextronic 24gm blue wonder?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2069__hexTronik_24gram_Brushless_Outrunner_1300kv.html?strSearch=24g
Thanks for your help sir.
AS the project is to be submitted;
it HAS to be non-rc.
i can put in a arduino nano if required.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 18, 2016, 04:20:09 PM
Why not go for this
www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B00MTHGH1S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463568575&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Brushless

cheap


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 04:56:57 PM
i was thinking of some thing like this

may be a little bigger than this
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__90914__HobbyKing_8482_DEPS_6S_Dual_Geared_Brushed_Motor_System.html

else if u can get any mini helicopter, u can use that power system  ;)


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 05:30:31 PM
Wont my hextronic work??

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 09:17:47 PM
Its fine
but it consumes more current 7.5amp
u also need an esc which needs either a aurdino or reciever

but if u can use a brushed motor -u can directly connect solar cells to motor

one thing i can't get
if its a free flight competition, how to stop the plane after it reaches end point and correct the direction/altitude





Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 09:21:30 PM
Its not a free flight competition. Its just to keep prices low. Ill program a arduino nano to cut off power to motor in a given time.

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Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 09:22:03 PM
Which brushed motor should i use??

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: rcrcnitesh on May 18, 2016, 09:37:32 PM
Well, how would you make your hextronik work without needing an esc and a servo tester?

The one which Aneesh bhai has pointed will work if you just connect it directly to an power source.


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 09:58:59 PM
Ok. The hk one na?

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 10:18:34 PM
im not sure about which brushed motor  

search for resources nearby or any online store
or what u can do is buy a cheapest heli or flying balls
like this  http://www.flipkart.com/toys/remote-control-toys/ogo~brand/pr?sid=mgl,56m&otracker=product_breadCrumbs_OGO%20Remote%20Control%20Toys

and use its propulsion system -- or use entire set with chip so you can switch it on off with remote itself ;)


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 10:31:20 PM
but make sure whether its uses a 1s or a 2s battery and plane ur wing size accordingly


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 10:39:42 PM
aneesh bhaiya;
i wish to do something like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTOK6CgXRXg
can i achieve 4 amperes from the panels in any way?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 10:49:17 PM
its tough
if u use a 1.3m wing -u can try parallel connection between each wing
that gives u a 3.5amp
but using components in between motor and solar cells will decrease the power


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 18, 2016, 10:51:35 PM
it will. yes.
But how'll the tiny heli motors be able to propel a large plane?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 18, 2016, 11:30:53 PM
consider a mini metal helicopter -it has more than 1:1 t/w ratio
it will also barely lift if u can add some 50-60 grms weight
consider this 100 gram as ur wing+solarcells+body

this heli propulsion wont be lifting ur plane vertically up but is possible to maintain a leveled flight

one more point is most mini helicopters use only 1s 300mah kind batteries so u can go with 3 solar cells (40cm wing)

i hope this can work out fine if u can build using balsa (a 50cm balsa wing weighs around 30grms(in my initail designs))

regards
aneesh


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 19, 2016, 06:23:08 AM
Did you mean 400mm wing?

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 19, 2016, 05:57:37 PM
yes


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 23, 2016, 08:16:37 AM
Which props do i use if i get the helicopter and strip off the motors? And what combi of dolar cells i use then to get 3.7volts?
Thanks

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 23, 2016, 01:56:49 PM
8 solar cells in series
here its the data.
Each cell could give 0.5 volt
and 5 ampere.
To get 4v thats equal to a charged 1cell lipo.
You will need to connect 8 cells to get 4v and 5a.
Please see the motor specs to avoid magic smoke.


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 23, 2016, 02:50:47 PM
Prop?

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 23, 2016, 03:18:44 PM
use the same that comes with the helicopter
many have 2 counter rotating props to cancel moment
it would be hard to attach new props


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 23, 2016, 04:19:02 PM
so;
i remove the counters?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: harshit batra on May 24, 2016, 01:41:16 PM
so;
i remove the counters?
you cant remove the counters there is a whole assembly of gears and two diffrent shafts passing from inside. If you want to use these type of helis to obtain motor and prop there is one variety in these, that comes with a tail motor also it has a gear box and i think 4 inch prop also .i have once removed that and used when i was not introduced to rc in a attempt to make a plane that motor has pretty much power with 1s also(which i used) may be that can be operated on 2s also but not sure.


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 24, 2016, 02:23:01 PM
I would remove the props only.

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 24, 2016, 02:55:58 PM
If you want to salvage parts from toy heli, then dont buy the coaxial ones


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 24, 2016, 03:47:04 PM
why???
what to buy then?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 24, 2016, 11:27:54 PM
img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_4608_3.jpg


anything like this .
Cheaper and easier for the mission.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 25, 2016, 07:27:57 PM
where do i get that kind of a heli now?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 28, 2016, 02:43:46 PM
you need to search for that. I got mine at cmr shopping mall in 2011 for 600rs, similar to the one posted


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on May 28, 2016, 09:32:26 PM
i made this during my intermediate. Make a better aerodynamic body,use a set of counter rotating props instead of one prop(gives comparably more thrust and will have more sizes to chose from),instead of battery use solar cells.


regards
Aneesh


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 29, 2016, 09:39:47 AM
use a set of counter rotating props instead of one prop
 
I did not quite understand bhaiya. Can you please explain again?
Regards


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 29, 2016, 09:48:46 AM
http://www.instructables.com/id/micro-rc-heli-to-rc-plane/

Can i go with something like this


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: kiran rc on May 29, 2016, 02:00:00 PM
@prabal
The factors which will depend your flight are:
  • Dihedral
  • angle of incidence and attack
  • wing loading
While building an airframe, keep the dihedral high and the wingloading low. How is the airframe going to be? Profile, full fuse or stick type?
I would prefer going with a single propelled engine at it has lots of advantages. Overall weight could be reduced which in turn would reduce the wing loading and the total current drawn would be halved compared to dual engine. Minimising the weight would give you slower and decent flights. Increasing the wing loading might help you in the situations of strong wind gusts while flying outdoors. As you are going for a smaller size, the wing loading should be minimised or else it might be too fast for an eyesight to catch it up!
BTW, how is the flight going to end? As its based on solar, if sufficient amount of current is supplied, then it might go on for ever until the sun shades it away!


Title: Re:
Post by: prabal276 on May 29, 2016, 02:04:26 PM
Ill time it using an arduino nano. Now. What motor do i use?. If a helicopter; which to buy and where

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: kiran rc on May 29, 2016, 02:09:02 PM
First let me know the dimensions. Is you wingspan going to be 400mm? and is it going to be a full fuselage type?


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 29, 2016, 02:45:35 PM
Rediffshopping .
 have some ,
especially delhi haat seller.
Call me


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 29, 2016, 02:50:30 PM
will call. evening


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on May 29, 2016, 03:20:47 PM
Okay


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 30, 2016, 09:23:01 AM
now;
i have decided that ill use 4 core less dc motors with prop from ebay.
they are 0.2 amp each and require 3.4-4.2 volt.
My aim would be to build the glider as light as possible with all the accessories and achieve a non powered glide.
i could then switch on the motors to keep it in the air.
Now; how do i cut the solar panels and in what combination do i attach them?
Plus; where to get tabbing wire?


Title: Re:
Post by: rcrcnitesh on May 30, 2016, 10:36:44 AM
For the tabbing wire search for it on eBay. You can watch YouTube videos to learn tabbing. You can also learn how to cut the solar panels for the perfect combination. You should cut 4 parts of one solar panel, that way you will get 1-1.5 amps the voltage ratings of the solar panels are .5v, you would require 8 parts to get 4volts. You can get your solar panels from sp4mm3r.com you'd better off getting the 5 panels combo.

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Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 30, 2016, 10:43:13 AM
Sent as a payload using a drone
Sent from a Mango using a Knife

How do you get such creative stuff?
Any specific messenger?
Okay.
THanks


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 30, 2016, 11:22:21 AM
can i build a smaller plane of this same type out of 3mm depron with one sided paper peeled off?
http://www.outerzone.co.uk/plan_files_05/5345/Aiglet.pdf


Title: Re: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: rcrcnitesh on May 30, 2016, 11:58:23 AM
That plane looks perfect. You can surely do it.


Sent from a mango using a knife.
Sent as a payload using a drone.

How do you get such creative stuff?
Any specific messenger?
Okay.
THanks
These ideas just come out of random places in my brain, observation skills maybe?

Pm me, I'll send some of my shayaris to you.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on May 30, 2016, 09:37:08 PM
anybody?
Will the above glider work????

http://document.li/66kA

http://document.li/fHH1


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Aneesh.P on June 01, 2016, 08:45:41 AM
i was thinking of some thing like this


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on June 01, 2016, 02:45:15 PM
Thank you bhaiya.
Right now i need to decide on the airframe.
GUYS PLEASE drop suggestions the date is coming closer.
Will the gliders suggested above work????


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Voice of deaf on June 01, 2016, 05:21:31 PM
Balsa airfsame and light covering .
Weight is crucial , oh very crucial.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on June 01, 2016, 06:54:14 PM
@prabal276
initially im my project for testing cells ----1 cell is cut into 3 parts and thats giving 1/3rd the rated current
that means for using it as a 2s u need 8.4v around--(.56v each cell)--u need 15 cells-ie 15 cut cells=5 new cells-700-800rs(rc hyderabad)
each cell is 12.5x12.5cm  ie 12.5x5=.625m wing span and with a minimum chord of 14-15cm
each can give u a rated current of 1.75amps (tested)(9.30am-1pm mostly)
each cell weighs 8grms--40g
tabbing wirs around 10g

All u need to do is build a .7m or more depron wing and cello tape or transparent sheeting -to stick solar cells
keep a balsa stick or cf as body
depron sheet tail with micro servos or actuators

and most importantly a good coreless brushed motor geared setup-(this im not sure) and mini reciever and esc(a single mini chip models)

let me know your views
plane posted weighs around 200grms(2 bottles as fuse(50g))

Regards
aneesh


Bhaiya ;
how do i wire the cut pieces?
Can you draw me a circuit diagram.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: prabal276 on June 01, 2016, 10:28:34 PM
ok i am goin with the ft simple soarer.
Someone pls, tell me how to wire the panels.
Now i need 11.1 v out of them at 6-7 amp.
I have ordered 10 pieces.


Title: Re: Help me! DIY solar freeflight
Post by: Karthick Ashwath on February 20, 2017, 05:40:17 PM
How is the project coming along? No updates for a long time..