While we have been continuing our discussion of model airplane batteries, it is also important to remember that there are a number of other types of remote controlled airplane accessories that will improve your flying performance. One of these accessories is known as an airplane speed control, which many beginner r/c hobbyists have not even heard of.
So what does an airplane speed control do?
To answer this question will require a little bit of background on how model airplanes fly. In particular, how the signal is sent from the receiver to the r/c aeroplane itself.
A handheld remote control airplane transmitter sends out continuous pulses in order to tell the plane what to do. When you want to turn to the left, for example, this radio pulse becomes slightly modulated, which sends a signal to the plane to tell exactly what to do.
Model airplanes often require multiple controls, meaning multiple radio pulses are sent out at once and they’re usually segregated by channels.
So what is the problem with the pulses that come with a normal remote controlled airplane? Perhaps it is more appropriate to use of a cell phone repeater, which greatly increases your reception. While your r/c airplane will work just fine on its own, you can think of an r/c speed controller as a signal enhancer.
Pulses only last about one one thousands of the second, meaning that a model airplane has to be very discriminating when receiving the signal from the handheld transmitter.
This remote controlled airplane accessory is much more discriminating in terms of pulses, meaning you will be able to better control your hobby plane.
Essentially it will be able to speed up faster, take faster turns, and move your model r/c airplane in bad weather that would usually kill it.
Some people decide to make homemade airplane battery controllers, but these are usually inadequate and will only increase the repeating signal by so much.
So, should you select a brushless or a brush airplane controller?
It really depends on your individual tastes. A brushless airplane controller will last much longer than one with a brush, due to fewer moving parts. It will also put less wear on your model airplane engine.
If you’re looking to get away cheap, then the brushed model airplane controller is definitely the option for you. Typically, one of these remote controlled airplane controllers will cost around $30.00, compared to brushless models which can cost in the neighborhood of 200 to 300 dollars.
The part itself looks like it would be easy to build, but a lot of money went into researching the chips that compose these airplane controllers.
The exact type of model airplane controller you need will depend on your individual motor, and different ones also have different connectors.
So let us look at a couple models of brushed r/c controllers.
This Max 25 ESC by E-flite only costs about $30.00 and it can handle up to 25 amps of continuous current. If you have a 400 or 550 speed electrical airplane model, then this is an attractive option for you.
Featuring an arming switch, in addition to thermal and polarity protection, this Brushed ESC will shutoff when battery power is low, in order to conserve power. This electric signal controller weighs about one ounce, which is heavier than some other models, and if you have a lighter weight plane, then you may want to select a smaller amperage model.
This 30 Amp mini brushed electrical signal controller costs about forty dollars and is incredibly lightweight without any frills. This r/c airplane signal controller will handle 30 amps of continous output and features a brake. It can be used with 600 motors and below.
So let us move on to the more expensive brushless airplane signal controllers. Castle creations is a common manufacturers of this airplane controller with their Phoenix r/c line.
This 60 amp brushless signal control unit can handle large model airplanes and runs about $125.
If you do not want to spend an arm and a leg on a brushless airplane controller, then you may want to consider the Phoenix 10 ESC, which only costs about $50. It is the size of a dime and is only suitable for very small r/c airplanes.
It weighs just two tenths of an ounce, so it will not weight your model r/c airplane down and has auto cutoff settings for when your batteries are low. This brushless electrical signal controller is compatible with both Ni-Cd and Ni-MH airplane batteries. There is also overcurrent protection in order to make sure that you do not blow out your airplane motor.
As you can see, there are a lot of airplane speed control units on the market, and which ones you select will depend on what models of r/c airplanes you have and your power requirements. When in doubt, simply select a brushed airplane speed controller, as they are less expensive. You can always upgrade your electrical airplane signal controller to a brushless if you like how these model airplane accessories perform.