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Sounds cool. Fellow FPV'er here. I think this hobby will explode in popularity really soon, if that isn't already happening.

by niels 14y ago

polyfractal 14y ago
Agreed. Components are just getting cheaper and cheaper. The biggest obstacle right now is information and experience, in my opinion. All the good information is locked up in billion-page forum posts. I've considered writing a bunch of in-depth tutorials and info-guides...but just haven't found the time. Experience...well, you just have to crash a few times because the servo is installed backwards before you really understand =)
- __--__ 14y ago
  What's your take on batteries? I've heard a lot about hobby RC LiPo batteries turning into flaming fireballs due to both improper charging or over-draining.
  - polyfractal 14y ago
    Hehe...yeah... They are mostly safe, you just have to treat them nicely. Improper charging is the biggest risk, so as long as you charge slowly with a proper balance charger there is basically zero risk. It takes longer, sure, but I'd rather charge at 2C and not burn my house down than charge at 10C and play LiPo roulette. I charge and store my batteries in a flame-proof LiPo bag, and will be getting a fireproof safebox soon. A lot of people will fast-charge when they are outside charging from a car battery or something, so it's less of a big deal if it explodes (since you should be charging it on a concrete block or something away from people). Over-draining isn't really a problem, since even cheap ESCs have over-drain protection and won't let you drain the battery. I don't think explosions are a problem when you over-drain anyway...you just permanently damage the battery. Otherwise, the only thing you really have to worry about are crashes. After a good crash, check your batteries to make sure they are uninjured. If they look a little deformed, best to play it safe and store them somewhere safe (bucket of sand, metal box, etc) for a few days to see if they get puffy. Puffy == dangerous, discharge safely and dispose.

Sounds cool. Fellow FPV'er here. I think this hobby will explode in popularity really soon, if that isn't already happening.

by niels 14y ago

Sounds cool. Fellow FPV'er here. I think this hobby will explode in popularity really soon, if that isn't already happening.

polyfractal 14y ago

Agreed. Components are just getting cheaper and cheaper. The biggest obstacle right now is information and experience, in my opinion. All the good information is locked up in billion-page forum posts. I've considered writing a bunch of in-depth tutorials and info-guides...but just haven't found the time. Experience...well, you just have to crash a few times because the servo is installed backwards before you really understand =)

__--__ 14y ago
What's your take on batteries? I've heard a lot about hobby RC LiPo batteries turning into flaming fireballs due to both improper charging or over-draining.
- polyfractal 14y ago
  Hehe...yeah... They are mostly safe, you just have to treat them nicely. Improper charging is the biggest risk, so as long as you charge slowly with a proper balance charger there is basically zero risk. It takes longer, sure, but I'd rather charge at 2C and not burn my house down than charge at 10C and play LiPo roulette. I charge and store my batteries in a flame-proof LiPo bag, and will be getting a fireproof safebox soon. A lot of people will fast-charge when they are outside charging from a car battery or something, so it's less of a big deal if it explodes (since you should be charging it on a concrete block or something away from people). Over-draining isn't really a problem, since even cheap ESCs have over-drain protection and won't let you drain the battery. I don't think explosions are a problem when you over-drain anyway...you just permanently damage the battery. Otherwise, the only thing you really have to worry about are crashes. After a good crash, check your batteries to make sure they are uninjured. If they look a little deformed, best to play it safe and store them somewhere safe (bucket of sand, metal box, etc) for a few days to see if they get puffy. Puffy == dangerous, discharge safely and dispose.