Electric Wright Stuff B/C [Trial]

[fleet130]

When this came up several years ago, there was concern about the availability of components in the quantities making this an official event would require. For example; at that time motors used mostly came from the surplus market and quantities were somewhat limited. It was questionable whether an increase of 5000 or so units could be accommodated.

[chalker7]

When this came up several years ago, there was concern about the availability of components in the quantities making this an official event would require. For example; at that time motors used mostly came from the surplus market and quantities were somewhat limited. It was questionable whether an increase of 5000 or so units could be accommodated.

That is an astute point. Do you have any more information about the market one way or the other? Or are you just highlighting a potential issue?

[fleet130]

This was several years ago and I haven't kept up-to-date on the state of these airplanes. I believe there are several groups currently involved. If you can locate one, they may be able to furnish additional info on parts availability.

[chalker]

When this came up several years ago, there was concern about the availability of components in the quantities making this an official event would require. For example; at that time motors used mostly came from the surplus market and quantities were somewhat limited. It was questionable whether an increase of 5000 or so units could be accommodated.

That is an astute point. Do you have any more information about the market one way or the other? Or are you just highlighting a potential issue?

I don't think this is truly an issue. Very similar motors are used in pagers and cell phones and such for the 'vibrate modes'. Doing a quick search found this site based in Florida: http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=16054+MD that has 560 of one particular kind in stock.

[fleet130]

MPJA is a surplus house. I think 560 units is only a fraction of what the demand would be if this were made a regular competitive event. When that stock on hand is gone, chances are there will be no more (of that specific model). Since I have no idea which motors are used or which may be best, there could be thousands (or even 100s of thousands), or the supply (of the best motors) could be extremely limited. Worst case scenario, there are only a few of the really best motors out there and the rest are mediocre. The first few teams that get the good ones would have a distinct advantage over everyone else. This could turn out like the Mars Map/Remote Sensing issue. Here's some more motors.

Any way, here's a photo, another photo and a video. Ray Harlan may be able to shed some light on the matter.

Edit - More Videos:
Capacitor Plane
Science Olympiad capacitor powered electric model airplane

[Olman]

Just some info for the future.
Ray Harlan used gearing in his motor. This event requires, at this point a direct drive, so you'll never get it flying that fast.

There is plenty of products on the market to build this event and be competitive BTW.

[yogoperson]

A minute is a loonngg time. XD

[fleet130]

If I remember correctly, the current rules allow gearing for division C, but not B. After searching the internet for over 3 hours, I had not found a plethora of info/resources. The photos/video I linked to were the only decent ones I found.

There's no question more resources are available today than 7-8 (possibly more) years ago when this first came up. With the advent of re-chargeable electric airplanes/cars in the market, it may not be a problem; however, The availability of resources should be verified as this problem has occurred before (e.g. Mars Map/Remote Sensing).

If anyone has more info, I'm sure posting it here would benefit the future of the event.

[Olman]

The Science Olympiad website has resources that are fine. We purchased what we needed from the company recommendations on the site. I believe the motor we used was from the same company as one of your links (fleet130).

Correct we are in Div.B, C had landing gear and could use gears.

Here's a link to the e-Wright Stuff Trial rules for both B & C.

http://www.illinoisolympiad.org/tournaments/state.html

This is another video, it ran for about a minute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUq6QKlNCMU

Hope it helps.

[gcruz24]

so about 2 minutes would be reasonable for a medal ..,right?

[yogoperson]

I think so. But, I think 2.5 minutes would do best. For me, it hasn't flown over 30 seconds yet!

[gcruz24]

I think so. But, I think 2.5 minutes would do best. For me, it hasn't flown over 30 seconds yet!

I know nothing about this event,How do you charge the capacitor?

[yogoperson]

I think you are supposed to use a wire to connect the capacitor to batteries.

I'm rebuilding my plane, so should I make the pieces I'm going to glue together overlap or no? As in, for example, the wings?

[flarfingar]

Does any one have advice for a wingspan for wright stuff capicitor

[flarfingar]

For the Monoplane, should I use a medium motor and medium Capacitor or small motor and large capacitor?