Airframes 3

RPAS Ground Station Power is required for the ground station and can be provided by a variety of power sources including: Batteries AC power cords DC Generators A combination Batteries Most of the common RPAS use Lithium Polymer (Li Po) or Lithium Ion Batteries as their power source. These batteries can be very dangerous if mishandled, and depending on their size are considered "Dangerous Goods" in Canada and around the world. Special Handling protocols are required for transporting these batteries under the "Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act" Lithium Batteries can be produced in different voltages by combining a number of "Cells" together each cell has a rated voltage of 3.7V. Combining multiple such cells creates batteries of voltages: 7.4V, 11.1V, 14.8V, 18.5V, 22.2V etc. For proper operation, these batteries require that all the cells are properly balanced when charging it is important to use a "balancing charger" to maintain equal voltage between all cells. The maximum voltage a cell should be charged to is 4.2V. RPAS Engines Are typically Brushless Electric Motors. Brushless motors are different from "traditional" motors as they require an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) to control their speed, four main components include: Battery (power) ESC (controls speed) Motor (drives propeller) Propeller (moves aircraft) Three wires connect the ESC to the Motor and switching any two wires will change the direction of rotation of the motor. It is critical to safety and reliability that the following is followed for safe operations: Critical to ensure battery power, ESC rating, motor ratings and propeller size are matched for desired payload Electronics and water do not mix - KEEP DRY Ensure wiring is well insulated and not "cut" or "worn away" Motors and ESC's can heat up under load - monitor closely and do not allow to overheat