Page 8 - MFW June 2024

Here’s a list that celebrates folks that have put
in the hard yards and attained the necessary
skill and knowledge to successfully complete a
MFNZ Wings Qualification since the
December Model Flying World magazine.

David Lamb Highbrook Aero Modellers Inc Basic Power
Don Currie Whangarei Model Aircraft Club Inc Basic Power
Ian Parker Highbrook Aero Modellers Inc Basic Power
Ian Sheppard Palmerston North Aeroneers Inc Glider
Bevan Allan Oamaru Power Model Aero Club Inc Large Model
Andrew Howes Christchurch M A C Inc Basic Power
Phil Churchill Tauranga M A C Inc Large Model
Andy Watson Rotorua M A C Inc Multi Rotor
James Turner Kaiapoi M A C Inc Basic Power
Tony Reddish Kaiapoi M A C Inc Advanced Power
Tarquin Brooks New Zealand Jet Modellers Association Glider
Vic Shaw Model Flying Hawkes Bay Inc Advanced Glider
Fraser Brodie Tauranga M A C Inc Large Model
Brayden Edwards Hawera M A C Inc Basic Power
Chris Jackson Open Skies Radio Flyers Glider
Chris Jackson Open Skies Radio Flyers Multi Rotor
Chris Jackson Open Skies Radio Flyers First Person View
Mathew Wellington Open Skies Radio Flyers Night Rating
Mathew Wellington Open Skies Radio Flyers First Person View
Steve Fish Waimate Model Aero Club Basic Power
Roger Peddle Tauranga M A C Inc Glider
Brian Hitchcock Model Flying Hawkes Bay Inc Large Model
Sam Kletzkin Ashhurst Model Fliers Glider
Sam Kletzkin Ashhurst Model Fliers Night Rating
Neal Wanklyn Rotorua M A C Inc First Person View
John Dew Christchurch M A C Inc Basic Power
John Dew Christchurch M A C Inc First Person View
Kingsley Stone Nelson Model Aero Club Inc Basic Power
Ryan Gibbs Tauranga M A C Inc Basic Power
Merv George Palmerston North Aeroneers Inc Glider
Graham Christmas Rotorua M A C Inc Helicopter
Rex Charlesworth Nelson Model Aero Club Inc Basic Power
Dean Newman Kapiti Aeromodellers Club Inc Basic Power
John Falconer Kaiapoi M A C Inc Basic Power
Mark Fall Kaiapoi M A C Inc Basic Power

AR POWER SUPPL
A SIMPLE SOLAR POWER SUPPLY
A SIMPLE SOL AR POWER SUPPL Y
A SIMPLE SOL
Y
Since writing the last article and having the system running for
3 months I ran into a problem. Over a period of a few days
without decent sunshine the battery went flat. The system is
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
running a Camera which draws approx. 200ma so should keep
going for at least two days without any charging. However,
what I forgot, is that if the battery voltage gets too low then the
Solar Charge Controller fails due to low voltage and can’t re-
initialise to allow charging to continue. Also, it’s not a good idea
to run the battery below 10.5v as it can be damaged and lose
capacity. Until recently I was unaware that such a thing as a The picture above shows the updated layout. The LVD is
mounted below the Voltage Regulator box.
Low Voltage Disconnect Device existed and was essential to
include in the circuit to prevent just this problem. I have now buffer margin and the Charge Controller will
installed such a device between the battery and the voltage continue to work. If the supply is to be used solely
regulator for the Camera. It is set to disconnect when the to charge LiPos then the LVD is not required. You
battery voltage falls to 11v and re-connect when the voltage on can simply monitor the Battery Voltage and cease
charge reaches approx.12v. This effectively protects the all LiPo charging if the voltage gets uncomfortably
Battery from discharging below 11v. The Battery is considered low. I’ve also replaced the battery with a 26Ah one.
to be dead flat at 10.5v so I think this provides an adequate
Graham Beagley

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