SLOPING OFF...
...the Newsletter of Christchurch and District Model Flying Club for June 2021
DAYS LIKE THESE
by Frank Bayes
I planned to go to Ringstead this morning as the wind was forecast to be Southerly 14mph, dry but with rain at 4pm.
I checked all the models including two for maiden flights, charged the Transmitter battery, and checked all was working and all models programmed in OK.
I left home in fine drizzle, it was raining in Wareham, but it then cleared up as I went through Wool, but looking up to the left approaching the site, I saw the cloud heavily over Ringstead pouring over the top of the hill.
On arrival visibility was about 50 yards which improved to 200 yards but then closed in again at 11.00.
I went for a drive and walk about, and by lucky chance met some old friends in Weymouth I hadn't seen since the very first lock down, so not a total loss.
The sun then tried to come out, but looking up to Ringstead from Weymouth, the one cloud in Dorset was still there at flying site level.
I tried again at 12.45 when the sun really shone, the sky cleared and visiting again found the site was fine.
A steady 15mph warm wind, seagulls and a buzzard now flying in the lift, blue sky breaking through. Idyllic conditions!
I got the first model out, switched on the transmitter, ....nothing...... no power getting though.
The plug and socket, which has failed, bent or broken inside, from the battery to the circuit board, is a two cell balance plug/socket which I have always thought is very weak, but other TX's seem to have them too.
I am going to have to change it to something better. I will have a think about it.
I arrived home at 2pm disappointed, but then watched the major carnage from the Saloon Car Championship from Thruxton and didn't feel quite so bad!
At least all the models are in one piece.
Frank