March 2013 by 'Sarah Gill

HOVERCRAFT Light

March 2013

The official magazine of the

Hovercraft Club of Great Britain www.hovercraft.org.uk

inside

March13

And here’s March!!!!!!! 2013 to date has been a year of illness in the Clarke household, just as one of us clears a cold, sickness or something similar the pattern starts again, it appears to be a never-ending cycle!! The joys of having children!!!! And that devilish piece of editorial scribbling ‘children’ leads me nicely in me into a few congratulations and welcomes into the HCGB ‘family’ (family a term used by my good friend Clive Mason in describing his view on the HCGB membership!!) ;)

or Italy throwing the euro-zone into further financial turmoil or another deeply disturbed school kid in America easily obtaining a fire arm and turning it on fellow students or teachers, or another up rising in the middle east to cause concern there is always something on the news to make you feel dam right glum!!! Now that Trevor Macdonald has finally retired for the umpteenth time, the ‘and finally’ has now disappeared from The News at Ten to bring a smile to ones face….. Total sacrilege!!!

Firstly, belated congratulations to my old teammate and mentor Lee Willars and his wife Kerry on the birth of their daughter Emma Rose Evelyn Willars, sister to the adorable Freddie!!!

Even when some good news does appear, like David Beckham’s recent charitable decision to donate his salary with Paris St Germain to a local children’s charity, some cynics choose to pick fault with this saying its only about putting ‘Brand Beckham’ back in the spotlight…. Right I’m not a big fan, but lets get this into perspective, he is one of the most iconic men in the last twenty years, one of England’s finest footballers of the modern era, he’s married to a Spice Girl (more famous for pouting than singing) whom in her own right has a successful lingerie chain of shops and perfumes, and he drove a speedboat down the Thames in the Olympic opening ceremony!!! Does ‘Brand Beckham’ really need to be publicised? I think not, I’m quite certain once he retires he’ll ignore the russian roulette of football management and be heavily involved in further charitable work, using his image and persona for the greater good…. Lets be right

Next we welcome William James Bucknall into the fold, with huge congratulations to parents John and Jacque Bucknall on their new arrival!! And last, but not least the latest arrival Holly May Yeomans, joining our ranks only last week!!! A big congratulations to parents Ian and Julie!!! If we can’t attract new members at least we are swelling them from within!!!! Personally I find it a pleasure to bring good news, as if like me you watch the news most evenings very little that is broadcast puts a smile on your face, if its not Greece, Spain

07 You can race this Daniel Turnbull

04 Diary It’s a date 05 Chairman’s Desk The latest update from our chairman 06 Wanted Driver for F3 SKI AND BOARD TRIP? Keith Rhodes Help!! John Scriven

The Hov Pod is a 3-seat factory assembled personal leisure cruising hovercraft No kits available, sorry. Commercial craft available.

Sale Razor Racing

he doesn’t need the money!!!! Hey this is my opinion and I stand by it, but I would like to think it’s about right!!! Once again I’ve detracted from mentioning the ‘h’ word…. As it is the hovercraft magazine I should probably touch on the subject!!!! Lol!! We are in the calm before the storm of the racing and cruising calendars kicking off, and when it does start it’s going to be full on. For us at Team Nationwide we are going full throttle to get all FOUR new craft ready for the Magnolls Farm meeting. This season is going to one huge test for us, but one we are looking forward to and fingers crossed enjoy!!! However we will be starting this season with one less in our numbers, I’m quite certain you all will be saddened to hear of the passing of one of the Rhodes families beloved and iconic Irish Wolf Hounds, Boru. He’s greatly missed by his sister Pooka, Keith and Kristina and all the family. The gentle giant had been diagnosed with cancer before Christmas and fought a brave fight to the end. Rest in peace old friend, you will be missed. Darren and Sarah

14 Hover News Brian Russel 15 Letters to the editor Gavin Parson

08 Speed controller Ralph Arrow

16 Merchandise Jo Discoll

11 Santa Pod www.hovercraft.org.uk

17 Hovercraft for sale www.hovercraft.org.uk

12 40 years ago Granville Spedding

For further details Web-site www.hovpod.com Email sales@hovpod.com Cover Pic: Forty years ago Photo taken by: LightHovercraft 02

www.hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft 03

Diary 2013 MARCH 9-10

JUNE 15-16

AUGUST 17-24

With the AGM just round the corner is it time to ask yourselves can I help others enjoy all things hovercraft? After nearly two years in my position as Chairman, is it time someone better took up the mantle and inspired club members to increase their involvement in events and encourage new members as well?

MARCH 23-24

JUNE 29-30

AUGUST 24-26

Like most good club members, I have been busy last week with the angle grinder and fibreglass, trying to repair last racing season’s damage. You always find more cracks than you have memories of collisions. With only eight week to go and huge commercial commitments, I thought it best to start sooner than later.

APRIL 20-21

JULY 13-14

Kevin Foster (and some of the Competitions Committee) has been busy putting the final touches to the rules and regulations for this coming season. This should be out soon. Please read it? There will be those who will object. If you are one of these, please put

AGM and Symposium Hilton Hotel, Northampton www.hovercraft.org.uk

The Chairman’s Desk

Chapter

Chapter Twenty-one, Inspire

National Race Meeting Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas www.hovercraft.org.uk Cruise Morecombe Bay www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cruise Medway/Swale www.hovercraft.org.uk

North West Highland Cruise Lochcarron, Isle of Skye www.hovercraft.org.uk National Race Meeting Gang Warily, Fawley www.hovercraft.org.uk

Point to point race & cruise Kent www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cruise TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

AUGUST 31-1 EHF Race Meeting Flottsboro, Sweden www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 4-6

JULY 20-21

SEPTEMBER 7-8

National Race Meeting Rother Valley, Sheffield www.hovercraft.org.uk

National race meeting Magnolls Farm, Lancs. www.hovercraft.org.uk

National Race Meeting Claydon, Aylesbury www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 18-19

JULY 26-5

SEPTEMBER 21-22

Cruise TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cruise Irish Raid www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 25-27

JULY 27-28

OCTOBER 5-6

National Race Meeting Hackett Lakes, Notts www.hovercraft.org.uk

EHF Race Meeting Prudhomat, France www.hovercraft.org.uk

JUNE 8-9

AUGUST 5-11

National Race Meeting Towcester Racecourse www.hovercraft.org.uk Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Whilst every attempt is made to keep calender items up to date, some calender items may alter after print or the Editor is not made aware of changes-please check relevant UK or European websites for most up to date calenders. If you know of any changes or updates, or wish an event to be listed, then please contact the Editor at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft Published by The hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd www.hovercraft.org.uk Editors Darren Clarke Sarah Gill

Advertising Rates Issues 1 3 Size 1/4 pg £9 £26 1/2 pg £17 £49 Full pg £33 £95

Distribution Roger Allman Tel: 07765 303755 Contributions Last date for contributions is the a month. LightHovercraft 04

Printed by ADH printing 2 Boyne Rise Kingsworthy Winchester Hants SO23 7RE

20th of

12 £95 £184 £357

Contact the Editor for details at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

You know when you are having a bad day. Dom Bowen, a very recent new member in Leicestershire, had been invited down to have a play with a hovercraft at our site at Ashby Magna last weekend. I thought it should be fine because we only needed two craft for corporate use that day and I could nip back and fetch another for him. In the rush I called at the Shell garage and filled three jerry cans whilst fetching the third craft. Carla took one craft out for a run just after re-fuelling and after three laps, it blew a head gasket. Angus started teaching another group and the craft began throwing out a lot of smoke. The third craft developed the same symptoms. It was then that I realised that I had filled the jerry cans with diesel!!!! A rapid return to the Shell garage and a new head gasket (fitted by Josh) cured all the problems. Dom never actually managed to have a play this weekend but he is coming back again soon. He did however get involved in removing fuel tanks and draining them. You were young once. Can you inspire a youngster to become involved in hovercraft? I am looking for club members who are interested in passing on their enjoyment. Recently Russ Hudson, Conrad Beale, Kevin Foster, Jon Spedding, Del Smart and I all attended a STEM event at Stamford College. 230 rides later with loads of beaming faces and five schools have expressed an interest in building a hovercraft. They could be some of our future members. With the racing season coming up, please invite friends to come along with caravan, camper or tent and enjoy a weekend away with the club. The camping fees are not expensive and they can see what goes on and have access to the paddock area by wearing a wrist band. Some of our current members started like this.

Proposed Internationl Championship Antalya/Turkey - Europe www.hovercraft.org.uk

EHF Race meeting Grez Neuville, France www.hovercraft.org.uk

yourself forward for a place on the committee and you can influence and understand how decisions are made. You do not have to be technical but mainly logical and sensible.

Small adverts are free to HCGB members and run for three issues unless reqested otherwise. The opinions expressed in any item or article in this magazine are those of the contributor. They do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd. The entire contents of Light Hovercraft are copyright and permission to reproduce any part must be sought from the Editor. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, we do not accept any responsibility for any inaccuracy.

www.hovercraft.org.uk

With some racing events this year like Magnolls Farm, Hackett’s Lake, Claydon and Towcester we actively encourage spectators. If the organisers of these can produce an A4 pdf flyer and ask Carla to circulate it via email to all our members, how many people could we reach if all the members then sent it to all their email contacts? My contact list is over five thousand. Is this called ‘Viral’? Several members already spread the news by using Facebook. So, organisers please create an inspirational A4 poster? Cruising events are still spreading out to different areas of the country. Whilst they may not be great entertainment for those watching, they are great social occasions. I’m sure most participants would be willing to take passengers if their craft can do so. Russ Pullen has already indicated that where possible (and wanted by the participants) there would be overnight camping and barbeque on many of these cruises. Please contact Russ and discuss? Keith Oakley has been busy in the ‘shed’ again. He tells me that he has successfully enabled the film output from a race event to be viewed live on a smart phone. So those of you making lunch in the campsite have no reason now to be late for a race. Del Smart and Carla Thomas have worked extremely hard to organise the AGM weekend this year. I believe numbers of attendees are up. It looks likely to be another memorable party. I should be there as well. If you wish to discuss anything, my contact details are at the back of the magazine. Chris

www.hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft 05

Driver for F3

Wanted

Having built a new craft last year with the intention of lending it out to new racers on a weekend by weekend basis (see separate ad in the magazine), the plan was to retire the original ’Little Scrapper’ in 2012. However, one of our new members who first got a taste for racing in the new scrapper ended up taking the original away to have a play with. Justin has done fantastic job of recommissioning the old warhorse, treating the engine to a top end rebuild and the hull to a thorough going over and re-spray and it’s now too good to pension off. This year Justin has upgraded to an F2 but did most of his Novice races in Scrapper 1, and Sam Tudor used it in the Opens at Fawley and Claydon. Whilst it’s not super fast, it has proven reliable and a good machine to learn the varied skills involved in driving and running a race hovercraft over more than just the one weekend. As such we have decided to make it available on a semi-permanent loan to any new member(s) who would like to use it for a whole, or large part of a race season.

FANCY A HCGB/EHF/WHF MEMBERS SKI AND BOARD TRIP?

WANT TO GO TO A NEAR SECRET RESORT IN THE TARNETAISE

Valmorel is one of my favourite resorts as it’s economical and quiet. It caters for all levels of skiing and we know a secret valley with a pitch of 50* which we last skied ourselves all week making fresh tracks all on our own, so any powder hounds can fill their boots, as well as a really steep wall just off piste where those with the skill sets can really carve out a steep pitch. It’s the only European ski resort I have ever seen with a dedicated novice’s zone where speeding is banned and it is an exclusive novice zone. So if you never tried it – now’s the time – do it with friends and have loads of fun. Great for families, and as cheap as chips when you self cater. And you get to go with friends who can help you if it’s your first time so you are not out on a limb. No need to buy lots of special clothing – salopettes (ski trousers) are the only thing you need to buy that you can’t use in everyday UK winter wear. The rest is on the shelf at Decathlon. Really – you don’t need to spend shed loads of money on kit.

The craft is a TZR250 powered Eagle, and comes with its own trailer and kit of spares. It’s heavy but stable (maybe too heavy for a younger Junior to hustle), but as proven by Justin, it would make a reasonable craft with which new racers can cut their teeth before making the move into whichever formula you then choose. The only condition is that you are primarily responsible for the upkeep of the craft for the loan period (developing yet further useful skills) but plentiful support and advice are of course available from within the club.

Johnscriven@msn.com

YOU CAN RACE THIS HOVERCRAFT This could be you! Learn to drive, compete, and gain that crucial experience of racing before you purchase your own machine. A craft is available that has been specifically built for new members to have a go at racing. It is a simple single engined craft suitable for new Novices and Juniors, and is available at most race meetings. The skill and insight you gain will be valuable in deciding what type of craft you may wish to build or buy in future. This craft comes with its own trailer, and has a race kit of spares and consumables to see you through a race weekend.

Easy payments – a regular monthly standing order will cover all your costs so it’s all paid for before you get there. On a budget of around £300 per person we can provide self catering for a week long ski fest, hotels and catered chalets are available – just tell me what you want Lift passes will be around £150 each for a family pass up to 17 years, about £180 for an adult pass, and all you need to do is get there.

You will need to provide: • towbar and number-plate • helmet • buoyancy aid/life jacket • overalls and gloves • petrol • race entry fee • boundless enthusiasm!

But – you will need to make a commitment – its UK half term and if it’s not booked by spring 2013 you will not get in. Interested? Don’t dally – email me at karhodes@btinternet.com and make your commitment to a great week on the mountain in 2014 with those you love and hate in equal measures – and wear a silly hat all week.

YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT BY END OF MARCH 2013. Any questions- just PM

If you would like a go or to find out more, contact Daniel Turnbull Tel 01332 700658 danielturnbull@btinternet.com

me on the website, email me or just call me on 07894 697891.

FT, PARTS A A R HELP!!

D N

Here we have for sale a new Razor (racing) Hull complete with buoyancy, which has never been raced, never had an engine nor fan frame fitted. It is a deep blue with white inner duct and orange base, it will come with (but not fitted) a white seat, white rudders and white flow straigtheners. We put this unit together to time the assembly process, note - there are a few small blemishes in the very thin gell coat of the upper hull. Going at at special one off price of £875.00

TS SKIR

Looking for the original photo as need the best quality for personal use Please contact either: johnscriven@msn.com or funkydarkangel@hotmail.com

RAZOR

Please contact John Scriven on 07956431630

RACING

LightHovercraft 06

For more information on hovercraft visit http://www.hovercraft.org.uk

Hot food and drink are often available on site. Warm waterproof clothing is recommended suitable for the British weather. At least one change of clothes is recommended, you may well get wet. A donation towards the upkeep of the craft is recommended at £50 for a 2 day race meeting. Club Membership and provisional Novice racing Licence will be required. Get membership at www.hovercraft.org.uk, you will need to register, and then add a paid subscription. Buy your Novice racing licence from the Racing Services area in the club shop, which can also be accessed from www.hovercraft.org.uk Any queries contact memberservices@hovercraft.org.uk You will also need to pass a manoeuvrability test before racing.

HOVE RC

Any interested parties should contact Dan Turnbull on 01332 700658

Great little town centre with all the après ski you will need-car free- friendly and fun modern centre keeps the alpine feeling going all night long.

I am prepared to book and organise a HCGB ski trip for all club members – including EHF and WHF members and followers for 15th Feb 2014 – half term UK – for 1 week, for either self catering or hotel/chalet accommodation. We will put on guided tours to nearby villages for all standards of ski/boarders, lessons, off piste excursions, a GS competition for all levels and some après ski nights!

www.hovercraft.org.uk

www.hovercraft.org.uk www.hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft 07

Choosing the right

Electronic Speed Controller by Ralph Arrow

If you are fascinated by model hovercraft, or hovercraft in general, and you want to join an association of like minded people, you’ve come to the right place. With an increasing interest in radio controlled and other model hovercraft, the Model Hovercraft Association was set up to carry the development of this interest

etc, and to exchange information. -Regular distribution of a Newsletter. -Establishment of a database and library for books, photographic materials and papers on the history and development of model hovercraft.

‘Ralph Letting the smoke out again!'

speed controllers based on their most fundamental features.

Brushed or Brushless?

R/C speed controllers are separated by the type of motor they work with, either brushed or brushless. If your motor has two wires, it is brushed, and you need a brushed speed control. If it has three wires, it is brushless motor, and you require a brushless speed control. An exception to these rules are speed controllers that can work with both types of motor, however this feature is not commonly available and is very, very rare.

Current Rating

A speed controller will have a power limit. To handle more power, the speed controller needs to be larger, heavier, and is more expensive. It’s important to know the constant and peak current your motor is going to pull at full throttle. This determines the current rating you should look for in a speed controller. Always choose a speed controller with a constant current rating that is higher than what you need. If, for example, the motor is going to pull 12A continuous, a 25A-rated speed controller is a much better choice than a 10A-rated one. The 10A speed controller will probably overheat and cook, even if you only fly at half throttle. Check that the peak current capability of the controller can cope with a short term peak demand particularly on a brushed motor. For instance when initially starting the 12A continuous brushed motor from rest it could draw 60 or 100 amps for a split second. This is the amperage needed to get the motor turning and once rotating the amperage quickly falls to a continuous rate.

forward. If you are interested in any aspect of model hovercraft, whether it be research, design, building, or operating, then the Model Hovercraft Association is for you. This is true if you are an already established expert,or are just starting out. Following an Inaugural general meeting held on the 19th September 2004 at the Hovercraft Museum, Lee-on-Solent, the Model Hovercraft Association was formed. The principle aims and objectives of the MHA include:-The encouragement of interest in the building and operation of model hovercraft. -Research, education and discussion on the design, operating and trading aspects of model hovercraft and the understanding of the technical principles involved. -To hold meetings to further the objectives above and to present papers, films, videos LightHovercraft 08

Before I start this article I must emphasise that I am in no way electronically competent and firmly believe that all electronic components consist of an outside case within which large amounts of smoke are stored. Well it appears to me that way as when ever I am playing with electronics I always let the smoke out!! Choosing the right Electronic Speed controller (SPEED CONTROLLER) for your radio control electric model can be made quite simple. Speed controllers are available with many different features, limits, and price ranges. Sorting through the list of speed controllers can be done by identifying what you need, and eliminating the rest. The general procedure is to narrow the list down to speed controllers that will get the job done, and then make your final selection based on price and preference. First, select

Brushless motors are much more efficient and therefore the continuous and peak ratings on a brushless speed controller are much closer, for instance 45/60A (45A continuous and 60A peak or surge)

controller by Ralph Arrow Hover Time - February 2008 Page 9 Choosing the correct type and identifying the minimum current rating are the two big steps. The next choices depend on your preferences. Here are some of the features and limits that can affect your selection.

Voltage Rating

All Speed controllers have voltage limits. Some even have more than one!

What is your battery voltage?

Choose a speed controller that is designed to work with an equal or higher voltage. Some Speed controllers are designed for low voltages (below 13V), some for medium voltages (below 25V), and some for high voltages (above 25V). You shouldn’t connect a high voltage battery to a low voltage speed controller, but it is also wasteful to use a high voltage speed controller with a low voltage battery. The second voltage rating that some Speed controllers have is based on their Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC). For a speed controller to provide power to your receiver and servos, it has to drop battery voltage down to 5V. This becomes difficult once battery voltage is above 13V, so usually a separate receiver battery or voltage regulator is required. Consider what is going to be powering your receiver and servos.

If using a large number of cells, usually more than 8 or 9, then you may have to disable the BEC circuit as the controller cannot reduce the high voltage down

Controller Set Up

Motors with different numbers of coils need different timing set-ups in the controller in order to work properly. Your speed controller will probably not be set up for your motor and you must check the set up before you use it in anger. Each speed controller has it’s own way of setting up - usually telling you what is going on by making the motor beep. Fortunately the speed controller remembers the set up - but you will need to change it if you use a different motor SO KEEP THE INSTRUCTIONS. The usual basic speed controller’s have simple ‘beeps’ to tell you what they are doing. Typically set the throttle stick to minimum, plug in the speed controller and it will beep once, move the throttle to full power and the speed controller will beep again. Set the throttle to minimum again and the speed controller

FAILURE TO GET THE SET UP CORRECT WILL USUALLY END UP WITH THE CONTROLLER BLOWING UP.

Price

As a general rule of thumb the speed controller should be rated for about twice the normal operating power, i.e. a motor/propeller combination pulling 12 amps continuous should be fitted with a 25A speed controller.

Programmability

www.hovercraft.org.uk

On a small low power speed controller, i.e. capable of controlling a small number of cells the BEC power can be very small, in fact small enough only to power the receiver and two servo’s. So it is worth checking the BEC output before buying. This power is usually specified by the manufacturer as ‘number of cells’. Most speed controllers 20A and above can power 4 servo’s but it is worth checking the specification.

Again, a fan may be needed, or just a few ventilation holes may work. Also remember that water will damage the electronic components and release that smoke!!

To protect your lithium polymer battery pack from being discharged too much, most Speed controllers can shut down when they sense battery voltage has become too low. This is almost always a useful feature, as it can save your lipoly battery from being permanently damaged.

Speed controllers with the same current and voltage rating can vary in price. Investigate this large market, and put prices on the features that you want.

Choosing the right Electronic Speed

This is a matter of choice, but for me I run all my models with BEC’s. An important point to note here is that should you ever experience radio interference, i.e. the servo’s are constantly twitching, then when trouble shooting the problem you should as one test consider trying a separate receiver battery to prove that the BEC is not faulty.

install it in a confined space, a small fan may be needed to circulate air over the heat sink. Pay attention to the heat build up inside the hull on hot days.

Low Voltage Cut-off (LVC)

Speed controllers are relatively light and maintain great resale value, so this is one item in your power system where skimping isn’t worth while.

Also remember the more power you need the more heat the speed controller will generate so installation location may become an issue.

controller that provides power to the receiver and servo’s. So with one of these BEC’s you do not need to fit a separate receiver battery. This will save you weight. Some modellers have experienced radio interference when using the BEC and therefore prefer to run a separate battery for the receiver and servos.

Some Speed controllers simply work out of the bag, like a servo. Others can be fine-tuned and set up with exotic throttle profiles, battery cut off voltage, motor timing etc. The most advanced can be configured via a computer program and cable. Generally it is only brushless speed controllers that can be programmed.

Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) This is a small circuit within the speed www.hovercraft.org.uk

to the 5V required for the servo’sand receiver due to the high heat loss required to reduce the voltage. If this is the case then you have two options, either a separate battery or a separate BEC device.

Do’ and Don’ts Installation

As stated earlier, the speed control produces heat. This heat can build up and damage the speed control. The location of the installation of your speed control can affect the heat build up. If you

is ready to go. You normally only have to do this once and not every time you plug in the speed controller. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS as each speed controller set up varies.

Wires

Brushless motors rotate very fast - so the controllers need to make a lot of calculations every second and they have to switch the juice on and of very fast. Now all those wires have a property called inductance. Inductance resists the flow of current and the effect is worse the higher the frequency - SO LONG WIRES ARE LightHovercraft 09

BAD. Schulze recommend a maximum current path of 8 inches. The current path includes - the controller power leads, the battery power leads and joint between cells. So on a 12 cell pack with a joining wire of 2 inches plus 10 0.75 inch bars, plus the battery leads at 2 inch so use end to end soldered cells and keep joins by battery bars to a minimum. Keep all wires as short as possible.

Must have longer wires!

Authors note: The following section was taken from an e-magazine sent to me by Tony Middleton:

On the speed controller-to-motor end of the controller, the concern seems to be primarily the addition of more resistance and inductance to the windings of the motor, which will make starting a sensorless motor more difficult. This is also an argument against having connectors between the motor and the controller. For either sensor-equipped brushless motors or conventional brushed motors, this does not seem to be an issue. Of course additional wire Hover Time - February 2008 Page 10 Do’s and Don’ts length and connectors do add to resistance losses and therefore result in less of the battery’s power getting to the motor, but unless the connectors are really bad (such as the Tamiya type) or the wire is really long or undersized, this is a small concern. On the battery-to-speed controller side of the controller, the situation can be more severe. On this side of the controller, there is no diode or synchronous rectification to help smooth out the start-stop-start-stop of the electricity flow as the controller switches the motor on and off. Due to the small, but real, inductance of the wires that lead from the battery to the ESC, this current tends to try to keep flowing even during the “off” times. This induces a voltage spike in the wire. The more wire, the greater the inductance and resulting voltage spike. Many speed controller’s, for both brushed and brushless motors, have a capacitor across the input side to help smooth out these spikes, but if the leads get too long, the voltage rating of that capacitor (or capacitors in some cases) can be exceeded. When that happens (and it can happen, I’ve seen it), the capacitor either smokes or even

LightHovercraft 10

explodes! Afterward, the controller may still work, but now these voltage spikes are getting into the rest of the controller and sooner or later more smoke will leak out. Therefore, while some makers have told me, “don’t lengthen either end”, and some have said, “it doesn’t matter”, most are of the opinion that if you must lengthen wires, it is better to do it between the motor and the controller, rather than between the battery and the controller. I think “Astro Bob” Boucher put it succinctly in an e-mail response to this question some time ago. Bob wrote (in April of 2001), “The lead length to any brushless or brushed motor from the speed control is not important except for resistance losses. The inductance in the winding is higher than any leads. This is not true about the wire length between battery and control These must be SHORT. The motor sees a PWM [pulse width modulated] voltage but a smooth current waveform. The battery sees an interrupted current waveform with one microsecond or smaller rise times [this would be true for anything other than a frame rate controller, and we don’t use those any more, do we? - BEC]. This means big voltage spikes. The caps used on most controls are OK for 1 foot of wire. Add 3 feet and you have instant smoke. This is true of almost all speed controls on the market, brushless and brushed. At 30 Amps, a 3-foot loop will generate 20-volt spikes. Add this to the battery voltage and you are asking for trouble.”There are also considerations of having more wire to radiate interference, especially at higher power levels. This argues for keeping the wiring as short as possible all the way around. However, it seems to me that the induced voltage spikes on the battery side are the biggest worry. That said, I routinely insert my Wattmeter between the battery and ESC when testing, adding about a foot of wire length. I’ve put more than 50 flights on my Big T with an MGM ComPro brushless controller with about a 9-inch extension on the battery side, and I haven’t blown it up yet. Regardless of what I might actually be flying, if you must lengthen wiring, and you have a choice, I recommend you do it on the motor end.

Safety Loop

This is a small loop of wire that completes the power circuit and is mounted on the outside of the model. Usually this consists of two female connectors glued into the model and a small length of wire with male bullets on each end. The males are pushed into the females completing the power circuit. Removing this loop will disconnect the battery from the electroni__cs in the model. This is very common on model planes and racing boats. Fitting more than two speed controllers or a receiver battery? If fitting more than two speed controllers with BEC’s in a model and no receiver battery then you MUST disconnect the positive lead on ONE of the speed controller receiver plugs.

Model of the month Model Name: Griffon 2000 Sabvabaa Model Scale: 1/10 Model Size: 1060mm Number of motors: 2 Power source: Two NIMI Batteries Skirt Type: Bag Materials: 0.8mm plywood on balsa wood framework Interesting feature: model features a solar panel that powers the radar Build time: 1 year

Festival of Power 2013 Sat 30th March to Mon 1st April 2013 An action packed Easter weekend of family Drag Racing entertainment including European Nitro Funny Car series, Jet Car Shootout and National Drag Racing. Plus all things powerful off track including monster trucks, stunts, displays and more. What was previously know as Easter Thunderball is now Festival of Power, a new bigger, better power fest. Tickets: •FREE parking for all ticket holders. •Camping included for multiple day ticket holders.

•FREE access to the pits! Get up close to the racers, crew and of course the Dragsters. •Weekend campers will be able to stay until midday on the Tuesday after the event, the bar will be open until 10pm on Monday. For anyone interested in contacting the artist from last months magazine, his details follow: Paul, who is a member of the Guild of Motoring Artists, is happy to discuss your requirements for any hovercraft painting and illustration commissions. To view galleries of his work please visit www.paulwhitehouseart.co.uk or contact via email: pwhitehouse3@aol.com.

Otherwise both speed controllers will try to power the receiver and potentially let the smoke out!! If fitting a receiver battery then all the speed controllers must have the power lead disconnected. To disconnect the lead is quite easy. Either remove the manufacturers BEC link which will disable the BEC part of the electronics. If this link is not fitted then look at the plug on the speed controller with three wires that plugs into the receiver, on one side of this plug you will find little plastic tabs that stop the little metal pins from being pushed out when connecting to the receiver. Using a small pointed tool, a pin will do, lift the plastic tab on the middle wire, and pull the wire out. Tape this wire back on itself. Now you only have two wires, signal and negative, going into the plug. That’s it, ready to go.

Conclusion

If you are not electronically minded like me, do what I do, KISIS - Keep It Simple I’m Stupid. Electronic parts like speed controllers are very easy to install and use IF YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! I have written this article by searching the internet for snippets of information and compiled all these snippets into one document. So my grateful thanks to all those ‘smoke experts’ out there who have publicly shared their knowledge and enabled me to put this article together. Ralph

www.hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft 11

GRANVILLE

spedding ...FORTY YEARS AGO

EARL’S COURT BOAT SHOW 1973 Over the early years of the Club attendance at the Boat Show in London proved a very valuable time for introducing light hovercraft to an interested public. In 1973 it was reported that the general reaction to hovercraft was polite interest or great enthusiasm, and very little, if any

He wrote, for example - “who can tell the difference between a red/white chequered flag and a black/white one at 100 feet against the light?” His appeal was that Council “get its house in order” Things never run smoothly for some!

ENGINE CRANK SHAFT FAILURE Another letter was received on the matter reported in last month’s Forty Years Ago – the problem in Peter Dance’s AH3 Hovercraft. He suggested that reporting the failure of the crankshaft was a possible attempt to help others benefit from his experience.

anti-hovercraft feeling. A good variety of early light sports hovercraft were on display, a tribute to the ingenuity of the early members in putting together at short notice a creditable display. 4,000 leaflets were given away and 130 Hovercraft News were sold; 12 new members were recruited and many contacts made. Later 18 new members and 20 Hovercraft News’ were sold by direct contact with the Club office in the days following.

WHERE ARE ALL THE MARSHALS TO COME FROM? In the early days it was clear that there were concerns about race meeting organisation. A member had expressed deep concern that the status of rally officials was not sufficiently clear. It was seen that at times the decisions of marshals were being ignored, partly because at this stage the signalling flags were not as distinct as today, and their duties were not clearly defined. LightHovercraft 12

This is Dave giving a ride to Ernie Wise – as yet I am not sure of the event or location. I’m sure there will be more information at a later date.

The writer commented that if matters raised by the wider membership were thought important for the development of the club, then perhaps the implied criticism regarding maintenance, insurance, etc., should really have been confined to matters of design. As the editor then observed, “views expressed by correspondents are their own”

LOCAL AND NATIONAL CRITICISM OF HOVERCRAFT The club became aware of “Letters to the Editor” in National and Local Papers of the time. To some, the new hovercraft had become a noisesome thing. (How could they believe that?) The editor of the time commented that

these letters were being written either by cranks who would object to the Archangel Gabriel blowing his Trumpet, or someone spoiling for a verbal battle hoping to made a name for himself as the saviour of the country. The attitude of the Council of the time was to ignore them, unless they state specific instances that reflect on the Club. If members were to take up the cudgels themselves they had to remember that they would be doing so as private individuals and not as spokespersons for the Club.

I N T E R E S T I N G ARCHIVE PHOTOS Dave Ibbotson a member from the beginning of the Club (or nearly) sent www.hovercraft.org.uk

A rather good photograph of a much younger cliff Richard.

some interesting photos in response to the interest shown in the history page. The sequence of five photographs that Dave sent show a hovercraft being piloted through an inner city canal (Birmingham, Manchester or even London?) and then Cliff stepping out of the craft. Presumably he was the pilot bringing it into the dock, and going off to some business conference! Great photos – thanks Dave. www.hovercraft.org.uk hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercr LightHovercraft 13

HOVER NEWS

Letters to the editor

Brian Russell

Gavin Parson

B Sc (Hons) MRINA

Dear Editors,

MODEL HOVERCRAFT TO THE RESCUE Painting Hovercraft in 2012 – Madagascar, Singapore and Canada This was the title of a talk by Warwick Jacobs to members of the Hovercrfat Society and Friends of the Hovercraft Museum, at the Museum on Saturday 19th January 2013. Warwick started by saying that hovercraft had been a lifetime passion since he was four years old, when his dad took him to watch the Hovertravel craft land at Southsea. Prisoners made hovercraft models, played with in a sandpit, when the family lived in Birmingham. He painted his first hovercraft picture at a when 4 or 5 years old in 1969.70. Both his parents were professional artists, so it is not surprising that Warwick followed in their footsteps. He came to Gosport when seven years old and presented small drawings to the Hovertravel pilots. From school, he went on to take a degree in Geography, his thesis being on Modal Transport. An important project was a portrait of Sir Christopher Cockerell, to celebrate his 70th birthday. Sir Christopher had strong views that science and art should overlap and discussions on this, accompanied by tea and sandwiches, provided by Lady Margaret Cockerell, meant that the portrait took a lot longer than anticipated. For thirty years, on most Sundays, Warwick has been at Bayswater. London, selling paintings

Expeditions Warwick has taken the opportunity to support various expeditions as the expedition artist – starting with ten years on Operation Raleigh. He also accompanied Mike Cole’s expedition to China. More recently, Warwick visited the HoverAid activities in Madagascar, spending a week painting in the Southern part of the island. The humanitarian hovercraft operations are run by indigenous personnel, as pilots, Hovercraft crew, doctors and nurses. Necessity drives these operations with the six seat River Rovers being used, LightHovercraft 14

often carrying 8, 9 or even 10 passengers. Consequently the hover-height is much reduced, but as the rivers used are generally calm, this does not present a problem When the hovercraft drops off the doctors and nurses, there are a thousand people waiting for treatment. The hovercraft then goes off to pick up patients from more remote areas. The HoverAid operation can best be described as few people doing enormous good, said Warwick. The hovercraft more recently employed are: a River Rover Mk 4 – with a petrol engine and a Vortex 5. The situation led itself to the creation of thumbnail sketches that were converted back in the UK to paintings – prints being sold to raise funds for HoverAid.

artist, producing around fifty paintings a year since 1986. Some other hovercraft highlights included the last painting of a Super 4 operating at Calais and the trips to the Goodwin Sands organised by Hoverspeed. A lively question and answer session, including the fact that all equipment has to be carried in a back pack and includes pads of thick paper and two sets of paints. The enjoyable occasion was ended with a cheese and wine party and the chance to look at some of Warwick’s output.

I would like to respond to Russ Pullen’s article in the January/February issue of Light Hovercraft. Firstly I would like to highlight that the magazine cover picture and those throughout his article were of a nonHCGB cruise organised by myself on the Thames. As I have been involved with cruising for 30 years, a former cruising rep for the HCGB and former chairman of the Cruising and Coastal Events committee, I think I know more about the past and present situation regarding cruising than many people. Russ makes the point that the split of many cruisers to form a new club was unnecessary as the HCGB provided a framework for organising events. But at the time it was made clear that the HCGB had nothing to offer cruisers other than a set of rules and regulations. At the time of the split, there was already recognition by the HCGB Council that a less regulated approach was required and it was not necessary to control cruising events in the same way as a race meeting. Accordingly I am surprised that there appears to be a move towards greater restriction of cruising events. Surely, this is counter-productive?

Bearing in mind the temperatures experienced, medicines are kept in solar powered fridges. Return trips from deployments are undertaken in daylight, as the hovercraft are not cleared for night flying. This is because of the complete lack of navigation markers and the difficulties experiences during the rainy season.

Singapore In April 2012, Warwick went to Singapore Airport to do a painting of the Fire Station. To do this, he was sitting 1 few feet from the main runway. However, he was well looked after, with an Airport person dedicated to keeping him supplied with sandwiches and tea. However, it turned out that he was also there to shoot Warwick if he tried to obstruct any plane on the runway! Two Griffon hovercraft act as safety vessels, operated from a floating platform moored to a pier. The beach would have been more satisfactory, but the pier was own by the Airport.

In the last three years there has been a revolution in craft reliability and acceptance of owners of greater responsibility towards maintenance and acquiring maritime training and qualifications. Many craft owners have been on RYA training courses and hold boat handling and navigation qualifications, they have DSC and VHF radio qualifications and most craft are registered with the small ships register. All owners now carry their own third party insurance.

Canada Last year saw a visit to the Canadian Coastguard to record their SRN ^ hovercraft. This was in return for the donation of two 40ft containers of spares, some of which are being used to get the Museum’s SRN 5 operational.

Furthermore, cruising is now a mainstream activity with cruisers operating regularly whenever the weather and tide conditions are suitable.

Warwick concluded his talk by saying that fundamentally he was a marine www.hovercraft.org.uk

www.hovercraft.org.uk

This means that organised events are not as necessary as they were before. If you can take your craft out every weekend on your local river, do you want to be shackled by rules and regulations at a “club” event which is no doubt on a public waterway anyway? I have consulted with local boat clubs to understand the parallels with how they view events and informal activities. It appears that the majority of clubs exist to provide physical facilities for members such as a clubhouse, slipway, moorings and tender or boat storage. This is obviously a major incentive to be a member. There is a strong dividing line between “events” and “activities”. All vessel owners have a right to navigate and no boat club will restrict their members in using their boats for informal “activities”. Even “events” have few regulations unless they have a competitive element. To have an informal event such as a “winter cruise” from A to B hardly requires a mass of rules and regulations. Even the RYA say that informal activities carry virtually no risk of any legal liability. In the South East for example, we have been cruising informally for many years. There is no need for such cruising to be formalised or shackled with the “club event” tag. It is no different from taking our cars down to the coast or going out canoeing together, it’s just a gathering of friends. Historically, when cruising hovercraft were less reliable and there was a danger of unsuitable racing type craft turning up then some regulations were appropriate. The sport has moved on so much from those days and is so much better for it. I am amazed that the HCGB want to see a return to the regulations of the past that contributed to many cruisers being driven away from the club. I have no issue with the HCGB putting on events for its members, but equally

there needs to be some incentive for cruisers to be part of the club. It is not enough to just put random dates on a calendar and say “hey, look, we have a full calendar of events”. Many will just say,” well I can cruise any day I want to so what else can you offer me?” The forum is mainly occupied with racing subjects and any cruiser who speaks up only seems to receive abuse. It’s hardly an inviting prospect is it? Surely it would make sense for Council to consult with the wider cruising community and to decide the way ahead based on genuine facts and not personal opinion formed by a non-cruising Council. Should Council not ask cruisers what they want? Why not ask those who left and joined the new club what would entice them to rejoin the HCGB? I further note that anyone who questions the current policies is branded a “ troll” in Russ’s article. Does this not highlight the contempt shown towards those experienced members who raise their concerns over the direction in which the club is going? He mentions “trying to use the club to promote rival events”. There are no “rival” events. Cruising is cruising. There is no competition or conflict. No event that I have tried to publicise has clashed with any HCGB event and would be run along the same responsible lines as every other event I have been involved with over the past 30 years. Throughout the UK there is plenty of informal cruising and numerous events which any HCGB member is welcome to attend. However, the current rules don’t allow them to be mentioned or publicised. Equally, there are overseas events which are not HCGB events but they are being allowed publicity. Why is this? Unfortunately, all this does is create bad feeling when all we want to do is cruise, put on activities and events and be able to talk about it. What is so wrong about that? Regards Gavin Parson LightHovercraft 15

Prices of HCGB Logo Merchandise Soft shell jackets – black or navy £35.00 including embroidered club logo on breast & back Fleece zipped jackets – all colours £22.50 including embroidered club logo Hoodies – all colours (other than orange) - £ 20.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit short sleeve T shirt – all colours – £12.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit long sleeve T shirt – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s short sleeve T shirt – all colours - £12.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s long sleeve T shirt – black only - £15.00 including embroidered club logo & printed logo down right sleeve Unisex short sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Unisex long sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £17.00 including embroidered club logo Baseball Cap - £7.50 including printed club logo Woolly hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Fleece hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Kids Hoodies - £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids Zipped Fleece Jackets - £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids short sleeve T shirt - £6.50

including embroidered club logo on breast Mouse Mat - £6.50 All-in-one race suits – navy – N/A Two piece water proof sets – black £25.00 Puncture repair kits - £1.50 Kids ear defenders - £7.50 Ear caps – £1.00 Lipsyl - £1.50 Sun cream - £3.50 The Hovercraft Story Book - £8.50 5 Postcards in frame - £22.50 4 Postcards in frame - £20.00 Powered Model Kit - £15.00 Combat force Hovercraft - £3.50 Logo Pens – 40p Thermal Mugs –£6.00 Mugs – £7.00 Key rings –TBA Wrist bands - £1.00 Umbrellas – £15.00 Cotton Shopping Bags – £5.00

Only available to HCGB members Hoodies – orange - £20.00 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back. Unisex short sleeve T shirts – orange - £7.00 including printed club logo Sweatshirt – orange - £17.50 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back

Hovercraft for sale BBV F3 F3 shaft driven BBV Red and green hovercraft powered by a Yamaha Tzr 250 engine. Prefect beginner craft comes complete with a trailer to transport. This craft is ready to race. Grab a bargain for £1800 the lot. For any more info or questions please Contact Ricky Goosey on 07875335702

Contact Clive Mason Mob – 0772 9783989 Email – clivemason33@yahoo.com

F3 Meteor Racing Craft Fully recondition hovercraft currently being carried out, available in any colour that the customer would like, integrated hull fitted with standard TZR 250 engine. Brand new set of skirts fitted. This can be built to any spec wanted. Price depends on spec wanted. From £1700 upwards Call Ricky Goosey: 07875335702

www.hovercraft.org.uk

Need to sell our VENOM F50 built 2012 with Rotax 503 FAC , due to my cousin Kim stopping racing. Nearly NEW craft , three laps in Nottingham & four heats at Worlds; fantastic craft even out for it first time at Worlds & doiing 4 of 6 heats still 11 th place. Comes with moveable splitter a airguide box under it. Think £3,500.00 would be a fair price? Contact tel. 0032 497899829 Jos in Belgium or here. Tony Broad & Conrad know the craft ! Craft is currently in Belgium, but could be delivered to Calais for collection.

local branches most of the local branches meet regularly, normally in a pub, to sit around and chat hovercraft or organise an upcoming meeting or event. feel free to contact them and they will be more than happy to welcome you along to the meetings.