Q-118: I’ve been using the popular ElectriCalc computer program to help me make choices in electric power systems for my model aircraft. A fellow modeler told me recently that there is a program available that will also let me select particular Li-Poly battery configurations to suit my model needs. Can you refer me to this program?
A-118: I believe the reader is referring to a program that FMA Direct
created for use with its Kokam line of Li-Poly batteries. The original program
was recently updated and is referred to as LiPo Calc II, and it is “freeware”
that is available on the FMA Direct Web site.
To access it, go to www.fmadirect.com. Under “Hot Links” on the left side of the
screen, and click on the LiPo Calc II box. That will bring up the Li-Poly
battery-selection program. LiPo Calc II quickly helps you select a Li-Poly
battery-pack configuration that best suits your particular aircraft and electric
power system.
To get started, open “Click here for help.” That will tell you how to input your
data and interpret the results. The program will ask you to enter the number of
battery cells you are interested in, such as 2, 3, 4, etc.; the motor current in
amps; and an estimation of your average throttle setting. Since it is assumed
you will be doing some throttling back during your flight, you are encouraged to
pick a number less than 100% or full throttle.
After making the three entries, click on “Update Values.” Your alternative
battery-pack configurations will appear in tabular form. It takes a while to get
used to this program’s format, but the output information can prove quite
helpful—and the service is free!