2015 NAMBA FE Proposals

[D. Newland]

There are 2 NAMBA FE proposals that I wrote, and that were passed by District 19, that will be in the upcoming Propwash (+/-April, 2015). I am posting this information in advance so that you may write an article for the Propwash to get your voice heard in the NAMBA publication. For or Against. If you decide to do this, please send an email to Al Waters @ [email protected] ASAP and advise of your intentions. He will give you a deadline to have a finished article written.

1. Self righting boats. I have submitted a proposal to not allow self-righting boats in NAMBA competition, unless the self-righting capabilities can be eliminated or rendered useless for the event (CD approval required).

I'm fairly confident we all have our stance on this. I felt it time we actually find out what the membership wants to do, formally.

2. Voltage. I am proposing that NAMBA rulebook Section 28, page 5, D.1.a) Power Parameter chart change from Nominal to Actual voltage (4.23 volt/per cell increments), plus wording is added about pre-tech inspections @ SAW/2-Lap events. Please note that Section 28, Page 1 General Section rule that addresses which cells are official (3.7 nominal) remains unchanged with this proposal. This is not a High Voltage Lipo proposal, it is merely a proposal to help the technical inspections of cell voltage.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

[Fluid]

Dave, I support both proposals. A note about the length of time a boat can remain "dead" before being officially called dead might be useful, but number 1 does help. A definite voltage limit is needed. Until the newer chemistry is proven the limits help to level the playing field. At the LA SAWs last November we performed pre-run voltage checks with good success. This helps to reduce the incidence of "his boat was illegal" comments.....

[rayzerdesigns]

pre run voltage is def needed at big events..especially for record events..its simple as a voltmeter..then tape up..the newer high voltage cells as of now aren't legal in namba..they are being tested in the rc car world, I will say they are def faster..and so far seem to be holding up well, have been charging at 50 amps plus..so far so good, and governing bodies in the car side are in their testing phases

[Darin Jordan]

Dave, I support both proposals. A note about the length of time a boat can remain "dead" before being officially called dead might be useful, but number 1 does help. A definite voltage limit is needed. Until the newer chemistry is proven the limits help to level the playing field. At the LA SAWs last November we performed pre-run voltage checks with good success. This helps to reduce the incidence of "his boat was illegal" comments.....

David, for what it's worth, I'm with Jay. I don't really have an opinion on #1. My concern there is more about the drivers of those boats getting fixated on getting their boats up and running again, and not paying attention to the boats still actively racing on the course. Been taken out too many times by that.

For #2, like Jay said, we did Voltage Checks at the SAWs and I think it worked out really well. Definitely takes that question out of play.

Thank you.

[D. Newland]

Jay- I've had quite a bit of thought and discussion about "what constitutes a dead boat", and I just don't have a strong enough (and specific) opinion to personally propose something that I feel would be followed 100% of the time.

We have more and more Gas/Nitro guys CD'ing our races and it's typically the first question they have for the race organizers. Once we discuss a process with them, they quickly get into a groove. And, there are times when, IMO, a standing 3 count should be used (tight racing), and shouldn't be used (boat spins out and wants to wait for traffic to clear, or the last place boat subs on the last last lap and needs 4-5 seconds to get going). There are also times when a zero count should be used (mixed racing, for instance).

I personally favor CD's discretion at this point in time.

[rayzerdesigns]

touchy subject, I think if submarined or spin out I think you should continue..but I also agree not to impede any racing..which makes it a judgement call..maybe just a common sense thing..its not often you see a gas boat spin out and continue, but it does happen..usually they stall out..so maybe in mixed competition it needs to be addressed before the race and come to agreement with those in class or the cd..just my thoughts

[ray schrauwen]

So are Revolectrix batteries a no go or what? I only have one set for Q-sport and never can charge them past 4.20v/cell with the charger I have. Typically I don't fully charge my cells anyway so they last longer.

[GixerGuy1978]

all lipos are approved (including the revo and similar hi-voltage cells) as long as they don't hold a voltage greater than 4.23v/cell overall pack average before a race. Some (like the 'bolts') can charge up to 4.35v/cell apparently. A charger to charge above the 4.2v/cell is required for these hi-volt cells or equivalent packs.

[T.S.Davis]

Yep, that's exactly correct. 4.23v max charge. For now at least. I'm sure these will become the norm in no time.

[Doug Smock]

Yep, that's exactly correct. 4.23v max charge. For now at least. I'm sure these will become the norm in no time.

I think this is still out for a membership vote isn't it? Should have the results in June?

[raptor347]

At this point any LiPo with a 3.7V nominal voltage is legal. The HV cells I've seen still carry the 3.7V rating. If the new voltage cap rule passes, it will limit how high you'll be able to charge them.

[Doug Smock]

At this point any LiPo with a 3.7V nominal voltage is legal. The HV cells I've seen still carry the 3.7V rating. If the new voltage cap rule passes, it will limit how high you'll be able to charge them.

[keithbradley]

Since pre-run voltage checks seem to be emerging as favored protocol in both organizations, how does everyone feel about how this is checked?

I like the idea of voltage taps on the outside of the hull. Maybe just a small bullet connector with small gauge wires leading to the input wires of the ESC. This would allow racers to tape up when needed and voltage could still be checked after tape-up. Thoughts?

[Doug Smock]

Hey Keith,
Pre teching was in the IMPBA rules when LiPos were voted in. You may have participated in an event where the teching took place after a run as not all of our CDs were familiar with the FE rules. That is no longer the case.

B. Battery Specifications
Batteries may be of any commercial manufacture that is available to the public. These may include: Lithium Polymer or Lithium Ion, etc. type cells. The battery/pack/cell is only recharged by the application of an electric current to the battery using a battery charger specifically designed for the type of cell being used. Any method of recharging or partially recharging a battery/pack/cell by any other means is not allowed. Liquid acid type battery, Fuel Cell or Radioactive batteries are not allowed. A voltmeter will be used to measure the total voltage applied to the input of the speed control(s), un-loaded, with a fully charged ‘pack’ will constitute technical conformance to a class voltage limit.

The inspector(s) and/or CDs have to be able to inspect the wiring before every run.

1. A ‘pack’ is defined as the cell(s) wired in series or parallel or any wiring combination that is used to provide electrical power to the speed control for the purpose of driving the electrical motor(s).
a. Only one pack maybe used even if multiple speed controls are used.
b. The pack must be made up of only one type of cell chemistry.
c. In multiple speed control/motor installations the total pack voltage must be used as the supply input to each speed control. You are not allowed to tap off voltage or switch a packs’ parallel/series configuration during operation.
2. Contestants are cautioned to keep their wiring as simple as possible to make it easy for a contest director/technical inspector to confirm class conformance. Inspectors may require that batteries and or other components be removed from the model to make a ruling.

With running orders at our RTs getting your boat inspected and taped up in front of the CD shouldn't be a problem. If you are experiencing a problem at an event send me a PM, email, or call me and I'll address it.


Sorry for the IMPBA rant on a NAMBA thread fellas. My hope is now that I'm a member of both I'll be cut a bit of slack.

[rayzerdesigns]

Pre run voltage is what it should be..As getting voltage after a run has too many variables..As for having a tap on outside of hull..not sure many would want to do that..it's do easy to just have a table setup for pre race..check voltage then tape up..then hit water..