NMPRA

While looking through the events to see if there was a west coast race I might be able to enter I noticed a flier that specifically called-out NO high voltage batteries allowed. I have a few HV batts I use for my heavy planes (they save an ounce or two). I didn't see anything in the NMPRA rules against them, just the voltage limit that's always been there. Am I missing something? I don't want to complain to the CD if I am...
Thanks
Eric

Hi,

You are probably referring to my race in Oakdale. You are correct there is nothing in the NMPRA rules against and that is why I am publishing a rules deviation in the flyer.

My reasoning for doing this was to keep what was our biggest growing class from turning into a battery race. Totally a subjective thing and can be argued from both sides.

Its been a couple of years now since they came out and they haven't dominated the field so I am open to eliminating the deviation.

Regards,
Joe DeLateur

Just pick from the EF-1 approved equipment list posted on the NMPRA's webpage. Joe has done a good job last year in not allowing HV batteries at the contest. This promoted new pilots giving EF-1 a try. EF-1 is a great starting point for many in pylon I just wish people would work on their flying skills instead of looking for a advantage in the rules!

delateurj wrote:Hi,

You are probably referring to my race in Oakdale. You are correct there is nothing in the NMPRA rules against and that is why I am publishing a rules deviation in the flyer.

My reasoning for doing this was to keep what was our biggest growing class from turning into a battery race. Totally a subjective thing and can be argued from both sides.

Its been a couple of years now since they came out and they haven't dominated the field so I am open to eliminating the deviation.

Regards,
Joe DeLateur

Joe thanks for the reply. I believe the EF1 battery rules are written beautifully and there is a provision for 16.9 V limit. Aren't all the batteries checked immediately before each heat? Maybe that's where I'm confused. Every time I've raced there's been a battery check, over 16.9 and you're out. The only real advantage to a HV battery is wieght. That doesn't help in a proud bird or a scratch built, but some of the >3.5lb pigs I've flown an ounce or two really helps.
Thanks
Eric

mcdracing wrote:Just pick from the EF-1 approved equipment list posted on the NMPRA's webpage. Joe has done a good job last year in not allowing HV batteries at the contest. This promoted new pilots giving EF-1 a try. EF-1 is a great starting point for many in pylon I just wish people would work on their flying skills instead of looking for a advantage in the rules!

There are no approved batteries. But I do appreciate your passion and agree with everything else you said.

Please read my reply to Joe above. Voltage should not be an issue. It's 16.9 V regardless of what battery you're using.

Increased participation is a goal for everyone. If you can make some of the heavier ARFs competitive by lightening up the batteries that will help participation. Right?
Thanks
Eric

Glad to see some conversation about batteries! Just an FYI the lipos labeled as HV are overrated on mah to account for the higher charge. In other words the reason a HV 3000 mah battery is the same weight as a normal 2700 mah pack is that the HV pack IS a 2700 mah pack but rated to take a higher voltage and therefore additional mah. The 16.8v voltage limit on the race pack equalizes all this anyways.

Wish I had taken pictures of a crashed HV pack that I dissasembled, the pouches were printed with the true mah which was less than the packs outside label.

Happy Racing!

Thanks for all the input. Since I have published we will be running this way for awhile, I am going to stick to the restriction for this race rather than changing in the last few weeks before the race.

I will discuss with the pilots at the race and decide if it will be changed for next year.

Regards,
Joe.