DBF Q&A #1
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Q: The rules state “Motors and batteries will be limited to a maximum of 40 Amp current draw by means of a 40 Amp fuse (per motor or battery pack) in the line from the positive battery terminal to the motor controller."
Does this mean that at no point in the line between batteries and motors there can be more than 40A current flow? The way it is worded is confusing because it sounds like a person might be able to run two motors, two controllers, two fuses, and then one battery pack which could then have 80A current draw from it. Is this incorrect?
A: The fuse should be between the battery and any other components, including a “Y” to multiple motors, such that no part of the system can see more than a 40A draw.
Q: Must payload be carried completely internally, as in surrounded entirely by fuselage, or can the payload sit partially within the fuselage? I can not find any where in the rules where it addresses this. The only mention of payload placement is that it may not be carried in an external “pod”. However, it does not say that the payload can be secured to the fuselage but not contained within it.
A: The payload must fit within the lines of the fuselage. A payload strapped to the outside of a profile/slab fuselage is not considered to be “in” the fuselage. The payload and/or insert also may not function as a structural member (see FAQ-Payload #4).
Q: Do the payload inserts also have to fit inside the box with the plane? Or can they be external to the box when it is being checked for fitting the plane inside the box?
A: The box size limit applies to the aircraft, not the payloads. You do not need to have any payload inserts inside the box, or inside the aircraft, during the fit check.
Q: How exactly is a battery "pack" defined? We would like to use two shrink wrapped sets of battery cells permanently connected by wires, so that the two pieces are part of a single circuit. Is this an acceptable battery configuration?
A: You can have multiple battery packs provided their combined weight falls within the battery weight limit. Whether they are connected permanently or have removable connectors between them does not matter.