MagLev C [Trial]

[JohnHa]

Speed is probably more important than blade number when pushing air. What radius of prop is everyone using?

[baker]

Do you perfer a pusher prop or a tractor prop? Rules say you can use up to two (2) props, how would you do that? Two motors or a motor with a shaft on both ends? Or just stick with one motor, one prop. What voltage, batteries is best for working with? Thanks for any ideas..

[JTMess]

Although up to nine volts is allowed, we have been trying some 3.6 volt and 7.4 volt batteries that work. The current is what really matters more than the voltage and a typical nine volt battery only supplies about 170 mA

[JTMess]

Is it allowed to use transistors and/or capacitors on the maglev sleds? The rules were kind of vague on this, noting that the only power must come from the battery, but not specifically addressing this question.

[Primate]

Is it allowed to use transistors and/or capacitors on the maglev sleds? The rules were kind of vague on this, noting that the only power must come from the battery, but not specifically addressing this question.

out of curiosity, what for?

[chalker]

Is it allowed to use transistors and/or capacitors on the maglev sleds? The rules were kind of vague on this, noting that the only power must come from the battery, but not specifically addressing this question.

I'd think general rule #2 applies: http://soinc.org/ethics_rules

[baker]

What kind of magnets are best for the vehicles. All I'm finding are those flat rectangle ones with a hole in the middle. Will 4 or 6 of them carry the mass of the vechicles?

[twototwenty]

Yes, those magnet will easily support the vehicles weight, unless for some reason you have a outlandishly heavy vehicle. Four of them will probably work, but if your vehicle is still sinking too low, just add another magnet to the bottom of each of the original ones. Use reegular elmer's glue for this, or something of relatively low viscosity and density like it, so there is minimal distance between the stacked magnets.

[baker]

Because we have never seen the track used at competition, can you tell me a little about the magnets on the track. Is the north pole facing the same way on both sides of the track as you travel down? Or is it north on one side and south on the side as you travel down the track? Knowing this should help in figuring how to set up the vechicle. Do you ever run into a condition where you have to change directions of your magnets?

Does anyone have a picture they could post of vechicle or track?

[chalker]

Because we have never seen the track used at competition, can you tell me a little about the magnets on the track. Is the north pole facing the same way on both sides of the track as you travel down? Or is it north on one side and south on the side as you travel down the track? Knowing this should help in figuring how to set up the vechicle. Do you ever run into a condition where you have to change directions of your magnets?

Does anyone have a picture they could post of vechicle or track?

This site should help you: http://www.newyorkscioly.org/SOPages/COTResources.html