Optimizing
After setting up and learning, calca-Plus can be used for flying (with warnings set on the cautious side!). The app should provide reasonable values right from the start.
If you want to optimize the display, I recommend correcting the consumption values first, if necessary. After a full flight, note down the calculated consumed mAh from the main window. Then, fully recharge the battery and also record the charged value in mAh. These two values should be almost identical; otherwise, the program can provide a correction suggestion:
Enter the recorded values on the bottom two lines, and overwrite if needed. Press the “Ok” button, exit the settings, and reopen them again…
…now overwrite the consumption values with the data in parentheses. This way, all values have been corrected by a certain percentage.
The consumed mAh values are displayed only if a single, complete flight was performed, and the battery was almost fully charged before the flight.
C-Rate
One of the most important parameters in calca-Plus is the “C-Rate.” This value is specified for all LiPo batteries, usually divided into a value for continuous discharge and one for current spikes. We always use the value for continuous discharge.
In colloquial terms, you can refer to a C-Rate that the battery can deliver (continuous!) and a C-Rate that the drive demands at 100% power from a battery with a specific capacity. Logically, the maximum C-Rate of the drive should be lower than that of the battery.
In calca-Plus, the C-Rate of the drive is indicated in the info window, depending on the selected battery. This is a good way to verify the interaction between the battery and the drive once you’ve entered the maximum flowing current at 100% in the settings.
C-Rate Correction
During the flight, the entered C-Rate of the battery is checked, and a correction suggestion is provided in parentheses. On the bottom line of the main window, we can see that a battery with 4000mAh and 25C has been entered, and the program now suggests changing the C-Rate from 25 to 23.
I recommend changing the C-Rate only when a trend becomes apparent over several flights or if there is a clear difference even after the first flight.