Private vs commercial vs academic — use and licensing
Since 2004 eCalc has been the web-based platform for sizing electric RC drives — multicopters, airplanes, helis, EDF and more — with one of the most comprehensive motor databases online. Private pilots have a clear lane; once sizing becomes commercial, you need an additional agreement. This page explains the difference calmly.
Short version
| Use | What applies (per homepage / Terms) |
|---|---|
| Private | Private use is granted for personal purposes; copyright remains. Paid memberships unlock full features/DB and are for private use per the signup notice. |
| Commercial | Commercial use without a contract with Solution for All Markus Müller is expressly prohibited. Contact by email. |
| University / Campus | Academic use in courses and labs needs a campus agreement (not a private membership). |
Commercial / University contact: sales@ecalc.ch or the form on Teams & Campus. Private memberships: Buy private. If you are not sure how your use is classified, please contact us.
Membership ≠ commercial license
On Buy private you buy timed memberships (bundle or single tools) for private full access — large component DB, export/share where offered. Signup stresses private use only; membership does not replace a commercial or campus license.
Typical private examples:
- Sizing your own quad or glider
- Helping a clubmate without charge (no shop/service frame)
- Hobby content that is not sold as a design service
Typical commercial examples (when in doubt, ask):
- Drive design as a paid service
- Design for products you sell (kits, drones, OEM)
- Shop consulting where eCalc is a billed deliverable
- Public “general guidance” with commercial intent (see Terms §2 sense)
- Sizing in a university course/lab or research group (campus agreement)
English Terms §2 restrict personal usage rights and prohibit commercial use without an additional contract, including commercial-intent public guidance. When unsure: email instead of guessing.
Manufacturers and the motor database
Motor makers can submit specs or use the homepage form — listings increase visibility because users calculate with real data. That partnership is separate from end-user licensing.
Practical tips
- Hobby: pick a membership if you want the full DB; use the demo to learn.
- Shop / UAV business / campus: clarify Teams & Campus before production use — pricing on request via sales@ecalc.ch.
- Semi-pro: if you charge for sizing or sell the result, ask about commercial.
- Sharing tool links to xcopterCalc, propCalc, cgCalc is welcome — the use case still decides the license.
Related guides: Size a multicopter, Airplane drive, CG before maiden.
Worked example: two people, one setup
Alex sizes a personal 7” long-range quad in xcopterCalc and buys a bundle membership — private.
Bianca runs a drone shop and delivers paid drive packages with eCalc screenshots in quotes — commercial, contract required.
Same software, different purpose.
FAQ
Is hobby YouTube commercial?
Pure hobby reviews are usually private; paid design services or shop funnels should ask. Grey areas: info@ecalc.ch.
Does membership equal a business permit?
No. Signup/Terms separate private membership from a commercial contract.
Where are current prices?
Private memberships: signup page.
Commercial UAV and university: on request
(Teams & Campus,
sales@ecalc.ch) — no price table on the website.
Next step
Private / hobby
Membership for private use — prices and instant access on the signup page.
Commercial UAV & University
UAV/VTOL teams and course/lab — contract and quote on request, no price table.
Thanks for using eCalc fairly — that keeps the platform sustainable for the RC community.