RC Sport Flyer July 2012 (Vol 17-05)

World’s Most In-Depth RC Aircraft Magazine

RC Sport Flyer Magazine

Special 2012 Event Report!

Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro

Futaba bR-3000

Celectra chargers

Blade mQX

TP Lipo packs

PowerBox SRS Report

PRODUCT HOT PICKS FOR summer!

rc-sf.com

USA & Canada $6.49

july 2012 Volume 17 Issue 05

july 2012

Pro. Class.

The NEW Spektrum DX18 Loyal Spektrum users. Expert pilots longing for a sophisticated transmitter that’s easy to program.

FM owners still waiting for the perfect 2.4GHz system. This is the one you’ve all been waiting for.

Powerful Spektrum™ AirWare™ for Sailplanes

In addition to extensive airplane and heli programming, the DX18 has every sailplane function an expert pilot could want. Five wing types, three tail types, two motor types, ten available flight modes, flap delay with elevator compensation—it has it all

Sequencer

Users can program a sequence of switch-activated events, with time delays between each event, using multiple channels. For instance, with a flip of the gear switch they could have an auxiliary channel open landing gear doors, then have the retract channel lower the landing gear, followed by the auxiliary channel closing the gear doors after the gear is extended.

Servo-Balancer

The output of CCPM swash servos or multiple servos on a single control surface can be precisely balanced using a 7-point curve mix.

X-Plus™ Channel Expansion

The system can be expanded to 18 channels with an X-Plus 8 receiver module (sold separately); perfect for complex scale models and high-performance sailplanes.

Built-In Telemetry with Data Log

The DX18 not only displays telemetry data in real time, but will log the data to the SD card so it can be reviewed after the flight.

Dual Diversity Antenna

Essentially two antennas in one, the Dual Diversity antenna consists of vertical and horizontal arrays mounted perpendicular to each other for superior protection from signal fades. The horizontal array is housed in the durable carrying grip on the back.

Perhaps most impressive is the fact you get all these capabilities PLUS a 9-channel receiver, 2S Li-Po transmitter battery, SD card, neck strap and a global charging system for just $799.99.

The wait is over! Get to spektrumrc.com right now for complete details on the new standard in pro-class excellence and to find the Spektrum retailer near you.

©2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. AirWare, X-Plus and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. DSMX is a trademark of Horizon Hobby, Inc., registered in the US. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. US 7,391,320. 29115

Screen images subject to change.

Key Features

• 50-Model Memory • Extensive Airplane, Helicopter and Sailplane Programming • Built-In Telemetry with Vibe Alerts • Built-In Servo Sequencer and Balancer • 16 Programmable Mixes • Flap Delay and Elevator Compensation • 10 Airplane Wing Types/6 Tail Types • 4 Airplane and Heli Flight Modes • Dual Rates and Expo • Active Gyro Trim • 7-Point Heli Throttle, Pitch and Tail Curves • 6 Swash Plate Types • Swash Plate Timing • 5 Sailplane Wing Types/3 Tail Types • 10 Sailplane Flight Modes • Global Charging System

We’ve upped the charger game with the introduction of our X4 Eighty and X2 400! Leading the pack in ease of operation, powerful output wattage and the ability to charge all popular battery chemistries; these heavyweights are exactly what you have been waiting for!

• Four 80-watt Power Outputs, Total Output Power 320 watts • Charges all Types of Lithium, NiCd/NiMH and Lead-Acid Based Batteries • Lithium to 6 Cells • NiCd/NiMH to 15 cells • Pb to 10 cells • Individual Balancing Ports • Twin-Fan Cooling System • Stock# 44169

• Two 400-watt Power Outputs, Total Output Power 800 watts • Charges all Types of Lithium, NiCd/NiMH and Lead-Acid Based Batteries • Lithium to 6 Cells • NiCd/NiMH to 15 cells • Pb to 10 cells • Individual Balancing Ports • Internal Cell Balancers • Aluminum Case for Rapid Heat Dissipation • Stock# 44170

All our chargers carry a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects from date of purchase.

Customer service is available through phone support and email inquiries.

RAIN GOT yOU GROUNDED?

Don’t let the weather get in the way of a little stick time PHOENIX PROFESSIONAL RC FLIGHT SIMULATION Don’t let the weather keep you down. With the Phoenix Flight Sim, you can fly anytime, rain or shine. This flight sim has it all, from amazing graphics to incredibly realistic physics. It’s the only sim that comes with a fully functional Spektrum™ 5-channel DX5e 2.4GHz transmitter that you can use to fly real aircraft at the field. So ignore the weather. And let the good times take flight.

INCLUDES: » Functional Spektrum DX5e 2.4GHz transmitter » Over 150 RC model simulations included » FREE downloads of many more models available » Fly with friends online

©2011 Horizon Hobby, Inc. PhoenixRC and the PhoenixRC logo are registered trademarks of Runtime Games Ltd. Exclusively distributed by Horizon Hobby, Inc. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. 31786

See why Top Gun 2012 is the premier event for scale model airplane builders and pilots. Pg 22

Learn how you can get the competitive edge with the new PowerBox Competition SRS. Pg 88

Florida Jets 12 pg 50

Get an inside look at how the new, feature-rich Eclipse 7 Pro radio system uses telemetry.

pg 94

6

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

DEPARTMENTS 10

leading edge

14

Hot Products

104

advertiser index

105

Mystery airplane

22

event

july 2012

top gun 2012 Rob shows you why only the bestof-the-best scale builders and pilots compete at Top Gun.

By Rob Caso

pg 36

30

36

Scale builder For scale modelers, it is the constant pursuit of realism that drives them.

See why in this column.

By Rob Caso

42

Soaring This month’s column shows you how to install servos securely in a large-scale Fox.

By Wil Byers

48

Cessna 170 Take a look at this 119-in. Cessna 170 plan to see if you want the challenge of building one.

By Wendell Hostetler

50

pg 56

celectra chargers This three-in-one system will give you all the charge power you need.

By Wil Byers

62

Futaba Analogs Why pay more for digital servos when these will work well?

By Staff

64

anylink Start using your radio to fly any airplane in this lineup.

By Staff

66

Futaba BR-3000 Here is a battery checker you’ll want to buy for your flightbox.

By Jerry Smith

70

Sky Limit When you start using Sky Limit, you’ll be ready for ALES.

By Wil Byers

72

scale instruments Give your model’s cockpit the finishing touch with these.

By Staff

74

Spektrum AR12120 This receiver will give your model two batteries instead of one.

By Wil Byers

78

Thunder Power Here are some new LiPo packs that deliver real power.

By Wil Byers

80

Blade mQx A new helicopter that doesn’t look like one, but is just as fun to fly.

By Wil Byers

84

Spektrum STi Mate the STi to your iPad to see real-time telemetery data now.

By Wil Byers

88

Power Box SRS The new SRS system supplies clean, reliable power to all servos.

By Wil Byers

94

eclipse 7 pro Get a great radio and telemetry in this affordable radio system.

By Christian Belleau

BUILD

Wings Part 4a Jeff gives you the low-down on how to finish out a set of vintage scale wings like his Fokker Dr. I.

By Jeff Troy

photos

florida Jets '12 Check out the afterburners on these beauties to see some of the action that happened this year.

By Greg Wise

reviews

56

RC-SF.COM

7

Editor in Chief: Assistant Editor:

Wil Byers

wil@rc-sf.com

Tara Swanson

assted@rc-sf.com

Bess Byers, Don Porten

Art Director:

subscribe @ RC-SF.com for only $24.95

Photography:

Wil Byers Bess Byers

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Zhe Meng Bess Byers Shi Yuang

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Contributing Editors: Don Bailey, Rob Caso, Gene Cope, Daniel Holman, Mike Hoffmeister, Marcus Hubbard, Richard Kuns, Bob McGowan, Joe Nave, Steve Rojecki, Gary Ritchie, Richard Tacklind, Jeff Troy, James VanWinkle RC Sport Flyer (ISSN: 1941-3467) is published monthly for $24.95 per year by Kiona Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 4250, W. Richland, WA 99353-4004. Periodicals postage paid at Richland, WA and additional mailing offices.

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Contributions: Articles and photographs are welcome, but cannot be considered unless guaranteed exclusive. When requested we will endeavor to return all materials in good condition if accompanied by return postage. RC Sport Flyer assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to editorial contributions received. Any material accepted is subject to possible revision at the discretion of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of content. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

RC Sport Flyer will retain author’s rights, title to and interest in the editorial contributions as described above in both print and electronic media unless prior arrangement has been made in writing. Payment for editorial materials will be made at our current rate. Submission of editorial material to RC Sport Flyer expresses a warranty by the author that such material is in no way an infringement upon the rights of others. The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted traditionally or electronically without permission of the publisher.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Chang Liang

support@kionapublishing.com

Office Assistant:

Copyright ©2011

8

Zhe Meng

graphics@rc-sf.com

Printed in the USA

PHOENIX ICE2 HV SERIES

Available in 40, 60, 80, 120 and 160 amp capacities.

Up to 12S max.

Great for extreme plane and heli performance.

WIL BYERS

S

ummer arrived in eastern Washington state a couple of weeks ago, bringing with it outstanding weather for flying model airplanes. I took advantage of the perfect skies by attending the Yakima Aerotow event, where I met with some of my long-time friends as well as some new pilots.

What a wonderful day of superb soaring. The lift was outstanding, so the flights were long, and most of us had the opportunity to literally “speck out” the gliders under some nice, big, growing cumulus clouds. The thing that made this event special, and every other one I’ve attended, was the camaraderie of the pilots. It is one of the many things about modelers that make for fun times.

Another thing I noticed at the event was how the hardware has changed! This is especially the case with telemetry. That is why in this month’s issue you’ll get two articles that deal with what telemetry offers pilots in terms of real-time feedback from their models. I’ll dare to say that this is the next “big thing” in the hobby going forward for the next couple of years. Telemetry promises to change the way our models are designed and enjoyed. I can envision modelers being on the leading edge of the technology and using it to optimize the way they fly and build their models.

New Column This month we introduce you to a new column by Rob Caso. Rob is certifiably crazy about scale airplanes. His column underscores his passion for model airplanes that are built to look like their full-scale counterparts. This month Rob shows you a few of his creations and invites you to share in his passion. In future columns, Rob will show you how easy it is to recreate model airplanes and their parts to emulate those of full-scale aircraft. This will be a great column, so don’t miss it.

Rob also covers Top Gun for us in this issue. You’ll get to see a few of the models that highlight the energy scale modelers have for their hobby. You’ll view details in these models that you just won’t find at most RC airfields. Take a look and let Rob know what your interests are in the area of scale, and he might help you with some how-to tips.

Photo Spread You’ll find a nice photo spread on the Florida Jets in this issue too. Greg Wise provided the photos, and they definitely capture the excitement that turbine-powered jets can provide. I think you’ll agree that there is just nothing like a jet when it comes to high-powered performance.

More …

There is lots more in this issue. … We have Build #09 by Jeff Troy. In it Jeff continues to show you how to build model airplane wings. This month he explains how to get the wings ready for final sanding and finishing so they can be covered. He includes about 30 photos to document the process, which gets you inside his shop to see how it is done.

Don’t miss this one.

In my soaring column I explain how I installed the servos in the wings of my 1/3-scale Fox glider. This how-to article details why I installed the servos as I did and why you might want to use my technique too. The column concludes with a few photos from the Australian Manilla Slope Fest event so you can get some insights into what is happening down under.

We’ve also included a very nice plan of the Cessna 170 from Wendell Hostetler plans. You’ll definitely want to give this design a good going over, if not buy a set for your library. Wendell’s plans are outstanding, and this is just another example of his high-quality work.

You’re also going to get a review of the new PowerBox Competition SRS power supply system. This article explains the basics behind using a power supply system in your airplane, helicopter or sailplane, and it details the features that the new system from PowerBox now provides. You’ll want to read this article if you fly large-scale airplanes of any type.

We include a review of the absolutely fun-to-fly mQX Quad-Copter with AS3X. As you’ll read, this is one heck of a fun helicopter to fly. It has a different look and feel to it, but it certainly delivers on the fun factor. I know that we all had fun flying it.

There is also a short piece in the issue about the new Thunder Power LiPo battery packs and what they offer you as a modeler. The packs are certainly a contrast from what were first introduced by Charlie Wang in Alan Szabo’s helicopter back in November of 2002. As you’ll discover, TP’s new 65C packs are “blow your mind” good!

Finally we give you a look at a super-affordable radio—the new Hitec RCD Eclipse 7 Pro with builtin telemetry options. This seven-channel radio breaks new ground in what you can expect from a radio system. It comes with two Optima 7 receivers, but what is really exceptional about the system is its capability to receive and display telemetry data. This is the “good stuff,” so don’t miss it.

10

Coming to your iPad in July RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Go Ballistic Right Out of the Box

The Radically NEW ParkZone® F-27Q Stryker From its break-away magnetic nose to its functional twin rudder tail, the F-27Q is a completely new Stryker that delivers a stunning combination of speed and aerobatic precision that eclipses everything else in its class.

Designed by world aerobatic champion Quique Somenzini, it features a rigid fiberglass-reinforced Z-Foam™ airframe and comes equipped with a powerful new 2200Kv 480 brushless outrunner motor. The combination of this with its new airfoil design and functional twin rudders give you an extra dimension of aerobatic fun you won’t find in any other flying wing like it. Flat spins, blenders, snaps, knife edge — the F-27Q does them all without sacrificing any of the smooth, predictable handling that’s made every Stryker a sport flying favorite.

Get to parkzone.com right now to see the next generation of Stryker in action and to find the ParkZone retailer nearest you.

Wingspan: 37.1 in (943mm) Length: 24.1 in (612mm) Weight: 30.0 oz (855 g) Motor: 480-size 2200Kv BL Outrunner (installed) Speed Control: E-flite® 40A Pro Switch-Mode BEC (installed) Servos: 4 digital metal gear (installed) Transmitter: 4+ Channel with elevon mixing (sold separately) Receiver: Spektrum™ AR600 DSM2™/DSMX™ (installed on BNF only) Battery: 3S 11.1V 2200mAh 25C Li-Po (included with BNF only) Charger: 3S DC Li-Po balancing fast charger (included with BNF only)

BNF (PKZ5680) PNP (PKZ5675) Functional Twin Rudders

Powerful New 2200Kv 480 Brushless Outrunner

©2011 Horizon Hobby, Inc. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. 33288 ParkZone, just fly, E-flite, Z-Foam, DSMX and DSM2 and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Patents Pending.

Your Finest Hour

the neW e-flite®

Hawker Hurricane 25e No other scale warbird gives you so much in so little time.

Bind-N-Fly ® and Plug-N-Play ® versions are available. Get to E-fliteRC.com right now to learn more and to find the E-flite retailer near you.

SPECIFICATIONS

EFL2980

PNP EFL2975

53.5 in (1360mm)

Flying Weight 4.50 – 4.65 lb (2.00 – 2.10 kg)

460 sq in (29.7 sq dm)

42.0 in (1060mm)

The new Hawker Hurricane 25e is the finest scale warbird you can have flying in an hour or less. Constructed of durable Z-Foam™ material, it comes out of the box with a level of scale detail rivaling kits that take days or weeks to build. Molded airframe structures, functioning split flaps, an authentic RAF No. 1 Squadron paint scheme, exhaust stacks, gun ports, a painted pilot figure – the Hawker Hurricane 25e has it all. And you get it all along with the thrilling performance of a high-output brushless power system and the smooth, precise response of digital servos, all of which come installed for you. You even have the option of adding E-flite Electric Retracts (sold separately - EFLG200).

Motor: 25-size brushless outrunner, 1000Kv (installed) Receiver: Spektrum™ AR600 6-channel DSMX™ receiver (installed on BNF) Servos: Digital high-speed metal hybrid gear servos (installed) Battery: 3S 11.1V 3200mAh 30C Li-Po (included with BNF) Charger: 3-Cell DC Li-Po balancing (included with BNF) Optional Electric Retracts Available (EFLG200)

Functional Split Flaps

© 2011 Horizon Hobby, Inc. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. E-flite, Z-Foam, Bind-N-Fly, Plug-N-Play and DSMX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Patents pending. www.E-fliteRC.com 27628

$788.29

$887.97

$459.97

New regulator design for ease of operation.Proven fuel injection system for a more consistent run.Ring sealed crankshaft to increase crankcase boost for more power.Same mounting pattern as YS110FZ-S Displacement 18.73cc Bore 30.4mm Stroke 25.8mm Weight 730g

Developed for serious aerobatics competition and just won the world championships.

• Crankcase supercharging system • Direct inject system • Conventional fuel pump adjustment • High hprsepower output with long service life

This engine is very easy to operate with smooth running characteristics and the ability to run well on fuel in a variety of nitro percentages. But we still recommend YS 20/20 fuel for best results. Fits the same area as the 1.20.

Displacement 23cc Bore 32.0mm Stroke 29.0mm Weight 890g

TETTRa WHEElS White NyLONOR DuRaLumiNum

TET1131 TET1141 TET1151 TET1172 TET11720 TET11830 TET11840 TET11850 TET11860 TET11870 TET1188

WHITE NYLON WHEEL 55MM 0.52oz WHITE NYLON WHEEL 60MM 0.58oz WHITE NYLON WHEEL 65MM 0.64oz TAIL WHEEL 25MM 0.1oz SPARE TIRE TAIL WHEEL SPONGE SPARE TIRE 45MM 0.05oz SPARE TIRE 50MM 0.05oz SPARE TIRE 55 MM 0.3oz SPARE TIRE 60MMM 0.4oz SPARE TIRE 65MM 0.4oz SPARE TIRE 70MM 0.5oz

$9.95 $10.95 $11.95 $5.95 $2.89 $3.97 $4.36 $6.97 $5.79 $5.99 $8.39

packaged & priced individually

Sullivan SKYliTE liGHT WEiGHT WHEElS SUL874 SUL875 SUL876 SUL877 SUL879 SUL881 SUL882 SUL883

WHEELS SKYLITE TRD 2-1/4”.66oz WHEELS SKYLITE 2-1/2” .65oz WHEELS SKYLITE 2-3/4” 1.02oz WHEELS SKYLITE 3” 1.17oz WHEELS SKYLITE 3-1/2” (1) 2.26oz WHEELS SKYLITE 4” 3.25oz WHEELS SKYLITE 4-1/2” 4.96oz WHEELS SKYLITE 5” 5.51oz

TETTRa laRGE FuEl FilTER TETTRa 4106 $5.49

$ 9.39 $12.46 $13.44 $10.45 $10.60 $11.96 $11.55 $11.57

TETTRa TYpE l nipplE WiTH FlanGE TET4216 $10.49

TETTRa “CRanK” TanKS ©2005 central hoBBieS

Clunk tanks designed to keep fuel flowing at every angle in flight.

TET4029 TET4030 TET4031 TET4032 TET4033 TET4034 TET4035 TET4043 TET4050 TET4055

CRANK TANK 230CC CRANK TANK 260CC CRANK TANK 300CC CRANK TANK 350CC CRANK TANK 400CC CRANK TANK 460CC CRANK TANK 580CC CRANK TANK 160CC CRANK TANK 500CC CRANK TANK 720CC

8OZ 9OZ 11OZ 12 OZ 14 OZ 16 OZ 20 OZ 5.5 OZ 17.5 OZ 25 OZ

$11.39 $11.95 $12.99 $14.97 $16.68 $17.19 $18.76 $10.99 $17.95 $18.99

Great Planes Dirty Birdy 60 ARF

Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

T

he classic Joe Bridi design that became a popular Great Planes kit is now a .60-size ARF! The Dirty Birdy accurately followed a pilot’s most intricate commands and the new ARF version combines that precision performance with ARF simplicity, easy sport flying and nostalgic pattern looks.

Bays are built into the ARF version to allow for optional retracts but they are covered to preserve the model’s looks should the modeler choose to install the included fixed landing gear. The painted fiberglass cowl is removable, making it for easier installation and setup of the engine. The Dirty Birdy accommodates a standard muffler or tuned pipe, with a wooden hard-point built into the wing for secure tuned pipe attachment. Removing the Dirty Birdy’s wing provides quick, easy access to on-board radio equipment.

Specifications

• All control surfaces have been hinged at the factory for fast final assembly

Wingspan

64.5 in. (1640 mm)

Wing Area

690 in.² (44.5 dm²)

Weight

7.5-8.5 lb (3400-3850 g)

Wing Loading

25.28 oz/ft² (76-85 g/ dm²)

Length

56 in. (1420 mm)

Engine

.60–.65 2-stroke (tuned pipe optional)

Radio

4-channel min

Servos

5–6 servos

Price (GPMA 1975)

$299.99

• The halves of the balsa-sheeted horizontal stabilizer slide onto carbon fiber tubes for perfect, secure alignment • Quick, easy access to radio equipment is provided through the removal of the Dirty Birdy’s wing • Pre-painted fiberglass fuselage

Habu 2 BNF Basic

Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 parkzone.com

L

ike the original ParkZone® Habu EDF, the Habu 2 is a full-throttle thriller that’s a blast to fly at any speed. At the heart of its exhilarating performance is the phenomenal power of an E-flite® BL15 DF 3200-kV brushless motor mated to an E-flite Delta-V® 15 ducted fan. The wide flight envelope and forgiving slow speed handling of the Habu 2 will reward anyone used to flying faster sport planes with pictureperfect landings.

What’s new with the Habu 2 is a stunning USAF trim scheme and the option of adding functional flaps and E-flite electric retracts.

Servo pockets molded into the wings make adding the flaps easy, and the hardware is included. All you need to buy is a pair of ParkZone SV80 servos (PKZ1081—sold separately). Adding retracts is just as simple.

The Habu 2 has been specifically designed for E-flite 10- to 15-size Tricycle Electric Retracts (EFLG110—sold separately), so installation is a breeze. Fixed landing gear with a steerable nose wheel is included.

The Habu 2 is only available in a Bind-NFly® Basic version. Like a standard Bind-N-Fly® model, it’s designed for pilots who already own a compatible DSM2®/DSMX® transmitter.

It comes with the servos, power system and a Spektrum DSM2/DSMX receiver installed, but it does not include the required 4S LiPo battery and charger. This allows owners of the original Habu BNF to step up to the Habu

Specifications Wingspan

36.3 in. (920 mm)

Length

43.3 in. (1100 mm)

Flying Weight

51.8 oz (1470 g)

Motor

Factory-installed E-flite BL15 DF 3200-kV brushless

Fan Unit

Factory-installed E-flite Delta-V 15 69 mm

ESC

Factory-installed E-flite 60A Pro Switch-Mode BEC

Servos

5 factory-installed digital

Receiver

Factory-installed Spektrum™ AR600 6-channel DSM2®/ DSMX®

Price

$299.99

2 without having to pay for items they don’t need.

Completing the Habu 2 Basic requires a full-range 4+ channel DSM2/DSMX aircraft transmitter (6+ channel with flaps and retracts), a 4S 3000–3500-mAh 30C LiPo battery pack and a LiPo charger, all sold separately.

14

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

HOT PRODUCTS

FUTABA S.Bus 2 Telemetry Sensors

Futaba 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite #1 Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 futaba-rc.com

A

selection of telemetry sensors is now available for Futaba telemetry-capable transmitters and receivers. These new sensors are exceptionally light and compact and plug directly into the S.Bus 2 slot on any Futaba S.Bus 2-capable receiver. Due to the unique advantages of S.Bus 2, the sensors cannot be connected incorrectly.

Any one or all of the sensors can be used with systems like the 18MZ to view data on user-customizable screens. Set audio and visual alerts for important information so

that you don’t have to look at the transmitter screen when flying.

The SB5-01A Atmospheric Pressure Sensor (barometer) provides altitude readings and rates of climb/descent. This is ideal for competitive sailplane pilots, or anyone who needs this type of information. Audio and visual information is generated by the transmitter and delivered to you in real-time.

The SBS-01RM Magnetic RPM Sensor is the perfect accessory for helicopters; the easily mounted pickup and magnet provide you with continuous data as you fly.

The SBS-01RO Optical RPM Sensor mounts easily behind the propeller to optically measure the rpm.

The SBS-01T Temperature Sensor monitors the temperatures of mufflers, motors, engines and battery packs—anything that radiates heat—with this sensor.

Specifications SBS-01A Weight

0.95 oz (2.7 g)

Measurement Range

500-1100 hPa, which is equivalent to 5,000–50 meters (16,000–162 feet) of altitude

Price

$64.99 SBS-01RM

Weight

0.32 oz (9.0 g) with pickup attached

Measurement Range

360–50,000 rpm

Price

$52.99 SBS-01RO

Weight

0.17 oz (4.9 g)

Measurement Range

360–300,000 rpm

Price

$52.99 SBS-01T

The GuardianTM 2D/3D Stabilizer

B

Eagle Tree Systems, LLC 4957 Lakemont Blvd SE Suite C-4 PMB 235 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-614-0450 eagletreesystems.com

ased on Eagle Tree’s proven inertial stabilization technology, the Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer helps both novice and expert pilots fly with confidence. At only $74.99, the Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer provides great protection for your investment, making it more fun to fly in 2D mode and easier to perform advanced maneuvers in 3D mode.

To Stabilize Your Model

Weight

0.16 oz (4.6 g)

Range

-4 to -392° (-20 to -200° C)

Price

$74.99

Mount the Guardian in a level orientation Connect the Guardian to the servos and receiver, cable included Tune the Guardian to your airplane with a small screwdriver Set optional features with your transmitter sticks No additional equipment is required for stabilization In 2D mode, the guardian provides wing leveling stabilization and precise “fly-by-wire” control. In 3D mode, the Guardian becomes your acrobatic assistant. It can lock onto your present orientation, making it much easier to perform stunts.

The Guardian has built-in USB for advanced configuration with Eagle Tree software and firmware updates.

RC-SF.COM

15

F-86 Sabre Micro EDF RTF

T

Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

ake off in style with the fully assembled and completely equipped F-86 Sabre Micro EDF RTF from Great Planes. The F-86 RTF features a Tactic™ 2.4-GHz radio system with SLT™ technology for the maximum in dependability and an unbreakable transmitter-receiver link.

The F-86’s landing gear can be installed for

Specifications Wingspan

15 in. (381 mm)

Wing Area

53.1 in.² (3.4 dm²)

Wing Loading

6.4 oz/ft² (20 g/dm²)

Length

14.4 in. (366 mm)

Weight

2.35 oz (67 g)

Price

$149.99

ROG (Rise-Off-Ground) takeoffs, and removed for hand launches and grass landings.

• Magnetically attached canopy serves as a battery hatch, allowing easy pack changes between flights • The F-86 arrives factory finished with finely detailed decals molded into the foam fuselage and wings • Fully assembled and completely equipped, the F-86 RTF includes a 11,500-Kv brushless inrunner motor, 6-amp brushless ESC and HyperFlow™ ducted fan for impressive performance • Includes a Tactic™ 2.4-GHz radio system, digital ultra-micro servos, 7.4-V LiPo battery and even AA batteries

PS-36 Seaplane

Hobby Hangar E-mail: hobbyhangar@ aol.com Hobbyhangar.com Phone: 321-728-0486

H

obby Hangar is pleased to announce the PS-36 Seaplane construction kit.

The model was designed by Rich Uravitch and represents a scaled-down version of the very popular Pondside/Pondhopper classic designs. The complete kit features laser- or

CNC-cut wood parts, full-size plans, assembly instructions and a hardware package.

Designed with the beginner in mind, the PS-36 is both easy to build and fun to fly, making it an ideal transition model for fliers with only ARF experience. It provides the means to actually build your own model from a kit and uses trainer design parameters to ensure a high probability of successful flight, even for the newcomer. Along with a fourchannel radio system, an inexpensive power system, adhesives and covering material, basic building and flying skills are required.

Specifications Model

PS-36

Type

Sport electric seaplane

Wingspan

35.9 in.

Length

27.9 in.

Wing Area

216 in.2

Weight

17–19 oz

Wing Loading

11.3 oz/sq.ft.

Motor

E-Max CF2812 (1935 k/V)

Battery

3S 1300-mAh LiPo

ESC

20-amp

Propeller

7x5 APC

Price (HGR360)

$54.99 plus $10 domestic shipping.

Although designed for off-water operation, the PS-36 features removable wing tip floats to allow takeoffs and landings from typical grass fields.

16

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

HOT PRODUCTS

CompCaddy ´12

F

CompCaddy Co Wolfe’s Wood 5032 Swallow Ct. West Richland, WA 99353 Phone: 509-947-0448 wolfeswood.com

or a big or small airplane, the new 2012 CompCaddy model box is the way to transport your models safely and securely to the airfield. No longer will your model suffer from hangar and transportation rash when you are using one of the CompCaddy shipping

boxes. It will now be protected from those hazards that can wreak havoc on your model during a transportation.

The NEW CompCaddy comes as a complete box or as a kit that you can assemble. You’ll discover that the CompCaddy is fabricated out of durable wood composite materials.

All joints are glued as well as fastened. Piano hinges make for a nice, tight fit on the lids.

You can order your box painted. And, you can add custom graphics to support your team or brand. The lids can be indexed to make for a perfect fit every time too. If you are looking for easy transport between shop/garage and your vehicle, we can add wheel or trucks to your CompCaddy as well.

CompCaddy boxes can be custom built, or you can pick from a range of standard sizes.

Just send us your specifications, and we’ll build a box to your needs. Note that CompCaddy boxes can be tailored to fit your vehicle’s roof racks, so you are no longer stuck with buying a box that is not designed for transporting RC airplanes.

Rather, CompCaddy boxes are

designed and tailored to the special needs of the RC airplane pilot.

So, send us your specifications and let us build a box for you. We can even build your box to include your tools, transmitter, chargers, etc. You might even talk to us about building a box with foldable legs for waisthigh access at the airfield or so that your box can do double-duty as an on-field work surface.

CompCaddy boxes are 100% American made and built to the highest standards.

RC-SF.COM

17

Specifications 6-Channel DMSS DMSS FullRange Receivers w/ Telemetry

Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 jrradios.com

T

he Dual Modulation Spectrum System (DMSS)* 2.4-GHz protocol offers a secure radio link that combines DSSS and FHSS capabilities into a wideband transmission system that includes high-speed response and high resistance against Rf noise. One benefit of DMSS is the JR® Intelligent Output System (IOS), which automatically selects control signals that need to be transmitted at exactly the same time, and delivers the data as one complete signal frame. IOS ensures there is no time delay when commanding servos used for critical functions, such as a CCPM swash plate on a helicopter or when operating a wing control surface with multiple servos.

Three full-range DMSS receivers are now offered. For space- and weight- concern projects, the ultra lightweight RG631B 6-channel DMSS receiver is the ideal choice. Its super slim design can fit into narrow spaces, and its end-pin servo plug outlets help to keep wiring in tight. The included RA-01L antenna/ telemetry module features an additional coaxial antenna and is also lightweight.

To meet the needs of all sport and competition RC aircraft—whether engine or

Telemetry Module

RA-01L (included)

Weight

0.32 oz (9.0 g) 0.42 oz (12 g) w/RA-01L

Band/ Modulation

2.4 GHz / DMSS system

Antenna

Dual coaxial antenna (antenna/coaxial, 30/120 mm)

Voltage Range

4.8–8.5 V

Dimensions

1.4 × 0.7 × 0.35 in.

(35.5 × 18 × 9 mm)

Price

$99.99

Specifications 8-channel DMSS Telemetry Module

RA-01T (included)

Weight

0.53 oz (15.0 g) 0.67 oz (19 g) w/RA-01T

Band/ Modulation

2.4 GHz / DMSS system

Antenna

Dual coaxial antenna (antenna/coaxial, 30/120 mm)

Voltage Range

4.8–8.5 V

Dimensions

1.4 × 0.7 × 0.35 in.

(47.5 × 25.5 × 14.5 mm)

Price

$119.99

Specifications 11-channel DMSS

18

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Telemetry Module

RA-01T (included)

Weight

0.63 oz (18.0 g) 0.78 oz (22 g) w/RA-01T

Band/ Modulation

2.4 GHz / DMSS system

Antenna

Dual coaxial antenna (antenna/coaxial, 30/120 mm)

Rated Voltage

4.8 V

Voltage Range

4.8–8.5 V

Dimensions

1.4 × 1.3 × 0.55 in.

(47.5 × 32 × 14 mm)

Price

$184.99

electric powered—the new DMSS eightchannel RG831B and 11-channel RG1131B receivers feature hard plastic cases and a remote antenna/telemetry module designed with an internal antenna to help keep wiring nice and neat. All three full-range DMSS JR receivers are the lightest and smallest in their class,and have the capacity to work within a range of 4.8–8.5 volts for a wide choice of power options.

All three receivers are compatible with the new JR DMSS XG6, XG8 and XG11 transmitters, and include bi-directional communication to handle real-time telemetry information.

Receiver input voltage telemetry is standard, and there is the option to add on other sensors (available separately) vital to the status of your aircraft such as RPM, temperature and altitude.

• DMSS system speed and security • Telemetry system capable with built-in Rx voltage • Low profile, robust yet lightweight design • Remote antenna/telemetry module • Dual, built-in bi-directional coaxial antennas • Failsafe support on all channels • Status condition LEDs DMSS Full-Range Receivers include • Full-range receiver main unit • Remote antenna/telemetry module • DMSS RG Cable 150 mm • Bind Plug • Operation manual

RC-SF.COM

19

Daring and Deadly

THE NEW AlBATRoS D. VA Compared to the Spartan look of most World War I airplanes, the smooth, rounded fuselage and flowing lines of the Albatros D.Va made it one of the more daring designs of its time. And while it may not have been as maneuverable as some of the French and British aircraft it faced, in the hands of Germany’s legendary ace, Manfred von Richthofen, it was a deadly opponent.

The ParkZone team has recreated this Western Front warrior with an impressive level of detail and equipped it with a potent 480-size brushless motor. Its trim scheme is that of an Albatros D. Va flown by Richthofen in the fall of 1917. Other scale touches include a molded simulation of the 180hp Mercedes D.IIIau engine, machine gun details, and a painted pilot figure complete with flying scarf. You can even take on ParkZone® S.E. 5a pilots in thrilling air-to-air combat with the optional Sonic Combat Adapter (PKZ1055) and Sonic Combat Module™ (HBZ4020), both sold separately.

Wingspan: Length: Weight: Motor: Speed Control: Servos: Transmitter: Receiver: Battery: Charger:

42.3 in (1070mm) 35.0 in (890mm) 43.4 oz (1230 g) 480, 960Kv brushless outrunner motor (installed) E-flite® 30A Pro Switch-Mode BEC (installed) 4 sub-micro (installed) 4+ Channel (sold separately) Spektrum™ AR600 DSM2®/DSMX® (installed on BNF only) 3S 11.1V 1800mAh 15C Li-Po (included with BNF only) 2S–3S DC Li-Po balancing fast charger (included with BNF only)

BNF (PKZ5980) PNP (PKZ5975)

Get to parkzone.com right now to see this exciting new warbird in action and to find the ParkZone retailer near you.

Take on S.E.5a Pilots in Sonic Combat!

Requires Sonic Combat Adapter (PKZ1055) and Sonic Combat Module (HBZ4020)

Fly with Tail Wheel or Scale Tail Skid, Both Included

horizonhobby.com ©2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. ParkZone, just fly., E-flite, DSM2, Sonic Combat Module, Bind-N-Fly, Plug-N-Play and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registerd trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. DSMX is a trademark of Horizon Hobby, Inc., registered in the U.S. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. Patents pending. 35428

BY Robert J. Caso

Top Gun 2012 Showcase

Master scale modeler Mark Frankel and his original-design, quarterscale T-34.

Best of the Best at Lakeland

The Robart retracts on both T-34s performed well during the weekend and were highly detailed.

C

ross another line item off the bucket list. I finally attended Frank Tiano’s Top Gun event. Perhaps next year I will have a “dress” to wear and actually compete in the event. But it is quite intimidating when you see the competitors’ models up close and speak to the builders and flyers.

22

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Furthermore, while almost all of the models are true masterpieces, the pilots wrung them out in the air mercilessly. This is a Scale Masters level event, so it is aptly named Top Gun, as truly the best of the best scale modelers attend, including a number of international entries.

If you’re a scale nut, as I am, and

haven’t been to Top Gun, what are you waiting for? This is a not-to-miss event!

To try to cover in any detail the models of the ninety-plus attending pilots would fill RC Sport Flyer for the next year, so I am focusing on a few that caught my eye. Some of these didn’t place in the competition, but make no mistake; these are topnotch efforts, painstakingly built and detailed and expertly flown. Like I said, this is an intimidating event,

Top Gun 2012 Showcase

Although points are generally not awarded for internal cockpit detail, most builders include them. Mark’s cockpit is replete with detail emulating the full-scale aircraft.

Some of the amazing detail that Mark builds into his contest-winning airplanes, like his T-34.

Rod Snyder’s install of the big Zenoah GT-80 twin and related systems is neat and business like. Organized and accessible installations reduce the competition stress factor.

It will take you more than a single viewing session to find all the details on Mark’s T-34—all painstakingly built by hand.

The cockpit of Rod’s T-34 is amazing. The exterior finish is AZKO-Nobel automotive paint.

Mark and Rod’s T-34 sits on the flight line awaiting the next round of flying. Too bad there was no formation flying at Top Gun!

RC-SF.COM

23

Al Kretz’s Dornier features a full cockpit and bombing station, along with miniature MG-15s for defensive armament. About 280 Dorniers were produced during the '30s.

often times with only tenths of a point separating the contestants.

Mark Frankel and Rod Snyder’s 1/4-scale T-34 Mentor I think I heard a woeful “oh no, not that thing again” when Mark rolled out his entry. Not from boredom or repetition mind you, but from the mental adjustment everyone was making to see just how far Mark was going to set everyone back in the standings. The T-34 is Mark’s design, and, yes, it’s been here before, but with good reason—it’s

magnificent! Mark placed fourth in the Team Scale competition with the 42-lb, 99-in. wingspan model, which was expertly flown by aerobatic pilot John Glezellis. The fuselage is from Mark’s molds, and the wing is made of a foam core with wood and glass skinning. The PPG® two-part paint automotive finish belies its seven years on the contest circuit, with the model performing flawlessly.

Specially fabricated plugs were used to replicate in plastic the corrugated control surface skins.

Airborne, John put the model through its paces all weekend as if

Al refers to the Dornier as a “pussycat” in the air. OK, Al, how about a lion with no teeth? Buckets of wing area make this a superbly flying scale subject.

24

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Al notes that the Dornier’s flying control surfaces are responsive and trouble free. He devised ingenious removable hinges for the flaps, which must be removed to break the model down for transport.

the thing were on rails. He contends that it is quite easy to fly. Thinking some more on that comment, this might be a good model for first-time scale modelers. Also, the scale highvisibility color scheme really shows well in the air.

I actually got a ride in one a hundred years ago with a Navy training pilot, so the T-34 has always been one of my favorites.

Rod Snyder placed twelfth in Expert with his rendition of Mark’s design. If you think twelfth place is far away, it’s not! It was only a measly six points away from the class winner.

Top Gun 2012 Showcase

A comparatively light model at 32 lb, the Dornier lands at very low airspeed, but it needs a lot of piloting in a crosswind—on final here and just beautiful in the air.

This is an example of just how tough competing in this event is. Rod’s T-34 was immaculately executed, competently flown and, since it’s a relatively new model, I am sure we will see Rod and his T-34 higher in the standings next year.

Albert Kretz’s 1/8-scale Dornier Do-23G

Al placed tenth in the Expert class with his Dornier Do-23G, a not-often-modeled, between-thewars, twin-engine-powered Luftwaffe bomber. Think a 1/8-scale model is small? Al’s model spans 123 inches

and weighs in at 32 lb. Being a Storch enthusiast, I have a soft spot for wacky, off-the-beaten-path aircraft, so it was easy for me to take a liking to Al’s Dornier. He designed his entry, which was built in an unbelievable four months using hand-drawn plans.

His Dornier is immaculate, with millions of glue dot rivets and miles of rib taping. It has a fixed, but sprung landing gear, flying control surfaces, bomb bay doors that open and bomb drop and a complete cockpit, and it is powered by a pair of O.S.® .91 four-stroke engines. His model uses conventional balsa and plywood construction, and the finish is Klass

Kote over Solartex® on the open surfaces and glass for the skinned areas.

Having the side area of a large barn door and a tail moment longer than a board meeting, the Dornier was fighting an intermittently stiff crosswind during the weekend, which always seemed to pick up when Al was aloft. Nevertheless, Al contends that the model is easy to fly, and it appeared quite graceful and responsive in the air. It was just difficult not to like this model, and Al too.

RC-SF.COM

25

For a minute, I thought I was at Biggin Hill in 1943.

Mosquitos look like they’re going fast even when sitting on the ramp.

Tom Wolf’s 1/5-scale DeHavilland DH98 Mosquito

Tom placed sixth in the Expert class with his 55-lb, 124-in. wingspan Mosquito. After seeing Tom’s model in a recent issue of AMA’s Model Aviation

The spinners for Tom’s Mosquito were custom machined. The armored, flat canopy is indicative of the fighter variant. Yes, that’s a windshield wiper!

magazine, my decision to attend TG this year was sealed.

I am a student of the Mosquito, and Tom’s airplane was accurate right down to the riveted elevators.

He built the model from blown-up Bryan Taylor plans, and it features

pneumatic—works of art—retracts (designed by Tom), a full cockpit and a bomb drop. For the glass nacelles, Tom used a lost foam technique to make them, whereby foam plugs of the basic shape are glassed and then the foam is removed. The wing and fuselage are conventionally

Another “grease job” landing, tail high and just like the prototype. Impeccable building wins only half the battle at Top Gun.

constructed, and the finish is Warbird Colors over fiberglass. While I frequently chided Tom on his decision to use glow engines in a twin, his pair of O.S. BGX-1s never missed a beat all weekend and almost pulled me across the flight line shortly after I made the mistake of agreeing to hold the model while he ran its engines up.

It took Tom two years to build this masterpiece, and it was a privilege to meet him and to see his model up close. But what really “annoys” me about Tom is that he can also fly!

The Mosquito has eight gun ports and one gun camera port. The small, non-scale air inlets on the nacelles are for engine cooling but are closable for static judging.

26

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Top Gun 2012 Showcase

The pneumatically driven landing gear is Tom’s design, made of materials such as brass, aluminum and ply. Brakes connect to the rudder to keep the model going straight during takeoff.

The canopy’s framework is fabricated out of 1/64in. plywood and includes the characteristic internal tubular structure that you’d find on the full-scale aircraft!

TG 2012 Showcase - Model Specs Builder

Tom Wolf

Al Kretz

Mark Frankel

Rod Snyder

Bob Rullie

Model

Mosquito

Dornier Do-23G

T-34

T-34

Me-262

Source

Blown-up plans (Taylor)

Own Design

Own Design

Short kit (Frankel)

Short kit (Grumania)

Build (months)

24

4

12

6

24

Scale

1/5

1/8

1/4

1/4

1/4.5

Wingspan (in.)

124

123

99

99

103

Weight (lb)

55

32

42

42

40

Engine(s)

(2) O.S. BGX-1

(2) OS 91 4s

Zenoah GT80

Zenoah GT80

(2) Jet Cat P60 SE

Construction

Wood, fabric, glass

Wood, fabric, glass

Wood, foam wing, glass fuselage

Wood, foam wing, glass fuselage

Glass

Landing gear

Self designed, retractable

Self designed, fixed

Robart, retractable

Robart, retractable

Grumania, retractable

Radio

Futaba

Futaba

JR

JR

JR

The Mosquito had a fabric-covered rudder but a riveted-aluminum skin on the elevators to deal with debris kicked up by the big Merlins. The half-round stiffener aft of the wing root strengthened the opening for the crew hatch.

RC-SF.COM

27

Modeled after an Me-262 in a local museum, Bob Rullie’s shark-like, all-glass “Schwalbe” features molded-in panel lines and flush rivet detail. It is one of my 85 favorite airplanes.

The Mossie is unmistakable in the air, and it seemed everyone just dropped what they were doing when Tom flew it. The slow roll at dead center of the flight line was a sight to behold, with the Mosquito’s pugnacious nose leading the way and the engines close behind trailing exhaust smoke. After clearing the sky of JU-88s, the Mosquito seemed to just hang in the air as Tom brought it in, flaps and gear down, not even bending a blade of grass on touchdown. I believe that flying a scale model means flying it “like” a scale model, and Tom’s flight routine exemplified the concept.—superb!

Bob Rullie’s Me-262

Although grounded by temperamental engines, Bob’s allglass Messerschmitt should be in the air soon. Bob explained it was built from a German (Grumania) kit that was very basic, and it required many hours of re-engineering and fabrication to make it accurate to scale and flyable. There are only a couple of these in the country, so it will be a thrill to see this model fly.

Until next month, you can reach me at rcaso916@aol.com.

Team Class RANK

NUMBER

CONTESTANT

MODEL

STATIC

FINAL

1

T10

MEARS, GRAEME & MACHINCHY, ALI

T-33

99.423

196.756

2

T07

SELBY, MIKE & JOHNS, RAYMOND

A6-E INTRUDER

99.423

193.798

3

T02

NEWMAN, EDDIE & BARBEE, MIKE

MACCHI 200

97.408

192.450

4

T06

FRANKEL, MARK & GLEZELLIS, JOHN

BEECHCRAFT T-34B

94.212

188.920

5

T09

VINALET, RUDY & KOENIG, CHIP

FOKKER DR-1

96.002

188.044

6

T03

RULLIE, BOB & BUCKLEY, MITCH

COUGAR

91.167

185.875

7

T15

MASON, LES & WOLF, TOM

HURRICANE

93.530

184.197

8

T08

SIMPSON, EDWARD & JONES, CREIGE

SPACEWALKER

94.780

183.072

9

T14

KNEBEL, KEVIN & TIANO, FRANK

PT-17

92.687

182.979

10

T11

BARRY, DAVID & NIOLET, ROGER

NIEUPORT 28

91.833

182.625

11

T12

BUCHANAN, GRAHAM & RAYBORN, BARRY

F4U-5N CORSAIR

88.785

176.285

12

T04

JOHNSON, LONNIE & EPSTEIN, MITCH

WACO YMF-5

94.280

107.363

13

T05

ERBESFELD, MARVIN & FAIRCHILD, RANSOM

SOPWITH CAMEL

98.673

98.673

Bob notes that the clean lines of the 262 belie its complexity as a model. Almost 30 connections for various systems (radio gear and engines) must be made when assembling the model.

28

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Bob started his incredible effort with basic components—fuselage, wing and tailplane—and engineered all the model’s structural, flight and control systems. He hopes to have it flying in June.

Top Gun 2012 Showcase Masters Class

Expert Class

RANK

NUMBER

CONTESTANT

MODEL

STATIC

FINAL

1

M09

WIGLEY,DAVID

WESTLAND WYVERN

97.232

194.357

2

M05

JOHNSON, DAVID

ALBATROS D5

97.000

193.042

3

M04

FOLEY, JEFF

BF-109E

98.492

190.700

4

M01

AVENELL, GWYN

DAUNTLESS SBD-5

98.168

189.793

5

M07

VAILLANCOURT, ROY

FOCKE WULF FW-190

96.143

6

M03

COPELAND, DEAN

CRICRI CRICKET MC-15

7

M06

ROANE, BUD

8

M02

BOYKO, JOHN

RANK NUMBER

STATIC

FINAL

E07

DIAZ, JACK

F-86F

96.982

193.690

2

E10

GONZALEZ, REI

F4E-J PHANTOM

96.070

192.820

3

E16

RICE, LEE

CORSAIR F4U-1D

97.908

192.616

4

E12

HARRIS, SCOTT

F-86F

96.555

192.180

188.060

5

E20

WOOD, TOMMY

F-4N

94.212

191.462

97.918

180.043

6

E19

WOLF, TOM

MOSQUITO

94.373

189.998

THOMAS MORSE SCOUT

91.917

176.959

7

E09

GOLDSMITH, PETER

T-33

93.957

189.624

8

E17

SMITH, TOM

SEA FURY

95.583

189.333

CESSNA SKYMASTER

95.197

155.197

9

E06

97.418

189.251

10

E13

96.040

188.873

CONQUERGOOD, PETER PA-18 SUPER CUB KRETZ, AL

DORNIER DO23G

Pro-Am Sportsman Class

CONTESTANT

MODEL

STATIC

FINAL

U04

BIHRLE/HAYES, TEAM/DAVID

THRUSH

97.217

191.800

1

2

U01

VOUGHT/DIGIORGIO TEAM/DINO

CORSAIR

93.393

190.643

3

U06

PROVOST/MIRANDES TEAM/FRANKIE

BAC PROVOST TM5

93.083

190.333

4

U03

AEROSPORT/GOODWINE GOODWINE/KYLE

WILDCAT F4F-4

95.320

189.445

5

U05

TEAM/MARR, PRECIOUS METAL/SCOTT

BAE HAWK

95.250

186.958

6

U07

HAWK/RAYBORN TEAM/BARRY

BAE HAWK

93.055

184.597

7

U10

SQUADRON/TRACEY ALLIED SCALE/GREG

SEA HURRICANE

92.457

151.624

8

U09

AVIATION/SHULMAN SHULMAN/DAVID

L-39

94.500

94.500

1

MODEL

1

Unlimited Class RANK NUMBER

CONTESTANT

RANK NUMBER

CONTESTANT

MODEL

STATIC

FINAL

S07

DIMAURO, FRANCO

T-33

25.000

120.833

2

S23

SANCHEZ, PEDRO

P-47

25.000

119.875

3

S18

MUENTES, BOLI

TUCANO T-37 EMBREAR

25.000

119.750

4

S01

ASH, PATRICK

FW-190A

25.000

119.208

5

S08

ESCALONA, JORGE

COUGAR F9F-8

25.000

119.125

6

S17

MIRANDES, RICARDO

SKYRAIDER

25.000

117.167

7

S28

VELTRI, VINCE

ZERO A6M2

25.000

116.958

8

S06

CETRANGELO, LOU

SPAD 8

25.000

116.833

9

S11

GONCALVES, KIKO

FJ-2 FURY

25.000

116.708

10

S14

HAY, JONATHAN

RAIDEN J2M3

25.000

116.333

Pro-Am Pro Class RANK

NUMBER

CONTESTANT

MODEL

STATIC

FINAL

1

P02

BUESCHER, DUSTIN

F9F COUGAR

25.000

122.208

2

P23

TAMEZ, JOEY

HAWK BAE

25.000

121.292

3

P03

CHRISTENSEN, JOHN

COUGAR

25.000

120.792

4

P20

O'MEARA, BRIAN

P-47

25.000

120.458

5

P08

FERNANDEZ, PABLO

MIG 15

25.000

120.333

6

P01

ASH, PJ

MARTIN BAKER MB-5

25.000

120.292

7

P11

GOLDSMITH, PETER

BAE HAWK

25.000

120.208

8

P16

MACHINCHY, ALI

MIG-15

25.000

120.208

9

P06

DIGIORGIO, DINO

P-47

25.000

120.167

10

P22

SWITZER, CURTIS

CURTIS B-2

25.000

119.833

Why Pay a Dollar for just 4 Screws?

We have the hardware you need at a fraction of retail!

Order today at:

www.rtlfasteners.com or call 800-239-6010

708 Battlefield Blvd South #107 Chesapeake, VA 23322 RC-SF.COM

29

By Jeff Troy

Wings Part 4a Balsa Continues to Fly on the Ziroli-Designed Fokker Dr.1 Triplane

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The framed mid wing (1), upper wing (2) and lower wing (3) of my Nick Ziroli Fokker Dr.1 triplane as kitted by the now defunct Aeroplane Works. The same model is available in laser-cut versions by a variety of new kit producers. Contact Nick Ziroli Plans (ziroliplans.com) for plans, accessory parts and kit cutter recommendations.

Begin installing the bottom sheeting on the lower wing by fitting the sheet against the trailing edge and marking a few rib locations with a soft pencil.

Apply generous beads of gapfilling CA over the rib edges in the center section that will be inaccessible after the sheeting covers them. Align to the pencil marks to get the sheeting back into position, and hold the sheet securely but gently until the adhesive cures.

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odelers who enjoy World War I airplanes are often partial to the Fokker Dr.1, and why wouldn’t they be? It’s instantly recognizable as the most infamous of all the early German fighters and is almost always associated with the equally infamous “Red Baron,” Manfred von Richthofen.

Its short wingspan and tail moment make it a more maneuverable model than many other World War I aggressors.

The Dr.1 I’m working on is a 1/4-scale design by Nick Ziroli. It’s one of five models I’m using to demonstrate dozens of construction methods, hints and tips in this ongoing “Building Model Airplanes” series for RC Sport Flyer. I constructed my triplane’s tail feathers for the series’ second installment (October 2011) and demonstrated the 30

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

hinging method for Robart Steel Pin Hinge Points in the following issue (November/December 2011). More recent issues addressed basic sanding techniques and framing the Dr.1’s three wings.

Preparing the upper and lower sheeting for the Fokker was done when the wings were framed, and now that you’ve had a chance to see how I installed the center-section sheeting for my 108-in. Dallaire Sportster old-timer from Shive Specialties in the June 2012 issue, you’re probably more than ready to see how a more complex wing—or three in this case—can be sheeted quickly and efficiently.

One important point to remember is that whenever possible, sheeting should be cut, fitted, glued together and sanded before it is installed. It’s okay to sand over edges

5 and joints after the sheeting is on the model, but hard sanding over those wide, flat areas with ribs, spars and other structural items underneath will result in less than smooth skin.

The Dr.1’s upper wing has ailerons. The underside of the mid wing has a mounting block for the cabane struts, and there’s a full-depth cutout that runs from the rear spar to the trailing edge for clearing the cockpit area. The Dr.1’s bottom wing has no such extras, so its upper and lower sheeting is easiest to install.

Because it’s easiest, the lower wing is the smart place to begin.

Carefully inspect the framed wing.

Look for any lumps, bumps, dips, valleys or other building errors that might keep the sheeting from lying flat over the structure. Have you sanded the wing-bolt blocks flush with the spars and trailing edge? Are

Wings Part 4 Flip the wing right side up and apply beads of gapfilling CA along all the joints between the wing structure and the lower sheeting.

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Apply gap-filling CA to the sheeting where it will contact the main spar, then hold the wing down over the sheeting while the CA cures for a dead-flat sheeting-to-spar joint.

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Use a bar sander with light pressure to sand all the joints in the wing structure.

Note how all the ribs should be blended into the lower trailing edge sheeting.

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Working only one rib at a time, hold the lower sheeting tightly against the forward edge of the rib and apply a bead of thin CA to the joint.

Try not to get adhesive into the joint between the sheeting and the leading edge.

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When the lower sheeting is glued to the forward portion of all the ribs, note the gap between the lower sheeting and the lower face of the leading edge.

10 the ribs all sanded flush with the spars? When you’re satisfied with what you see, go one step further and try my “feel in the dark” method.

Sorry, it isn’t about that exciting first date; it’s an easy and effective way to detect any irregularities in the model’s surface.

Close your eyes. Concentrate.

Block out everything else in the room and slowly run your fingertips over every square inch of the surface.

Pay particular attention to every area where one piece of the model contacts another—ribs to spars, leading edges and trailing edges to ribs, blocks, sheer webs, dihedral braces—any and every joint. You’ll be surprised by how many slight

Turn the wing upside down and soak the forward few inches of the sheeting with water. Add ammonia if you like, or just spray the forward area of the sheeting with an ammoniabased glass cleaner. Let the sheeting soak for half an hour or longer until it’s soft enough to bend upward and meet the leading edge without cracking.

imperfections you can detect, and most would have been missed if you had relied on nothing more than eyeballing the structure.

The wing sheets for all three wings have already been assembled and sanded, so flip the lower wing upside-down and lay the correct piece of prepared lower sheeting in position over the framework. Fit the rear edge of the center-section sheeting against the forward edge of the trailing edge, and center the sheet to fit equidistantly over the ribs from side to side. When it’s in the correct position, make light pencil marks on the sheeting over the outermost center ribs. This will ensure that the sheeting will be put

11 back over the wing in the proper position after the adhesive has been applied.

If you’re a quick and competent builder, gap-filling CA is fine for installing sheeting. If you think you might need more time to get things right before the adhesive dries, you might consider using aliphatic resin— Titebond, Elmer’s or other white/ yellow woodworking glue—for any areas under the sheeting that will not be accessible once the sheet covers them. For the Ziroli Dr.1, the inaccessible areas are few, and are really only in the three or four bays at the center section of the wings that are covered by the sheets.

I’m pretty quick, so all my RC-SF.COM

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Push down on the wing structure with enough pressure to trap the sheeting against the leading edge, then apply thin CA all along the joint. Hold the wing like that until the CA cures for a dead-straight leading edge.

In a severe bend, even the best of us can wind up with a crack or two along the sheeting, especially when 3/32-in. or thicker balsa is used. Don’t despair; I’ll show you how to fix it.

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Use the bar sander with coarse sandpaper to smooth the damaged area of the sheet.

Allow the sanding dust to lodge in the crack, and if it doesn’t, be sure to rub some into the crack. A good alternative to sanding dust for additional strength is baking soda.

Apply a drop of thin CA at every inch or so along the crack, sanding immediately before the CA has a chance to harden completely.

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Just one or two minutes’ effort and the crack becomes barely visible. It won’t be visible at all after the wing is covered, and no strength has been sacrificed in the process.

With the cracks repaired and lower sheeting glued tightly against the leading edge, use a razor knife to trim the excess sheeting away from the structure.

16 references will be to Bob Smith Industries (BSI) gap-filling CA. If you like, you can substitute carpenter’s glue, but be sure to allow for the extra drying time that aliphatic resins require. If you like building but are not not too fond of waiting for glue to dry, CA will be your preferred adhesive.

CA is costly, but don’t skimp on the glue. A heavy bead of gap-filling CA will give you more working time than a thin line. With that in mind, remove the sheeting and generously apply gap-filling CA over the wing bolt blocks and the tops of the ribs and the spars in the center section only from the spar to the trailing edge. Do not apply any adhesive ahead of the main spar. Work quickly 32

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but carefully, and don’t apply any glue outward of the center section because all those areas can be reached with the adhesive bottle after the sheeting had been attached at the center. Run a thin bead of CA along the trailing edge of the sheeting, and using the pencil marks to guide you, quickly get the sheet into position back over the wing.

Use all 10 fingers and your palms to hold the sheeting against the ribs and spars while the CA cures. Don’t use excessive pressure, just enough to get the sheeting tight and prevent movement while the glue dries.

Flip the wing right-side-up, and working from the uncovered top of the wing, apply fillets of CA along the spars and each rib where they meet

the lower sheeting. So far, the sheet is attached to the center section of the wing structure only from the spar to the trailing edge. Working from behind the spar, let the sheeting droop a little while you apply a bead of gap-filling CA along the sheet from the center section to the tip rib where it will contact the spar. Now just hold the wing down flat over the work surface while the CA cures.

Double-check the airplane’s framework for smooth transitions over and between all joints, and prepare for your first test of skill— securing the sheeting ahead of the spar. Working in just one bay at a time, use one hand to hold the sheeting tightly against the upward curve of the rib from the spar to the

Wings Part 4 The center section of the Dr.1’s lower wing has a recess to fit the belly of the fuselage. Cut the lower sheeting away inside the recess, but leave some excess all around the recess so you can trim it for a perfect fit after the fuselage has been constructed.

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Cut the cap strips approximately 1/4-in. oversize. There are six cap strips on each side of the wing and on the top and bottom, for a total of 24.

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Use the bar sander to square up one end of the cap strip.

Don’t use a lot of pressure. You should be good enough with the bar sander by now to do this freehand without my edge-ofthe-bench technique.

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Use a drop of gap-filling CA to glue the forward end of the cap strip against the edge of the sheeting and over the wing rib. When the glue has set, lift the trailing end of the cap strip slightly and sand the end for a perfect fit.

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Drop the end of the strip down over the rib and check the fit by feeling both ends with your fingertips.

22 leading edge. Use the other hand to apply a bead of thin CA along the joint between the rib and sheeting, but not on the sheeting where it meets the leading edge. When the thin CA along the rib is cured, move on to the next bay and repeat the procedure. Continue, one bay at a time, until the bottom sheeting is attached to all the ribs in the wing.

The Dr.1 uses 3/32-in. wing sheeting, which is fairly difficult to bend without cracking or breaking.

To help the sheeting bend upward to mate with the leading edge, turn the wing upside-down and soak the forward two or three inches of sheeting with warm water for roughly half an hour. The water will relax the grain of the wood so it can be bent

Flip the wing over again and apply a bead of thin CA along the cap’s strip-to-rib joint.

more easily without breaking, and for even better results, add a bit of ammonia to the water, or just spray the wood with an ammonia-based window cleaner.

When you feel that the wood has been sufficiently softened, use the flat of your palm to gently work the sheeting upward until it contacts the lower surface of the leading edge. If necessary, add more water or window cleaner until the wood can contact the entire length of the leading edge on one side of the wing.

Protect your work surface from glue by covering it with Great Planes Plans Protector or parchment paper from your grocery store’s baking department, then position the wing, leading edge down, over the work

23 surface. Supporting the wing at the spar and leading edge, use enough pressure on the wing to force the front of the sheeting against the leading edge while you apply beads of thin CA along the inside joint of the leading edge and sheeting between each rib bay. Hold the wing firmly in that position until the glue cures, then relax the pressure and inspect your work.

Perfection is an admirable goal, although it’s not always realistic.

The bend at the forward edge of the sheeting is fairly severe, and even with wetted wood, cracking is always possible as you bring the sheet upward to contact the flat lower surface of the leading edge.

If you do end up with cracking RC-SF.COM

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Repeat the process for all six cap strips on each side of the bottom of the wing. This is beginning to look pretty professional, don’t you think?

Strengthen the wing by adding fillets of gap-filling CA at every contact point in the structure.

Wherever one wooden part contacts another wooden part, a bead of adhesive should be applied along the joint. It’s grunt work, but don’t rush it, and do it neatly.

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Lay a heavy, metal straightedge down on your work surface, and bring the trailing edge of the wing up against it.

Position the top sheeting over the structure and mark a few rib locations to ensure proper alignment of the sheet.

Apply gap-filling CA along the lower trailing edge in the area of the center section.

Work neatly to prevent gluing the wood to the straightedge.

26 along the sheeting, use a bar sander with coarse sandpaper to sand the cracked areas smooth. Let some of the sanding dust accumulate in the crack, then apply a drop of thin CA at every inch or so along the crack.

Sand again with the bar sander, and your error should be almost invisible.

Cracking should only occur in the sharp, upward sweep of the sheeting near the leading edge, so be sure to avoid sanding over those areas of the sheeting that are unaffected.

Trim the excess sheeting away ahead of the leading edge, and sand the edge flush with the upper surface of the leading edge. Next, cut the sheeting away from the leading edge recess where the wing fits against the belly of the fuselage. Don’t trim the recess edges too closely; it’s better to do the final trimming after you have the fuselage constructed and on hand to get a perfect fit.

Cap strips are next, and they will give your wing that finished look you’ve been shooting for. Cap strips are just what their name implies— strips of wood that cap the edge of each rib to provide greater contact area for the wing covering. Fitting and installing cap strips can be super easy if you perform the simple steps 34

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that follow. The Dr.1 uses a total of 24 cap strips on the lower wing—six on each side, top and bottom—fitted between the rear edge of the leading edge sheeting and forward edge of the trailing edge sheet.

Prepare by cutting just one cap strip approximately 1/4-in. oversize, then cutting 23 additional strips to the same length. Use the bar sander to square one end of the cap strip, then apply a drop of gap-filling CA to the sanded end of the strip and glue the strip against the rear edge of the leading edge sheeting, centered over one of the wing ribs. Let the unfinished end of the strip rest over the trailing edge sheet.

When the CA is dry, lift the unfinished end of the cap strip slightly above the trailing edge sheet, and sand the end of the strip with the bar sander until it fits perfectly over the rib and against the edge of the trailing edge sheet. Flip the wing over again, and working from the top side, apply a bead of thin CA to the rib and cap strip along its entire length.

Now repeat the procedure for the other 11 cap strips on the bottom of the wing.

Installing the upper sheeting is basically the same as installing

the lower, except that the 1-in.wide trailing edge sheet has been previously attached to the sheeting, not to the wing frame as it was for the lower sheeting. The reason for this is that the lower trailing edge sheet was needed to level the ribs during the framing of the wing and to provide an attachment point for the tail of each wing rib. Nothing so structural was required of the upper sheeting, so the trailing edge sheet was fitted, glued and sanded to fit as one into the upper sheeting.

To ensure a straight trailing edge, position the wing right side up on the work surface and hold a thick metal straightedge against the trailing edge. Just as you did for the lower sheeting, place the upper sheeting over the center section and mark the locations of the center section’s outer ribs. Remove the sheeting and apply a generous bead of gap-filling CA or aliphatic resin glue over the main spar, the rib edges and the rear edge of the trailing edge where the upper and lower sheets will meet. Apply adhesive only to the inaccessible areas that cannot be reached with the glue nozzle once the upper sheeting has been installed.

With the trailing edge of the wing

Wings Part 4 Use the pencil marks to get the top sheeting back into position over the structure, being careful to draw everything tightly against the straightedge. When the CA cures and the straightedge is removed, the top and bottom sheeting should mate perfectly at the trailing edge of the center section, and the trailing edge should be dead straight.

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drawn firmly against the straightedge, use the pencil marks to align the upper sheeting, and fit the upper sheeting over the structure and against the straightedge. Again, use your palms and all 10 fingers to hold the upper sheeting gently but firmly in position until the adhesive has cured.

Inspect your work to verify

Lift the upper trailing edge sheeting on one side of the wing and apply gap-filling CA along the edge of the lower sheet. Do the straightedge trick again to ensure that the top sheet remains dead straight to the lower sheeting while the adhesive cures.

that the trailing edges of the upper and lower sheeting are in perfect alignment, then lift the upper trailing edge sheeting outward from the center section and apply a bead of gap-filling CA along the entire edge of the lower sheet where the upper and lower sheets will meet. Draw the wing up tight against the straightedge again, and be sure that the upper

29 sheet also engages the straightedge while you hold it fast until the glue sets.

I’ll continue this column next month with 30 more photos and lots of detail to complete this section of my build series.

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BY Robert J. Caso

Scale

It Is the Constant Pursuit of Realism

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have always felt that scale modeling is the pinnacle of the RC hobby. Starting around age eight, when I was building profile controlline Hellcats and Mustangs, it was the constant pursuit of realism that kept me going. Now that I’m 56, it doesn’t seem that it has waned much. Quite the contrary—my techniques have gotten both more refined and, at the same time, more diverse. And my models have gotten better as a result. What makes scale modeling so difficult and yet so rewarding is that you have to be good at so many things aside from just merely being able to assemble something.

It’s the constant challenge of solving strings of diverse problems that is representative of this aspect of the hobby and that makes it unlike any other. All with the lofty goal

My modified 1/12-scale Alfa Models 109G, refinished as “Black 6,” now in Hendon, UK.

of achieving realism. Often, time and resources require that these problems be solved without the help of anyone else, so, as a by-product, one becomes learned and self reliant.

On the other hand, the Internet has connected scale modelers like never before, and the rapid expansion of technology, in terms of propulsion, materials and fabrication techniques, has helped us build more accurately and produce more realistic models.

There has never been a better time to be a scale modeler.

A great example of this is my selfdesigned 37-in. wingspan DeHavilland Mosquito. It wasn’t that long ago when my only propulsion option was a pair of glow-fuel-powered engines.

Aside from ruining the look of the My hot setup for 90% of my airbrushing is a Badger “Velocity” dual action and my trusty single action Badger 200. Braided lines and quick disconnect fittings are a must.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Scale model with all the nonscale holes I would have had to put in those slender cowlings, I still would have faced the very real possibility of coming back with “one turning and one burning” —if I came back at all.

Then there are the fuel tanks, the mess and the vibration withering away all my scale details. As The spinning, scratch-built rotary engine on my An impressive Fokker DR1 at a recent Quakertown, PA a result, twin-engined 1/9-scale original design DH2. It has the valve warbirds meet. What caught my eye was the finish— adjusting nuts—paper, plastic, balsa and ply. most DR1s left the factory so appointed, not red! models for a long time for me were just an “I’d really like to do one someday” fantasy.

Not anymore! A pair of powerful but efficient, brushless electric motors effectively solved all these problems overnight—technology, baby.

Certainly, I am an “old school” model builder, still stinking up the place with nitrate My flying buddy’s son, Tom Droege, and I pose with My 1/9-scale original design Halberstadt CL.II, which dope and, occasionally, “White 7,” my refinished 1/12-scale Alfa Models FWis equipped with a scratch-built Mercedes six cylinder Ambroid glue. But this 190 F8. The prototype is at the Udvar Museum. dummy engine. stuff now sits right next ® to rolls of Kevlar fabric escape—scale modelers have to do it and carbon fiber rods that go into It’s amazing what a decent pilot, an all, and do it all well. my CAD-designed, laser-cut models. antenna or a good weathering job Yes, my serious efforts are still And I am right now working with an can do in these cases. So, I work with done in wood mostly, but I have been engineer that does 3D modeling and and embrace all aspects of the scale known to rearrange quite a few scale printing. The message here is that I model sector of the hobby.

ARFs to fit my liking, many of which am a proponent of using whatever Over the next few issues, I am can be transformed into very nice works. Old school, new school—as planning on getting “into the weeds” scale models with a little extra effort. they say in South Philly, “It don’t with such subjects as scale selection matter.” I’ve learned how to make my own plugs for vacuum-forming canopies and cowlings, using them on the vacuum table that I built. I also do a lot of composite work, as a fiberglass part just looks better and is more durable and easier to work.

Finish, color and markings? Scale effect and weathering? Now you’re talking my language. The painted finish is everything on a scale model. But remember, the finish on a scale model is the culmination of all building steps, not just a few at the end. There is no People still lose bets on whether my 33-in. original design of the Springfield Bulldog actually flies. This one flies so well at 18 oz, they even let ME fly it!

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and design, materials and composite construction, painting and weathering as well as detailing and scale contest documentation. The list is endless, and if you think I am going to be discussing these subjects in a platitudinous “build, install, fly” manner, think again. Scale modeling is all about details, and I am a detail guy. I will attempt to challenge you to improve your models with new techniques and refinements of the old ones as well as drilling down into the how-to aspects. In return, I expect you to challenge me as well.

Perhaps we will both learn something new in the process, and that’s what it’s all about.

If you want to be a Storch pilot, you’d better learn to use rudder control. My 93-in. 1/6-scale Svenson kit, here at Warbirds Over Delaware, has everything deflected trying to counter the murderous cross wind that day.

The home-made glass nacelles on my Mosquito feature cowls held on with magnets. A pneumatic gear door cylinder provides the input for the retracts.

This 37-in. original design of a Mosquito nightfighter is actually my second, this one being “full out” with flaps, rudder and my own design retracts—a great flyer. How can you not like a Mosquito?

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Scale

Airbrush

I still have a bit of room here, so let’s do something useful. I get a lot of questions on my airbrush setup. Any scale modeler worth his wings has to know how to use an airbrush, but half of this is having the right equipment. I use my airbrush for everything—basic paint jobs, weathering, markings, you name it. The “big ticket” portion of this equipment commitment is the compressor. It’s nice if you can get a quiet one, but whatever you do, get one with a storage tank.

It’s these two features that drive up the cost, but you only need to buy it once. I like Iwata’s compressors, as they come so

equipped, and the one I have won’t wake up my four Pugs. Now that’s quiet! I use braided lines with quick disconnects and adaptor fittings to neck the hose down to my airbrush intake. I usually run a filter/water trap, but depending on your situation (i.e. dampness), you may not need one.

And now for the important part that everyone overlooks: the regulator. Although most of the machines come therewith, the majority of them are not sensitive enough. So, I bought a stand-alone unit, a Bedford 26-1125 that

has a pressure gauge I can actually read and the ability to dial in oneto-two pound increments of air.

With regard to the airbrush, there are literally hundreds. For about 80 percent of my work I use a siphon feed single action Badger 200.

With a single action brush, you can dynamically control the amount of air while paint flow is controlled by a screw in/out needle that is adjusted between spritzes. With a “dual action” brush, the spraying button

Here I am retrieving Rick Bruce’s “FOD” laden C-160 “Transall” ARF at a recent NEAT Fair event.

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Scale controls both flows— down for air and back for paint. The latter is harder to use, but if you are already there, I recommend a gravity feed brush, as the paint is at the needle when you need it.

Even having fairly sophisticated spraying equipment, I still use spray cans quite a bit.

This is the regulator I use for the airbrush setup I To get a better job with discuss in the text of this column. It is important to be able to adjust the pressure at the gun. them, stick the can in hot water about 20 minutes before spraying. This will slightly increase the pressure in the can and reduce the viscosity of the paint, giving you better atomization.

That’s it for this month. I hope you’re ready for the next …

The lineup at Warbirds Over Delaware includes a terrific showcase of very nicely built and detailed large scale models.

My foam AD-1 Skyraider was assembled and weathered (!) during a rainy day at the NEAT fair last year. I couldn’t resist a “what we can carry” shot: functional scale prop and retracts.

It flies great.

Could this be a shot of fictitious “Archbury” airfield from the movie “12 O’Clock High?” A super—and large—model of a B-17 taxies out at Warbirds Over Delaware.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

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BY Wil Byers

Servo Install Capture Them to be on the Safe Side

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continue to work on assembling my Valenta Models 1/3-scale Fox glider that I bought a few months ago from SoaringUSA.com. The glider is an easy build, but I’ve made a few build upgrades to mine to fit my preferences. This month, I’ll explain how I installed the servos in the wings and why I did it my way.

Modification

The Fox is getting equipped with Hitec HS-7954H digital servos to drive the ailerons. I chose them for several reasons. First, they are “stump pullers!” They deliver a whopping 403 oz-in. of torque when powered by a 7.4-volt LiPo battery. Second, their 1.57x0.78x1.45-inch size situates them ideally in the wings of the Fox. Third, I really like the servo arms that come with the servos—heavy duty! Fourth, they have a case that functions as a heat sink to keep them cool, which is nice when the servos are working hard. Fifth and finally, they were extremely affordable for this project! I had them in another model but opted to sell that model

I used a Porter Cable router to make servo bases inside the wings. You’ll want to protect the wing skins with blue masking tape as I’ve done on my Fox. It works exceedingly well!

minus the servos. Since the servos had been used for only one flight, out they came and into the Fox they went.

I’m also using Spektrum A7030 servos to control the spoiler blades. The A7030s are high-voltage servos that deliver 49 oz-in. of torque, so they are a perfect fit for this application. They are thin and lightweight as well, so they don’t take up much room near the root of the wing.

To install the 7954s in the Fox I opted to cut the male leads off and solder the servos’ leads to their respective servo extensions. I had previously fabricated the extensions from 22-gauge twisted wire that I purchased from servosandstuff. com. This type of install makes for a superb electrical connection that will not pull apart, but you must know it will void your warranty on This is the bit I used to cut the servo bases to the proper depth. It is a 3/4x1/2-in. carbide mortising bit, which runs at 27,000 rpm for a smooth, even cut.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Servo Install the servos if you do so!

Even so, I like making my connection in this manner on a large-scale glider such as the Fox. If you too opt to make my build modification and solder the extensions to the servo leads, I would recommend that you wait to make the electrical connections to the servos until after you’ve made the mod.

Let me explain why.

I cut the servos’ male pigtails off and then soldered the wires directly to their extensions. This makes for a superb electrical connection, but be aware that it will void the servos’ warranty.

You can see how I had to run the wires under the blue masking tape because I decided to install the bases after I had already soldered the servo leads to their respective extensions.

Router Work

You’re going to need to use a router for my build modification, so you don’t want any wires getting in the way of the router bit. In my case, I had planned to build the model per Valenta’s drawing, which has the servos attached to their respective covers that screw into their wing recesses. This method just didn’t turn me on—I Notice that I used blue LocTite on the screws that Here I’m pre-fitting the servo into the servo well prior felt the covers were not hold the arms to the servo. This will prevent them to gluing it in place on its base. Notice that I used a from backing out of the servo over time due to Dremel router to cut a little fiberglass away to let the rigid enough for highvibration and use. servo drop into place easily. speed maneuvering, and since I plan to slope soar this model, the servos will get Making the bases was pretty easy. the router’s face while it is moving a workout. Unfortunately, since I’d I cut them from five-ply plywood that over the wing. You’ll also want to already soldered the servo leads to was thick enough to position the protect the wing from scuffing on the their servo extensions I had to work servo in the wing as needed relative work bench. I protected my model’s around them. As you can see in the to the bottom wing skin. Once they wings from the work surface with photos, I pulled the wires out of the were cut to the proper size and test some bubble wrap material, but you way, and then I worked very, very fit, I glued them inside the wing. I could use towels or a blanket. Then carefully around them. recommend you use either Great I used blue, low-tack masking tape Let’s start by explaining my Planes® six-minute or 15-minute applied to the wing all around the modification to the install. I decided epoxy to get the needed working servo well openings to protect the to build a plywood base for the time. bottom of the wing from scuffing servos to mount on inside the wings.

You’ll want to mix a little flocked by the router base. You’ll want to The servos would be glued to this cotton in with the epoxy. Also, if you look at the accompanying photos for base and then captured between the scuff the area where the bases get clarification. base and their servo covers. There glued to the wing skins with some The next step is the big one! Be are two reason to do this. One, it sandpaper, you’ll achieve a good very careful when using your router makes for very secure fits for the bond between the wood, glue and to cut the wooden bases to the servos in the wings, and two, it places composite material. proper depth. the servos, and importantly their Once the bases are glued in place, You’ll need a pretty good-sized arms, at equal distances relative to you will use a router to cut the wood router to do a proper job of cutting the wing skins, so that the control to a depth inside the wing so that the the wood smooth and even. I use a geometry remains the same for both servo fits flush with the servo covers’ Porter Cable® model 690, but I think ailerons’ (inner and outer) control recesses. You MUST protect the a better choice for this job might surfaces. wings’ surfaces from abrasion from be the Porter-Cable 450 Compact RC-SF.COM

43

Router. You’ll want to use a 3/4x1/2-in. carbide mortising bit in the router. Adjust the router bit’s depth so that it cuts just enough wood to allow the servo to sit flush with the servo cover opening’s recesses.

BE ABSOLUTELY SURE TO MEASURE TWICE— OR THREE TIMES— AND CUT ONCE! If you get this wrong, you This shows you how the plywood base sets the servo Here is another look at how the Hitec RCD 7954 might cut through the up in the wing so that it sits flush with the recess of servos fit inside the wing of the Fox. I like the big, the servo cover, which lets the servo be captured strong servo arms that come with these servos as well top of the wing, so be between the base and the cover. as the torque that they deliver on 7.4 volts. absolutely certain that you have measured the depth of the router’s cut exactly to the thickness of the servo, plus the 0.1 inch of the servo covers.

Now, if you’ve done everything right you’ll use the router to cut the wood base to the proper depth. The shank of the router bit will ride against the servo well opening so that the wood of the base is cut wider than the opening.

Take a close look at this photo to see how the epoxy/ This is what I like about this install—the servo is Be sure to control the flocked cotton mix glues the servo in place. Notice captured between the base, and the servo covers that a bit of the epoxy oozes out from all around the and the servo arms extend out of the wing at equal router with both hands servo, which gives it an indexed position in the wing. distances for both inboard and outboard servos. and go slowly. Once you’ve cut the wood base to the proper thickness, vacuum time. Put enough epoxy on its wood the receiver before you glue the the wood shavings out of the wing. base to let some excess come out servos into the wings. Don’t forget I used my shop vacuum to suck the from three sides, being careful the that when a control surface travels wood out of the opening. excess doesn’t glue the servo arm down it makes more drag than when in place. I applied pressure on the it travels up, so if travels are not set servo so that any excess glue would Gluing and Screwing properly the model can have adverse be forced out the bottom of the Even though the Fox is a glider yaw. You want the airplane to yaw in servo. The photos show you how and does not typically suffer any the direction of its roll, so setting much excess my servos typically have vibration, I recommend using blue the centers properly will help when around their edges.

Loctite® to secure the servo arm it comes time to programming in the screws in place. Do NOT use right amount of differential. permanent Loctite, or you will be Once the servos’ centers are set, Spoiler Servo “screwed” trying to get them out in pre-fit the servos in their respective Note that I simply glued the the future should you need to change positions in the servo bays. I do spoiler servos to the top wing skin. an arm. this just to make sure I have them The skin was reinforced with carbon Next you must center the positioned properly, and to doublefiber at the factory, so it is plenty servos prior to gluing them in place. check that they are installed properly stiff to handle the loads that will be I recommend you use the Hitec with respect to the control horns in imparted to it by the servo as the RCD model HFP-25 Digital Servo the ailerons. spoilers are being pulled open or Programmer to set all the servos to Then you can glue them in the closed. the same center points before you wing. For this, six-minute epoxy Again, you must pre-set the mixed with a bit of flocked cotton connect them to the receiver. Then servos’ arms so that the spoilers works nicely. I recommend gluing double-check the 7954s’ centers are in their closed position. Then, only one servo into the wing at a again when they are connected to when the servos travel the required 44

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Servo Install amount, the spoilers will be opened fully.

Note that my Spektrum A7030 servos’ arms are using the third hole from their center, which provides enough travel to pull the spoilers open completely.

Once you have the servos pre-set you’ll simply glue them in place with six-minute epoxy. A trick to make this easy is taping the The final install will look like this. It is clean, tight, spoilers closed with blue slop free and strong. This delivers the best control from your model, and when you stand on the “gas” masking tape during this the servo won’t move! step. That guarantees that the control rod will By so doing, the servo’s arm will not be positioned properly while the glue inadvertently move as you hold it in is curing. I also recommend you have place waiting for the epoxy to cure. the servo plugged into the receiver If reading about this model whets with the radio on and the control your appetite for the Fox, point your stick in its spoiler’s closed position.

A Vampire was enjoying the lift at the Manilla event, as did many of the aircraft that were flown.

This photo shows you how I installed the spoiler servo.

There is nothing special about this install other than making sure the spoiler opens and closes properly with the right amount of servo travel.

browser at soaringusa.com/Fox4.4.html.

References Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 Hitecrcd.com Horizon Hobby / Spektrum 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 Greatplanes.com Porter Cable portercable.com

Australia’s Manilla Slope Fest NSW 2011

By Steve Wenban Stephen.Wenban@nepean.com

Riding the Wave Down Under Manilla Slope Fest 2011 was the event’s third official running. This year showcased every type of RC airplane from free flight to control line, with a full-scale Tiger Moth thrown in to provide joy rides. Thermal soaring added to the variety. What we had most of, though, was slope soaring.

There was a good showing of international pilots coming from as far away as New Zealand and the United States.

A number of maiden flights occurred during the event, including my 1/5-scale Hawker Hurricane and a huge, three-meter wingspan MiG-3 from Adrian’s Kuypers hangar. The night racing was spectacular, with 10 entries. It made for some fantastic long exposure photos. Stehl Donohue finished in first place in the

pylon races, with Sean Moloney turning a 145-mph speed pass.

Mount Borah’s owner, Godfrey Wenness, was extremely generous in allowing us to use this world-renowned site. It is currently undergoing a huge upgrade to provide a conference center, which will also function as hangar.

Suffice it to say that the Manilla event was a good time for all who attended.

Many pilots have already booked for Manilla Slope Fest 2012, which is planned for September 14–23. You should attend as well!

This year’s sponsors included Falcon gliders, Off The Edge Sailplanes, Windrider, Kevin Bennett, Oz Skunkworx, AirsportsRC, Singleton Hobbies and Dave Brown Laser Cutting Service.

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The Vampire does a high-speed pullout from the valley floor toward the face of the slope to give some excitement to the crowd.

Fred Lodden was flying this good-looking flying wing, which has earned the name Moth for its agility and flying abilities in a slope soaring environment.

This full-scale Tiger Moth is owned by Ben Merkenof. He was providing rides for the pilots and people that attended the event. He plans to bring his Stearman for the 2012 event.

This 100-in. wingspan PSS Hurricane is being launched by Dave Pope who came over from New Zealand to participate in the Manilla Slope Fest event.

Stephen Wenban’s PSS Hurricane gets a good toss into the slope lift

by Dave. He did an excellent job of getting the model flying before it left his hands, so there were no scary launch moments.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Servo Install Glenn Dorrenboom of Off The Edge Sailplanes is captured here launching Ivan Bremer’s Queen Bee.

This MiG was flown by Adrian. It weighs in at nine kilograms and was built of plastic and foam, in a 1/3-scale size.

This was the mass launch for a contest that had the goal of landing the models on a target 500 meters from where the pilots were standing—very challenging!

Sthel Donohue launches Owen Hedger’s PSS Okha for its maiden flight/mission. The model flew well and was quite maneuverable as a 1/5-scale model.

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BY Wendell Hostetler

Cessna 170 A Superb Follow-On to the Bird Dog

W

endell Hostetler sent us a copy of his new Cessna 170 plans for you to examine. What a great looking plan it is too!

This new Cessna 170 follows on the heals of Hostetler’s very successful Cessna L-19 Bird Dog. The 170 is similar to the Bird Dog in that both airplanes use the same wing

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

and tail feathers. The fuselage on the 170 is wider because it was designed to accommodate side-by-side passengers. Also, the profile of the fuselage is somewhat different as well.

Early models of the 170 used the same cowl as the Bird Dog, with later models using longer cowls to accommodate different

Cessna 170

engines. Wheel pants were also added to later models of the 170, so you can pick the option that fits your airplane preference.

You can order directly from Wendell’s website.

Just point your browser at hostetlersplans.com. Or you may contact Hostetler’s Plans at whplans@aol. com. Overseas plans are shipped folded. A wood kit and other accessories are available from third-party sources as well.

Specifications Scale

27%

Wingspan

118.84 in.

Wing Area

1800 in.2

Length

81 in.

Weight

20–22 lb

Power

38- to 62-cc

Distributor Wendell Hostetler Plans 545 Jerome Dr Orville, OH 44667 Phone: 330-682-8896 hostetlerplans.com

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All Photos BY Greg Wise

E

very year in Lakeland, FL Frank Tiano Enterprises sponsors the four-day Florida Jets event.

This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with jets blasting off from one of the eight flight lines at Lakeland Municipal Airport’s model aviation airfield.

Greg was our photographer at the March 1–4 event. Greg is a resident of Florida and an avid aviation enthusiast. The following is a photo spread of just a few of the superb airplanes that were flown and shown at the Florida Jets, including a couple of full-scale jets.

Greg Wright flew this flawless Hawk many times.

Unusual color scheme on this aircraft, which belonged to Johnny Hernandez, who left us three years ago.

Greg Wright flies his Hawk, with co-pilot keeping track of this high-speed jet. Greg is an excellent pilot and turns in good scores!

Franco DiMauro came in from Venezuela for his first time at Florida Jets. His outstanding performance with this Thunderbirds T-33 garnered him an invitation to Top Gun 2012.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

This full-scale MiG 17 in full afterburner was an added attraction twice per day. The Black Diamond Aerobatic Team stationed at Lakeland Airport gave us some demo flights with this bird and a few others.

This Turboprop Raven is the work of David Gaspari from Jupiter, Florida. There were three turboprop-powered airplanes at Florida Jets this year.

The Turboprop Raven smokes as crowds thrill.

Look what that engine can do! It sounded really sweet too.

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This Grumman Cougar is a new kit release from Sky Master, distributed in the USA by BVM Inc. in Winter Springs, Florida. Dustin Buescher flew it and won the award for Best Scale Jet Performance, sponsored by Dream Works RC.

One of the nicest F-100s you’ll ever see is this one flown by Greg Wright. Absolutely magnificent detail work. One of three BVM F-100s in attendance. The 13-year-old design performed with the best of them!

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Chuck Stories’ A-10 was expertly flown by Ali Machinchy, everybody’s pilot! This is from a Mibo Jets kit and is powered by a pair of Jet Cat turbines.

Jim Hiller flew this Vampire jet available several times on Saturday in a crosswind to show how stable the design is. We believe this model is available from Der Jet Models.

One of two Tucanos flown with a turboprop engine. This one is by J. C. Christianson out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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The “Schockwave” is a new design offered by Shulman Aviation in Florida. It is a large sport jet capable of speeds up to 200 mph and as slow as 25 mph. David Shulman wowed the crowd repeatedly with his air show presentation.

This L-39 caught just after taking off is a member of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic team. It often flew in formation with the MiG 17 and a T-33.

I understand they have just added an A-4 and a MiG 21 to their arsenal.

Excellent cockpit detail on the interior of this Peter Goldsmith’s T-33 jet.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

A “Cam-Lock” is used to lock the canopy in place on this A-10.

One little twist, and it’s secure.

The Futura sport jet was flown by father-and-son team Kim and Scott Foster out of Mansfield, Ohio.

It seemed any time we looked skyward, the Futura was airborne.

Award

Sponsor

Pilot

Aircraft

Best Military Jet—Runner-up

ZAP GLUE

Peter Goldsmith

Hawk

Best Military Jet

HORIZON HOBBY

Jorge Escalona

Mig-29

Best Sport Jet—Runner-up

FLY RC MAGAZINE

Franco DiMauro

Ultra Bandit

Best Sport Jet

JETCAT USA

Scott Marr

Shockwave

Best Civilian Jet

SPEKTRUM

Gabriel Toro

Viper Jet

Best Electric Jet

MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS

Rei Gonzalez

F-4

Best Sport Jet Performance

JET CENTRAL

David Shulman

Shockwave

Best Scale Jet Performance

DREAM WORKS RC

Dustin Buescher

Cougar

Best Foamy Jet Performance

SHULMAN AVIATION

David Payne

Mig-15

Best Electric Jet Performance

ELECTRIC FLIGHT MAGAZINE

Tommy Wood

F-4

Best Multi Jet Performance

RC JET INTERNATIONAL

Greg Foushi

A-10

Best Craftsmanship

BVM

Graeme Mears

T-33

Engineering Excellence

DAVINCI MACHINING

Ryan Haldenwanger

ME-262

Most Outstanding Jet Flight

FUTABA

Ali Machinchy

T-33

Critics Choice Runner-up

FRANK TIANO ENTERPRISES

Peter Goldsmith

Hawk

Critics Choice

ZAP GLUE & MAN

Graeme Mears

T-33

SPONSORS PRIMARY SPONSORS Model Airplane News Zap Glue ASSOCIATE SPONSORS FTE Inc. Futaba Hobbico JR DSM RC Jet International Horizon Hobby DaVinci Machining Shulman Aviation Scott Marr Enterprises JetCat USA SUPPORTING SPONSORS Bob Violett Models FLY RC Magazine Dream Works RC Skymaster Gyro Hobbies Jet Central Flying Models Magazine Lakeland Airport

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BY Wil Byers

Celectra Charger Systems Put The Power of Blue in Your Box!

B

atteries, batteries, batteries … They’re all-important in our hobby! One cannot overemphasize their importance to having a safe, secure and optimally performing remote-control (RC) airplane. It almost goes without saying that if you “cheap out” in this area of the hobby, you are going to have major problems being a successful, long-term pilot.

It is therefore advised that you buy the best batteries your budget can tolerate, and that you take good care of them. You must cycle them, monitor their performance and charge them well before each and every flight of your model airplane, helicopter or glider.

There are three components you can buy in the Celectra charger system—a power supply, an 80-watt charger and the 200watt charger.

When it comes to charging batteries, you are also advised to buy the best charger system your budget can tolerate. Do not be cheap about this buy, either, because there are significant differences in the quality of the chargers being sold. Typically, a cheap charger is built with cheap components, and cheap components mean inferior performance. Inferior performance means that the circuits built into the charger are not accurately measuring battery voltages and currents. If the pack under The 200-watt Celectra charger comes with an aluminum carrying case, a program disk for your PC and all the charge leads, balancing adapters and a USB cable.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Celectra Charger Systems charge or discharge is not being monitored properly, it means reduced performance and even battery life.

Now you tell me, do you want to fly an airplane when you don’t have a clue about the condition of the battery that is supplying voltage and current to the control system? I think not! Your alternative is to buy good gear that will give you reliable data about the battery charging and discharging. Then you’ll get the most out of your model and the enjoyment it gives you as its pilot.

Blue Will Do E-flite has a combination of chargers that are just way-cool blue.

Their Celectra chargers are superb quality. Importantly, they’ll charge your model’s battery packs reliably so that they perform at their optimum efficiency and so that you will also know their status. And they are affordable, which means you don’t have to go cheap.

Celectra 15-VDC 250-W Power Supply Let’s start with the Celectra 15-volt direct current 250-watt power supply. This is a musthave purchase. You’ll want this for your shop for certain because you can just plug its input into a 120-volt alternating current (VAC) outlet, and it will deliver a clean, regulated 15 VDC output power to your E-flite battery chargers, or other chargers if you should use them.

Features • Provides current to power a high-capacity battery charger or several small- to mediumcapacity battery chargers • Has an internal cooling fan to keep components operating optimally • Includes low-input voltage protection, over-current protection, over-temperature protection and short-circuit protection • Universal AC input voltage range

Specifications

The 80-watt Celectra charger comes with a excellent instruction manual, all the charge cable you’ll need for E-flite packs, and balacingInput adapters, plus a 120VAC wallVAC cord.

Voltage 100–240 (50/60 Hz)

and detachable AC power cord • Chassis mount, rocker style, AC power switch • Power ON indicator light (red LED) • Color-coded, output banana jacks

Output VDC +/0.25VDC (redVoltage = positive, 15 black = negative) Output Current 16.5 amps Power

250 watts

Operating temperature

0–140˚ F (0–60° C)

Price (EFLC4010)

$149.99

Celectra 200-W DC MultiChemistry Charger This multi-chemistry type battery charger will pump some power—to

The 250-watt Celectra Power Station plugs into 120 VAC power and delivers 15 volts direct current at 16.5 amps output!

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The boot-up screen for the 200-watt charger shows you the last battery pack that you have entered into the unit’s memory.

Here you see what this charger is capable of delivering for a LiPo pack—six amps and 22.2 volts.

Here I’m setting the unit up to charge an E-flite 4000-mAh 4S LiPo pack. This unit is super easy to use and program.

You’ll use the Mode button to get to a specific battery type, then the Enter key to select that mode, and Dec. and Inc. to set values.

the tune of 200 watts. So you can use this charger to charge your models’ large battery packs. It is built of highquality components and is easy to program and use. It comes with all the charging leads you could possibly want for E-flite packs, including two adapter boards for cell balancing leads. You’ll even get a nice, aluminum carrying case with this charger, so you can grab and run when you’re going to the RC airfield. This may be the only charger you’ll need if you fly big, big electric-powered models.

Features • Charges Li-Ion/LiPo/LiFe battery packs of 1–6S • Charges NiCd, NiMH batteries of 1–18 cells 58

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

• Pb battery voltage of 2–24 volts • Built-in 25-watt discharger • Built-in balance circuit w/ all adapters provided for E-flite packs • Short-circuit, over-current, reverse polarity, low-input voltage and over-temperature protection • Storage and fast charge modes • User battery data, store and load up to 10 battery profiles • USB communication link & supplied charge monitor software • 2x16 backlit, blue LCD screen • Attached DC input cable with inline RF filter • Color-coded output banana jacks (red = positive, black = negative) • Internal cooling fan with grill cover

• Meets IP33CW, IK07 environmental specs Included • JST_XH Balance adapter • JST_Thunderpower Balance adapter • Banana plug to EC2 battery adapter • Banana plug to EC3 battery adapter • Banana plug to EC5 battery adapter • Banana plug to JST battery adapter • Banana plug to Futaba® battery adapter (with slot) • Temperature sensor • Shielded USB cable • Alligator clips (2, red & black,

Celectra Charger Systems

You can set up specific discharge rates, the number of cycles, voltage levels, etc. You’ll be using it in five minutes or less.

banana plug input) for DC input cable • PC charge analysis software disk • Aluminum carrying case

Specifications Input Voltage

11–18 VDC

Charge current

0.10–10.0 A (0.1 amp increments / 200-W maximum)

Discharge Current

0.10–5.0 A (0.1 amp increments / 25-W maximum)

Operating temperature

0–50°C

Balance current drain

300 mA per cell

Trickle Charge Current

50–200 mA

Charging Mode Peak (NiCd/NiMH), CC/CV (LiPo/LiIon/LiFe/Pb) Price (EFLC4010)

$149.99

Celectra 80-W AC/DC MultiChemistry Charger Again, the Celectra 80-W is a multi-chemistry-type battery charger.

It has an 80-watt limit on its output, but again it is a perfect pick for the modeler looking for a charger that will charge all types of battery packs from LiPos to NiCds. It is certainly well built and sized so that it will easily fit into almost any flight box.

Additionally, the unit is priced for

Here is the charge values that I’ve entered into the 200-watt unit for an E-flite 4000-mAh 4S LiPo pack.

almost anybody’s budget at just $139.99, especially since it is a pretty feature-rich unit.

Features • AC or DC operation with full power available in either mode • Charges Li-Ion/LiPo/LiFe battery packs of 1–6S • Charges NiCd/NiMH batteries of 1–15 cells • Pb battery voltage of 2–24 volt • Built-in 10-watt discharger • Built-in balance circuit w/ all adapters provided for E-flite packs • Short-circuit, over-current, reverse polarity, low-input voltage and over-temperature protection • Storage and fast-charge modes • User battery data, store and load

up to 10 battery profiles • 2x16 backlit, blue LCD screen • Color-coded output banana jacks (red = positive, black = negative) • Internal cooling fan with grill cover • Meets IP33CW, IK07 environmental specs Included • JST_XH Balance adapter • JST_Thunderpower Balance adapter • Banana plug to EC2 battery adapter • Banana plug to EC3 battery adapter • Banana plug to EC5 battery adapter • Banana plug to JST battery adapter

Stop or Enter is the screen you’ll get to begin a charge cycle on a battery when using the 200-watt E-flite Celectra charger.

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Here is the Enter screen that you use to start a charge. You’ll hold the enter key for a few seconds for the charge to start.

• Banana plug to Futaba® battery adapter • (with slot)

Specifications AC Input Voltage

100–240 VAC (50/60 Hz)

DC Input Voltage

11–18 VDC

Charge Current

0.10–6.0 A (0.1 A increments/80-W maximum)

Discharge Current

0.10–2.0 A (0.1 A increments/10-W maximum)

Operating temperature

0–50°C

Balance Current Drain

300 mA per cell

Trickle Charge Current

50–200 mA

Charging Mode

Peak (NiCd/NiMH), CC/CV (LiPo/Li-Ion/LiFe/Pb)

Price (EFLC3025)

$139.99

CHARGED These features and specifications should get you “charged” about these three units. If you have them in your flight box and on your workbench you’ll have the tools necessary to charge just about any pack that your models may use.

Again, these are high-quality, rugged and well-built units that will definitely deliver the performance you demand and need in today’s generation of electric-powered 60

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

This is the basic setup diagram for how you’ll configure the Celectra 200watt charger. It is very easy to use and program.

Look at the power this unit can pump out. Remember power equals voltage times current, in this case 10 amps times 22.2 volts. That is 222 watts!

The programming and functions are almost identical for both the 80- and 200-watt units.

Celectra Charger Systems airplanes. Moreover, they are perfect for maintaining any battery you’ll be using in your models, no matter the size. They are very affordably priced as well, especially in light of the fact that these units use some of the best internal circuitry and components money can buy. So, you get what you pay for in these multi-chemistry chargers as well as in the power supply.

Now go pump some electrons into your model’s batteries. Heck, even that part of the hobby is fun!

This is the basic setup diagram for the 80-watt Celectra charger. This unit includes a built-in 120 VAC input power supply.

You’ll have a setup like this one if you should opt for the120-VAC input, 250-watt output power supply. It will take you less than five minutes to configure.

After only 3 minutes and 46 seconds my E-flite pack has taken 596 milliamps, and the charger is deliver 162.8 watts for power to it.

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com RC-SF.COM

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BY Staff

Analogs An Affordable Option for Budget-Minded Modelers

S

ervos are the workhorses of our model airplanes. They push control surfaces around with more precision and power than ever. Moreover, servos have become extremely reliable, working flight after flight after flight without problem. It is fair to say that we pretty much take their performance and reliability for granted in this time of 2.4-GHz radios and new telemetry systems.

However, when you are talking digital servos, price is a different story. The “hotrod” digitals can make a serious dent in your wallet, with some of them costing $200 to $250 a piece. If you multiply that price by eight or ten servos, you start talking real money, even considering that they are super performers.

If, on the other hand, you don’t need to buy digitals for your next model, there are some absolutely excellent buys in the analog servo market. The main difference between a digital servo and an analog servo is the way the servo’s motor is controlled by the circuitry. In an 62

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

analog servo, the maximum voltage is pulsed on/off at a fixed rate of 30 cycles per second. In a digital servo, the signal is sent at a significantly higher frequency, which could be as high as 300 cycles per second.

By increasing the cycle frequency, the digital servo can deliver its power much more quickly, and with less deadband (we’ll get into this more next month.) For a complete explanation, go to futaba-rc.com/ servos/digitalservos.pdf.

Futaba analog servos are very affordable and will deliver the performance you’ll need for almost all your sport models.

The Futaba S3115 is a micro-sized precision servo that delivers 39 oz-in. of torque. They sell for only $19.99 each.

Check out these little S3114 micro servos.

They will deliver 26 oz-in. of torque on six volts, and they cost just $14.99 each.

Futaba Analogs

Analogs

Analog servos use the same motors as digital servos, have a potentiometer like them, use the same battery voltage and have pretty much the same gear trains. They do have more deadband (response time), but for many, many model airplane applications you just don’t need digital servos. And, since analogs are typically priced very affordably, you can outfit your model for much less money than if you used all digitals.

Now, let’s take a look at some of Futaba’s analog servos and their price as offered at towerhobbies.com.

Number Torque (oz-in.)

S3004

57 (6 volts)

Kind

Price

Standard

$13.99

S3114

24 (6 volts)

Micro

$14.99

S3115

39

Micro Precision

$19.99

S3306

333 (6 volts)

High-Torque

$39.99

S9405

100 (6 volts)

High-Torque

$64.99

Pushing Them

As you can see, we’re pushing the analog servos as an affordable alternative to the digital servos.

Their specs show they can do the job for most control needs. There’s no doubt, however, that when you need real horsepower and precision to drive large control surfaces on a large airplane, digital servos may be the best investment for your model.

Futaba’s S3006 is a hightorque, metal-geared servo that delivers 333 oz-in. of torque on six volts, and it only costs $39.99.

Remember though, that analog servos are very reliable, deliver good performance and power and are also usually priced much more affordably, which should keep the war department in check, right?

The S9405 is a standard-size servo that pumps out 100 oz-in. of torque on six volts. It will cost you only $64.99 a piece.

Distributor Futaba 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite #1 Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 futaba-rc.com

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BY Staff

AnyLink

™

Get Connected with Your Models

T

he 2.4-GHz radio system wave came crashing in on many a modeler about five years ago.

It was a change for the better! Now, RC pilots no longer have to yell out their radio system frequency, take a frequency pin or walk around the airfield checking to make certain no other pilot is using the same radio frequency in their system to control their model.

However, the drawback is that radio manufacturers are using a few different 2.4-GHz protocols.

No longer can you use one brand of radio to communicate with a different brand of radio receiver.

It turns out that you are mostly committed to whatever brand of radio system you choose, and that includes the receivers.

There is a fix to this problem for some airplanes now being introduced by Great Planes. It is the AnyLink system. AnyLink is a “black box” system that turns your radio into a 2.4-GHz system that can communicate with any of the Tx-R™ aircraft. It enables your transmitter, no matter the brand, to control any Transmitter-Ready™ aircraft.

The AnyLink systems is a compact and lightweight unit that installs in seconds and is compatible with virtually

any transmitter, regardless of brand, band or modulation. Once in place, AnyLink gives your transmitter the ability to: • Fly all Tx-R™ aircraft • Fly any plane with a Tactic 2.4-GHz SLT™ receiver • Fly airplanes using a 2.4-GHz frequency-hopping, spreadspectrum system AnyLink is only $24.99, too!

AnyLink is designed to interface with Futaba®, JR®, Hitec®, Spektrum® and other popular radios. This system worked well with all the models that we had to fly. It was virtually invisible to our feel!

Some of the models that work with AnyLink FLZA3003

Flyzone Calypso EP Glider

GPMA1771 Great Planes F-86 Sabre EDF HCAA2555

Flyzone Fokker Dr.1

HCAA2556

Flyzone Super Cub

HCAA2557

Flyzone Albatros

HCAA2558

Flyzone Playmate™

HCAA2520

Flyzone Select Scale Cessna® 182 Skylane®

HCAA2526

Flyzone Select Scale Super Cub

HCAA2529

Flyzone Switch™

HCAA2532

Flyzone Select Scale Cessna® 350 Corvalis®

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com www.Tx-Ready.com

64

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

1815 South Research Loop Tucson, Arizona 85710 Phone: (520) 722-0607 E-mail: info@desertaircraft.com Web Site: desertaircraft.com

DA-200

Price $2795

Displacement: 12.20 cin (200 cc) Output: 19 hp Weight: 10.95 lb (4.95 kilos) Length: 9.625 in. (244 mm) Warranty: Two Years

DA-150

Price $1395

Displacement: 9.15 ci (150 cc) Output: 16.5 hp Weight: 7.96 lb (3.61 kilos) Length: 7.67 in. (195 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-100L

Price $999

Displacement: 6.10 ci (100 cc) Output: 9.8 hp Weight: 5.57 lb (2.53 kilos) Length: 6.5 in. (162.5 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-50-R

Price $595

Displacement: 3.05 ci (50 cc) Output: 5.0 hp Weight: 2.94 lb (1.33 kilos) Length: 6.7 (170 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-170

Price $1695

Displacement: 10.48 ci (171.8 cc) Output: 18 hp Weight: 8.05 lb (3.56 kilos) Length: 7.67 in. (195 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-120

Price $1199

Displacement: 7.4 ci (121 cc) Output: 11 hp Weight: 4.95 lb (2.25 kilos) Length: 6.25 in. (159 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-85

Price $795

Displacement: 5.24 ci (85.9 cc) Output: 8.5 hp Weight: 4.3 lb (1.95 kilos) Length: 5.9 in. (150 mm) Warranty: Three year

BY Jerry Smith

BR-3000 Know the Performance Quickly and Easily

T

here are many electronic tools and gadgets on the market today to help us care for our batteries. Trouble is, most of them are limited when it comes to doing the things we want them to do. The older but popular Futaba BR-2000 battery checker/discharger was limited in its functions, although it did apply a heavy load to our NiMH and NiCd packs, including 2-cell LiPo packs.

The all-new BR-3000 is a refreshing leap forward in battery-checking capacity.

Futaba wanted a new battery checker that could analyze the performance of many different types of cells and provide a lot more information for modelers to use. The BR-3000 is that battery checker. It can check the state of the various battery packs—up to seven cells— that we use as a power source for our airplanes, helicopters, cars and boats. The BR-3000 is powered totally from the battery being checked, and it does a great job of balancing cells as well.

• Remaining capacity (bar graph) • Individual cell voltage • Minimum cell voltage • Maximum cell voltage • Cell voltage difference (max and min)

BR-3000 Functions

Operation

• Total voltage

Facing the unit, the left side lists

This screen displays the type of battery chosen and the maximum voltage of the pack. The capacity is 93%, shown in the bar graph.

66

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

the NiCd/NiMH followed by the Lithium battery type. The three buttons across the bottom are Type, Cell and Mode. Pressing the Type bottom selects the type of battery pack connected to the BR-3000. If the battery type is different from the one

Press the mode button again to display the minimum and maximum between all the cells. When in the balancing operation, this is an important screen because it shows you how well the cells are balanced. This display indicates a well balanced pack.

Futaba BR-3000 you selected, the remaining capacity (bar graph) will display correctly.

The center button is the Cell button, and it is used to select the display screen for each cell in the pack. With each press of the Cell button, the BR-3000 progresses through one more of the cells in the pack, and shows you that cell’s condition on the display. The number

of the cell being checked is shown at the very top of the screen in small numbers.

The Mode button is used only when checking Lithium-type batteries. The Mode button lets you switch through four different screens displays, as shown in the accompanying photographs.

Balancing

The balancing operation starts automatically approximately five seconds after the battery is connected. When the voltage difference between cells reaches 5 mV or less, the balance operation ends and the BR-3000 enters the sleep mode, and “----” appears on the screen. The sleep mode can be exited by button operation. When the balance operation continues beyond 30 minutes, confirm the voltage of each cell because an internal cell could be defective.

Checking NiMH and NiCd packs is done through a port on the upper right side of the checker. Standard connectors will fit, and the port is wired with the positive (+) in the middle pin and the negative (-) on one of the outer pins. Be sure to plug it in with the minus pin to the top of the BR-3000. Things won’t work if your pack is connected incorrectly. Be certain to select the correct number of cells in the pack

Hitting the mode button again brings up the maximum voltage of cell number 3 in this 3-cell pack. You can look at each of the rest of the cells in the pack by repeatedly pressing the cell button.

Checking my 4-cell NiMH pack indicated that the pack is up in voltage but has very little capacity. Oops! Time to get rid of it.

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67

Futaba BR-3000

Hitting the mode button again displays the minimum voltage of a cell. You can look at the rest of the cells in the pack by continuing to press the cell button.

Specifications LiFe (2–7 cells)

under test so the bar graph will read properly.

Most batteries can be tested on the BR-3000, and many more can be tested if you add a conversion adapter cable. While this may be troublesome for some of you, it can also be very helpful if you have batteries from several different manufacturers. Futaba makes it clear that it is up to the user to provide a cable for this purpose.

Many battery packs have JST balancing connectors, which will work just fine. However, the balancing connectors on Thunder Power and FlightPower packs do no not fit the connector on the BR3000. So, where do you find a conversion adapter? I found

an inexpensive balancing board at rcdudes.com. It works fine and will let you check up to seven cells.

Also, I found a set of four single-conversion cables from E-flite (horizonhobby.com). The part number is EFLA229, and that set will allow you to check up to five cells. The balancing board is a better deal.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

I enjoy using my Futaba BR-3000 battery checker. It’s easy to operate, and it gives me the information I need to keep on top of my models’ battery performance—and the confidence to know that all is well.

Applicable battery packs

LiPo (2–7 cells) LiIon (2–7 cells) NiMH (2–7cells)

Voltage display error

Plus (+) or minus (–) 1.5%

Display range Total voltage

(Ni type) 4.0-17 V (Li type) 5-34 V

Cell voltage (Li type) 1.1-4.9 V

Futaba 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite #1 Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 futaba-rc.com

You will need a conversion adaptor cable when checking a Thunder Power or FlightPower pack. The board can be purchased for $6.95 from rcdudes.com (Balance Adapter for 2-6S TP to 6-cell XH).

Or you can go the individual cable route and buy the E-flite #EFLA229 adapter cables for Thunder Power to EFL balancer, $7.95, which will only allow you to check five cells. The balancer board is the better buy.

Your “Butcher Bird” awaits.

Known as WWII’s “Butcher Bird,” the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was a formidable foe for the Allies’ finest fighters. Flyzone h recreated d this h ffearless l ffavorite in Ready-to-Fly d l (RTF) has and Receiver-Ready (Rx-R) Select Scale models that capture every last nuance of the original.

Both versions are constructed of tough Aerocell™ foam, and finished in an authentic Luftwaffe trim scheme. A brushless motor, ESC and servos are included with both, as are flaps and retractable landing gear. The Rx-R lets you add the radio, battery and charger of your choice.

The RTF is complete and ready to go, featuring a Tactic™ TTX600 2.4GHz radio, an 11.1V 1800mAh LiPo battery, balancing charger and “AA” cells.

Regardless of your choice, you can expect the same superior flight characteristics and exceptional details in this Fw 190 from Flyzone!

Wingspan: 44.5 in (1130 mm) RTF Version Requires: Nothing!

Rx-R Version Requires: Radio system with a minimum of 6 channels, 11.1V 1800mAh LiPo battery & charger

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190’s many scale extras include shock-absorbing, retractable landing gear and scale “split” flaps.

™

© 2011 Hobbico®, Inc. – 3074538. All rights reserved.

flyzoneplanes.com/107n

BY Wil Byers

Sky Limit

Throw Away the Winch. Start Flying ALES!

T

here is a new way to get your limited motor run (LMR) glider to altitude! It is the Sky Limit from Winged Shadow Systems. This is a fantastic unit designed for AltitudeLimited Electric Soaring (ALES).

Shawn Plummer (Hacker USA) and I came up with the concept for F5J soaring 12-plus years ago. F5J is a man-on-man contest similar to F3J, but the model is an electric-powered glider that uses the motor to climb to altitude. The task typically lasts, say, 10 minutes, and finishes with a large spot landing. You can get the provisional rules at fai.org.

Shawn even hosted the first contest in Phoenix, AZ. At that point, the F5J’s task limited the model’s climb to altitude by the length of time the motor ran. If your model had a hot motor and battery combination, it would often fly out of sight during the climb time, which meant a super high launch. The glider could basically just glide for an unbelievable time.

Then Bill Parry of Eagle Tree Systems designed a system whereby the model’s motor-on time was monitored. In that case, the pilot who could run his model’s motor the least during the working time and get the maximum flight time would get the best F5J score. Again, Shawn Plummer was behind this movement, sponsoring the only cash prize contest in the nation for this type of event.

There were a few attempts at limiting the model’s altitude for F5Jtype flying, but they weren’t all that successful and never really took off.

Now, however, there is a device that has given ALES- and F5J-type flying a real opportunity for growth. It is the new Sky Limit system from Winged Shadow Systems.

Here is what Sky Limit is capable of doing once installed in your electric-powered glider or airplane. It monitors the airplane’s altitude and/ or flight time. Consequently, when the airplane reaches the specified limit you’ve programmed into Sky Limit, the unit reduces the throttle

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

The Sky Limit package comes with the programmer and the airborne Sky Limit, plus userfriendly instruction manuals for both.

to a preset level, which in the case of F5J can be zero or motor off.

What is outstanding about this unit is that it is extremely small and lightweight. It will fit into every airplane/glider you can imagine, including a small electric-powered, hand-launched glider or discuslaunched glider.

It can also be programmed for different altitudes or motor run settings, which could even be done right at the airfield for different contest tasks. As such, you could select altitude, time or a combination of both. Additionally, you can even program the unit to prohibit in-air restarts once the glider has reached a specified altitude.

Think about it! You could have a contest where the models are only allowed to climb to, say, 500 feet. Then the motor could not be restarted until you’ve reset the unit on the ground. This is sounding like a ton of fun to me! It also sounds like the beginnings of a real, honest-togoodness F5J contest that Shawn and I thought about so long ago.

Here is what Winged Shadow

Systems writes on their website: • Cuts the throttle at your specified altitude or time • Works with electric-, gas- or glow-powered models • Settings for ALES* and F5J* sailplane competitions • Adjustable idle level, restart and anti-zoom settings • Bonus Features: Peak & “Launch” Altitude Capture; Limit Cause Indicator (Altitude or Time); Elevator Mode *Fine print for electric sailplane competitors: ALES—The Sky Limit is approved for League of Silent Flight LSF/AMA Altitude-Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) contests.

F5J—The CAIM/FAI F5J Working Group recently created a detailed specification for F5J altimeter/ timer devices. Once formally adopted, only devices meeting this specification will be allowed in official FAI competitions. An important requirement in the specification is that devices have no configurable settings or adjustments. This means that the device cannot have any other

Sky Limit capabilities or features.

The Sky Limit is designed to be useful in a wide variety of applications and has many features and adjustments.

Therefore, while the Sky Limit can be used in casual F5J-type contests and practice, it will not be approved for future FAI-listed events.

The unit is quick and easy to set up. It is also a very

You’ll need to buy compact package, so it will fit in any model. both the programmer and the airborne unit, but the programmer can be used and the airborne unit. with multiple airborne units.

Now I’m waiting for Shawn to host another contest!

Conclusion

What are you waiting for? Get a Sky Limit today and start flying ALESor F5J-type contests tomorrow. You’ll have a ton of fun search for thermals.

Moreover, you’ll be testing your piloting skills against all your fellow pilots. This a bargain-basement buy at only $54.90 for both the programmer

Distributor Winged Shadow Systems P.O. Box 432 Streamwood, IL 60107 Phone: 630-837-6553 Wingedshadow.com

Sky Limit is so small and lightweight that it will even fit into a small, hand-launched type model.

Specifications Airborne Weight

3.6 g

Transmitter

Works with any brand

Altitude

50 to 9999 ft (15 to 3050 m)

Units

Feet/Meters selectable

Timer

5 to 9999 sec

Programmer & Sky Limit

$54.90

Sky Limit

$38.90

Programmer

$24.90

The 6J. Blazing Speed.

Red-hot Value.

With a frame rate of 6.8ms, the Futaba 6J is a hot buy for response speed alone.

But add 6J value, and things only get hotter. It’s priced to make high-end features affordable: electronic swash ring and 4 swash types for helis, 5-point throttle and pitch curves for helis and airplanes and a variable rate knob, 15-model memory and more for good measure.

Programming is easy, too, and you can navigate it forward and backward. ™

Get today’s hottest deal in 6-channels: Futaba 6J.

®

futaba-rc.com/102r © 2011 Hobbico®, Inc. All rights reserved. 3137278 The Futaba® logo and name are registered trademarks of Futaba Corporation. Futaba is distributed by Great Planes Model Distributors®, Champaign, IL, 61826, U.S.A.

BY Staff

Cockpit Instruments Give the Pilot some Instruments To Use

W

hen your next model is nearly complete, don’t forget to finish the job with a set of instruments in the cockpit for the pilot to use. After all, if the clouds drop, your pilot will need to use instrument flight rules (IFR) to get out of the fog and down to a safe landing. Or maybe you’re more realistic about the fact that you’re flying an RC airplane and just want the cockpit to look cool when others admire it. Whatever your reasoning, you’ll want to check out the instruments that are sold by JTEC Radiowave.

We saw these instrument packs at the Toledo trade show. They are quite nice and are certainly affordable as compared with some of the imports we’ve seen.

JTEC Radiowave offers eight instrument packages. They come either in black and white or in color. Each instrument kit includes 83 different gauges, plus the pack includes two sheets of Lexan material. You’ll want to use the Lexan to cover the instruments once you’ve got them into their bezels or into the dashboard. Also, JTEC includes

Distributor JTEC Radiowave 129 Loc Doc PL, Unit B Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone: 704-799-1658 Jtecrc.com

a complete instruction sheet that explains how best to use and install the instruments.

So, now you can complete the cockpit of your next model airplane with some instruments that will give the model that realistic and finished look.

Price: 1/3-scale color $13.99, B&W $9.99.

Each sheet of instruments comes as a trifold package with instructions.

There is just about any instrument you could possibly want in the JTEC Radiowave package. This one is for 1/3-scale size airplanes.

Inside the package you get a set of instructions and some Lexan you can use to cover the instruments on the panel.

APC Competition propellers for the intermediate and

advanced sport flyer as well as the competition community.

Over 400 pitch/diameters available ranging from slow-flyer electric to High performance Giant Scale Racers.

Visit the APC Prop Website for product selection and detailed information on product design and features.

LANDING PRODUCTS All propellers are in stock and overnight delivery is available.

Proudly made in the USA

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

1222 Harter Ave., Woodland, CA 95776 (530) 661-0399 est. 1989 by Mr. Fred Burgdorf

Hot New Gliders From Competitive Pricing • Superb Service & Support

Online & Phone Ordering • World-Wide Shipping

NAN Xplorer 4.0

FOSA F3B

Valenta 1/3 Fox

Orion F5J/ALES/LMR Stobel V3 DHLG

AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:

(626) 967-6660 Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm, PST E-Mail: info@soaringusa.com

BY Wil Byers

Receiver

AR12120

Two Batteries are Better Than One

W

hen you are sitting back, looking at your nearly finished model perched on the workbench, envisioning what it is going to fly like and how much fun it is going to be to control, you almost never see it crashing in your mind!

Crashes are, however, a reality of the hobby of flying remote-controlled (RC) aircraft. Underscore—model airplanes do sometimes crash! If you fly large-scale airplanes or gliders or expensive scale helicopters, crashes are a very scary thought because they have the potential to harm you or the people around you. So, SAFETY is a major concern, as it is with any model airplane!

If you ask RC pilots who have been involved in the hobby for any length of time what the cause of most crashes is, they will tell you that it is loss of battery power. Even the most experienced pilot will at some point forget to charge their model’s battery. Or they will not maintain the battery properly. Or they’ll just fly their model too long over the course of the day. And too, battery packs

Your Spektrum AR12120 will come with two input leads and four satellite receivers. You can use battery packs with an output voltage of up to 10 volts.

do fail. When these things happen, it is rare, very rare, that the model will “land” without inflicting damage on itself—major damage! What you absolutely do NOT want is for it

The AR12120 that I’m putting in my FOX uses DSMX technology.

It has four input ports for the satellite receivers. As you can see, it comes in a very compact plastic case.

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

to damage someone or someone’s property in the process.

Then too, there is the fact that large-scale airplane control systems suck large amounts of electrical

The receiver uses dual 16-AWG battery leads with pre-wired E-flite® EC3™ connectors, so you can just buy a couple of E-flite LiPo packs, plug them in and be ready to run.

Spektrum AR12120 Receiver current and do so at high rates, so they can eat up a battery’s capacity in a rather short period of time.

Fortunately, battery packs typically fail at different rates or lifespans. So, my recommendation (and that of industry insiders) is that you power your model’s control systems with more than one battery pack. That way if one battery fails, you may have just enough battery power left in the other to land the model while you are still in control. It is a simple redundancy, but better than none.

The solution I’ve chosen for my big, 1/3-scale Fox glider is the new Spektrum AR12120X receiver.

The AR12120 is a PowerSafe® receiver that lets you connect a battery pack to each of its two input ports. The packs then provide power to the AR12120’s built-in DSMX receiver. A super nice feature is that the battery packs can have output voltages of up to 10 volts. The AR12120 can therefore accept input voltages from a two-cell LiPo pack without worry of creating an overvoltage condition for the receiver.

The AR12120 will also then drive high-voltage servos and deliver their needed current.

Additionally, the AR12120 is a 12-channel receiver with the connection option of a new Spektrum Plus8™ 8-channel expander to its SRXL port. In this case you can control additional channels, such as you might find on a scale airplane, glider or helicopter.

If you opt to use the AR12120,

Your receiver will come packaged well to avoid any damage that might occur during shipping. It will also include an excellent User’s Guide.

you won’t have to worry about signal loss either because it uses a patented DualLink® technology. The unit is therefore built to interface with up to four remote receivers that you can place throughout the airplane to guarantee that the airplane’s receivers capture every frame of data that is sent to them by the 2.4-GHz DSMX transmitter. If you have a model with lots of carbon fiber content, Spektrum also offers the SPM9646 DSMX Carbon Fiber Remote Receiver, which is compatible with the AR12120.

One of the main reasons I’m using the Spektrum AR12120 PowerSafe receiver is for the current-carrying

This is a bus you’ll want to get on! It will deliver 35 amps of continuous current and 50 amps of burst. That means your servos are not going to “starve” for juice when they need it.

capacity on its bus. Large-scale airplanes typically use high-powered servos such as the JR 8711HV, Hitec 7954 or Futaba BLS152s. When the airplane is maneuvering hard or being subjected to heavy flight load, the servos can and will swallow large currents as their motors work hard to control the flight surfaces. If, however, the receiver’s bus voltage sags because too much current is flowing through it or any node on it (remember Kirchhoff ’s Law), then the other servos will not have the voltage and current to deliver their optimal performance.

Spektrum’s AR12120 receiver bus, however, delivers 35 amps of

On the other side of the AR12120X receiver are two additional ports for satellite receivers, which will make for a very secure link between your transmitter and this receiver system!

RC-SF.COM

75

Spektrum AR12120 Receiver continuous current on its output and up to 50 amps of burst, with true, dual battery redundancy on its inputs. So, as long as you supply the receiver with batteries that can deliver large amounts of current, at a voltage of up to 10 volts the receiver can and will deliver both the current, and importantly the optimal voltage to let the servos do the work they must to keep your airplane, glider or helicopter in perfect control.

Key Features

• 12-Channel DSMX PowerSafe Receiver • Dual battery redundancy with isolation, so if one fails/shorts, it provides voltage and current • Four remote receivers for an ultimate RF link • 35 amps continuous and 50 amps peak current output • Fail-on soft switch in case the switch is damaged • Two failsafes: SmartSafe™ (throttle only) and preset failsafe (all servos) • QuickConnect—if a power interruption occurs, the system reconnects in <1/2 seconds

• Flight Log compatible • Dual 16-AWG battery leads with pre-wired E-flite® EC3™ connectors • Compatible with all Spektrum™ and JR® full-range radio and module systems • 2048 resolution • X Plus™

Applications

Giant-scale aircraft Scale helicopters Jets with multiple high-current servos Scale aircraft with multiple highcurrent servos and accessories

Analysis

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want other pilots to see me as a guy who is negligent in my responsibility to build RC airplanes that are safe to fly. While

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Spektrumrc.com

the AR12120 is not an inexpensive receiver, it is less than six percent of the total cost of my model airplane.

What I definitely know about putting the AR12120X receiver in my model is that I’m doing everything I can to keep myself in control of the model when it is above my head in my airspace. That make sense to me!

I’ll end by saying that if you do the math and divide quality by reliability, it equals a high fun-factor, which is, by the way, a non-dimensional number.

Specifications Channels

12

Modulation

DSM2/DSMX

Band

2.4 GHz

Antenna Length

1.22 in. (31 mm)

Length

2.05 in. (52.0 mm)

Width

1.83 in. (46.5 mm)

Height

0.60 in. (15.3 mm)

Weight

2.54 oz (72 g)

Voltage Range

6–10V

Price (SPMAR12120X)

$249.99

EASY TO START.

HARD TO BEAT.

ZPENGINES.COM Easy starts. Incredible fuel efficiency. Legendary Zenoah™ reliability. You get it all, plus power to spare, with the new line of ZP electronic ignition gas engines from Horizon Hobby. ZP engines share the same core components Zenoah uses in their world famous magneto engines. And, like the magneto engines, they’re built for pilots who prize dependability and ease of use above all else.

What sets ZP engines apart is a simple, efficient electronic ignition system that makes them ridiculously easy to start and operate. It can be powered with everything from 4.8V Ni-MH packs to 2S 7.4V Li-Pos. No power regulator is required and current draw is so low, you can use smaller capacity battery packs to save weight or bigger packs to fly more between charges.

A new era of gas engine simplicity and power is here. Get to ZPENGINES.COM right now to learn all about it and to find the ZP engine retailer near you.

HORIZON HOBBY

The elimination of the magnetos and bulky PTO shaft make ZP engines much lighter too. This light weight, coupled with their abundance of torque, makes it possible to achieve thrilling power-to-weight performance using a variety of props.

© 2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. The ZP logo and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Zenoah is a trademark of Zenoah Co. Ltd of Japan. 35414

One of the best features of a ZP engine is one you won’t find in the box; the unbeatable service of Horizon Hobby product support.

You’ll probably never need it, but knowing the best team of product support pros in the business has your back is just another reason ZP engines are one of the greatest values in RC.

BY Wil Byers

Summertime Electron Picnics

These new Thunder Power packs are built to deliver lots of power as well as extremely long life—with 65C discharge rates for G6s.

T

here is not a whole lot of new information I can give you about Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery packs. It seems everyone knows that if you want big power in a lightweight, compact size, you buy LiPos to power your models.

I do, however, remember when LiPos were first introduced to the modeling community in November of 2002. My friend called me to share that Alan Szabo, Jr had flown a helicopter in Las Vegas, NV for over 30 minutes by powering it with a Li-Ion pack from Charlie Wang at Thunder Power. I was hard pressed to believe it. The fact is, however, that from that moment on model aviation was changed forever and electricpowered airplanes came into their own as a part of the hobby.

Power Packed

As summer is fast approaching, I need a couple of new battery packs for my models. One is an electricpowered airplane and the other is a glider.

For the electricpowered airplane I wanted to use one of the new G6 Pro Power 65C LiPo packs from Thunder Power. What I found on their website had me salivating like Pavlov’s dog.

Thunder Power tells me that their

new 65C series battery packs deliver up to 60 percent more power than their previous generation LiPos. What really took me back was the fact that these new cells can also deliver an incredible 600-plus charges and discharges.

Thunder Power explains that the internal resistance of the G6s is extremely low, which means that the power (I2R = heat) buildup inside them is low. That means that more power is delivered to the motor rather than wasted inside the pack as heat. This low internal resistance also means that these new G6 Pro Power 65C packs are capable of ultra-fast charge rates of up to 12C. As such, you can charge them in about five minutes (60 minutes divided by 12 equals five minutes).

Suffice it to say, these are “smoking hot” (NOT) cells that make up the new packs. You gotta see the stats on these packs! My 4400-mAh 4S 14.8-volt pack will deliver burst currents of 572 amps. Pump that

I opted to use the G6 Pro Lite 25C 2S 3300-mAh 7.4-volt packs to marry to my Spektrum AR12120 2.4-GHz redundant receiver.

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Thunder Power current through a motor at 14 volts, and you have 8000 watts. That is SCARY GOOD! I LOVE IT!!! I’d say that means if you buy them, like I did, you are going to have a CRAZY good time at the RC airfield too! So, take that money you have hidden in the sock drawer and buy at least one of these packs for your model. You’ll be happy you did.

Not Just for ElectricPowered Airplanes

Let me underscore that LiPo battery packs are not just for electric-powered airplanes, especially with all the new high-voltagepowered receivers and servos that can now control your new model— not even! Rather, you can have the highest power density packed into the lightest possible pack if you opt for LiPos to power your glider or sailplane’s control systems.

For example, here is what I’m doing with my 1/3-scale Fox glider.

I’ve opted to use a Spektrum® PowerSafe® AR12120X receiver in the model (also reported on in this issue). This receiver has two power input connections as a way to provide redundant power. That way, in the event of a loss of power from one battery pack there will be a second to back up the control systems. In my very biased opinion, a pilot of large, heavy, powerful and expensive airplanes who does not use a redundant system is negligent and even reckless. After all, even using the packs that I opted for, it is only an extra $50 to get a huge insurance policy against loss of power. And, since remote control is really free flight without battery power, you should use some kind of battery backup in your models too.

Think of it this way—my Fox will be fitted with two 3300-mAh 2S 7.4-volt packs connected to the AR12120X receiver. They each

weigh 168 grams (5.9 oz) for a total battery weight of just 11.8 ounces.

Alternately, a six-cell 7.2-volt NiMH pack weighs in at about 360 grams (12.7 oz) and costs $29.99. So if you use two of NiMH packs in place of the LiPos you save about $40, but you gain 13.6 oz in weight. If your model needs ballast, this may not be an issue. If it does not, it is certainly something to consider with respect to aircraft ready-to-fly weight.

Obviously you get to pick which packs to power your model with, but the LiPos seem the clear winner to me, especially in the case of a high-voltage system. And, since you can charge the 25C LiPos at 5C, even charge times are not an issue anymore.

DLG Pack

I’m having a Twister II discuslaunched glider (DLG) built for me.

I’m going to use a 250-mAh 2S 7.4volt LiPo pack in it too. The reason is pretty simple: capacity versus weight!

Here is what you get with the new TP250-2SPL25 pack. This pack has a capacity of 250 milliamp hours.

However, the pack only weighs 17 grams (.6 oz). In a DLG, that is a huge capacity that will let me fly the model for a very long time. Also, if you use high-voltage servos, the airplane won’t need to be equipped with a voltage regulator. You’ll simply plug in the battery and go flying.

Now, you tell me, what better reason would you have not to use a LiPo in your next DLG? I’m sold. I like the KISS principle!

Specifications Item

TP4400-4SPP65

Type

4400-mAh 4S 14.8-volt

Max Charge

12C

Max Discharge

65C

Max Burst

130C

Max Charge Current

52.8 A

Max Constant Current

286 A

Max Burst Current

572 A

Weight (grams)

478

Dimensions (mm)

31x47x155

Price

$159.99

Item

TP3300-2SPL25

Type

3300-mAh 2S 7.4-volt

Max Charge

5C

Max Discharge

25C

Max Burst

50C

Max Charge Current

16.5 A

Max Constant Current

82.5 A

Max Burst Current

16.5 A

Weight (grams)

168

Dimensions (mm)

13x43x136

Price

$49.99

Item

TP250-2SPL25

Type

250-mAh 2S 7.4volt

Max Charge

5C

Max Discharge

25C

Max Burst

50C

Max Charge Current

1.2 A

Max Constant Current

6.2 A

Max Burst Current

12.5 A

Weight (grams)

17

Dimensions (mm)

11x21x40

Price

$11.99

If you are looking for a high-capacity, lightweight battery for your next DLG airplane, I suggest this 25C G6 Pro Lite 7.4volt LiPo pack.

Distributor Thunder Power RC 4720 W University AVe Las Vegas, NV 89103 Phone: 702-228-8883 Thunderpowerrc.com

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BY Staff

mQX Four Times the Fun and Excitement!

It may be a strange-looking machine, but this little helicopter is a ton of fun to fly. You’ll need to get used to the look in the air, though.

W

hen the Blade mQX Quad-Copter came into the office, it did not immediately catch the attention of the pilots who would normally want to fly it. Rather, it was pulled out of the box, photographed and put back.

There it sat for a few weeks until a friend stopped in and said, “Hey, are you going to fly this thing? It is a blast!” Then out it came. Some electrons were pumped into the battery. Next, it was “look out!”—we were going wild with this “thing.” This helicopter is indeed a blast to fly!

mQX Features

• AS3X 3-axis stabilization system When you buy the ready-to-fly version you get everything you’ll need to start flying the Quad-Copter. Just charge and take off!

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Blade® mQX

You’ll discover that the Quad-Copter mQX will perform well outside even if there is a little wind present.

• 4-in-1 DSM2™ receiver/ESCs/ mixer/AS3X sensor unit • Durable, lightweight airframe • 8.5-mm brushed motors with drive gear guards • Can be flown in “X” or “+” configurations • Sleek, low-profile body with mQX graphics • Includes MLP4DSM 4-channel DSM2 transmitter w/ batteries • Includes E-flite® 1S 3.7-volt 500mAh Li-Po battery • Includes E-flite® Celectra™ 1-cell DC variable rate Li-Po charger Flights began in the office in front of the photographic backdrop. We discovered almost instantly that the mQX is quite sensitive to the controls. It took about a minute of getting used to using small control commands to get comfortable flying the machine. The body and frame are very durable, so even a few hits into the photography backdrop did absolutely zero harm to the model. Once we were “dialed in” on piloting the model, it was time for some fun blasting around the office, chasing Aileron (the office dog) and practicing touch-and-go landings on a few desks.

We found that the AS3X™ (Artificial Stabilization in 3 Axis) system makes this model very controllable, yet it is extremely nimble too. It will take you a bit of time to get used to its orientation, however, because the model doesn’t

Once we got used to the orientation of this helicopter it was a blast to fly both indoors and out. We LIKE it!

have a tail per se. We found that it took a couple of battery charges before we were 100 percent comfortable doing perorates and such with the Quad-Copter.

The unit we received was the ready-to-fly (RTF) version. However, if you buy the bind-n-fly (BNF) version (#BLH7580: $139.99), you’ll have it bound to your DSM radio in two minutes or less. It is just way, way easy to set up.

You might also want to check out the new 2.0 Quadricopter, which has a blow-your-mind-good color scheme on it, which will definitely help with in-flight orientation.

Once we had the mQX dialed in indoors, we decided to take it to the field that adjoins the office lot.

Even with the wind blowing a bit we had an absolute blast flying the Quad-Copter outside. Thinking the high grass in the field could serve as

When the Quad-Copter is close to the ground you’ll notice that the ground effect impacts the hover, but get it up a bit, and it will be rock steady if you are too.

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a cushion against hard landings, we opted to try some rolls. This machine will do them, although it took a few tries at them for us to learn the basics of making them happen. Even with a few “stuffs” into the high grass, the model survived unharmed—way cool! To roll the model you just need to throw the stick hard right or left and keep it pointed straight. Talk about fun and a way to mess with your mind trying to keep orientation with the machine.

You’ll be surprised by how long this little helicopter will fly on a charge too. We didn’t keep track of the flight times, but the specifications seem to be right at nine to ten minutes of flight because you definitely feel like you’ve put in some piloting time when the battery finally runs down and the helicopter starts to lose power.

As you can see by the leaves on the tree in the background, we were flying our QuadCopter in the wind and it did just fine.

Straight from the factory, the Quad-Copter is quite sensitive to control inputs. It took us a couple of battery charges to get comfortable with flying it.

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Blade® mQX

Our office landing pads were the conference table, a cubicle, bookshelf, printer or whatever else we could find ...

Hovering Lowdown

If you want a fun and exciting RC piloting challenge, you really should buy an mQX Quad-Copter. This is one fun little machine to fly. What is really nice about this helicopter is that you could take it to the office, fly it in the house, do some hovering outside or even pack it for your next business trip or vacation outing. It is that much fun!

This shows you just how cool this little machine looks in action—the white blades are the front of the helicopter.

What we all said after flying this crazy-looking flying machine was that we can only hope that E-flite will come out with a larger version. We’ll be the first in line to have one after flying their ultra-micro mQX. If there is anything missing from this model, it would be an onboard camera to let us go crazy shooting some wild videos. And it would be cool (for us, at least) to hover by the

co-workers’ cubicles to see what they are doing.

Priced at $169.99, this is definitely a great buy in terms of fun hours. Oh yeah, replacement parts are readily available and affordable. It’s all part of the guarantee that you’ll get hours and hours of flight time out of the mQX Quad-Copter.

Specifications Size

Ultra Micro

Type

Quad-Copter

Kit

RTF

Main Rotor Diameter

5.5 in. (140 mm)

Gross Weight

2.65 oz (75.0 g)

Length

11.5 in. (292 mm)

Width

7.0 in.

Height

2.0 in.

Motor Size

(4) 8.5-mm brushed

Battery

3.7-volt 500-mAh LiPo

Flight Time

9–10 minutes

Channels

Four

Experience Level

Intermediate

Environment

Indoor/Outdoor

Assembly

None

Price (BLH7500)

$169.99

Distributor

You’ll feel kind of stealthy flying the mQX. And you’ll be surprised by how fast the helicopter is when you transition it into forward flight—FUN!

Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com

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STi

The Next Big Leap is in the Cockpit

BY Wil Byers

The graphic user interface (GUI) that is built into this app is outstanding. You can see at a glance exactly what the sensor values are by way of the dials.

I

t was not long ago that I was having dinner with friends. We were of course chatting about RC models and what’s new in the industry. The question came up about what would be the next big thing in RC. When the dust of the argument settled, most of us agreed that it would be telemetry.

We reasoned that it would be telemetry because adding telemetry systems to our models would allow us to analyze airplane performance.

With telemetry onboard, it is possible to know airspeed, engine rpm, motor rpm, altitude, ground speed, GPS location, airspeed, Rx battery voltage, motor battery voltage, current, etc. And, with the technology in telemetry just coming to the forefront in the hobby, the future of telemetry systems seems very bright indeed.

Think about what is possible with telemetry. You can know the airspeed of your airplane in all attitudes. You can adjust its center of gravity based on airplane performance and decal scheme. Here I’m specifically talking about sailplanes and gliders where you will be able to adjust the center of gravity and elevator incidence in combination. You can then really start to know the glider’s sinking speed and even lift-over-drag ratios.

You can know the ground speed for pattern maneuvers. You can know the gravitational forces on the airplane.

You can know how high the airplane is flying, so that you can repeat that altitude maneuver after maneuver. You can even optimize the engine’s rpm based on the type of flight you want from the airplane or the altitude that the engine must run at. Really, using telemetry is like climbing into the cockpit and getting real feedback from the airplane and its instruments.

STi

Using STi (Spektrum Telemetry

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These are the heart of the system: a TM1000 telemetry module that communicates with the TR1000 STi unit, which ports the data to the iPod Touch, iPhone or, in my case, iPad.

Interface) makes it that much easier to get this type of data. With STi you can get telemetry data on an iPod Touch®, iPhone® or iPad®. As

a result, your copilot (you should use one) can monitor the airplane’s performance and parameters as you pilot it. STi also captures the data for

Spektrum STi

Antenna Here is how the TM1000 telemetry system is configured for the airborne side of the system. It is easy and quick to set up this sensor system, even if you are beginner.

analysis after the flight has ended.

Now, with STi it is oh-so-easy to do! You simply plug STi into your Apple iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. You download the app from the iTunes store. It will install automatically on your device. Then you bind the STi to your TM1000 telemetry module and transmitter, and you are up and running.

You’ll obviously need to configure the app for the telemetry devices that you’ve installed in your model.

That will take only about 10 minutes because the user interface of the app is exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. Configuring it lets you decide what telemetry data you want to display on your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. You can turn the gauges off or on. You can view the data in either landscape or portrait modes. You can have different models that you monitor and include a photo of each model. You can turn off or on the speech function in your device. You’ll be able to auto-log data. You will also be able to look at the statistics from the flight data. Also, I think you’re going to like the graphics and the user interface. The graphics really make sense, while the graphic user interface provides easy navigation within the app.

Once you start using STi and its app, you’ll discover that the app provides clear, concise information about the data that the sensors gather. You won’t be guessing at what is happening with your model. The information will be displayed on your

Bind Stylus Bind Button

X-Bus (for future telemetry options) RPM Port Optional RPM Sensor (nitro) OptionalElectricRPM Sensor (not attached)

The iPhone’s GUI is nearly identical to the iPad’s. It is just smaller so you’ll not be able to display as many sensor gauges as you would on the iPad.

Data Port with Data Lead Temp/Volt Port withY-Harness Temperature Lead Voltage Lead

There are no sensors connected to the TM1000 for this photo, but you still see how the gauges would display the information from the airborne system.

This is what the landscape mode looks like on the iPhone. You can see you have three gauges and switches for choosing which gauges to display.

This is the setup screen that you’ll use to enter the sensors that you want to monitor. You’ll even be able to load a photo of your model to display.

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Spektrum STi STi has speech built in, so it will give you audible information about the status of the sensors in your model airplane. It will also log the data for you.

Once you’ve downloaded the app from iTunes, it will automatically load into your iPad system. This is what the icon looks like. You just tap it, and the app launches.

device for easy reading. I prefer my iPad’s interface because it is much bigger than the iPhone or iPod Touch, but the iPod Touch and iPhone will give you the same information—it will just be on a smaller-sized display.

One of the things I think is just super cool about using STi on my iPad is that it talks to me. If my copilot touches a display screen, the iPad provides an audible report of that telemetry function. No, it is not a woman’s voice, but that would be way too distracting for this old dog Also, STi is programmable to provide alarm alerts of any telemetry value it monitors when that value exceeds a limit I’ve defined. This is the “stuff ” that makes telemetry so exciting for me as a long-time RC pilot!

Sensors / Functions

Airspeed— approx. 2–350 mph Altimeter—≤1000 meters AGL Battery Voltage Battery voltage sensor: EC3 Battery voltage sensor: D.Ultra Battery voltage sensor: JST G Force GPS RPM Signal Quality Temperature

Analysis

STi is compatible with all DSM2/ DSMX Spektrum and JR transmitters as long as they are bound to a telemetry module. STi is very easy to set up and bind to the telemetry None of the sensors are connected to the TM1000 unit for this photo, but you can see that three of the gauges are turned on and are waiting to display data via STi.

When the system is up and running, this is how the data are displayed. It is easy to understand both on the dial and as a numerical value.

Check out the Rx voltage!

You have a flight log of information as it was captured from the TM1000 module. Think of how you can use it to optimize your model’s performance!

This is the screen where you will turn on/off the gauges that you want displayed on your iPad. The entire app is very intuitive, so you pretty much don’t need a manual.

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module, and it gives you lots of options for what sensor data you want to monitor. It provides a user interface that will make sense to you and your copilot. The graphics are superb. You’ll also be able to download app updates as they are made available.

Considering the technology that is bundled into STi, it is very affordably priced at only $99.99 (part number SPMTR1000).

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Spektrumrc.com

Sensible Precision Great New Features— Genuine JR The all new JR® XG8 combines legendary JR programming and sophistication into a transmitter that’s loaded with features, yet is easy to use. The XG8 is also very lightweight, even though the charger for its long life Li-Fe battery is internally integrated. And whether you fly an airplane, helicopter or glider, you’ll appreciate how every switch and trim lever, including the side slide levers, can be custom selected for the function and feel you need.

NEW LOOK— NEW LINK Developed exclusively by JR, Dual Modulation Spectrum System (DMSS) 2.4GHz technology is a secure radio link that combines DSSS and FHSS capabilities into a wideband transmission system that offers highspeed response and high resistance against RF noise. Even better, DMSS delivers advanced telemetry functionality and an Intelligent Output System designed to enhance your control and deliver an evolutionary level of precision that is genuine JR.

For more information or to locate a retailer near you visit horizonhobby.com

©2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. DMSS is a trademark of JR PROPO. JR, feel the difference! and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. JR is exclusively distributed by Horizon Hobby, Inc. JRradios.com 37031

BY Wil Byers

It’s All About Power Output

I

t is! It’s all about the power output for the PowerBox system.

It is about maintaining the output voltage and current for the control systems that today’s generation of large-scale airplanes, sailplanes, jets and scale helicopters use. The PowerBox system is about getting the most performance out of your aircraft by guaranteeing that all servos, receivers and telemetry get clean, steady and reliable power. It is why so many championship RC pilots are now fitting their models with PowerBox power supply systems.

I first started using a PowerBox Royal power supply in my models about five years ago. It was after reading a report about what the PowerBox system does for supplying voltage and current to the servo systems. It was also after witnessing a couple of very scary crashes where the new generation of high-powered servos had consumed the aircraft’s battery capacity in a short period of time, which resulted in the airplane losing control.

The new PowerBox Competition SRS includes inputs for two battery packs, heat sinks, four ports for remote receivers and a 128 x 64 OLED display.

This is the package that I purchased. It includes two 2800-mAh 7.4-volt LiPo battery packs, a switch, cables and the Competition SRS power supply.

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PowerBox Competition SRS It was, however, only after installing the PowerBox system in my model that I was truly sold on the power supply system. What I learned was that the PowerBox delivers clean, steady, and importantly, isolated power to each of my aircraft’s servos.

Unlike a typical receiver that has a common power bus (where all positive terminals and all negative terminals share a common wire), the PowerBox system uses field effect transistors (FET) to isolate the positive and negative leads for each servo’s output. It also uses a pulse width modulation (PWM) for the power conversion and power output, which makes for very clean, steady and reliable power. However, the important thing is that the outputs are isolated from each other so that no matter what is happening to a servo on one channel, it won’t affect the servos on the other channels.

That was a very fundamental explanation, so let me explain it another way. Let’s look at the case of a new high-voltage, high-powered digital servo. This particular servo will deliver 403 oz-in. of torque when you supply it with 7.4 volts. Its rotational speed is 0.12 seconds on

7.4 volts too. However, the torque drops to only 333 oz-in. when it is supplied with 6.0 volts, and the speed then drops to 0.15 seconds.

The reduction in torque from 7.4 volts to 6.0 volts is 17 percent, while the reduction in speed is 25 percent.

So, consider that the bus of a typical receiver is common to all servos, and then consider that during any flight,

This is the magnetic switch that you can install in your model for turning the PowerBox on and off, which means you won’t need an external switch.

PowerBox provides you with lots of input leads for using battery packs to power their power supply, so you can use NiCd/ NiMH, LiFe or Li-Ion packs.

This 12-volt car charger is designed to charge both battery packs at the same time. You just plug it straight into the packs. It includes a nice, long extension cable.

The 120/240 VAC wall charger is also designed to charge both PowerBox LiPo packs at the same time.

Mine came with the plug used in Germany, which I changed out for a U.S. type.

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The new PowerBox Competition SRS power supply is super easy to program. And you can now program it with the on/off switch that comes with the unit. Here it is showing the bootup screen.

You can program the Servo-Matching, Rx/Tx settings (frame rate) and Power Manager, and reset the unit. You simply enter the programming mode by holding down the Set button.

Once you have entered the programming mode, you can toggle through the functions by pressing buttons I or II on the switch. The SET button is used to confirm a selection.

At this screen you can choose the output voltage you want to use. In my case I’ve picked the 7.4-volt output that will drive my Hitec RCD high-voltage HS-7950TH servos.

servos do their work at different rates of current consumption. As the servo does its work, the bus’ voltage is applied across the load (the servos’ motors). Therefore, if some servos consume more current than others, more voltage is dropped across their loads. This is the same as saying that some servos will pull the bus’ voltage low for the others on the bus. That then means that all the servos’ performances are eroded by their lack of voltage because of the current consumed by the few. It kind of reminds you of communism, doesn’t it!

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RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

PowerBox system. It makes certain that no matter how much current or voltage an individual servo demands, the others have the opportunity to consume the power they need. This is like saying that all the servos on the PowerBox bus get to perform at their optimum when they have the need.

Moreover, the signal from the receiver that the servos use to know what position they must transit to or hold is isolated from the bus as well.

Consequently, the signal is delivered to the servos at its optimum level, which means that the servos always “know” what they are being told by the radio receiver. It is not like what

a friend once told me, “You’re running the servos’ signal through another device.” Nope, that is not even the case. The signal that is transmitted to the servos is amplified, clean and steady.

The PowerBox system uses very advanced technology to ensure that our airplanes’ control systems get the power and signal they need.

Considering this, it is no wonder that so many championship pilots are installing PowerBox systems in their competition models. It is also the reason that pilots who want the most from their models in terms of security and performance are using PowerBox hardware.

PowerBox Competition SRS

You can use the Servo-Matching program function to match the servos to each other. Again, you enter the programming function and just step through the menu.

This is the screen you’ll use to select the transmitter system that you’ll be controlling your airplane with. In this function you can also bind the radio to the receivers.

Here I’ve set the frame rate to 18 ms. From this screen you can also pick the type of transmitter you’ll be using, such as Spektrum/JR, Multiplex, Futaba or Jeti.

You can do output mapping to determine what port controls what function. You can also adjust servo travels, end points, travel volumes and centering.

Entering this function will let you adjust the settings for both Rx and Tx. This is an intuitive process; however, PowerBox’s instruction manual is one of the best I’ve ever used.

If you need to use your PowerBox Competition SRS in another model, you can reset all the program functions and parameters you’ve saved at this screen. Then you’ll have it ready for reuse.

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PowerBox Competition SRS

SRS Features •

• • • • •

Competition SRS

I’m not a championship pilot—not even! I’m a crazy, whacked, insane RC enthusiast who loves to fly RC airplanes. That is like saying I want the most from my models, even if it costs a couple of bucks extra to get it.

So that’s why I’ve opted to buy the PowerBox Competition SRS system for my DA-120-powered, 168-in. wingspan Carbon Cub. This model is fitted with eight HS-7950TH servos. These servos deliver 486 ozin. of torque when powered by 7.4 volts, and they have a transit time of 0.13 seconds. There is also an HS7940TH running the throttle—yeah, I know that is way more servo than it needs, but I wanted to stay with a high-voltage system throughout the airplane, so …

By putting a PowerBox Competition SRS (serial receiver system) in the Carbon Cub, I feel pretty much guaranteed that all the servos will get the power they need to do their work no matter what maneuver the airplane is being commanded to perform. Additionally, the SRS system has a built-in ability to use remote receivers with a serial interface, such as that of the new Spektrum® DSMX DX18 transmitter that I’ll be using to communicate with the airplane’s PowerBox. Let’s just say that the whole RC system consisting of Spektrum Tx/Rx, PowerBox, Hitec servos, DA-120 engine and Falcon carbon propeller just turns me on as a high-quality reliable machine, 92

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No matter how you want to set up your model’s control surfaces, the PowerBox Competition SRS gives you the flexibility of doing so. This unit is worth its cost!

with the PowerBox Competition SRS power supply pumping the electrons through the “veins” of this outstanding airplane.

Specifications

• • • • •

Operating voltage

4.0–9.0 volts

•

Power source

2 x 2-cell LiPo batteries 7.4 volts 2 x 5-cell NiCd/NiMH batteries 2 x 2-cell LiFePo batteries (A123)

•

Current drain

switched on - ≈125 mA switched off - ≈33 µA

•

Dropout voltage

≈0.25 V

•

Max. receiver & servo current

2 x 10 A (stabilized) according to cooling, peak 2 x 20 A

•

Servo signal resolution

0.5µs

•

Signal repeat rate

12, 15, 18, 21 ms (frame rate)

•

Screen

OLED 128 x 64 pixels, graphic

•

Servo sockets

18 sockets, 14 channels

•

Temperature range

- 30 to + 75° C

Weight

115 g

SensorSwitch

15 g

EMV approval

EN 55014-1:2006

CE approval

2004/108/EG

WEEE Reg. No.

DE 639 766 11

•

Ability to use receivers with a serial interface, such as those made by Spektrum DSM2 and DSMX, Multiplex M-LINK, Futaba S-BUS and Jeti R_SAT, Hott Weatronic.

Direct transmission of battery voltages and capacities to the transmitter Unrestricted channel assignment of the PowerBox outputs Integral high-resolution graphic OLED screen, with 128 x 64 pixels User-friendly, menu-based programming using the SensorSwitch Signal amplification and interference suppression for 14 channels and 18 servos Synchronized servo output for totally synchronous servo response Flight recorder: records lost frames and Fail-Safe periods for all receivers connected to the backer Variable frame rate, range 12–21 milliseconds 16-bit processor for fast, high-resolution signal processing Four match-channels, each for two servos.

Accurate adjustment of all eight servos Double-regulated output voltage for receivers and servos Can be connected to Spektrum and Multiplex MSB, Hott Weatronic downlink channel bus systems Separate voltage and capacity displays for each battery Software-selectable servo voltage: 5.9 V or 7.4 V Minimum value memory displays any voltage collapses Large-area heat sinks for high regulator power Regulator monitor, regulator malfunction indicator Support for three battery types: LiPo, NiMH/NiCd, LiFe Suppresses any servo feedback currents that might develop Upgradeable with PowerBox Systems USB Interface connectors

Distributor PowerBox Systems GmbH Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5 D-86609 Donauwörth Germany powerbox-systems.com

bladehelis.com

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450 3D

horizonhobby.com ©2011 Horizon Hobby, Inc. Bind-N-Fly, Blade and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. MD 520N is a registered trademark or trademark of MD Helicopters Inc. and is used under license to Horizon Hobby, Inc. www.bladehelis.com 33843

BY Christian Belleau

This Seven Brings You Luck

H

itec RCD keeps packing more outstanding control and flight information features into each new radio system they introduce! And, today is your lucky day because their new Eclipse 7 Pro 2.4-GHz seven-channel, AFHSS (Adaptive Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) transmitter provides more power and performance than any previous model. Moreover, Hitec has priced their new Eclipse 7 Pro at just $299.99 (horizonhobby.com), with the package including two Optima 7 receivers, a 7.2-volt NiMH 1300-mAh battery pack and wall charger. Plus, the unit comes with a 64-page manual that provides an easy-to-understand set of programming instructions.

What you get in the Eclipse 7 Pro is a new ergonomically designed case that includes a white light, high-intensity backlit LCD screen, two back-panel slider controls (VR1 and VR2), ultra-smooth quadball-bearing gimbals, user-friendlypositioned control switches and easy-to-access programming switches.

The transmitter also provides programming for Aircraft, Glider and Helicopter modes. It includes sevencharacter naming for its 16-model memory locations and telemetry functions for sensor monitoring. The unit also provides deluxe control sticks that offer adjustable lengths and tension, so you can customize the transmitter for the control feel you like best. As you’d expect with any Hitec transmitter, it provides for an optional training cord too.

The case layout is pretty typical.

There are of course the two control sticks with their adjoining digital trim switches. The digital trims provide an audible beep when they reach zero as you’d likely expect. In both the upper left and upper right corners of the case are short, two-position dual rate switches—one for the elevator and one for the ailerons. In the upper left there is a long, two-position dual-rate 94

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

switch for rudder. In the upper right you’ll find a channel 7, three-position switch. In the top left corner there is a short three-position flight mode switch, with a long, spring-loaded trainer switch behind and a bit to the right. On the top right side of the case there is a short, two position switch for gear (SW6), and a long flight condition switch behind it and just to the left a bit. And, on the back of the case you will find both a trainer cord port and a data port for firmware upgrades to the transmitter.

It is a very well-laid-out design.

What makes this transmitter/

Holly Stewart models with the new Eclipse 7 Pro that will soon be used in Christian’s airplanes.

Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro receiver combination really ROCK is the telemetry system that comes with it when using the Optima 7 receivers. Using this Tx’s feature, you can monitor your model’s systems such as receiver battery voltage, engine/motor rpm, temperature, current, ground speed (GPS), altitude, airspeed and even fuel level. It is easy to set up this system and sensors too, which definitely lowers the programming “intimidation” level significantly.

Basic Features

• 7-Channel 2.4-GHz Telemetric System • 3-model type (ACRO/GLID/HELI) programming

ECLIPSE 7 PRO MODE 2 TYPE SWITCH CONFIGURATION LIST FRONT

Flight Mode Switch

Condition 3 Trim, D/R, Exp (Ail, Elev, rudd)

Condition Mix 1 Trim, D/R, EXP Nomal Trim, D/R, EXP Condition Mix 2 Trim, D/R, EXP Landing Mix

Glider P-Mix 5 ON/OFF

Condition 3 Trim, D/R, Exp (Ail, Elev, rudd) 4-wing Aileron to Flap Coupling Mix

Glider Condition Mix 1

HELI

4-Wing Speed Flap Trim Offset 1 Elevator to Flap Mix Normal Trim, D/R, EXP Condition Mix 2 4-Wing Speed Flap Trim Offset 2

HELI

Throttle Hold Condition 3 Trim, D/R, Exp (Ail, Elev, rudd) Gyro Gain Hold Pitch Curvo

Gear

Rudder to Throttle Mix Nomal Trim, D/R, EXP, Gyro Gain ldle UP 1 Trim, D/R, EXP, Throttle Curve ldle UP 2 Trim, D/R, EXP, Pitch Curve

ACRD Landing Gear

HELI

Elev. D/R ACRD Elevator D/R

Elevator D/R Motor ON/OFF Elevator D/R

ON/OFF ON/OFF ON/OFF ON/OFF

P-Mix3

Glider P-Mix3

Crow Mix P-Mix 1

Elev. D/R CH3

ACRD/Glider/HELI

Aileron D/R

Rudder D/R

CH7 Switch

ACRD P-Mix 4 ON/OFF

ACRD P-MIX 1 ON/OFF

Aileron to Rudder Mix On/OFF Rudder D/R

P-MIX 2 ON/OFF

Glider P-MIX 1 ON/OFF

Glider P-Mix 4 ON/OFF

P-MIX 2 ON/OFF Flap to Aileron Mix Flap to Elevator Mix

Aileron to Rudder Mix Rudder D/R

HELI

P-Mix 2 ON/OFF Rudder D/R

HELI

ACRD/HELI Throttle Trim Glider Flap Trim

CH 7 Control (Heading lock ON/OFF)

Elevator Trim

Rudder trim

The ergonomic design of the new Hitec RCD Eclipse 7 Pro is well done, with excellent balance and easyto-access trims, switches, buttons and sliders.

Flight Condition Switch ACRD P-Mix 5 ON/OFF

ACRD Elevator to Flap Mix

Aileron Trim

Select to Voltage

Integral Timer Data Reset

Trim Data Model Name

Acro/HELI Engine Low Position Hold Glider X

Acro/HELI Engine Cut off Glider X

The above diagram provides a clear understanding of all the options and features that come built into this $299.99 radio package, which includes two Optima 7 receivers—super value!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

7-character model naming 16-model memory Model copy 5 programmable mixes Ultra-smooth 8-ball-bearing gimbals Stick mode change 2 back-panel sliders Digital trims Sub trims Easy-to-read backlit LCD screen Range-check mode Auto-assignable control switch Sensor monitoring and Rx lowbattery warning Three-conditional mixes per model Two flight timers End-point adjustments (EPA) Servo reversing Dual-rates on channel 1, 2 and 4 Exponential-rates on channels 1, 2 and 4 RC-SF.COM

95

• • • • •

Data reset to defaults Throttle-cut switch Auto-engine-cut switch Engine hold Trainer

This shows the back of the Eclipse 7 Pro as well as the features and functions that are included.

Advanced Features VR2 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

MODE 1 ELEV

MODE 2

THRO

RUDD

THRO

AILE

ELEV

RUDD

AILE

MODE 3 ELEV

AILE

VR2

ACRO Programming ACRD CH7 Control ACRD CH7 Control Glider 2-Wing Ch7 Control Landing mix Glider 2-Wing Ch7 Control 4-Wing 2nd-Flap Aileron Trim 4-Wing 2nd-Flap Aileron Trim Flap trim adjust HELI Hovering PitchHELI Hovering Pitch Aileron-to-rudder mix Elevator-to-flap mix Flap-to-elevator mix Elevon mix V-tail mix Ailevator mix Flaperon mix Aileron differential Snap-roll

HELI Programming Throttle cut Rudder-to-throttle mix 2 idle-up, 1 throttle hold 5-point throttle curve 5-point pitch curve Gyro gain adjust Revolution mix Hovering pitch knob Hovering throttle knob Engine lock switch 4 swash types: 90°, 120°, 140° and 180°

MODE 4

THRO

THRO

RUDD

AILE

ELEV

RUDD

Ever wonder what the different modes of operation are for RC? This graph shows you all the options available on the 7 Pro.

Here you see the battery voltage of the transmitter, with a temperature display of 59° that was captured from a HTS-SS sensor gather station.

The boot-up screen shows the name of the model and the model number in Memory and Normal mode for telemetry data display, but without an HTS-SS sensor gathering station.

This is what the screen will display as it toggles through the telemetry information it is getting from the HTS-SS sensor station; in this case, the temperature is 71° F.

96

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

VR1

VR1

ACRD Flap Trim Contro ACRD Flap Trim Control Glider Flap Control Glider Flap Control HELI

PUSH

PUSH

Flap to Aileron M Flap to Aileron Mix Control Flap to Elevator Flap to Elevator Mix Control HELI Hovering Throttle ControlHovering Thrott

TRAINER

TRAINER

Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro This is the screen that will display as it toggles through the telemetry information it is getting from the HTS-SS sensor station; in this case, the temperature is 40° F.

This is the GPS speed port of the HTS-SS being monitored, however, there is no GPS connected to it as yet, so the value displayed is zero.

This is the FUEL port of the HTS-SS being monitored, however, there is no fuel sensor connected to it, so the value displayed is zero.

This is the TRIM setting for channel 1. You just toggle between the channels to see what the value is set for any programming function.

• • • • • • • • • • •

GLIDER Programming 2-servo wing mode Camber mix Aileron differential V-tail mix Elevator-to-flap mix Aileron-to-rudder mix Flap-to-aileron coupling Flap-to-elevator coupling Flap-to-aileron trim 4-servo wing mode Crow mix

Basic Menu Functions M.SEL VER-

Model select Version 1.010

RESET Reset Memory TIME Timer1, 2 setup COPY Data Copy ACRO Acrobatic model mode HELI Helicopter model mode GLID Glider model mode 2WING Two Servo Wing (GLID only) 4WING Four Servo Wing (GLID only) NOR Normal swashplate (HELI only) 120` 120º swashplate (HELI only) 140` 140º swashplate (HELI only) 180` 180º swashplate

(HELI only) **** Model Name (four

Letters + Up to three numbers) MODE Mode 1, 2, 3, 4 IMP Units Select RPM Rpm Check AMP Current Check B,WAR Rx Battery Warning

Likes

SmartScan Function The ECLIPSE 7 PRO is designed so you can use this feature to automatically scan the 2.4-GHz frequency. The transmitter will find the cleanest and the most stable Rf frequency to use for communications between Tx and Rx.

This is the Optima 7 receiver that comes with the radio, albeit you get two receivers in the Eclipse 7 Pro package that is being offered.

RC-SF.COM

97

This is the fuel sensor that connects to the HTS-SS sensor station. You get four in level monitors in the package.

Supplementary Power Connection The optional receiver power system provides direct power to the receiver from the motor battery of an electricpowered aircraft—up to 35 volts. The supplemental power does not power the servos however, which may be fed by a battery eliminator circuit.

Low Battery Warning The Eclipse 7 Pro’s 2.4-GHz system is designed to recognize receiver battery voltages from 4- and 5-cell NiMH or NiCd batteries as well This is the temperature sensor. It is just a simple thermalcouple, but it provides excellent accuracy.

You’ll get two in the package.

This is the optical rpm sensor. It comes with two wire ties, a couple of screws and some double-back tape to hold it in place.

98

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

as LiPo/Io/LiFe packs and warn you of battery charge status. It will provide an audible alarm should the Rx’s battery pack voltage get low.

Fail-Safe and Hold The Fail-Safe function is typical in that if the receiver signal is interrupted the servos will move to the pre-set point you’ve stored in the receiver’s memory.

Programming

After a quick read of the instruction manual you will discover that this radio is extremely easy to program. It follows simple, understandable ladder logic that puts you in control of the programming almost from the minute you turn it on.

Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro

This is the GPS speed sensor.

You just plug it in and fasten it in the model. The HTS-SS gathers the data for you and then sends it to the Tx.

The six front panel buttons, plus Clear button, are used to enter the programming modes, and they offer the user a clear understanding of what function the provide. For example, holding down the Up and Down keys for Edit and turning on the transmitter enters the basic programming functions such as M.SEL, VER, REST, TIME, etc. It could not be more straightforward.

Alternately, once you’ve turned on the transmitter, pressing the Up and Down buttons for Edit will get you into the functions for EPA, MX.SS, AIL.T, CROW, etc. Again, this

is an intuitive process that you learn almost immediately.

Then too, once you’ve turned the transmitter on and you press either the Up or the Down Edit button the radio will display TRIM, Model Name, Tx battery voltage or the sensor data, which will toggle TEMP1, TEMP2, GPS.S, GPS.A, FUEL, Rx, VOLT, AMP and RPM. The Cursor keys Left and Right let you toggle between different values and parameters for programming or display of values. You can use the Timers too by simply pressing both the Left and Right keys to enter the

Here is the magnetic rpm sensor. It uses a Hall sensor to capture the engine or motor rpm. Again, it is very easy to install.

timer screen. Then you’ll use the Reset and Start/Stop buttons to initiate the timers.

You’ll use the Data keys Increase and Decrease to adjust values. Press both keys for the Save function.

The Clear key does just that when pressed. It is also used for Active/Inhibit functions during the programming process.

There is an Engine Lock button at the center bottom of the transmitter’s case as well as an Engine Cut button. The Engine Lock holds the throttle channel at its setting while other channels may respond to the transmitter. The Engine Cut closes the throttle to kill the engine,

This is the Hitec RCD HTS-SS sensor station and what you get with it. You’ll need to connect that data cable to the receiver and provide power to the station, either from the receiver or another battery.

RC-SF.COM

99

Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro but without your needing to use the throttle trim.

Finally, the Link button for linking to the receivers is in the lower left corner of the case.

Sold

Whether you are pilot on a budget or one that just wants a great RC radio system, the Eclipse 7 Pro offers features that make a superb value no matter how you look it. It a perfect fit for the airplane, glider or helicopter pilot that wants to step up to radio that provides programming flexibility you don’t find in other radios in this price range. And, when you consider that for only $299.99 you’ll get two seven-channel Optima receivers in this package, it makes this radio system an exceptional bargain.

What really sets this system out from the crowd, however, is the builtin telemetry functions. Even if it only provided receiver battery voltage it would be outstanding. Add in that you can get engine rpm, temperature, GPS speed, altitude, etc. and you’ll got real, useable information that can help you avoid unwanted crashes as well as giving you the data that lets you set up your airplane, glider or helicopter for ultimate performance.

I’m sold on this radio system! If you want to see one in action visit your local hobby retailer, or go online to see why this radio is probably a good fit for you too.

This aluminum case is only $79.99 at horizonhobby.com (HRC55445). It is an excellent investment, considering that what you’ll carry in it will control your model.

100

RC SPORT FLYER — july 2012

Here is how I wired my HTS-SS for this test report. It will find a home in my 1/4 Cub very soon. I love the fact that I can now know how my model and its systems are performing in the air.

Distributor Hitec-RCD, Inc. 12115 Paine St. Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 Hitecrcd.com

This is one of the best investments you can make for transporting and storing your new Eclipse 7 Pro transmitter.

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450 X

The Expert Edge: Blade 450 X The Blade® heli development team has decades of combined RC experience designing or flying everything from ultra micros to high-performance 3D machines. If anyone knows what awesome performance looks and feels like, they do. It’s their expertise that makes the Blade 450 X the ultimate 450-size Bind-N-Fly® experience.

At the core of its awesome performance is the Spektrum™ AR7200BX Flybarless Control System; a remarkable advance that combines a 7-channel DSMX® receiver with BeastX™ 3-axis MEMS stabilization into a single, lightweight unit. This, combined with a high-output brushless power system, hardened dampers and carbon fiber blades, allows you to experience spectacular 3D performance, right out of the box.

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Specifications: Length: 25.8 in (655mm) Height: 6.10 in (155mm) Flying Weight: 25.3 oz (717 g) Rotor Diameter: 28.4 in (720mm) Main Motor: E-flite® 440H 4200Kv brushless, installed On-Board Electronics: Spektrum AR7200BX 7-Channel DSMX Flybarless Control System with Integrated BeastX Technology, installed Battery: E-flite 3S 11.1V 2200mAh 30C Li-Po, included Charger: 3-cell DC Li-Po balancing, included

horizonhobby.com © 2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. Blade, E-flite, Bind-N-Fly and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. DSMX is a trademark of Horizon Hobby, Inc., registered in the U.S. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. BeastX is a trademark of Markus Schaack and is used with permission. The Spektrum AR7200BX employs technology exclusively licensed to Horizon Hobby, Inc. from freakware GmbH. U.S. 7,391,320. Other Patents Pending. www.bladehelis.com 35090