RC Sport Flyer Sept 2014 (Vol 19-09)

RC Airplanes | Gliders | Helicopters

We Push the Limits of the Carbon-Z® Yak 54 with AS3X®

SEPTEMBER 2014

300 CFX

See why this machine is not

just another pretty face PLUS

• • • •

PowerBox Bus System Aerial Cinematography 3DRobotics® APM 2.6 Lock for Retracts

Check out the Huge Hot Products Section Inside Learn How A Fieseler Fi-156 Storch Gets Built USA & CANADA $6.49

RC-SF.COM

RECOVERY AT THE PRESS OF A BUTTON PAnIc REcOvERy SwITcH THREE SAFE™ EnABLED FLIGHT MODES BRUSHLESS MAIN AnD TAIL MOTORS

Advance your piloting skills with the Blade® 200 SR X, the first fixed pitch heli to utilize Horizon Hobby’s innovative Safe technology system. with SAFE technology, pilots unlock features including three flight modes and panic button recovery. Equipped with authoritative brushless motors for ample precision and responsive both indoors and outdoors, the 200 SR X facilitates flight time when you want it most.

400mm

64mm

135mm

250 g

375mm

facebook.com/bladehelis

©2014 Horizon Hobby, Inc. Blade, Serious Fun and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. Patents Pending. Actual product may vary slightly from photos shown. 43185

200 SR X FEATURES • Engineered with SAFE™ technology

• Brushless main and tail motor

• PANIC BUTTON RECOVERY

• Stainless steel main shaft

• Beginner Mode - Limited flight envelope with

• RTF version: 6-channel transmitter included

self-leveling and a low bank angle limit

• BNF version: Requires DSM2®/DSMX® 6+ channel transmitter

• Intermediate Mode - Increased control authority with self-leveling and a high bank angle limit

• Flight time up to 10 minutes

• Experienced Mode - Full control authority with no

• Flight battery and charger included

bank angle limit

Get to BladeHelis.com right now to learn more about the Blade 200 SR X and to find the Blade retailer near you.

VISIT

Your Local Retailer

CLICK

horizonhobby.com

CALL

1.800.338.4639

SERIOUS FUN ®

QuadPack 25:

• 490 Hz refresh rate • 6S LiPo • 25 amps • 8 amp peak BEC* *This package contains one MultiRotor 25 with a BEC and three with no BEC. The single BEC supplies power for all 4 controllers

QuadPack 35:

• 490 Hz refresh rate • 6S LiPo • 35 amps • 7 amp peak BEC* *This package contains one MultiRotor 35 with a BEC and three with no BEC. The single BEC supplies power for all 4 controllers

®

When Graupner’s engineers were tasked to design the next generation radio they knew telemetry must be an integral part of the system. They named it HoTT, which stands for Hoping Telemetry Transmission.

Graupner HoTT radios and products have been providing users with a streamlined experience where ease of use is guaranteed due to tight integration specifications for the radio’s protocol, as is the case in all of Graupner products. For example, Graupner receivers provide standard telemetry functions such as temperature, voltage and signal strength — all without the need to add expensive components to the system.

With over HoTT’s 50 enabled products — airplane, helicopter, car and boat ESCs, motor and engine modules, variometers, and GPS sensors — we provide users with almost unlimited possibilities to connect with their models. Then too, HoTT receivers now provide three-axes flight stabilization and flybarless control, and they do it in one and smart HoTT package.

THE FUTURE IS NOW, THE FUTURE IS !

GRAUPNER MZ 9 OR 12 CHANNEL MZ-18 $389 MZ-24 $400

visit us online at: Visit us at facebook.com/openhobby

©2013 Graupner/SJUSA-OPENHOBBYLLC. The HoTT trademark is used with permission of Graupner Co, Ltd4386066

TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

10 LEADING EDGE 14 HOT PRODUCTS 80 AD INDEX 81 MYSTERY PLANE

SEE HOW AN S-BUS WORKS.

PG 50

HOT PRODUCTS

BUILD

14

34

NEW RC GEAR CHECK OUT 38+ AIRPLANES, RADIOS, SERVOS, BATTERY CHARGERS, ENGINES, ETC. YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR 2014 CHRISTMAS WISH LIST.

By Staff

FIESLER FI-156 STORCH SEE HOW THIS 1/6-SCALE MILITARY MODEL FINALLY FLEW.

By Rob Caso

38

DECATHLON WINGS, PT 2 JEFF FINISHES DETAILING HOW TO BUILD WINGS FRROM A KIT.

By Jeff Troy

PG 34

PG 14 6

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

ROB SHOWS YOU HOW COMING BACK TO A NEGLECTED PROJECT AFTER YEARS CAN BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

SEPTEMBER 2014

HOW TO

42

RETRACT LOCK SYSTEM

COLUMN

46

THIS MECHANISM WILL HELP YOU KEEP YOUR MODEL’S GEAR UP.

By Tom Wolf

ARDUPILOT APM 2.6 GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW TO SET UP AN RC AUTOPILOT.

By James VanWinkle

50 POWERBUS SECURITY

58

LEARN THE ADVANTAGES OF USING AN S-BUS IN YOUR AIRPLANES.

By Karl-Heinz Keufner

DRONE CLASSES PATRICK DETAILS WHY AERIAL DRONES ARE THE NEXT BIG THING IN FILM PRODUCTION AND MOVIE MAKING.

By Lucidity

PG 56 THE E-FLITE CARBON-Z YAK 54 3X MAKES 3D EASIER THAN EVER.

3-VIEW

56

ASK-16 DRAWINGS A POPULAR GERMAN DESIGNED MOTOR GLIDER

By Hans-Jürgen Fischer

PG 72

PG 64

RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, THIS HELICOPTER IS AN ADRENALINE RUSH!

REVIEWS

64

E-FLITE CARBON-Z YAK 54 3X DISCOVER WHY AS3X TECHNOLOGY TURNS A GOOD AIRPLANE INTO A GREAT 3D MACHINE.

By James VanWinkle

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

72

BLADE 300 CFX HELI IT’S AS SIMPLE AS BIND-N-FLY TO HAVE THIS HELICOPTER DOING TIC TOCS AND MUCH MORE.

By Wil Byers RC-SF.COM

7

SUBSCRIBE@RC-SF.COM for

ONLY 29.95 $

Digital & Hardcopy Combo

GET IT ON iTUNES NOW!

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wil Byers wil@rc-sf.com ASSISTANT EDITORS James T Baker Bethany Davis Louie Scribner Asa Clinton PRODUCTION Zhe Meng mengzhe@kionapublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHY Wil Byers Bess Byers GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Zhe Meng Bess Byers Shi Yuang graphics@rc-sf.com WEBMASTER CONTACT Chang Liang web@kionapublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER/ Brian Barrett CIRCULATION support@kionapublishing.com OFFICE ASSISTANT Bethany Davis CIRCULATION Christian Wells MARKETING Wil Byers ads@rc-sf.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rob Caso, Gene Cope, Andrew Gibbs, Daniel Holman, Mike Hoffmeister, Richard Kuns, Joe Nave, David Phelps, Steve Rojecki, Gary Ritchie, Mike Shellim, Patrick Sherman, Jerry Smith, Jeff Troy, James VanWinkle, Tom Wolfe RC Sport Flyer (ISSN: 1941-3467) is published monthly for $29.95 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.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to RC Sport Flyer, P.O. Box 4250, W. Richland, WA 99353-4004.

OFFICE (509) 967-0831 HOURS M–Th 8-4 Closed Fri, Sat & Sun.

SUBSCRIPTIONS kionasubscribe.com TOLL FREE (ORDERS ONLY) (866) 967-0831 E-MAIL subscriptions@kionapublishing.com FAX NUMBER (509) 967-2400 EDITOR/ADS/DESIGN (509) 967-0832

Ask for RC Sport Flyer at your local hobby shop!

DISTRIBUTED BY

Hobby Shop Orders (800) 558-1544 ext. 818 www.retailers.kalmbach.com

HOBBY SHOP DISTRIBUTION BY

Kalmbach Publishing Co. (800) 558-1544 ext. 818 Subscriptions: USA and possessions and Canada: $29.95 per year, $49.95 overseas.

Washington residents add 8.3% sales tax. Single copies $6.49 plus $4.00 S&H U.S. All payments must be in U.S. funds. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover accepted.

Send to: RC Sport Flyer – Circulation, P.O. Box 4250, W. Richland, WA 99353-4004.

Please allow eight weeks for change of address.

MEDIA USE:

FOR PRESENTATION PROJECTIONS, FLAT SCREEN MONITORS, CRT MONITORS USE

a. HEXACHROME #09195B or b. R = 9 G = 25 B = 91

FOR PRINT (Lithography, Screen printing), USE

a. PMS 294 Uncoated b. C = 95 M = 65 Y = 17 K=5

or

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.

Copyright ©2014 All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA

8

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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Used by industry, but available from your local hobby shop.

“Your Adhesive Company for Over 30 Years.”

To find a dealer or ask a question of The Glue Pros, go to: www.bsi-inc.com • info@bsi-inc.com • (805) 466-1717 8060 Morro Road • Atascadero, CA 93422 • USA

Manufacturers, like most modelers, demand the best performance from their adhesives. That is why Boeing, Cessna, Beechcraft, Tesla, SpaceX and many other high tech firms choose BSI. With a larger selection of CA and epoxy adhesives than any other hobby manufacturer, BSI provides modelers with consistent high performance, all available from your local hobby shop.

Find us on Facebook at Bob Smith Industries

LEADING EDGE

WIL BYERS

R

aise your head up from reading this “rag” and take a quick look at the calendar. Christmas isn’t far off! If you’ve been good and sat on Santa’s lap, you know he promises to drop by your home with his bag of goodies — sliding down the chimney with ease to deliver your presents.

I still believe in Santa! So, we’ve added a few extra pages of hot products to this issue for you to use as a wish list. You can give this issue to Santa, or place it prominently where any potential gift givers can find it. I suggest you use a highlighter to circle those items you want to find under the Christmas tree. Don’t be bashful about letting others know exactly what you want either, especially if you’ve been good (which for some of us may be a serious push).

Anyway, enjoy the hot products sections in this issue.

There are many items I know I’d like to see under my tree.

SERVO BUSES Many of the leading radio system manufactures now offer bus systems as a way to simplify wiring between radio receivers and servos. I fly large-scale gliders, which often have as many as five servos in each wing. A servo communication bus in their wings promises to simplify the way these largescale machines get wired.

If you’ve been thinking about using a servo bus in your next model, we’ve included a superb article by one of PowerBox Systems’ team members. It is a very detailed explanation of how a servo bus functions and how you’ll most likely want to configure one. The article is focused on the inner workings of the system, but the techniques apply across pretty much all bus systems. If you are building a large-scale model or one that uses lots of servos in each wing, I assure you this article will give you valuable and useful information about buses.

NAB CLASS Lucidity has contributed an excellent article to this issue about the National Association of Broadcasters and the oneday aerial cinematography class they offered enthusiasts

during their annual trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. About 50 film and video professionals attended the class in Nelson, Nevada, a quaint old mining town.

It turns out that using drones for filmmaking has many advantages. Lucidity details them, and also discusses how the film industry is planning for the implementation of drones in production. The article includes photos you’ll want to see whether you’re into drones or not. The article really emphasizes how drones have and will continue to have commercial uses aplenty!

DAD INSPIRED During the production of the last issue of RC Sport Flyer magazine, my 89-year-old father’s health suddenly deteriorated. I’m sad to say that he passed from this life to the next on September 5th. He’ll be missed!

Like many fathers, mine gave me a lifelong gift — the love of aviation. You see, he lost his good friend, Bill Lilly, during WWII in a B-17 downing. He never forgot it. In fact, a B-17 model hung from the ceiling of our home for a number of years when I was a child. It was a stick and tissue built model, made to be a control-line airplane. I have only vague memories of the engines that powered it. Unfortunately, when dad finally flew the B-17, it ended in a crash. Even so, I remember the model and how it put ideas in my head.

Dad built a Fokker Triplane, too. He flew it with some success, which as you can imagine got me thinking about being the pilot. He also took flying lessons at Renton Airfield, the site of one of the early Boeing factories in Washington state. There I saw many different airplanes, which inspired me to fly even more!

Then, when I was hang gliding at the age of 24, my father was there to see me fly from the top of a few hills.

He was there when I was recovering in the hospital from two broken heels and a broken ankle too. He was also there and supportive when I started flying models again as a safe alternative to hang gliding, with one of the most memorable days of my life being a day spent slope soaring with dad on a ridge that overlooks Cle Elum, WA. I guess the point of my eulogizing dad is that as a father, uncle, brother, etc., you too can inspire a youngster to explore the exhilarating world of aviation by involving them in your love of it. It is just that simple. It’s what my father did.

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

10

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

SPEKTRUM SERVOS

THE RIGHT CHOICE WHATEVER YOU FLY

“I’ve been putting Spektrum 6260 servos through the ringer in a variety of different airplanes, from turbine powered jets to giant scale warbirds. They have plenty of power, are quite precise and center well. They’ve also been reliable in high-vibration environments. I’m not sure how they are able to deliver this kind of performance at such an affordable price, but I’m pleasantly surprised!”

- Ken McSpadden, Team Horizon Pilot

The A6260 servo features a removeable lead with a standard JST connector.

There is a best-in-class Spektrum™ servo for anything you want to fly, be it a sub-micro foamy or 200 mph turbine-powered jet.

All are engineered with the finest gear train components and the latest processor and motor technology available so you enjoy a sense of precision that is second to none.

To see the entire selection of Spektrum servos, go to spektrumrc.com right now, or visit a Spektrum retailer near you.

VISIT

CLICK

CALL

Your Local Retailer

horizonhobby.com

1.800.338.4639

©2014 Horizon Hobby, LLC. Serious Fun and the Horizon Hobby logo are registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. 44118

SERIOUS FUN.®

100cc Carbon Cub 168” WINGSPAN

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

NEW ARF

Bravata

Sport Cub S2

112” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas Float Ready!

LIGHT SERIES

110” WINGSPAN 50cc Gas

Freestyle 260 52” WINGSPAN Electric

35cc Extra 300

Cessna LC-126

Wing Span: 78”

79” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas

Weight: 13-15 lbs Engine: 35cc-45cc Gas

90” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas & 1.80 Glow Float Ready!

Engine: 1.60-2.20 Glow

Cessna 195

50cc Pitts Python ARF

YAK 54 .90-1.20

90” WINGSPAN 1.80 Glow to 30cc Gas

70” WINGSPAN 1725 SQ. IN. WING AREA

72” WINGSPAN

50cc ,100cc, 150cc Extra 300

P-51D & P-51B Mustang 86” WINGSPAN 50cc Gas

.46-.61 EDGE 540T ARF

Edge 540 30cc, 50cc & 100cc

60” WINGSPAN

Extra 260 35cc 50cc 75cc 100cc 150cc

30cc Extra 300 & Edge 540

Ultimate 20-300

74” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas 1.60-1.80 Glow

30cc 50cc 100cc 150cc

YAK 54

50cc, 85cc, 100cc, 150cc

.46 & .61 Profile Extra 260 48” & 56” WINGSPAN

.60-.90 Extra 260, 300 & Yak 54

100cc Yak 55M 108” WINGSPAN

NEW PRODUCTS! 30cc Laser 200 76” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas

Mustang P-51C “Kitten”

Gas, Glow & Electric Ready!

30cc Ultimate 20-300

86” WINGSPAN 50cc Gas

60” WINGSPAN 30cc Gas

VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

Be sure to visit our website for all your shopping needs.

www.aero-works.net

50cc Yak 55M 86” WINGSPAN 50cc Gas

CheckMate 70” WINGSPAN 50cc Gas

303-371- 4222

Email: info@aero-works.net 4903 Nome Street • Denver, CO 80239 Advertised information subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical or misprint errors.

HOT PRODUCTS AERO-MODEL NEW AERO-MODEL HIGH CAPACITY LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES

A

ero-Model has announced their expanded line of 30C and 65C Lithium Polymer batteries! Because of the growing size and requirements of multirotor and mid-sized sport aircraft, Aero-Model has developed four new high-capacity batteries. These new packs provide reliable, consistent power output and industryleading cycle life while remaining an excellent value.

Now available in 3S 3300-mAh, 4000mAh, 5000-mAh, and 4S 5000-mAh sizes.

Aero-Model’s lineup of 30C “Silver Series” and 65C “Gold Series” are available for all

popular applications.

Aero-Model has over a decade of industry-leading electric power system experience in competition and sport flying, so its line of batteries meets the needs of all electric-powered aircraft, and surpasses expectations in performance, quality, and value.

Price

$59.00 & up

Distributor AERO-MODEL 2122 W. 5th Pl. Tempe, AZ 85281 Phone: 480-726-7519 Aero-Model.com

ALIGN T-REX 550L DOMINATOR SUPER COMBO

T

ake a look at the new T-REX 550L Dominator Super Combo. It includes the most upto-date, sophisticated equipment.

The T-REX 550L, paired with high-tech Gyro, is compatible with a convenient Android/iOS app for ease of operation. It also includes the effective, high-torque BL815 and BL855 servos. Innovations adapted from the 700E series have been incorporated into the T-REX 550L, with a new bottom plate and main frame embedded structure for a center of gravity position that keeps maneuvers solid and precise in every flight.

Price

Specifications

$1199.99 (RH55E09X)

Distributor ASSURANCE R/C USA 3626 Briggeman Dr. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Phone: 562-598-4700 Alignrcusa.com

14

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

Length Height Width Main blade length Main rotor diameter Tail rotor diameter Motor drive gear Main drive gear Autorotation tail drive gear Tail drive gear Drive gear ratio Weight( w/o power system)

1070 mm 337 mm 210 mm 50 mm 1248 mm 254 mm 16 T 112 T 131 T 34 T 1:7:3.85 2790 g

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ATLANTA HOBBY TAU 2 INFRARED CAMERA

A

tlantaHobby.com and UAVExperts.aero have partnered with FLIR Systems, Inc. to bring both professionals and hobbyists the Tau 2 Infrared Camera, the latest product of the FLIR Tau family of thermal imaging camera cores.

FLIR Systems, Inc. is the world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and infrared cameras. Infrared technology uses thermal radiation instead of visible light, making it useful for nighttime or severe weather use, as it detects temperature differences.

AtlantaHobby.com president, Cliff Whitney, stated “With my background in photography and the combination of our custom stabilized camera gimbals, small UAV systems and FLIR’s Infrared cameras, we have developed easy to use, cost-effective flight systems that are helping municipalities stay in budget and equip their fire and police departments for new capabilities in search and rescue and emergency response. Other systems are hundreds of thousands of dollars, but we have developed small, fully electric, GPS-equipped flight systems with full video downlinks starting at under $5000. These systems fit in a small carry case that can easily fit in a squad car or fire truck, are easy to fly, and can stay in the air for long periods of time. FLIR cameras and our flight systems greatly complement each other and with our expertise in small UAVs and photography, these systems are giving companies and municipalities the ability to get the job done and save lives.”

Distributor

Price $1695.99

SIG SIG CANOPY GLUE Distributor SIG Mfg. Co., Inc. 401 South Front Street P O Box 520 Montezuma, IA 50171 Phone: 641-623-5154 Sigmfg.com

ATLANTA HOBBY 6110 Parkway North Dr. Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 678-513-4450 Atlantahobby.com

S

IG’s canopy glue is provides excellent adhesion to plastic materials. It is flexible after drying. It dries clear. It is a good glue to use for fastening a plastic canopy to plastic covering material, painted surfaces, wood, fiberglass, or other plastics (ABS, PETG, butyrate, vinyl, styrene). SIG canopy glue will also withstand shocks and vibration.

And, you can use water to clean up, plus it is nontoxic.

Price $3.95

SOARING USA PIKE PERFECTION F5J EXTREME LIGHT

T

Distributor Soaring USA 827 N. Glendora Av. Covina, CA 91724 Phone: 626-967-6660 Soaringusa.com

Specifications Wingspan Airfoil Length Weight Controls

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

146 in.

1177 in.2 PK 36.5 oz (1038 g) Empty Ailerons, elevator, rudder, flaps, throttle

he Samba Models Pike Perfection F5J Extreme Light has arrived at Soaring USA. This new sailplane’s layup tips the scales at an amazing 1300 grams all-up weight, with the recommended gear. The contest-winning twopiece wing design is efficient and extremely sensitive to air movement. Wing construction is incredibly light, with a combination of Rohacell foam and Spread Tow 40 g/ m2 /25 g/m2 fiberglass towards the tip. The main spar is Tenax UMS 40 skinned. The 2.4-GHz-friendly fuselage is streamlined for less drag and smaller motor applications.

The oversized and very effective tail surfaces are removable for ease of transport. The overall Perfection design concentrates all weight down the model’s center for improved circling at low airspeeds. This may be your next contest-winning Samba Models sailplane.

Price $2399.95 RC-SF.COM

15

HOT PRODUCTS

ATLANTA HOBBY DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+

A

tlantaHobby.com recently launched the latest addition to their lineup of state-of-the-art DJI products, the Phantom 2 Vision+. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) takes the future of aerial photography and cinematography to new heights. With its simple setup and new 3-axis gimbal stabilization, combined with a powerful DJI-designed camera, professional imaging instruments are now easily accessible to everyone.

The Phantom 2 Vision+ comes equipped with a high quality camera that shoots HD video at 1080p 30/60i. It features a slow-motion mode that shoots 60 frames per second at 720p for gorgeous, clean slow-motion shots, and also shoots 14 megapixel stills. Adjustable camera settings include picture quality, ISO, exposure compensation, and white balance; these can also be adjusted from your smartphone or tablet through the Vision app. Longrange video transmission allows you to beam photos and videos straight to your phone from the craft, ensuring you have your footage before the UAV even returns to you.

The onscreen flight radar displays the current position of the Phantom 2 Vision+ in relation to the pilot. There are many features to assist pilots in operation, including Failsafe Mode, which activates when the craft exceeds the range of the remote control and returns the Phantom 2 Vision+ to its launch point.

Safety is of the utmost importance.

UAV operators are required to abide by all regulations from their national airspace organization and all flight agencies. To make this easier for pilots, the Phantom 2 Vision+ includes the revolutionary new “No Fly Zone” feature. This is a new flight limitation system that updates your GPS and prevents your aircraft from flying in restricted areas, enhancing safety and protecting UAV pilots from FAA violations.

ALIGN 700FL FLYBARLESS ROTOR HEAD SYSTEM

Features • Onscreen real-time flight parameters • Camera tilt control • Film straight down Price $1299.99

Distributor ATLANTA HOBBY 6110 Parkway North Dr. Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 678-513-4450 Atlantahobby.com

Distributor ASSURANCE R/C USA 3626 Briggeman Dr. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Phone: 562-598-4700 Alignrcusa.com

A

lign now has a new 700FL Flybarless Rotor Head System. The new unit utilizes an extremely low center of gravity design, which effectively reduces inertia during 3D maneuvers and increases flight responsiveness and precision. In addition, the red anodizing and stainless steel create a stylish look which highlights the high quality of the helicopter.

Price

16

$122.99 (H70H002XXT)

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

ESPRIT PEGASUS V 2E F5J/ALES (ARF)

T Specifications 80.75 in. (2050 mm) 43.25 in. (1100 mm) 18 – 22 oz (510 – 595 g) 4–6 AG 25 540 in.2 (34.9 dm2) 4.5 – 5.5 oz/ft2 (14.5 – 17 g/dm2) Empty weight 11.5 oz (325 g) Wingspan Length Weight Channels Airfoil Wing area Wing loading

he new Pegasus V 2E is now available from Esprit. It provides gentle, smooth, and very long soaring flights. The careful use of composites with competition balsa creates a good, lightweight structure that holds its shape. The synergy of low weight and strong structure can only be achieved with careful attention to design and construction. The entire model is constructed using free-flight building techniques. The wings, as well as V-tail, are all balsa built-up with carbon fiber main spars and leading edges. The fuselage is gel-coated fiberglass with a carbon fiber tapered tail boom. The model is covered with Ultracote. All control surfaces are hinged with adhesive tape. The sailplane needs only basic assembly and motor/radio installation. The two-piece wing is easily

removable for transport and storage.

Special Features • Control surfaces: ailerons, flaps and V-tail • Tight covering, with all seams handsealed • Gel-coated fiberglass fuselage with carbon fiber boom • Two-piece wing with ailerons and oversized flaps • Ready-built balsa/carbon fiber 2-piece wing design • Transparent Ultracote covered wings and tail parts • Includes all necessary hardware Price

$275.00

BLADE 350 QX2 RTF AND BNF • Upgraded and improved GPS module • Optimized with firmware 2.0 • GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 3+ camera mount included • White battery hatch • AC/DC charging solution Price

$499.99 (BLH8000/BLH8080)

Specifications

T

he Blade® 350 QX2 is an upgraded version of the massively popular aerial camera platform. This new edition of the 350 QX has been optimized with firmware 2.0 and features improved hardware.

Upgrades on the 350 QX2 include the ability to facilitate a 3000-mAh battery for longer flight times and a full range receiver. Just like its predecessor, the 350 QX2 utilizes SAFE™ technology to deliver a smooth and easy flying experience with multiple flight modes, the revolutionary SAFE circle, and the return home feature.

The 350 QX2 also comes ready for use with rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

GoPro action cameras so you can capture images and video in HD. Features • SAFE technology • Smart mode • Stability mode • Aerial photography mode • Agility mode (Agility mode can only be activated by a DX6i transmitter or higher) • New battery tray and 3S 3000-mAh battery included • New receiver for improved range and performance

Rotor diameter Gross weight Length Motor size Radio Experience level Included battery Flight time

580 mm 760 g 465 mm 1100 Kv RTF: Includes DX4 Beginner 3S 3000 30C 15+ Minutes

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

17

HOT PRODUCTS

HITEC X1 PRO DC/DC MULTICHARGER & EPOWERBOX 17A POWER SUPPLY

H

itec’s new X1 Pro DC/DC battery charger delivers a powerful 180 watts to any Lithium-based, NiCd, NiMH or Lead-Acid battery pack. With an adjustable charge current rate of 0.1 – 16 amps, this singleport powerhouse provides exactly what your hobby demands in the workshop, at the airfield, or in the pits.

The X1 Pro design includes docking capability with the Hitec ePowerBox 17-amp power supply, upping the ante in convenience and portability.

This extremely efficient power supply converts 100 – 240 AC volts into 17 amps of continuous 13.8-volt DC power, making it compatible with a wide variety of DC chargers. Available as separate, versatile units or as a cohesive, innovative combination, the X1 Pro and ePowerBox 17A take charging to the next level.

Price

Specifications X1 Pro Input voltage range Charge circuit power Discharge circuit power Charge current range Discharge current range LiPo, LiFe & LiIon balancing current drain LiPo, LiFe & LiIon cell count Maximum NiCd/NiMh cell count Lead Acid (Pb) cells / voltage Dimensions Weight

11 – 18 volts DC 180 watts 30 watts 0.1 – 16.0 amps 0.1 – 8.0 amps 200-mAh per cell 1 – 6 cells 1 – 15 cells 2 – 20 volts 3.6 x 4.4 x 2.0 in.

14.3 oz

Specifications ePowerBox 17A

$179.99 (HRC61070) $99.99 (HRC44216) $84.99 (HRC44215)

Input voltage AC input voltage frequency Output voltage Current overload protection Input current protection Output voltage ripple USB output voltage / current Power efficiency Power factor Temperature protection cutoff Cooling method Dimensions Net weight

100 – 240 volts AC 50 – 60-Hz 13.8 volts DC ± 0.2V 17.5 amps 500 ms 5A fuse <150 mV 5V / 2.1A 91% > 0.98 149 oF (65 oC) Temperature controlled fan 5.0 x 3.6 x 2.0 in.

21 oz

Distributor HITEC RCD 12115 Paine St. Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-784-6948 Hitecrcd.com

ALIGN 3GX VERSION 5.0

3

GX 5.0 software is now available to download for free. The new 3GX generation has improved integrated control to enhance flight performance for pilots using T-REX series kits.

Features • Supports JR DMSS (ALIGN RJ01) satellites.

• Upgraded collective pitch to elevator

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

compensation • Helicopter is able to remain horizontal during rapid ascent/descent.

• Improves stability and straight-line tracking during fast forward flight, rolls, and other maneuvers.

• Improved swashplate control routine; flight maneuvers are smoother with faster response.

• Better rudder and swashplate stability during rolls and Tic-Tocks.

• Upgraded rudder routine to enable faster

pirouettes and better stopping stability.

• Upgraded swashplate stability to enable more stable stopping from rolling maneuvers.

Price Free

Distributor ASSURANCE R/C USA 3626 Briggeman Dr. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Phone: 562-598-4700 Alignrcusa.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

DLE ENGINES DLE-61 GAS ENGINE

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LE has upgraded their engine designs with innovations like a magnesium alloy crankcase, improved crankshaft bearings, and a better design for the piston/cylinder fit. The new DLE-61 weighs in at under four pounds and still cranks out over six horsepower. The 61 includes extras like a specially-designed, airplane-specific carburetor and included muffler, standoffs, and electronic ignition. It’s a solid 60cc engine at a good price.

Features • Efficient, lightweight design for high power-to-weight ratio • Lightweight piston for fast acceleration, excellent compression, and low vibration • CNC-machined parts for high performance and long life • Enlarged crankshaft bearings • Increased piston/cylinder contact area • Two petal reed valve • Muffler included for optimized power Price

$449.99 (DLEG0061)

Distributor

Specifications Displacement Bore Stroke Weight Engine Muffler Ignition module Output Includes

HOBBICO P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 Greatplanes.com

Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

ESPRIT PULSAR 3E PRO FPV

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he Pulsar 3E Pro FPV is Esprit Model’s custom-built FPV offering. It is designed to hold a payload and still give a great performance. The Pulsar 3E Pro FPV model uses the same Dr. Mark Drela designed AG25 modified airfoil as other Pulsar gliders. The model is constructed using free-flight techniques. The wing is a balsa built-up carbon fiber and Kevlar® D-box design that utilizes carbon fiber faced balsa ribs and a carbon fiber trailing-edge. The open section of the wing, as well as the tail parts, are covered with UltraCote. The fuselage is made of gel-coated 2.4-GHzfriendly fiberglass/Kevlar with a carbon fiber tapered boom and removable fiberglass/ rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

• Tight covering, with all seams handsealed, gel-coated fiberglass/Kevlar pod with CF tapered boom • Highly efficient pylon mounted wing • Ready-built balsa/CF/kevlar D-tube 3-piece PLUG-IN wing design • Transparent Ultracote covered wings and tail parts • Includes hardware Price

Kevlar nosecone. The three-piece wing and double boom conventional tail are each easily removable for transport and storage.

The rudder and elevator servos install in the vertical fins. The careful use of composites, combined with an underlying wood structure in the wing ensure a lightweight structure that will hold its shape.

Features • Control surfaces: ailerons, elevator, rudder, and flaps • Kevlar/fiberglass 2.4-GHz FPV-friendly pod with removable nose cone

61.0 cc (3.7 cu. in.)

1.85 in. (47 mm) 1.38 in. (35 mm) 3.65 lb (1655 g) 2.8 lb (1273 g) 3.9 oz (110 g) 3.9 oz (110 g) 6 hp @ 7,500 rpm electronic ignition module,muffler, spark plug, standoffs, spiral wire wrap, connector safety clips

$1250.00 (STFPULSAR3EFPV)

Specifications 117.75 in. (2990 mm) 62 in. (1270 mm) 67 – 70 oz (1895 – 1980 g) 4, 6 AG 25 mod.

1070 in.2 (69 dm2) 9 – 9.5 oz/ft2 (27.5 – 29 g/dm2) Empty weight 41 oz (1150 g) Wingspan Length Weight Channels Airfoil Wing area Wing loading

RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

HITEC REDUCED PRICES ON SERVOS

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itec RCD has recently reduced the prices of some their most popular, celebrated servos. They thought everyone could use a little extra spending cash, so they decided to take some of their best servos and offer them at even better prices than before. Get the exceptional quality, performance, and customer service from Hitec RCD now. It is what you’d expect from a company like theirs.

Price $29.99 (HS-625MG & HS-645MG) $39.99 (HS-5625MG, HS-5645MG, HS5665MH & HS5685MH) $99.99 (HS-7955TG)

Model HS-625MG HS-645MG HS-5625MG HS-5645MG HS-7955TG

Distributor HITEC RCD 12115 Paine St. Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-784-6948 Hitecrcd.com

Model HS-5665MH HS-5685MH

4.8 VOLTS Speed Torque 76 oz-in.

0.18 5.5 kg-cm 107 oz-in.

0.24 7.7 kg-cm 110 oz-in.

0.17 7.9 kg-cm 143 oz-in.

0.23 10.3 kg-cm 250 oz-in.

0.19 18.0 kg-cm

6.0 VOLTS Speed Torque 94 oz-in.

0.15 6.8 kg-cm 133 oz-in.

0.20 9.6 kg-cm 131 oz-in.

0.14 9.4 kg-cm 168 oz-in.

0.18 12.1 kg-cm 333 oz-in.

0.15 24.0 kg-cm

6.0 VOLTS Speed Torque 122 oz-in.

0.16 8.8 kg-cm 157 oz-in.

0.20 11.3 kg-cm

7.4 VOLTS Speed Torque Part# 139 oz-in.

0.14 35665S 10.0 kg-cm 179 oz-in.

0.17 35685S 12.9 kg-cm

he new E-flite® UMX FPV Vapor brings unprecedented quality and convenience to the world of FPV products. With the cutting edge Spektrum™ VA1100 camera/ transmitter preinstalled on the airframe, the FPV Vapor delivers an exceptional FPV experience right out of the box, right down to the transparent propeller. The Teleporter V4 headset included with the RTF has been co-developed by Horizon Hobby and Fat Shark to deliver an outstanding experience.

This is the first headset ever to include digital headtracking in order to provide an immersive experience without the need for a gimbal.

Features • Spektrum VA1100 ultra micro FPV system (installed) • SpiroNET circular polarized antenna system

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

32625S 32645S 35625S 35645S 37955S

Dimensions 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm 1.57 x 0.78 x 1.45 in.

40.0 x 20.0 x 37.0 mm

Weight 1.94 oz 55.2 g 1.94 oz 55.2 g 2.11 oz 60.0 g 2.11 oz 60.0 g 2.29 oz 65.0 g

Dimensions 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm 1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

40.6 x 19.8 x 37.8 mm

Weight 2.01 oz 57.0 g 2.01 oz 57.0 g

Specifications

E-FLITE FPV VAPOR RTF/BNF

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Part#

• 150-mAh 1S 3.7-volt LiPo battery and USB 1S LiPo charger (included) • Ultra-lightweight, film-covered carbon fiber airframe with modular construction • Transparent propeller • Spektrum 3-channel DSMX® receiver/ ESC/servo unit (installed) • Fully proportional throttle, elevator, and rudder control • 4-channel 2.4-GHz DSMX transmitter (included, RTF only) • Fat Shark Teleporter V4 headset with digital head tracking (included, RTF only) • 760-mAh 2S 7.4-volt LiPo headset battery and AC charger (included, RTF only) Price $449.99/$189.99

(EFLU6600 / EFLU6680)

FPV airborne Spektrum VS1100 ultra micro FPV system FPV headset Fat Shark Teleporter V4 (RTF only) Head tracking Yes, digital FPV frequency 5.8-GHz FCC-license No required Flying weight 24.0 g (0.84 oz) Length 15.3 in. (389 mm) Wingspan 14.8 in. (376 mm) Electronics Spektrum 3-channel DSMX receiver/ESC/Servo Transmitter 4-ch. 2.4-GHz DSMX transmitter (RTF only) Flight Battery Ultra Micro 150-mAh 1S 3.7V 25C LiPo (EFLB1501S25) FPV Headset 760-mAh 2S 7.4-volt LiPo Battery

Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

ESPRIT RCRCM TOMCAT 2.5S GLASS/CARBON (ARF) Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

T

omcat 2.5S is part of a new generation of compact, precision, composite, hollow-molded sailplanes. This sailplane is designed and built to be extremely lightweight, with great strength and competition capabilities.

The RcRCM Tomcat 2.5S comes prefabricated and ready to fly. The twopiece, hollow-molded, carbon fiber reinforced wing has a little dihedral, with beautifully curved leading-edges and an incredibly strong, carbon fiber, square wing joiner. The gel-coated, fiberglass-carbon reinforced, 2.4-GHz-friendly fuselage has enough room to accommodate your radio system and large battery pack. The strong and lightweight canopy gives easy radio and battery access. The elevator bellcrank with pushrod has been pre-installed. CF reinforced servo wing pockets are also

pre-finished. The two-piece, composite, hollow-molded wings and full-flying stabilizers are easy removable. All surfaces are pre-painted in the molds for a flawless external finish. The model uses live hinges and wipers for all control surfaces.

Features • Control surfaces: rudder, elevator, ailerons and flaps • Two-piece hollow molded composite carbon fiber or glass wing design • Carbon fiber reinforced wing with square wing joiner • Live hinges on the wing and rudder with pre-installed wipers • Smooth, gel-coated finish with prepainted graphics • Full flying stabilizer with pre-installed bellcrank

85 in. (2160 mm) 1168 in. (75.3 dm) 14.5 – 16.5 lb [6.57 – 7.48 kg) 29 – 33 oz/ft. (88 – 101 g/dm) 62 in. (1575 mm)

Distributor HOBBICO 2904 Research Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 Hobbico.com rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

Wingspan Length Weight Channels Airfoil Wing area Wing loading

98 in. (2490 mm) 50.5 in. (1280 mm) 52 – 57 oz (1420 – 1620 g) 4–6 RC Mod. 710 in.2 (46 dm2) 10.5 – 11.5 oz (1245 g) Glass/48 oz (1360 g) carbon

• Includes some hardware and servo covers • Fiberglass 2.4-GHz friendly, CF reinforced fuselage Price

$615.00 – $745.00

GREAT PLANES CITABRIA GAS/EP ARF

Specifications Wingspan Wing area Weight range Wing loading Length

Specifications

B

ack in the mid-60s, the Citabria stood alone as the only commercially built airplane in the U.S. that was also certified for aerobatic flight. There are many more aerobats today, but there’s still only one Citabria. Great Planes now offers this impressively-sized performer as and easyto-build ARF.

Features • It offers prebuilt wood sections covered in MonoKote, factory-hinged control surfaces, and painted fiberglass for the cowl and wheel pants. The Citabria has built-in flaps and ailerons to provide the agility and performance you’ll likely want in a model like this one.

Price

$449.97 (GPMA1435)

RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

COMMON SENSE RC LECTRON PRO FOR BLADE 350 QX & DJI PHANTOM

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ow you can get 3000-mAh hours of run time in a 2200-mAh package. The new Common Sense RC 3000-mAh packs are the same size and weight as 2200mAh packs, but they provide 35% more flight time without any compromise in performance. They’re designed for the Blade 350 QX, DJI Phantom, or any machine that normally takes an 11.1-volt 2200-mAh LiPo. Available with EC3 or XT60 connectors.

Price $45.95

ESPRIT RC TYPHOON 2S GLASS/CARBON (ARF)

Distributor

E

sprit’s new Typhoon is an exciting hollow-molded sailplane. This sailplane is designed and built to be extremely lightweight with competition performance.

It has clean, efficient design lines.

The Typhoon is prefabricated and ready to fly. The two-piece, hollow-molded, carbon fiber reinforced wing has just a hint of dihedral, with beautifully curved leading-edges and an incredibly strong, carbon fiber, square wing joiner. The strong, lightweight removable nosecone gives

easy radio and battery access. The elevator bellcrank has been pre-installed and there are CF reinforced servo wing pockets. The two-piece, composite, hollow-molded wings and full-flying stabilizers are easily removable. All surfaces are pre-painted in the molds for flawless external finish. The model employs live hinges and wipers for all control surfaces.

Features • Control surfaces: rudder, elevator, ailerons and flaps

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

COMMON SENSE RC PO Box 3546 Chatsworth, CA 91313 Phone: 866-405-8811 Commonsenserc.com

Specifications 78.75 in. (2000 mm) 47.25 in. (1200 mm) 45 – 50 oz (1280 – 1420 g) 4, 6 RC mod.

480 in.2 (31 dm2) 13.5 – 15 oz/ft2 (41 – 46 g/dm2) Empty weight 33 oz (935 g) glass/36 oz (1020 g) carbon Wingspan Length Weight Channels Airfoil Wing area Wing loading

• Two-piece hollow molded composite carbon fiber or glass wing design • Carbon fiber reinforced wing with square wing joiner • Live hinges on the wing and rudder with pre-installed wipers • Smooth, gel-coated finish with prepainted graphics • Full flying stabilizer with pre-installed bellcrank • Includes some hardware and servo covers • Fiberglass 2.4-GHz-friendly, CF reinforced fuselage

Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

Price

$455.00 – $565.00

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

HANGAR 9 QUARTER SCALE PA-18 SUPER CUB PNP

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his beautiful 1/4-scale Plug-N-Play® version of the Super Cub has been expertly modeled in stunning detail. Almost every line and curve mirrors the real thing, right down to the shape of the fillet where the fuselage meets the vertical stab. Every control surface, including the flaps, features a metal-gear Spektrum™ digital servo, so setup is easy. The included Evolution® 33GX gas engine is ready to bolt into place with the provided in-cowl exhaust, so you get

Distributor

Specifications Wingspan Wing area Overall length Flying weight Engine size Radio

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

reliability that offers power to spare. All you need to provide are the batteries, receiver, and transmitter to enjoy great flight performance.

Features • Includes an Evolution® 33GX gas/petrol engine • In-cowl muffler and propeller

106.0 in. (269 cm) 1630 in.2 (150 dm2) 68.0 in. (173 cm) 16.5 – 18.5 lb (7.50-8.40 kg) 33cc gas 7-channel plus w/ 8 servos

• Spektrum digital aircraft servos installed • Top quality balsa/light plywood construction • Genuine Hangar 9® UltraCote® film covering • Functional flaps • Folding wing struts for easy transport • Full-body pilot figure • Functional cockpit door • Realistic Super Cub wheels

• Functional, bungee-type suspension on main gear • Painted aluminum spinner • Painted fiberglass cowl with molded panel lines • Realistic instrument panel • All hardware included Price

$1299.99 (HAN4975)

SPEKTRUM DX9 – BLACK EDITION W/ 9020 Rx

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he popular DX9 transmitter has had a facelift. Now you get a transmitter, AR9020 receiver, and custom accessories, including a custom “Black Edition” DX9 neck strap and aluminum carrying case. You get all the features and programming options that have made the Spektrum DX9 one of the best transmitters on the market, now with an array of complimentary items that make this a must-have for any serious air or heli enthusiast.

Specifications

Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

Modulation Band Channels Receiver Programming features Model memory Transmitter battery Modes

DSMX/DSM2 2.4-GHz 9 AR9020 Air/heli/sailplane 250 2000-mAh 7.4-volt Li-Ion battery pack User selectable 1, 2, 3, or 4

Features • Spektrum Data Interface allows for model programming/setup data to be transferred from one radio to another compatible radio • Curve and linear program mixes • DSMX and DSM2 support • Mode selectable (1 – 4) • Language selection • Real time telemetry • 10 airplane wing types • 6 airplane tail types • 5 airplane and heli flight modes • 6 swash plate types • 10 sailplane flight modes • Active gain control allows for in-flight adjustments of the gyro gain settings • ModelMatch prevents wrong model syndrome • Multiple model types available for programming: ACRO/HELI/SAILPLANE • Includes the AR9020 9-channel DSMX receiver • Includes custom neck strap and aluminum carrying case Price

$599.99 (SPM9900) RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

JETI MODEL CENTRAL BOX 100 POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT

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he Central Box 100 is a switchboard designed for the complete management of servos in a model with an emphasis on safety. The Central Box has a unique design that provides overload protection at each servo output. The Central Box can manage up to eight servos and supports the Jeti EX telemetry system.

Up to two receivers with serial (PPM, EX Bus) output can be connected at the same time to the Central Box for complete RF signal redundancy.

Features • Control management with configurable servo output • Power distribution with overload protection • Firmware updatable via Jeti USB adapter • Jeti Duplex EX Bus or PPM compatible • Wirelessly programmable using DC/DS Tx device explorer • Independent receiver signal inputs (Rx 1, Rx 2) • Up to 8 servo outputs with overload

Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

Specifications Special features Output current Upgradeable Receiver support Channels Protocols Input voltage Dimensions Weight

Power/signal distribution 10A continous Via USB or JetiBox 2 8 EX Bus, PPM 4 – 14V (3S LiPo) 52 x 25 x 11 mm 20 g

protection • Up to 3 telemetry sensor inputs • Output current: 10A continuos / 90A peak Price

$135.00 (JETIBOX100)

SIG SOMETHIN EXTRA® EG ARF

S

IG tells us few airplanes can provide the same degree of all-out aerobatic performance combined with comfortable handling characteristics as the SOMETHIN’ EXTRA®. It can be set up on low rates to

Specifications Wingspan Wing area Length Weight Wing loading Radio

Glow power

Electric power

51.5 in. (1308 mm) 725 in.2 (46.7 dm2) 48.25 in. (1226 mm) 5 – 5.5 lb (2268 – 2495 g) 16 – 17.6 oz/ft2 (48 – 53 g/dm2) 4-channel w/ 5 servos (glow) 4-channel w/ 4 servos (electric) 2-stroke .40 – .46 cu in.

(6.5 – 7.5 cc) 4-stroke .53 – .65 cu in.

(8.6 – 10.7 cc) 700 – 1000 watt brushless (550 – 800 Kv) 75-amp

Speed controller Battery 4S – 6S 3000 – 4000-mAh LiPo

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

fly as sedately as a trainer, or switch to high rates and roll so quickly you can’t count them. It’s smooth, stable, and “in the groove” at all speeds, with blistering control response when you want it.

Features • SIG “EG” series - for electric or glow power • Factory built and covered airframe • 2-piece wing design for easy transportation • Magnetic hatch for access to the battery/ radio compartment • Aluminum landing gear • Painted fiberglass cowling & wheel pants

• Professionally covered with premium UltraCote® (aka Oracover®) • Complete pushrod & hardware package • Illustrated assembly manual Price $199.99 (SIGRC76EGARFG) (SIGRC76EGARFR)

Distributor SIG Mfg. Co., Inc. 401 South Front Street P O Box 520 Montezuma, IA 50171 Phone: 641-623-5154 Sigmfg.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

O.S. ENGINE GF30 4-STROKE GASOLINE ENGINE W/F-6040 MUFFLER

Specifications Displacement Bore Stroke Practical RPM range Output Engine Muffler Ignition module Propellers

1.827 cu in. (29.94 cc) 1.496 in. (38.0 mm) 1.039 in. (26.4 mm) 1,800 – 9,000 2.8 ps/2.76 hp @ 9,000 rpm 34.9 oz (990 g) 4.0 oz (113 g) 3.35 oz (95 g) 16 x 10, 17 x 8, 17 x 10, 18 x 6, 18 x 8

Distributor HOBBICO 2904 Research Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 Hobbico.com

T

he GF30 is a great power plant for models designed for 1.20 — 1.50 glow engines or 20-cc gas engines. Realistic sound makes it ideal for scale aircraft — and aerobatic and sport models will benefit from its gasoline-sipping economy and impressive torque!

Features • Traditional four-stroke benefits with the ease and economy of gasoline power • Fits on the same beam mount as the GT22 • Quick, powerful throttle response • Rear-mounted O.S.-designed carb with PD-08 fuel pump • Lightweight IG-07 ignition module accepts up to 2S LiPo power • PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system recirculates blow-by gas and oil waste for a cleaner engine and environment Price

$699.99 (OSMG0798)

E-FLITE P-51D BNF BASIC/PNP

T Specifications 44.0 in. (1120 mm) 38.4 in. (975 mm) 42.8 oz (1214 g) 15 BL outrunner motor, 950Kv (installed) Battery 3S 11.1V 2200-mAh, 25C LiPo (required) Flaps Installed and operational Retracts Servoless electric main landing gear (installed)

Wingspan Overall length Flying weight Motor size

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

he new E-flite® P-51D Mustang is an electric-powered model that brings the ultimate warbird experience to you.

Electric retracts and functional flaps are already installed, so you can experience a well-equipped warbird right out of the kit box. Every angle of the airframe is saturated with extensive detailing that’s built upon the most accurate outline possible. In the air, AS3X® technology (BNF Basic only) gives this ultimate warbird rock-solid handling.

Features • Minimal assembly required • AS3X technology delivers rock-solid

stability and great handling • Operational flaps, installed • Retractable electric main landing gear, installed • Full control of ailerons, elevator, rudder, and throttle • Spektrum™ AR636 DSMX® receiver with AS3X technology, installed • Potent 15-size brushless, 950 Kv outrunner, installed • 4-blade propeller, panel lines, pilot, gun, and cockpit details • Easy-access battery hatch and bolt-on wing • Durable Z-Foam™ construction Price $249.99/$219.99 (EFL6750/EFL6775)

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

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HOT PRODUCTS

E-FLITE CLIPPED WING J-3 CUB 250 ARF

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he E-flite® Clipped Wing J-3 Cub 250 airplane is the perfect little scale aerobat. Charming, classic and iconic are just a few of the characteristics for which the J-3 Cub is renowned. With its wings clipped and just a few more horses inside the cowling, you get all freedom the J-3 promises, plus the thrill of a more spirited flying experience. E-flite respectfully captures the Clipped Wing variant with a lightweight, all-wood structure in a way that authentically preserves the distinctive outline with a fun-flying model suitable for park environments.

Features • True-to-scale proportions • Ultra-lightweight balsa and plywood construction • Genuine Hangar 9® UltraCote® ParkLite™ covering • Ready-to-mount an E-flite Park 250 motor • Painted cowling with engine detail • Clear windshield and side windows • Streamlined wheel pants and finished wire landing gear

Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com

• Large magnetic battery hatch • Factory-installed tail with hinged control surfaces • Complete hardware package and steerable tail wheel Price

$129.99 (EFL5055)

Specifications Wingspan Wing area Overall length Flying weight Motor size Radio

30.7 in. (780 mm) 168 in.2 (10.9 dm2) 23.7 in. (600 mm) 8.95 – 9.30 oz (254 – 263 g) 250 Brushless 4-channel plus with 4 servos

HOBBY ZONE SPORT CUB S RTF/BNF

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his small replica of the Cub Crafters Sport Cub packs an array of impressive features into a convenient, ready-to-fly package so you can teach yourself to fly.

With revolutionary SAFE™ technology included, you can learn the basics of flight and advance your skills in multiple flight modes. If you get into trouble, you can instantly return the model to steady flight with a pull of a trigger using Panic Recovery mode. With Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes, you can learn 4-channel control with working throttle, rudder, elevator, and ailerons at your own pace.

Features • Everything you need to fly RC today • SAFE technology from Horizon Hobby • Recovery with the pull of a trigger with Panic Recovery mode • Proportional 4-channel control with working throttle, rudder, elevator, and aileron • Steerable tail wheel for easy ground control • Powerful electric motor for impressive

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

speed and climb performance • Attractive replica of the Cub Crafters Sport Cub aircraft • Mike McConville design • LiPo battery for long flight times on a single charge • USB port DC Fast charger • Compact Spektrum™ 2.4-GHz DSMX transmitter with proportional controls Price $129.99/$99.99 (HBZ4400/HBZ4480)

Specifications Wingspan Overall length Flying weight Battery

24.3 in. (616 mm) 16.3 in. (414.5 mm) 2.0 oz (57 g) 1S 150-mAh 3.7v LiPo

Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

GREAT PLANES SEQUENCE 1.20 EP/GP ARF

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he Sequence 1.20 excels in crisp, smooth handling and arrow-straight tracking that provides precision maneuvers found on top-level competition airplanes.

With its slightly smaller dimensions and use of less expensive power systems, the Sequence 1.20 is ideal for intermediatelevel events.

Specifications Wingspan 71.5 in. (1815 mm) Wing area 836 in. (53.9 dm) Weight 9.75 – 10.75 lb (4420 – 4870 g) Wing loading 27 – 30 oz/ft. (82 – 92 g/dm) Length 73 in. (1855 mm)

Distributor HOBBICO 2904 Research Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 Hobbico.com

FLIGHTPOWER FP SERIES LIPOS

H Distributor HOBBICO 2904 Research Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-398-0007 Hobbico.com

obbico has just introduced the new FP Series LiPo batteries. In addition to offering a wider range of voltages and capacities, FP Series power packs are now available in four discharge rates: FP25 and FP30 series with 25C and 30C rates, and FP50 and FP70 packs with 50C and 70C rates. A fifth category — FPRX — offers pilots superior options in receiver power.

Charge rates range from 1C for FPRX packs up to a maximum of 3C on all other packs.

The packs come with factoryinstalled leads and connectors, plus

Features • Engineered for precise aerobatic maneuvers and fun sport flying • Lightweight balsa/ply construction with fiberglass cowl and wheel pants • Two-piece wing and stabilizers for easy transportation and storage • Designed for electric motor or 2- or 4-stroke glow engine power Price

$499.98 (GPMA1232)

rock-solid, ultrasonically welded cell tabs and balance connections. Receiver packs feature two universal connectors. Power packs now feature an industry-standard XH balancing connector. Some packs are equipped with micro charge/discharge connectors, but most packs now feature a new, high-efficiency polarized connector.

FlightPower provides extremely close cell matching and rigid quality control standards to ensure that FP Series packs offer the best-in-class life spans.

FlightPower also offers an industry-leading two-year limited warranty on all packs.

Capacities, connectors and stock numbers for all FP Series packs can be found on the company’s website, Flightpower-usa.com.

FRANK TIANO ENTERPRISES THE DOGFIGHTER

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ow Available from Frank Tiano Enterprises — a good-looking, largescale World War II Fighter Pilot figure that not only looks good, but looks “right” as well. This is NOT a reconditioned smaller pilot with a larger uniform. This articulated pilot is a full 15.5 inches tall, making it ideal

Distributor FRANK TIANO ENTERPRISES 3607 Ventura Dr. E. Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: 863-607-6611 Franktiano.com rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

for any 1/5- or 1/4-scale aircraft. The pilot fits properly in most Meister Scale, CARF, Bates, Don Smith, and Ziroli scale model fighters. And, if you remove the oxygen mask, he looks great in a Balsa USA World War I fighter as well. For those who can’t find a suitable civilian pilot, remove the Dogfighter’s head gear and you’re set.

Best of all, this pilot comes exactly as pictured. Our “DogFighter” is fully clothed, with soft helmet, goggles, and oxygen mask already installed. Getting it from the box to the cockpit will only take a minute!

Price $149.00 RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

SOARING USA OSPREY F5J

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s the popularity of ALES and F5J style competitions continues to expand, SoaringUSA continues to offer the newest models with the latest design concepts as a way to fit the needs of their customers.

The new Osprey F5J falls right into that category. The Osprey is a well thought-out design with unique features that make it a worthy competitor. The wings’ shorter center panel and longer tip design, coupled with generous dihedral make for a fantastic turning model. While this sailplane is contest-proven, it’s also amazingly docile and a superb choice to enhance one’s thermal soaring skills. The three-piece wing construction is of composite fiberglass with ample carbon reinforcing throughout, a carbon wrapped spar system, and solid carbon joiners. The fuselage’s pod is a mixture of carbon fiber/Kevlar with a preinstalled firewall and mated with a strong carbon boom. The removable elevator

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Price $995.00

Specifications

Distributor Soaring USA 827 N. Glendora Ave. Covina, California 91724 Phone: 626-967-6660 Soaringusa.com

teach you how to use and mix epoxies, cut glass and carbon fiber, prepare parts for laminations, proper wet-out technique, filling and surface refinishing, wet sanding, and final preparation for paint.

ou broke it; now you can learn to fix it! The Glider Repair Lab is a new high quality two-hour training video program Includes that will teach you how to do a variety Fuselage & Wing Repair Demos • Epoxy of repairs on crash-damaged composite powered or glider airframes made with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. Watch a four-minute preview and get more information on this training program at this link: radiocarbonart.com/GRLDD. Taught by glider expert Paul Naton, Distributor this money-saving program covers the materials, tools, and techniques required RADIO CARBON ART to complete structurally sound and PO Box 464 professional-looking repairs on fuselages Lewisburg, PA 17837 and both foam-core and moulded wings Phone: 888-834-2261 and fins. The easy-to-learn tutorials will Radiocarbonart.com

ESPRIT SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER TRAY ALUMINUM

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esigned specifically for the Spektrum DX9, this transmitter tray design is optimized for pilot comfort and ultimate control. The Spektrum DX9 transmitter simply slides in and is held securely in place without any fancy or complicated fasteners. It’s easy to use and quick to put

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

Wingspan Airfoil Length Weight Controls

134 in.

Drela modified 61 in.

42 oz empty Ailerons, elevator, rudder, flaps, throttle

Basics • Materials Safety • Epoxy Modifiers • Composite Materials Basics • Sanding and Grinding • Making Laminations • Repair Evaluations • Sanding • Painting Prep • Using Fillers and Primers • Wet Sanding & Fairing • Painting and Refinishing Techniques Price 2-hour digital download 2-hour DVD

$19.95 $21.95

Distributor ESPRIT MODEL 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 Espritmodel.com

on. Moreover, it will improve your piloting by holding the radio firmly in position.

Price $94.00 twitter.com/rcsportflyer

HANGAR 9 VALIANT 30CC ARF

T Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com

Specifications Wingspan Wing area Overall length Flying weight Engine

108.3 in. (275 cm) 1663 in.2 (107 dm2) 78.2 in. (199 cm) 16.5 – 17.5 oz (7.50 – 7.95 kg) 2-stroke gas: 33cc

he Hangar 9® Valiant™ 30cc ARF airplane is the sport pilot’s dream come true. It’s everything you liked about the classic high-wing model that nursed you through your first solo flights, and everything you wish it had as an experienced pilot. By retaining the cabinmodel looks, the friendly high-mounted wing design creates natural stability, as does the stretched fuselage and oversized tail surfaces. Handsome looks and fine details combine to make this a versatile airplane with the finished appearance of an executive cruise liner.

Features • Giant-scale versatility with an executive look

• Outstanding performance with a wide speed envelope • Top quality balsa and plywood construction that’s strong and light • Genuine Hangar 9 UltraCote® film covering • Functional flaps that significantly expand the flight envelope • Two-piece plug-in cantilever wing • Removable horizontal and vertical tail surfaces • Finished fiberglass cowl and wheel pants in matching colors • Painted aluminum landing gear • Tinted windows and windshield • Pre-drilled or pre-slotted control surface hinge locations • Ready to mount the Evolution® 33GX gas engine • Electric motor mount kit (sold separately) • Complete high-grade hardware package included • Optional float kit and tundra-style landing gear (available) Price

$599.99 (HAN5060)

SPEKTRUM VS1100 – ULTRA MICRO FPV SYSTEM

I Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

t has long been a dream of many RC pilots to see the world from the cockpit of their favorite model. FPV (First Person View) technology has finally made that possible and is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the hobby today. The VS1100 Ultra Micro FPV system provides consumers with the ability to easily and affordably integrate FPV into their existing Ultra Micro aircraft. Everything is included in one box, and installing the system takes only seconds.

Features • Includes Y-harness power connector • Allows camera to be powered by a separate battery or primary aircraft battery • Includes VA1100 Ultra Micro Camera • Signal suitable for UMX aircraft, helis, and quads • No FCC license required • Installs in seconds • Includes Fat Shark Teleporter V4 headset • Co-developed with Fat Shark & Spektrum • QVGA 320 x 240 LCD displays • 5.8-GHz wireless receiver • Spironet RHCP antenna • Exclusive digital head tracking technology • Mechanical head tracking via trainer link if needed • 760-mAh 7.4V LiPo battery • Lens cloth and carrying case Price $349.99 (SPMVS1100) RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

E-FLITE SLICK 3D 480 ARF AS3X® technology that delivers superb 3D performance.

Specifications Wingspan Length Wing area Weight Motor size Radio req Servos

42.1 in. (1070 mm) 39.5 in. (1000 mm) 390 in.2 (25.1 dm2) 37.5 – 39.7 oz (1125 - 1063 g) 480-size outrunner 4-channel plus (4) sub-micro servos

Distributor HORIZON HOBBY 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 Horizonhobby.com

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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he E-flite® Slick 3D 480 ARF is an aerobatic masterpiece that’s ideal for enjoying thrilling performance in a small field environment. The E-flite Slick 3D achieves the 3D vision from its striking UltraCote® covering scheme to its laseraccurate construction, all designed to suit a popular power system. The result is a level of style and maneuverability that’s sure to inspire you to take your flying to a new level. The recommended E-flite power system was designed around popular and economical 3S LiPo batteries in the 1800to 2200-mAh range. For the ultimate in agility and stability, install the Spektrum™ AR636 DSMX® 6-channel receiver with

Features • Ultra-lightweight, laser-cut balsa and plywood construction • Two-piece, plug-in wings with carbon fiber joiner tube • Ready-to-mount the recommended E-flite Park 480 outrunner • Large spring-latch canopy hatch provides ample access to battery and electronics • Fiberglass control horns and threaded pushrods with ball-link hardware • Large control surfaces with doublebeveled hinge line for all-out 3D performance • Vibrant trim scheme using genuine Hangar 9 UltraCote covering • Pre-painted fiberglass cowling and wheel pants • Durable aluminum landing gear with painted finish • Removable side-force generators • Steerable tail wheel and quality hardware package Price

$149.99 (EFL2865)

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P51D Mustang

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Weight: 15.0 oz.

Length: 25.5 in.

Wingspan: 29.5 in.

6

F4U Corsair Weight: 14.8 oz.

Length: 24.0 in.

Wingspan: 29.5 in.

13 Hawker Hurricane MKllB Weight: 14.9 oz.

Length: 24.5 in.

Wingspan: 29.5 in.

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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 $549

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

BUILD

FIESELER FI-156 STORCH 1/6-SCALE IS A BIG PROJECT

BY ROB CASO PHOTOS BY THAYER SYME AND JAMIE HOLZSCHUH

T

The definitive treatise on the Storch, which is becoming harder to find. Need one? Check with the Oberschleissheim location of the Deutsches Museum.

he Storch is one of those planes that you either love or loathe. For me, it’s its honesty of purpose, its function over form, which transforms it from an ugly duckling into a swan. It does what it’s designed to do very well, and shows you how it’s doing it all during the process.

You can certainly see it working hard in the air, with its control surfaces flapping all over the place to keep it in a straight line, but it also shows you what it’s doing as it touches down, takes off, or even as it just sits there with its landing gear spread wide. It’s simply doing its thing all the time. The Storch was an animated workhorse, and one that tells you about it in detail. It’s become my favorite airplane.

Although good three views are surprisingly difficult to find, much has been written on the aircraft, mostly in soft cover, magazinetype publications which feature it in articles on restorations and historical accounts. There are at least two comprehensive books on the airplane, the better one in German, of course.

A LITTLE HISTORY My model comes with a bit of romantic history, with my late father lugging the gigantic Svenson kit all

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

the way back from Germany in the 80s for a birthday present. Even then, those kits were somewhat rare — the only sixth scale game in town in the day — and I remember him telling me that he didn’t check it as baggage, fearing the worst. Where exactly it was stowed during the flight is a story lost to history. When I started the model in the 90s, I somehow happened upon a great Storch enthusiast by the name of Roland Hicks, who also has since passed away.

The Storch is a surprisingly complex subject in every regard — building, detailing, equipping, and flying — and I remember quite readily the endless strings of evening phone calls to Roland for help, sometimes two or three times a night. There were no such things as “email” or “cell phones” in those days, and Roland held my hand every step of the way. This was my first serious scale subject, and I would say that Roland is personally responsible for the success of my model. Its existence, in essence, is a tribute to both him and my father.

There are also some rather humorous anecdotes connected with this airplane. I had decided that a glass cowl would be the best choice for this model but, at the time I had no idea how to make one. Mark Frankel, who I twitter.com/rcsportflyer

This is an MG-15 I built from scratch. Soon after I built mine, Dragon came out with a dandy in 1/6-scale — such is scale modeling.

Extra ammo cases for the MG-15 were also made from scratch.

You probably won’t need that many.

had recently befriended, came to the rescue, showing me the process and materials. He also made the mistake of allowing me access to his paint booth so I could keep my marriage intact. Those of you who spray epoxy know what I mean here. OK, so I get the model “finished enough” and bring it to the WRAM show static display, whereupon I place second in post-WWI scale. Not bad just out of the box, right? The trouble was, Mark had also entered a model, but his took a third. I tried to find the exit fast that Sunday, but to no avail. “That’s the last time I let you use my paint booth” I remember him scolding.

THE SVENSON KIT Perhaps the Svenson kit is rare for a good reason. It’s not a good one. At the time, however, to me a kit was a kit and I dove right in.

Certainly, as I have proven, if you rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

One of the significant challenges with this model is keeping RC stuff out of the cockpit, which is, of course, the most convenient location.

Although it looks otherwise, the Storch is not a relaxing model to fly. It’s sensitive in roll and needs constant rudder and throttle.

want to build it, it can be made into a successful model, but it wasn’t easy. I still have my original plans, which are festooned with probably a thousand notes. No kidding. Most of these came from Roland, with him advising me of known problems, since he had already built one. Some of the notes also came from my desire to keep the weight off and to make the model accurate and flying field-friendly. For anyone interested, I contemporaneously kept notes on the needed changes and compiled a four-page list of these that I still have, and would be happy to share. The kit’s value lies in many of the fuselage parts (to be used as templates), the wing and sprung landing gear parts, and perhaps the plans. Forget about the rest. The instructions are terrible, the model as designed is overbuilt, and there are absolutely no details on how to really build it. The fact that

Roland’s model initially came out to over 18 pounds is proof of that. He redid much of it later and got it down to 16 pounds. Mine weighed in at 14.5.

If I had to do it again, I bet it could be a 13-pound model, which would be just about perfect.

A LITTLE MORE HISTORY When I said that I had the model “finished enough,” it really wasn’t ready to fly. It was painted (!) and presentable, but it needed a muffler, a scale cockpit, and a proper set up for flight. I remember being so sick of working on it I just let life and other modeling projects get in the way.

The year was 1993. Soon after, I was engaged with motorcycles and racing, building small models and starting to learn CAD and laser cutting. Loved but ignored, the Storch waited patiently for me to come back. I remember feeling sorry for it each time I walked RC-SF.COM

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BUILD

FIESELER FI-156 STORCH

I pictured here during a superb flying day at Warbirds over Delaware this year. Check out the spread of the landing gear.

Sometimes, even I get the landing approach just about right. The Storch likes a little head on breeze, so try to time wind shifts.

The Storch’s rudder is effective, but it’s not overbearing. If you build one, set it up for “all you can get.”

Nose down first for the approach at low throttle, tehn pull back and throttle up a little to set the model’s descent as you hold the nose up.

The slight pitch up close to the ground — not enough here — will get you closer to a stall and make for a perfect landing.

Ok, I hit the numbers (and with both wheels), but the landing gear absorbed my slightly too fast landing — try again.

by in my quest to complete other projects. By early 2006 I started getting mad — the Storch was not an airplane yet since it hadn’t flown, and it was high time that I got my priorities in order. I got to work relearning the model, checking systems, and making the hundreds of details — both functional and scale — that it had needed for so long. I remember clearly that the OS 90 that had been bench run prior to installation started

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

the first flip even after sitting for such a long time on the model, which was then taxied sans wings in my driveway.

This was a good omen. I can handle this thing.

THE BIG DAY Billy Jameson is probably the best natural RC flier that I have ever met. His constant hysterical joking and Top Gun flappery belies his natural talent as a pilot He is a known

quantity in emergency situations.

Without a doubt, he could grease in a streamlined crowbar blindfolded. After a full two weeks of testing, fiddling, adjusting, and fawning — this after the model was completely and totally finished — I made the call. “Bill, I think it’s ready.” “You think so, huh? We’ll see about that.” Gulp.

The model started up easily enough, as I knew it would, and Billy taxied it out. It was a warm, calm, late twitter.com/rcsportflyer

a little.” In retrospect, I guess I was glad he didn’t think it was a big deal.

Dodging the bullet, I robotically did exactly as he ordered, my advantage being that I was intimately familiar with all 87.5 clicks on the 90s needle valve. After scrounging up a propeller nut (amazingly, I had extra props with me) Billy flew the model twice more without incident, although he did tease me with an axial roll that I have not since attempted. That’s the last time I ask him “How are the ailerons?”

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THE STORCH TODAY I slowly overcame my fear and started flying the Storch somewhat regularly. Jim Noel, another great natural pilot, was there in those “early days” holding my hand — my security blanket, as it were. It’s amazing how important it is to have a seasoned and talented pilot talk you through what you have to do. The Storch is a “goes where you put it” kind of airplane.

It won’t self correct, it doesn’t like crosswinds, and it will yell at you if you do something wrong. Just try touching a wheel down one at a time — intended or not. The plane will wag its tail at you — “You did a bad thing and don’t do it again” — and hop wheel to wheel all the way through the roll out. Omit a dab of rudder input in a turn, and it will slide and slip all the way through it, making you look like an idiot. “I told you not to do that.” Crosswinds? “Come on, where’s

SPECIFICATIONS

summer evening at the field — Billy was the home team — with terrifyingly tall weeds surrounding the postage stamp runway. Those of you who have built a serious model know exactly what I was going through — a mixture of “I can’t wait to see it in the air” and “I can’t watch.” I remember how cool the thing looked getting light on its wheels during the ultra long, flaps-up takeoff. The airplane was flying, but the wheels didn’t get the memo. Billy broke ground and the model looked great — straight as an arrow, good take off angle, and plenty of power. Perfect! The world was a happy place. That is, until the engine quit, throwing propeller and spinner, at about 100 feet off the ground.

Aside from my life flashing before my eyes, I remember rifling through the thousand-line checklist in my mind, looking for the missing link. What had I missed? “I am now flying a 14 pound glider” I remember hearing as the sweat rolled down my face. The silence over the field — everyone had stopped flying in deference to the Storch’s maiden — was deafening.

Unfazed, Billy did a perfectly executed, nose down, wings level flat turn back towards base and planted the wheels — both at the same time — precisely where the weeds ended and the field began, with nary an inch difference.

“How the heck did you do that?” “Ah this airplane flies well, don’t worry about it. But richen up the engine

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the rudder? What’s wrong with you?

I want somebody else.” Nevertheless, get it right and the Storch will reward you with vivid displays of its amazing and varied abilities. It’s a strict teacher, but a fair one.

I have since become a student of this airplane, and it’s my favorite for many reasons. Its place among my other models is partly tribute to the many people who helped me build and fly it. Now I walk by the model with a certain feeling of romance, accomplishment, and sentiment. It challenged me every step of the way; it taught me what to do and what not to do. It continually rewards me for getting it right and punishes me for getting it wrong. I became a better modeler because of it.

Scale : 1/6 Wingspan : 93.5 in.

Wing area : 1030 in.2 All up weight: : 14.5 lb Wing loading: : 32.5 oz/ft2 Engine: : OS Max 90 Propeller: : 14 x 6 Radio : 5 channel Control functions : Aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle, flap Finish : Hobbypoxy epoxy over fiberglass/Supershrink Coverite Other features : Full cockpit, opening door, functional landing light, sprung LG

Everything’s either hanging out or deflected on this too high approach. The rudder tells you about the crosswind conditions that day. rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

RC-SF.COM

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BUILD

The upper surfaces of the Dynaflite Super Decathlon wing panels have been sheeted. Wing completion happens now, demonstrating several hints and tips you can use when constructing your own models.

DECATHLON WINGS, PART 2 WINGS ARE THE THINGS!

T

he wing panels for my Dynaflite Super Decathlon are framed, and their upper surfaces have been sheeted. Now I will add a few internal details and sheet the lower surfaces. Begin by pinning one panel down over the plans and the balsa washout strip. I use wooden upright triangles from Bob Holman Plans to ensure the correct positioning of the trailing edge over the plans.

Two balsa blocks are included in the Dynaflite kit. These are to be cut and fitted in the wing-bolt area to support the hold-down system and prevent the nylon bolts from crashing through an unsupported wing in flight.

I used my scroll saw and a ZONA saw

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

BY JEFF TROY

to cut one block diagonally, creating two triangular blocks, then I set the unused second block aside for some unknown future project.

After cutting, I used the ZONA saw to trim one side and the forward edge of the block to fit the bolt bay.

I used Bob Smith Quik-Set 5-minute epoxy to install the block, then I did the final trimming with a razor plane and an Easy-Touch sander with coarse sandpaper.

The modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s V-struts have a single attach point under the fuselage and two attach points under the wing.

Sheet metal screws are used to secure the struts, and they thread into a plywood area in the fuselage and two twitter.com/rcsportflyer

1

Pin down one wing panel over the plans, with upright triangles to help position it correctly. Cut, fit and install the balsa wing-bolt block with medium CA or 5-minute epoxy.

2

Use 15- or 30-min epoxy to install the fore and aft hardwood wing strut blocks into the wing structure. Hold the blocks securely with spring clamps until the epoxy cures.

3

I use triangle stock to reinforce some of the high-stress areas in my larger models. Each strut block receives three strips: one underneath the block and another on each side.

4

Bob Holman’s upright triangles are called into play once again when fitting and trimming the two-piece lower trailing-edge sheet. Don’t forget to sand the mating bevel at the sheet’s tail.

hardwood blocks in each wing panel.

This is a high-strength installation, so the blocks should be installed with 15- or 30-minute epoxy. Hold them securely with clamps until the epoxy cures.

I like to reinforce firewalls, strut points, landing gear blocks, and other high-stress components with balsa triangle stock. Adding bits of triangle along the available mating surfaces increases gluing area and provides additional strength to the joint. Three pieces of 1/2-in. triangle were added to reinforce each strut block in the wing. One piece was placed under the block, and the other two were glued along the sides of the block.

The trailing-edge sheets were constructed by joining two pieces of balsa. This happened when I made the sheets for the upper surfaces in the previous installment. The trailingedge sheet can be installed with aliphatic resin glue or medium CA, rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

depending upon how quickly you are able to work. If you prepare the sheet correctly and keep the triangles positioned at the trailing edge of the wing panel, the sheet can be dropped down quickly enough to allow for medium CA. Install the leading-edge sheeting in the same manner, centering its rear edge over the main spar and keeping the overhang at the sub-leading edge, root rib, and tip rib. Aliphatic resin is a good choice here, but thick CA — not medium — is acceptable if you can work quickly enough.

A balsa sheet must be installed over the aileron servo bay and between the leading-edge and trailing-edge sheeting. You’ll find it easier to make the rectangular cutout for servo clearance before trimming the sheet to fit. Measure the servo case — including the mounting tabs — and make the cutout. Then slip the servo into its mounting rails, hold

the sheet in position over the servo, and make your cut marks with a soft pencil. Do not use a pen or sharpie to make any marks on the model’s surface, because they can cause bleed and other imperfections in most finishing materials. Trim the sheet on the marks and double-check it over the servo bay. The reason I had you include the mounting tabs in your cutout was to allow removal of the servo if it should require servicing or replacement.

The lower surfaces of the ribs between the sheeting have a slight airfoil shape. This must be maintained on the inside edge of the servo tray sheet. Lay a piece of scrap balsa next to one of the ribs and trace its shape on the scrap. Cut the scrap to the airfoil shape and glue it to the inside of the servo cover sheet to support the edge of the sheet that isn’t supported by a rib on either side. This will prevent a flat spot in the sheet RC-SF.COM

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BUILD

DECATHLON WINGS, PART 2

5

Reinforce the underside of the servo bay cover with an airfoilshaped strip of balsa. This will maintain the same curvature as the airfoil instead of going flat in the center.

6

Cut the exit for the aileron servo wire before gluing the centersection sheet over the structure. Sharpen the edge of a brass tube; press and twist for a clean hole.

7

Position the front of the center-section sheeting, then use a straightedge to trim the rear edge of the sheet to fit against the trailing-edge sheeting. Install it with medium CA.

8

A long-reach No. 26 whittling blade in a No. 5 handle is ideal for trimming the edges of the sheeting after installation. These blades are sold by Excel Hobby Blades, Woodland Scenics, and others.

9

After trimming the sheeting, sand it flush with a flat Perma-Grit tool or an aluminum bar sander with coarse sandpaper. Keep the sander flat to prevent sanding in unwanted angles.

10

Glue the balsa leading-edge to the sub-leading edge with medium CA. Saw the excess at the ends, but not too closely. Sand it flush after shaping the leading-edge.

that would otherwise result in a nasty eyesore in your modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final finish.

The center-section sheets between the fore and aft sheeting were also prepared and set aside in the previous installment. Get them out and make the exit holes for the aileron

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

servo leads. Large drills in soft balsa get really sloppy and cause nasty splintering, so I use a different method to cut neat holes. K & S Metals offers brass, aluminum, and copper shapes of nearly every type you will ever need. Select a brass tube of sufficient

diameter to allow the servo plug to pass, then sharpen the inside edge of the tube with a hobby knife. Working from the underside of the sheet, press down gently while twisting the tube right and left over the desired location. In a matter seconds, the twitter.com/rcsportflyer

You can rough-shape the leading edge with endless cuts from a hobby knife, but it’s so much easier to use a razor plane. Hold the plane at a 90-degree angle.

12

Here is the wing panel’s balsa leading-edge after it’s been roughshaped with the razor plane. Note that the excess length of the leading edge is still not sanded flush.

SOURCES

11

Bob Holman Plans PO Box 741 San Bernardino, CA 92402 Phone: 909-885-9307 Bhplans.com Bob Smith Industries

13

sharpened tube will produce a neat, perfect hole in the sheet with no rough edge. You can use a pencil or a scrap stick to push the balsa scrap out of the tube.

After cutting and sanding it to fit correctly, the center-section sheeting can now be installed with medium CA. Then you can trim away any overhanging sheeting at the subleading edge, root rib, tip rib, and inside the aileron pocket. Because of the wing’s thickness, a normal No. 11 blade is impractical for trimming the sheets. You’ll do better with a No. 26 whittling blade and a No. 5 handle from Excel Hobby Blades. These are long enough to let you work neatly and accurately from the opposite side of the wing. Do the rough trimming with the blade and use the EasyTouch sander to bring the sheeting flush with the wing structure.

The wide balsa leading-edge strip can be glued to the face of the sub-leading edge and leadingedge sheeting with medium CA. Just be sure that the strip extends rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

A die-cut radius gauge is provided for the leading-edge. Shape the leading-edge with coarse paper on an Easy-Touch sander, checking your work with the gauge. Wing tips and ailerons are next, and I hope you will join me for them.

above and below the leading-edge sheeting along its entire length. After the adhesive cures, you can use a razor plane to rough-shape the strip, finishing the job with the Easy-Touch.

If you like, you can saw away the excess length at the root and tip before shaping the leading-edge, but be sure to leave at least 1/2-in. of overhang to allow for dips in the razor-planning process. A a die-cut plywood leading-edge gauge comes with the kit, and this should not be ignored. As you sand, use the gauge often to ensure the final shape of the leading-edge is aerodynamically correct all along its length.

This completes the basic assembly of wing panels. Shaping, sanding, and hollowing the wingtip blocks and constructing the Decathlon’s ailerons will be covered next month, with fuselage construction, final preparation, and covering to follow in subsequent installments. I do hope that you will join me for all of this.

Many of the techniques I describe in my series for RC Sport Flyer have

8060 Morro Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422 Phone: 805-466-1717 Bsi-inc.com Coverite Dynaflite Great Planes Model Mfg. Co. P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 Bestrc.com K & S Precision Metals 6911 W. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60638 Phone: 773-586-8503 KSmetals.com Perma-Grit Traplet Distribution USA 816 N. Country Fair Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 217-355-2970 Us.trapletshop.com Zona Tool Co. 16 Stony Hill Rd. Bethel, CT 06801 Phone: 203-796-7861 Zonatool.net

been demonstrated in previous installments. You can order back issues of RC-SF for reference from the publisher. Subscriptions to the magazine are available at $29.95 for 12 issues.

RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

LOCK FOR RETRACTS NO MAJOR REDESIGN REQUIRED, AND ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INEXPENSIVE!

BY TOM WOLF

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

The landing gear on the Mosquito is scratch-built and replicates a lot of the detail found on the full-scale Mosquito. However, the initial version of the landing gear did not include an up-lock.

W

hen I scratch-built the retractable landing gear for my 1/5-scale de Havilland Mosquito, I followed the design scheme and component geometry utilized on the full-scale aircraft. It employs dual oleo struts supporting the wheel and axle, pivoting rearward to retract, and supported by two trailing links that lock slightly over-

The landing gear for the Mosquito utilizes two oleo struts supported by two trailing links. The trailing links provide an over-center down-lock, but there is no up-lock in this basic unit.

center to provide a down-lock. The full-scale airplane utilizes a hydraulic cylinder to drive the landing gear, while my model uses a pneumatic cylinder. While this retraction scheme was relatively simple to implement, the problem I encountered is that unlike the full-scale landing gear, my model’s landing gear did not have an up-lock. As a result, the model’s

gear doors would pop open and the landing gear would come out for a little “peek-a-boo” every time I pulled it through positive G maneuvers, such as during a steep turn or an abrupt pull-up.

This situation was unsatisfactory for an airplane intended for scale competition, so I had to come up with a fix. Since the gear was already

The up-lock unit is shown here in the lock-released position. The geometry of the moving arm is such that the latch moves up and away from the trailing link cross-member, releasing the gear to allow it to move to the gear down position.

This photo shows how the spring latch moves out of the way while the trailing link crossmember passes by during landing gear retraction. As soon as the crossmember passes by sufficiently, the latch springs back into its rest position (shown on next page). At that point, the gear is locked in the up position.

The up-lock unit is shown here in the lock-enabled position. The spring-loaded latch is the black nylon part located on the rotating arm to the right side of the assembly. Note that the servo arm is positioned to isolate gravity loading from the landing gear to prevent backdriving the servo.

The up-lock assembly is in the lock-enabled position and viewed from the opposite side relative to the photo above. A torsion spring provides the springloaded functionality.

The half-round relief in the structure just below the latch provides clearance for the trailing link crossmember.

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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HOW TO

LOCK FOR RETRACTS

The up-lock assembly is mounted at the top of the wheel well in a position that ensures the locking latch engages the rear crossmember on the landing gear trailing link assembly.

This photo shows the trailing link cross-member approaching the up-lock latch as the landing gear retracts.

The trailing link cross-member has engaged the up-lock latch in this photo. The landing gear is now up and locked. When the landing gear is commanded down, the latch is released by the servo on this assembly.

installed in the airplane, I put my mind to work to come up with an up-lock system that could be added to the existing installation. This article will describe the design I settled on, which has proven to work quite well, was inexpensive to build, and was relatively easy to install.

MY DESIGN While watching the gear transition from gear down to gear up, I noticed that the rear cross-member on the forward portion of the trailing link came to within about one and one half inches of the top of the wheel well when fully retracted. The path that it took toward the end of retraction was nearly a straight vertical line. It occurred to me that if a spring latch was placed at the appropriate location, it could latch onto this crossmember and effectively lock the

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

landing gear in the retracted position.

The problem would then be to release this latch for gear down.

After some brainstorming, I came up with a servo-driven mechanism that moves the latch to a released position when the landing gear is commanded down, and moves the latch back into position to lock the landing gear in the up position when the retract channel is switched to gear up. The accompanying photos show the up-lock assembly and how it works. Note that the servo arm is positioned to prevent landing gear gravity loads from back-driving the servo when the up-lock is engaged.

The servo is “Y” connected with the landing gear channel, so that it is positioned to latch the gear when the gear channel is in the “gear-up” setting, and releases when the gear channel is in the “gear down” setting.

After building and installing this unit, I have had no additional problems with “peek-a-boo” landing gear events. I now have close to 50 flights on my model with this setup, and it has worked flawlessly to date.

There are obviously other solutions to this problem, including using electro-mechanical drive systems instead of pneumatic cylinders.

However, the design described in this article allowed me to achieve satisfactory operation without having to do a major redesign of the landing gear system. It was also relatively inexpensive to build, with the cost limited to the price of two mini servos.

The penalty is a slight weight increase, but that’s a small price to pay get good performance without the pain of a major redesign.

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HOW TO

MULTIROTOR ARDUPILOT APM 2.6

IT’S EASY AND FUN TO DO. TRY IT!

BY JAMES VANWINKLE

A

few months ago I wrote about a fabulous multirotor and promised a follow-up about the autopilot I use for stability and control.

There are several options to choose from these days, but in my opinion, one stood above all others, and that one is the 3DRobotics® APM 2.6. I am still flying it, and have since bought another to add to an airplane.

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR What makes the APM so special is its ability to turn an air or ground vehicle into a completely autonomous system that can follow GPS waypoints programmed through a point-and-click interface. Amazing features include things like a return to home function, bringing your aircraft back to you in the case of a lost

This is the system as it comes out of box, including a power cable for the unit and various data cables.

Added to the ArduPilot is the required GPS/Compass plus my receiver.

The system is installed on a Bat Bone’s frame, with the wires tidied up a bit. The new units come with connectors on the ends, so the install is even more compact. Try to keep the compass away from other electronics if possible.

There isn’t a lot of room here, but I try to keep it away from the model’s ESCs and receiver.

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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This shot was taken with my tricopter while using my FPV setup. Believe it or not, I flew the tow plane and took this KA8 up, released, landed, then took my tricopter up to get some photos and video.

signal or when you accidentally flip a switch. Another great feature is the basic stability system, which is always turned on for multirotors. It works to keep the aircraft level and limits the pitch and roll angle of the vehicle. If for some reason orientation is lost, simply letting go of the sticks will level and stabilize the craft, allowing the operator to orient themself without worrying about some of the dire consequences often experienced with loss of orientation. This mode can be muted, but it is on by default, and it’s hard to imagine any reason for turning it off unless the pilot wanted to roll or loop, or, in the case of a multirotor, flip the aircraft.

The possibilities are endless with the ArduPilot. One of my mostused modes programmed onto my transmitter switches is the loiter function, which I refer to as “park mode.” It will stop my tricopter in

EEN SCRHOT S

place and hold altitude and position, even compensating for the drift due to wind. To demonstrate this mode, I like to park it at 6 feet altitude and walk up to it, drag it several feet away by one of the legs, and let go. The copter moves back into position and even rotates to point exactly where it began. This is also useful if orientation is lost because it stops everything and holds position while the pilot figures things out.

Following waypoints programmed via the mission planner is another often-used mode which allows the aircraft to hit points marked on a Google Earth overlay. Each point can have its own altitude set, as well as what to do at that point, such as remain in position for a set time period or even land.

Auto land is one of the coolest features, where a simple flip of the switch will bring the model down

The onscreen display is an optional piece of hardware that gives the user a ton of information. It’s up to the pilot where to place the items and how much of the data to display on the screen.

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

EEN SCRHOT S

gently until it touches earth. Then, the system will shut off the motors and make the system safe. It does not automatically know the altitude of where it’s landing, so it comes down at a set rate of speed until the accelerometers sense it has touched down. With the use of some add-on equipment, the copter can sense altitude, but for typical landings that’s not required.

For airplanes, the ArduPilot is just as amazing. At the flip of a switch, the aircraft will right itself from any position to flying level in about one second. Airplanes can take advantage of all the other functions similar to the way a multi rotor would — except stopping in position, of course, though it will circle in place at a predetermined circle radius. Auto land also works, and I proved this at our airfield when I set up a mission to hit a few points. It flew over the runway, where it cut the engine and glided, wings level, until it gently touched earth. The demonstration was perfect and literally jaw-dropping for one fellow pilot who was quite skeptical of any autopilot (that is, until he witnessed the ArduPilot in action).

Another example of flying the system in my airplane occurred during a first person view (FPV) flight. I was flying and exploring from the air when

I don’t like clutter, so I keep my screen’s data to a minimum with heading, airspeed, altitude, and battery life on the display. I also keep the arrow in the middle of the screen, which always points back to home in case I get lost.

RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

MULTIROTOR ARDUPILOT APM 2.6

EEN SCRHOT S

Setting up the ArduPilot couldn’t be easier. Some simple check boxes will get the user from box to the air in no time.

Options are for airplanes, ground vehicles, multirotors, and helicopters, though even watercraft are included in the setup options.

EEN SCRHOT S

A simple flight mission is set up using the Google Earth overlay. Just click with a mouse and a new waypoint is added. You can set the altitude, airspeed, and what to do at each waypoint, such as loiter for a set time period, or even land. This could not be simpler.

EEN SCRHOT S

Once the system is powered via a USB connector, the ArduPilot finds the home position. In my case, it found my office. This mission planner page can be used to fly the entire mission with gauges showing aircraft telemetry and a signal updating feature that shows where the unit is on a map in real-time.

EEN SCRHOT S

Tuning takes place on this screen, where each model can be tweaked if needed. There are already some customized models on the system for aircraft like the Bixler and Skywalker airplanes and many of the more popular multirotors. For multirotors, these parameters don’t need to be touched very often unless there’s something abnormal going on. The default settings are normally perfect, and that goes for airplanes as well.

I heard someone say they lost their turbine jet, which had crashed some distance from the runway. From my vantage point in the air I was able to locate where it went down and actually flew to the area, placing the model in a loiter mode, circling above that spot while I panned the camera to the crashed model. It was easy for others to see the location of the crash because my airplane was dutifully circling overhead.

A FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE SYSTEM APM has a default setup for most multirotor configurations (and airplanes) on the market today, and during setup a series of click boxes will help ensure the correct software is automatically loaded onto the system. For those savvy enough to want to create their own software,

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

the APM is Arduino™ compatible and the code is entirely open source. Most will never touch this because there are so many preset options available, but if you’re the creative type and you develop a new style of air vehicle, the system is completely open to those who want to delve into the base code.

Going from the box to the air is possible within an hour after a few basic steps are completed, which are accomplished via the freeware Mission Planner maintained by developer Michael Oborne and a cast of supporting users. The Mission Planner is the interface that is used to set up the APM, make tweaks if necessary, design missions, define switches on the transmitter, and even analyze flight parameters.

The basic model comes with a GPS and integrated compass, which

are needed for some of the most advanced functionalities, such as following waypoints and the return to home function. Additionally, an onboard barometric pressure sensor, a data flash chip for data logging, and integrated accelerometers make this system one of the most advanced on the market.

MISSION PLANNER The use of the mission planner is what really makes the ArduPilot system amazing. The user can program waypoints, set up special parameters, and even download nearly 100 telemetry items that are monitored thanks to the built-in data flash system. It also serves as a cockpit of sorts during the flight if the add-on telemetry system is utilized, showing the location of the aircraft on the twitter.com/rcsportflyer

EEN SCRHOT S

Additional parameters can be selected here and on another screen, indicating system options and their status. Servos can be reversed, voltage monitoring can be turned on, and you can even set up a virtual fence to keep the model from flying too far away.

screen via a Google Earth overlay perspective.

Flight modes are set using the mission planner interface, with up to 6 different modes assigned to switches on the transmitter. There are plenty of options, but my most commonly used modes are stabilize (default as the first mode), loiter (hold exact position), auto (fly a waypoint-directed mission), return to launch (bring the aircraft home), and autoland (land the aircraft automatically).

The mission planner is used to review the telemetry after a flight, or in the worst cases, analyze a crash or mishap. It logs what mode the model was in at all times and has additional parameters such as voltage, amperage, GPS lock, vibration levels, and more.

This screenshot shows the voltage and current during my flight. The analysis tools are amazing, allowing the user to see what the aircraft was doing at all points of the flight. It also shows what mode the aircraft was in during the flight, from stability mode to loiter mode, and back to stability mode again.

my favorites include those like the on-screen display, which sends many parameters across the video link so you can see the status of your model if you’re using an FPV system.

Another excellent add-on is the Wireless 3DR Radio Set, which will send real-time telemetry back to a laptop as the model flies along. The user can actually send programming instructions back to the craft using the data link. If you are flying along and notice something you want to check out, you could send instructions to loiter over an area with just the click of a button. One of my friends set his multirotor up to follow his laptop, so as he walked along the copter followed him everywhere he went, which was both amazing and a bit creepy at the same time!

Other options include LIDARLite™ for measuring distance up to 40 meters. Another option is the use of an ultrasonic range finder for less

precision than the LIDAR-Lite (and less money too). There are plenty of other options added all the time; a visit to the 3DRobotics website will provide details of all the extras available.

CONCLUSION I have more than 200 flights on my Bat Bone tricopter, and the ArduPilot 2.6 has made my flying experience much more fun and reliable than trying to fly a multirotor with any other system.

I have added on some extras, such as my GoPro® camera and FPV to see from the model’s perspective via the on screen display. Flying with the ArduPilot is amazing and highly recommended; as I mentioned previously, I bought another one recently to install in my airplane.

PRICE ArduPilot 2.6 with external GPS is only $ 239.99.

DISTRIBUTOR

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS There are plenty of additional options for the APM system, and

EEN SCRHOT S

3D Robotics 7170 Convoy Street San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: 858-225-1414 3drobotics.com

In the text I mention finding a crashed jet before anyone else arrived on scene. This is that airplane, which unfortunately was a total loss. Once I saw the crash, I flew to the site, placed the aircraft in a loiter, then panned my camera to the wreckage without worrying about flying the aircraft because it was in a preprogrammed mode. rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

POWERBOX BUS SYSTEM CONVENIENT, SIMPLE, AND SAFE

BY DIPL. ING. KARL-HEINZ KEUFNER

P

owerBox Systems has a history of enhancing safety in flying large, valuable model aircraft.

PowerBox’s latest product — the PowerBus — builds on this design philosophy.

The technology is not new; bus systems represent the state-of-theart in the RC industry. In basic terms, the servo data is transmitted serially at high speed using a single cable — a bus. Current model airplanes carry a great deal of extremely sophisticated

electronics, so it was really only a matter of time before bus systems were introduced into model aircraft.

PowerBox Systems is an innovative company that has now introduced such a system. This article will clarify how their system works.

It will also convey some of the technical background relating to bus technology and outline its advantages as they apply to model aircraft. I’ll share our laboratory tests on the components of the PowerBus system.

THE FUNDAMENTALS Serial bus technology is employed in every area of modern telecommunication and data transmission in order to cope with the continuing increase in the quantities of data which must be handled. The most important feature of a serial bus system is that it requires only one cable, which supplies both energy and information to multiple devices. In terms of model aircraft, the most obvious feature of this

FIG. 1

This method of connecting servos is not very suitable for largescale models, because it offers no security features of any kind.

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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FIG. 2

Much better and safer, in this system the servos are connected using a highperformance battery backer.

FIG. 3

An enhancement in security is the redundancy of the receivers and serial connections between the receivers and the backer.

modern method of data transfer is that all servos are connected using a single cable; i.e., one bus branch.

Naturally this means the bus cable has to handle data at a much higher sample rate than a conventional radial (hub-and-spoke) wiring arrangement, where each servo is connected separately to the receiver. Although this principle is a departure for the model aircraft world, it is a totally mature technology.

In our everyday lives we constantly use data transfer structures of this type, and they work very efficiently.

For example, most peripheral devices rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as printers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are connected to a PC using a USB interface; i.e., as in the case of the Universal Serial Bus. Nowadays the best method of telephony involves the use of a digital data cable and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) telephones or similar digital terminal devices.

This arrangement allows several digital telephones to operate using a common bus. When it is necessary to use conventional analogue telephones, appropriate adapters are employed. This again is a serial bus: the ISDN bus. In the world of professional telecommunications technology, the ISDN bus is now a fundamental component. Connecting each telephone to a central hub

using separate cables in a radial arrangement would be far too complex and prone to problems.

However, the radial method is exactly how we have always wired up the equipment in our model aircraft: all the servos are fed information via dedicated cables. One result is complex, confusing wiring in the model, combined with excessive weight. Anyone who has tried wiring a gliderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s servos that uses three control surfaces and an airbrake per wing panel is well aware of these problems.

If that includes you, you will be delighted to find that the PowerBus enables the same system to be wired in a wing using just one cable.

Note that the data on the bus RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

POWERBOX BUS SYSTEM

FIG. 4

This is the future. It provides ultra-safe, convenient serial servo connections to the receiver via a PowerBox backer.

is encoded. The data carries an address code in addition to the pure information for the servosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; positions. The servos connected to the PowerBus or the bus adapters understand this code, and only process the information intended for them; they ignore the remainder of the data stream. In practice, this works as follows: the rudder servo knows its own encoded address, and extracts from the data stream only that information which is addressed to it.

It utilizes this information to carry out the required rudder movements.

If the PowerBox system is used, the connection between the transmitter and the servos is digital from start to finish. The transmitter generates digital, high-resolution signals in accordance with the current positions of the transmitterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controls. These data are then passed serially to the receiver at high data rates; nowadays, this means a 2.4GHz radio connection. It makes no sense for the receiver to convert these data into quasi-analogue PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals and pass them to the various servos in radial form via individual cables, only for the signals to be converted back into digital form if the model is fitted with digital servos. This multiple

data conversion processes takes time. There is, however, another fundamental problem: the danger of errors creeping into the conversion process. Modern technology uses a completely digital connection, as it offers maximum security and speed. You only need to think of the efficiency of USB connections, as mentioned earlier.

SAFETY FIRST The individual airborne components required for the control of a model aircraft may be arranged in various ways, and their positions play an important part in operational safety. Fig. 1 shows the simplest arrangement, which is still employed today in many models.

The various servos for the two wing

panels, the two elevator servos, one rudder servo, and the throttle servo are connected directly to the appropriate receiver outputs. Each servo is connected using a separate three-core lead which carries both positional information and electrical energy. Data density on the individual data wires is very low; all that passes along the signal wire is a chain of PWM signals. This arrangement of the airborne electronics offers far too little security, especially when we are dealing with large-scale models.

There is absolutely no redundancy, and this is a particularly glaring omission in the case of the power supply.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 2 closes this gap in security. The PowerBox Professional incorporates

Components like these are used to assemble a PowerBUS system. The connections are simple and quick to make.

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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a battery backer, which provides for redundancy in the power supply. The airborne electronic system is powered by two independent batteries, and this represents a significant improvement in safety in the power supply. In addition to a constant, stabilized voltage, the use of a backer of this type provides further safety-relevant advantages. The servo signals are amplified and interference signals are suppressed. The individual servos are de-coupled from each other. The unit also features an integrated Servo Match function, which is more than just convenient; it is vital if a single control surface is actuated by multiple servos. Servo matching is used to fine-tune the servos’ travels and avoid them working against each other.

Unfortunately, a backer of this type involves further complication in the wiring arrangement, since additional patch-leads are required between the receiver outputs and the backer inputs. These are needed because the signals transferred at the input and output are PWM signals, so the data density on these cables is also low. This arrangement is also less than optimal in terms of reception redundancy — there is none, since the system only incorporates one receiver.

The wiring system typified by Fig. 3 solves this problem, since it is based on two independent receivers.

However, it is no longer possible to wire both receivers individually, so a serial bus system is required, as shown in the diagram. Modern 2.4-GHz receivers are fitted with serial output sockets for precisely this purpose. The data density in this circuit is high, and the information is passed from the receivers to the backer in serial form.

In this case, the signals transferred are digitally encoded; i.e., they contain both positional data and addresses.

This is professional data transmission.

However, even with the arrangement shown in this diagram there is a drawback: the data passed from the backer to the servos is still quasianalogue in nature. In other words, they take the form of PWM signals, so there is still room for improvement.

PowerBox Systems has now tackled this drawback with the PowerBus. Fig. 4 shows a typical rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

The hub of the system is a modern SRS backer with bus outputs, such as the PowerBox Champion SRS, with satellite ports.

circuit in diagrammatic form: serial signal chains for all the servos are generated by a bus-enabled backer — such as the PowerBox Champion — and passed along three-core cables of adequate size. The bus cable also carries the power supply to the servos. Data density is high both at the input and output side of the backer.

This arrangement greatly reduces the complexity of the wiring and creates a digital flow of information from the transmitter right through to the servos.

Data transfer operates in accordance with a protocol. The information is encoded and carries an address code as well as positional information for each servo. Each of the servos connected to the bus understands this code, and only processes the information intended specifically for it. The servos simply ignore all other data. In simplified form, the system works like this: the rudder servo knows its own encoded address.

From the data stream, it extracts just the information addressed to itself and uses that information to generate the movement of the rudder.

Considerable weight is saved through the elimination of individual servo leads. This method of controlling servos reflects the current state of data transmission technology.

POWERBUS SYSTEM DESIGN FEATURES The PowerBus transfers data from

a maximum of sixteen proportional channels and two switched channels.

The bus can therefore control the corresponding number of servos. It is not uncommon for the two bus outputs fitted to the PowerBox backer to be insufficient. In such cases, a distributor — known as a PowerBus splitter — must be employed. These units feature one input and two outputs and provide a convenient means of creating one bus branch for each wing panel, and a third for the tail surfaces, as shown in Fig. 4. The advantage is obvious: a single threeway connector is used at each wing root to connect the wing-mounted servos. The splitter is housed in a very small, lightweight plastic case, while the connections take the form of the familiar heavy-duty MPX connector system. PowerBox Systems can supply ready-made cable sets for the bus wiring. They are available in various lengths, and are manufactured according to high standards of quality. However, the modeler can also make their own bus leads for the exact length required, as the cable is available “off the roll,” and the plugs and sockets are widely available.

The servos are actually connected to adapters, of which PowerBox Systems can supply two different types. The PowerBus-to-PWM adapter is used for servos that do not feature an integral bus decoder. The bus RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

POWERBOX BUS SYSTEM

Conventional servos can be operated using a Bus-to-PWM adapter. It supports up to four servos on the output port.

A PowerBUS splitter is employed if additional bus cables are required. As you can see there is tone input and two outputs.

signal is decoded in the adapter, which converts it into a standard PWM signal. It is extremely simple to configure the correct channel. All you need do to complete the task quickly and reliably is to follow the operating instructions. Hold down the SET button, then connect the bus lead to the adapter’s input. The LEDs assigned to the servo outputs will light in sequence. When the output you wish to program is active, release the button and the corresponding LED will continue to glow, but much less brightly. Repeatedly press the SET button to select the channel whose signal is to be generated at this socket, and the settings are stored.

To program a different port, simply disconnect the adapter briefly from the bus. Modern analogue servos can be used with the PowerBus-to-PWM adapter, as well as digital servos.

The PowerBus-to-Bus adapter does not feature an integral decoder, and is designed to be used in combination with servos that already contain their own decoder. This type of servo can be configured independently in order to assign the channel you require. Such servos are available; the PowerBus is fully compatible with S-Bus servos made

by Robbe/Futaba, which means any S-Bus servo can be connected directly to the Bus-to-Bus adapter.

There are various possible methods of configuring an S-Bus servo; i.e., of assigning the correct channel. You will find detailed information on this in the operating instructions supplied with all Robbe/Futaba S-Bus servos.

There is a another very important aspect of the PowerBus which should not be overlooked — integral short-

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The Bus-to-Bus adapter is used for connecting servos which feature an integral decoder. I explain this in the text of the article.

circuit and overload protection. The outputs of the PowerBus-to-PWM adapter and the PowerBus-to-Bus adapter are protected against these situations. The protection takes the form of electronic fuses and applies both to the data wires and the power supply. It would clearly be disastrous if a single faulty servo were to affect all the other servos connected to the bus and prevent them from working.

If a short-circuit suddenly occurs in a servo, and blocks the signal input, then the fuse switches off this port within a few micro-seconds, and the bus remains functional. All the other servos continue to operate entirely normally. The same applies to the servos’ power supply. The electronic fuses immediately unlatch when the fault is corrected. Every adapter features integral signal amplifiers for all servo outputs and the bus output.

This simply means the optimal signal is always fed to the servos, making it possible to wire multiple bus adapters in a series.

LABORATORY TESTS The PowerBus components were

subjected to a comprehensive test program in the laboratory. Our initial impressions: everything is very easy and convenient to handle, and can be inter-connected very quickly and securely. The essential programming of the PowerBox Champion backer is also a quick, painless procedure.

For our purposes, the only important point is knowing which channel assignments are present. Unrestricted channel assignment facilities are provided in the backer’s Output Mapping menu, so it is possible to assign the bus channels exactly as you wish. The programming of a PWM adapter turned out to be just as effortless using the procedure described above, resulting in four standard digital servos of different makes operating normally with the adapter and the PowerBus. Tests involving Robbe/Futaba S-Bus servos in conjunction with the Bus-to-Bus adapter were just as straightforward; all that had to be done was to program the servos to the desired channel number. Nothing abnormal or unexpected happened. Everything worked to our complete satisfaction. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

SPECIFICATIONS

PowerBus splitter Operating voltage : 4.0 – 9.0 V (2S LiPo, 2S LiFePo, 5S NiCd / NiMH) Maximum load current : Max. 30 amps Signal input : PowerBus Operating temperature range : -30o to +75o C Dimensions : 59 x 33 x 9 mm Weight : Approx 17 g PowerBus-to-PWM Adapter Operating voltage : 4.0 – 9.0-volt (2S LiPo, 2S LiFePo, 5S NiCd / NiMH) Maximum load current : Max. 20 amps Signal input : PowerBus

Futaba S-Bus brushless servos will work perfectly with the new PowerBox Systems PowerBus system.

Channels : 18 Servo sockets : 4 Servo signal resolution : 0.5 µs Operating temperature range : -30o C to +75o C Dimensions : 59 x 33 x 9 mm Weight : Approx 17 g PowerBus-to-Bus Adapter Operating voltage : 4.0 – 9.0-volt (2S LiPo, 2S LiFePo, 5S NiCd / NiMH) Maximum load current : Max. 20 A Signal input : PowerBus

Ready-made cables are available in various lengths, making it a quick, simple job to assemble a reliable bus system in a model aircraft.

Channels : 18 Servo sockets : 4 Operating temperature range : -30o C to +75o C Dimensions : 59 x 33 x 9 mm Weight : Approx 17 g

We also wanted to investigate how the electronic fuses in the adapters operated, so we stripped part of the insulation from all three wires in a servo connecting lead. This enabled us to deliberately short the conductors. We did this between the earth and signal wires, and also between the power wires. The result was absolutely clear: shorting the conductors had absolutely no effect on the operation of the other servos. They continued to function completely normally, so our verdict is the electronic fuses do exactly what they promise. Once the shortcircuit was removed, the affected servo immediately reverted to normal operation. You must not overestimate the importance of this feature of the PowerBus system. It is also important to know that there was no heat buildup in the servo lead when a shortrc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

circuit was deliberately provoked, so a “servo short” will not cause a cable to catch fire.

Another interesting point about the PowerBus design is the level of the current at which the electronic fuses are triggered. It is clearly vital that a fuse is not tripped simply because a servo must cope with a momentary severe current load. This is clearly not the case with this system. We established that a current up to 7.0 amps could be applied to the power supply leads at the output of an adapter before the fuse responded, and currents of this magnitude do not occur even in extreme pull-out maneuvers. If a servo should ever draw such a high current, it is an absolutely clear indication of a fault, and this will not influence the system as a whole thanks to the presence of the electronic fuses.

SUMMARY The introduction of the PowerBus system definitely raises the bar a notch in terms of operational security. The new, simple method of wiring servos has a significant reducing effect: everything becomes simpler and lighter. At the same time, the system does not exclude the possibility of continuing to use existing high-quality servos equipped with PWM adapters. In our laboratory session, the system easily passed every test. It represents the current state of technology, and even offers protection from the effects of defective servos. Anyone planning to outfit a new large-scale model should seriously consider the adoption of this new technology!

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ASK 16

BY HANS-JÜRGEN FISCHER

R

SPECIFICATIONS

D-I ISO

udolf Kaiser designed the ASK 16 motor glider. It was first flown February 2, 1971 and was subsequently put into production by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. of Furth, Germany. They built a total of 44 gilders, which were sold to private pilots and used by many clubs as trainer aircraft. Many of the ASK 16s are still flying, with most of them located in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and Great Britain.

The glider employs a welded-tube frame, wooden wings, and fabriccovered tail feathers. The aircraft is a low-wing design, as shown in the accompanying photos. By today’s standards, the wing has a relatively low aspect ratio. The design provides for a side-by-side seating arrangement, and the canopy is sidehinged. The ASK 16 has a retractable tail-wheel and main gear, with the mains retracting inwards. It has dual controls, which accommodates its use as a primary trainer.

Crew : 2 Payload : 290 kg (630 lb) Wingspan : 16.01 m (52 ft 6 in.)

Length : 7.34 m (24 ft 1 in.)

Height : 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in.)

Wing area : 16.0 m² (205 ft²) Empty weight : 460 kg (1012 lb) Max. takeoff : 750 kg (1650 lb) weight Powerplant : 1 × Limbach SL.1700.EBI piston engine, 54 kW (72 hp) Maximum : 200 km/h (108 knots, 124 airspeed mph) Cruise speed : 171 km/h (92 knots, 106 mph) Range : 330 km (178 nmi, 205 mi) Rate of climb : 2.5 m/s (492 ft/m)

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Participants gather around the first station at the first-ever NAB Aerial Videography Field Trip to learn about the fundamentals of multirotor flight operations.

In total, about 50 film and television professionals attended the day-long session.

HOLLYWOOD GETS A LESSON IN UNMANNED AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY

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Established in 1861 to support miners working the Techatticup gold mine in Eldorado Canyon, Nelson, Nevada, has evolved from a ghost town into a rustic roadside attraction, with on-site caretakers who offer tours of the abandoned mine and kayak rentals.

A playground for photographers of both the aerial and ground-based persuasions, the sun-bleached ghost town of Nelson, Nevada, offers a collection of decaying classic cars, rusty industrial equipment, aged wooden buildings, and even a wrecked airplane. Just watch out for cactus and rattlesnakes.

A DJI Phantom 2 Vision piloted by one of the participants in the NAB Aerial Videography Field Trip floats among corrugated iron roofs and disused storage tanks that lend the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada its roughhewn charm. Attendees were advised to bring their own micro-SD cards to capture their aerial exploits.

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lthough the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) predicts that agriculture will account for about 80 percent of the domestic drone market in the years ahead, film and television producers have firmly established themselves early adopters of this new technology.

The reasons are as clear as the taut action thriller unfolding in glorious, 1080p high-definition video on your 52-inch flat screen TV. Drones are not only cheaper and safer than manned aircraft, they can also get shots that rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

would be impossible with a full-sized helicopter.

Cheaper, safer and better is always winning formula, but that goes double for an industry where “low budget” is a product category. However, with the commercial use of drones still mired in what might charitably be called a legal “gray area” — or perhaps, in a more forthright manner, a “Kafkaesque nightmare” — there has been an absence of authoritative information on the subject, even for those working in the film and television industry.

I’M HUNGRY That started to change this spring when the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) offered a one-day introduction to aerial filmmaking as a part of its annual trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. About 50 film and video professionals rode out across the desert to Nelson, a tiny mining town established in 1861 at the foot of the Techatticup gold mine.

Once the richest mines in the entire state, Techatticup — a phrase that means “I’m hungry” in the language of the local native peoples RC-SF.COM

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The Roswell Flight Test Crew’s RQCX-3 “Raven” was certainly not the most sophisticated multirotor in the skies over Nelson, Nevada, during the NAB Aerial Videography Field Trip in early April — but she was the only one using a Rubbermaid fruit bowl for a housing.

— was exhausted more than a century ago, leaving miles of underground tunnels and a picturesque ghost town as the only evidence of the precious gold and silver wrestled from beneath this sun-scorched patch of earth.

“This is a fabulous location. The ghost town here has a relationship with the NAB Show, and we’ve had some field trips here in the past,” explained Mannie Frances, managing director for VASST Training, who organized the event. “For many reasons, this is a perfect location to get upwards of 10 drones in the air at the same time.

“This class is the first-ever aerial videography field trip at NAB,” he continued. “Everybody actually has the opportunity to take control of a drone and fly through this beautiful setting out here in the Eldorado Canyon.

“We’ve also got a monitoring station and that’s where we’re looking at different types of field monitors and FPV monitors, including goggles.

So, everybody here today has an opportunity to put some goggles on and see what it’s like to fly a drone from a first-person viewpoint.”

With the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada, in the background, participants at the NAB Aerial Videography Field Trip gather around to watch a custom-built X-8 multirotor from ZM Interactive conduct a flight demonstration.

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ADVANCED TECHNIQUES The attendees were divided into groups that rotated through four separate stations during the event, each highlighting a different aspect of unmanned aerial photography.

The first station covered fundamental aspects of how multirotors operate and an introduction to RC flying. The presenter used the ubiquitous DJI Phantom to illustrate basic maneuvers and described how radios and video downlink systems work.

Next up was the advanced filmmaking techniques station, hosted

by DSLRPros.com, who brought out several professional aerial video rigs equipped with retractable landing struts and three-axis camera gimbals.

“We have a professional filmmaker who shoots a lot of material for news programs and he’s demonstrating how to position the craft, how to think about the shot in advance, and how to use a gimbal properly,” said Donald Scott, CEO of DSLRPros. “We’re also looking at a two-man workstation, having a gimbal operator as well as a pilot.”

Participants gathered at the back of a van to watch a live video feed from

Ziv Marom, creative director at ZM Interactive, describes his experience using unmanned multirotor platforms on the set of Expendables 3. While drones are relatively inexpensive to operate and can get shots that would be impossible using a manned helicopter, he emphasized the need for safety first and foremost. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

the aircraft while the pilot orbited a nearby water tower. They took turns using a second controller to operate the gimbal, panning the camera while the aircraft circled to keep the water tower in the shot.

Coming in for a landing, the pilot was careful to tilt the camera up until it was pointing directly at the underside of the aircraft in order to minimize the amount of dust that would settle on the lens from the clouds stirred up by its prop wash.

Scott described one of the lessons he hoped that the attendees would take away from the session: “You’ve got to walk the perimeter first and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Mentally go through it with the aircraft and figure out where the sun is going to be, where the subject is going to be, and then just plan on getting two or three key aspects of the scene per flight.

“If you do that, the chances go way up that you’re going to have a successful flight and get the shots that your producer wants.”

LEARNING TO FLY At the third station, participants got a detailed look at several types

FROM THE SHOW FLOOR DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+

of displays and video goggles, as well as an overview of different video downlink systems and frequencies.

Finally, at the fourth station, they got the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a DJI Phantom and try RC flying for themselves.

“This station is all about teaching novices about the dynamics of flight,” said instructor Paul Aitkin, who owns a company called Precision GIS that provides aerial imagery for the oil and gas industry, and moonlights capturing airborne video for local TV stations, among others.

“We’re teaching them how they can use pitch, roll, yaw, and elevation in order to get the smooth shots they’ll need to get good video,” said Aitkin. “A lot of people don’t

THE NAB SHOW

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, which began in 1923, is held each year in April, taking over the entire 3.2 million square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The event brings together about 100,000 television and radio professionals from more than 150 countries to see the latest technology,

understand that multirotors fly very differently than airplanes. An airplane can’t move side-to-side, for example, but these drones can move in any direction.”

By the end of the day, a few of the attendees had clearly mastered the basics, flinging their machines around the sky and swooping down low over the parched desert landscape.

“They’re doing really good,” Aitkin said. “Honestly, if you really explain how flight control works in a way that people can understand and visualize it, I think it’s actually pretty easy to learn.”

EPIC FAIL On hand to demonstrate the ultimate potential of these systems

exhibited by more than 1,700 companies with booths on the show floor.

In 2014, unmanned multirotor aerial camera platforms from more than a half-dozen manufacturers were on display. Industry leader DJI had a booth that rivaled the size of longestablished broadcast companies like JVC and Hitachi.

Announced worldwide via e-mail on the morning of the first day of the NAB trade show, the Phantom 2 Vision+ improves upon the most serious shortcoming of its predecessor — the Phantom 2 Vision — by adding a built-in, brushless three-axis gimbal to stabilize its integrated HD video camera.

The Vision+ retains all of the Vision’s excellent performance characteristics, including: 25 minutes of flight time, an integrated wireless video downlink compatible with either iOS or Android devices, and a robust GPS-enhanced flight control system.

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was Ziv Marom of ZM Interactive. His company FROM THE uses custom-built, heavySHOW FLOOR Featuring an integrated display running Android OS and a digital 5.8-GHz lift multirotors to do aerial YUNEEC ST24 video receiver, the ST24 radio provides a 24-channel link to Yuneec’s new “Flying cinematography using RADIO Eyes” series of multirotor world-class cameras like aerial camera platforms, the Arri Alexa and twin Red including the QX2 Epics for 3D productions. quadcopter and the HX3 Among his most recent hexacopter. New to the projects was Expendables 3, multirotor market, Yuneec starring Sylvester Stallone has been in business since and Jason Statham.

1998 and has previously Marom and his team released products across were called in after another a range of categories, team crashed a multirotor including sports cameras; carrying a $20,000 Red electric skateboards; and Epic into the Black Sea. several manned, fixed“After that, they started wing aircraft powered by calling it the ‘Red Sea,’” he batteries. joked.

At first, Marom and his team had to gain the trust of the director and the rest of the crew.

FROM THE SHOW “At first, the director just FLOOR For the GOPROFESSIONAL ultimate wanted to see if we could CASES PHANTOM portabilityin and deliver,” Marom recalled.

BACKPACK “We had worked with the protection, same production team on GoProfessional Homefront, so it helped Cases released a that we were already backpack with a custom-cut foam familiar with each other.” insert to safely transport a DJI He and his team ended Phantom quadcopter and all of its up spending two months on set in accessories, including the stock Bulgaria. radio, three batteries, propellers, “We did tons of action scenes, and cabling, as well as video with lots of explosions,” said Marom. goggles or a display screen and other FPV gear.

“Once they saw that we knew what The backpack is manufactured they were doing, they trusted us to by 5.11 Tactical, a supplier of get more and more footage for them. uniforms, bags, pouches, and They had originally planned on using accessories for law enforcement. a real helicopter during 30 days of It includes MOLLE fields on the shooting, but they only ended up back and sides of the backpack using it for four days. We were able to to customize its configuration for get the rest with multirotors.” each individual user.

By the end of the production, director Patrick Hughes was coming up with shots specifically to take advantage of the drone’s unique “One thing I always do is make to swoop down over an active roller capabilities. sure that I can say ‘No’ if it isn’t safe for coaster and a crowd of people.

“The whole radio-controlled aerial us to do something,” he said. “It might “I told him, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t do cinematography approach is really be something that we would be able that — we’re not going to endanger just getting started in feature film to technically accomplish, but we those people. This is a job for a real production,” said Marom. won’t do it if it can’t be done safely.” helicopter,’” he recalled. “The director Although multirotor aerial camera He recalled working on a television was really angry with us, but it was the platforms offer unique capabilities commercial for a well-known soda right decision. at a much lower cost than manned brand. After getting a few fly-bys of “Safety is always the number one aircraft, Marom warned against trying a delivery truck, the director became thing.” to do too much and becoming so enamored with the technology unsafe. that he asked Marom and his team

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REVIEW

CARBON-Z® YAK 54 3X 64

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BY JAMES VANWINKLE

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Knife-edge fight is as easy as rolling the Carbon-Z Yak 54 on its side and holding rudder and throttle. The AS3X does the work of keeping the wings in position and the nose pointed properly.

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et me introduce you to a new brand of awesomeness known as the E-flite® Carbon-Z® Yak 54 3X! It incorporates Spektrum™ AS3X® technology into a proven aerobatic performer. Beginning as part of the Blade® helicopter series, AS3X technology takes a great flying airplane and turns it into an amazing machine, able to fly like airplanes several times its size — with extreme precision too.

Extremely quick to build and flying like nothing else it its category, the Carbon-Z Yak 54 3X is just phenomenal in every sense of the word. It looks great and flies even better!

IN THE AIR My first impression of this aircraft is: WOW! The original Carbon-Z Yak 54 flew very well, but this one is simply amazing. During the maiden flight, I found myself doing things I would never dream of doing with a new model thanks to the AS3X system contained on the AR635 receiver.

Bright red, white, and gold make up the model’s color scheme, which looks wonderful on the ground and presents very well in the air. You should have no trouble determining orientation because the model’s

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bottom sports black and white stripes, opposing the bold scheme on the top.

Immediately after takeoff, it was apparent the AS3X was doing its thing.

There was no need to trim anything, which seemed odd because every airplane can use a bit of trim whether the surfaces are straight or not, but in this case the system was doing its magic and working to hold the airplane’s orientation perfectly.

The Carbon-Z Yak 54 moves effortlessly through the air, holding the commanded position and flying like a much larger aircraft. While straight and level flight is nothing short of spectacular, the Yak is still a fully capable 3D machine as well.

Holding it in a hover has never been easier thanks to the 3-axis stabilization. It won’t hover the airplane for you, but it will help maintain the positions and lessen the workload on the pilot to hold the attitude steady. Pull-out is easy too: just advance the throttle to full, and the model will climb gently and effortlessly into the clouds.

Knife-edge flight is a lot of fun, and while with the proper setup nearly all aerobatic airplanes can perform this maneuver without trouble, the Carbon-Z Yak 54 does

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Straight out of the box, the kit is going to build very rapidly, using only a metric driver set and, for the rudder only, some CA adhesive. The Yak 54 can be assembled in less than 30 minutes.

This is a model that is going to deliver exhilarating performance almost from the minute you take it out of its kit box. Here I’m getting down and dirty in an inverted harrier while coming at the camera.

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not require extra tuning for excellent performance. The normal setup I mentioned means removing all coupling from the model by mixing some elevator with the rudder, often in differing amounts depending on direction of travel. The same is true for adding aileron mixing to the rudder deflection for a nice straight line

without the need for a lot of manual correction. The Yak does not require any of this mixing to get it right. It holds the position commanded and tries to maintain it from one side of the sky to the other. You just roll the model on its side and hold rudder and throttle. Holding a straight line doesn’t get much easier.

Of course, what goes for knifeedge flight applies for inverted flight too. Once inverted, the Yak will maintain that position as long as the pilot commands it. Throttle management is important with this system though. Other models will begin to drop their nose when the airspeed drops. However, with the AS3X working to maintain the airplane’s attitude, a pilot may find the model gets close to stall and not realize it.

Note also that there isn’t anything this airplane can’t do that bigger airplanes do from what I can tell.

Waterfalls, rolling harriers, spins (both inverted and upright), knife-edge flight, 8-point rolls, hovers — you name it. There’s no limit to what the

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1

Magnetically held battery hatch removed, the battery is simple to access and secured in position with Velcro. The Velcro straps will not slip out of the loops either, because they’re fastened in place.

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Under the smoke-colored canopy sits a pilot, giving an extra touch of scale to this beautiful model. Don’t worry though, everyone will still know it’s you pulling the control sticks.

3

A cooling vent houses the 60-amp ESC, which is held in place with Velcro. The ESC also has a switch to cut off all power. It is located in the battery hatch area along the side wall.

4

Digital high-torque servos are already installed in all locations, and for the ailerons, the pushrods are installed and ready for attachment to the receiver.

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The tail group holds the servos for both rudder and elevator, which places the control linkages closer to the surfaces for better precision. There are no long pushrods in the fuselage!

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Yak can do, and more importantly, it does everything with a precision unparalleled by other models this size.

Stalled flight is incredibly stable, with zero wing rock thanks to the receiver’s AS3X technology.

One consideration concerning AS3X technology: it would be nice if you could turn it on and off. I’ve heard rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

rumors that Spektrum will make this possible in the near future. While the system makes the airplane rocksolid, sometimes it’s nice to allow the momentum of the airplane to flow into position, like when performing snap rolls. With the AS3X, once the stick is no longer deflected, the software works to hold the exact

position and does not allow the model to keep spinning or sliding along. Of course, the downside of turning off the system is a significant loss in stability, which is such a strong point of AS3X. One specific instance where turning off the AS3X would be helpful is for landings, so rather than RC-SF.COM

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Rolling harriers are child’s play for the Yak. Just keep the roll going, add a bit of elevator and rudder as needed, and this airplane will continue along the path the pilot decides.

This is what happens when you ignore the Tx timer. I couldn’t stop flying it, and eventually the battery ran out of juice. No damage, and a new battery quickly got it in the air again.

How can anyone think this isn’t a beautiful airplane? As great as it looks on the ground, getting it in the air is even more amazing, and of course, it’s very fun to fly.

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Camera passes are always fun, and even more so when you know the airplane is going to remain exactly where it was placed thanks to the AS3X system in the Spektrum AS635 receiver.

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Straight vertical is not an issue for the Yak. In this case, the model was pushing up from an inverted harrier, and it simply climbed away, ready for the next maneuver.

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attempting to hold the exact position all the way to touchdown, the pilot could let the aircraft flare and settle onto the runway. Landings are very easy with the Carbon-Z Yak 54, but they take a little getting used to. That’s a comment I have heard multiple times, and I must agree.

Expect flight times of about eight minutes, depending on flight style. After a few flights of full-on 3D aerobatics, I overflew my timer and ended up with an unintended landing while inverted. Totally my fault for ignoring my radio’s timer, but I was having so much fun I couldn’t stop flying the Yak. Luckily, I had no damage at all to the model, but I learned a valuable lesson: pay attention to the flight timer.

Thankfully, a spare battery allows for the fun to start again quickly.

CONCLUSION Easy to see and easy to fly, there’s rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

photo of the parts to show what I mean, but believe me, it’s pretty cool.

Digital, high-speed metal gear servos are included for all the control surfaces.

They are glued in place. In the case of the wings, the pushrods are already secured too, as well as for the elevator and rudder. Attachment of the pushrods is literally a snap. The landing gear gets bolted in place, and that’s about it for the assembly. The motor and ESC are already in position, with a .25-sized electric motor and 60-amp ESC — switch included. A magnetic hatch covers the battery compartment, which uses Velcro straps to secure the battery.

What you get after the assembly is complete is an awesome model, brightly colored to present well against all types of skies, from clouds to bright sun.

The model has a pilot installed in the smoke-tinted canopy, and the front of the engine area has a simulated louver system for a scale appearance.

Receiver Setup Once the Yak is assembled, you’ll need to program the Spektrum AS3X AR635 receiver. While it’s always important to read the manual for any product, it is critical for proper setup of this model. Even reversing servos

simply nothing that cannot be done with this airplane. The Carbon-Z Yak 54 is amazing in every regard. It assembles very quickly, only requiring adhesive for the rudder, with the rest of assembly accomplished via metric drivers. All decals are in place. The model’s motor, propeller, ESC, and servos are already installed. Coming in at just 3.75 pounds, and flying on a four-cell LiPo battery, this model is wonderful in every regard, especially with use of the AS3X technology included with the AR635 receiver.

The model is designed for intermediate to advanced pilots, but it can do anything a pilot cares to throw its way. This is by far my favorite airplane in this size category. It’s ready to throw in the car for a few flights at lunchtime, then again at the airfield on the weekends. Finally, its price of $379.99 makes it extremely affordable, considering the technology that is incorporated.

before setting up the receiver can cause problems, which I encountered because the elevator’s servo was running backwards. Prior to making most adjustments, you must set up the AR635’s servo throw rates. This is detailed in the manual, not just for the aircraft but for the receiver too. I am as guilty of not reading the paperwork as anyone else, and when I was setting up the Yak I noticed the control throws were not nearly what I would expect for a 3D machine. Eventually, I learned this receiver has a position that is activated on the transmitter’s gear switch that acts similar to a dual rate switch. Once I moved that switch, all the throws were maximized. Unfortunately, I learned this from a phone call with a friend because I didn’t take the proper time to read the setup documentation first. Lesson learned I suppose!

A final note about the AR635 receiver with this model: expect to tweak the control gains a bit to suit your piloting style. I noted a bit of wiggle at higher speeds, and according to the manual troubleshooting section, this is due to the gain setting in the receiver. Although I have not taken the time to adjust this, I will eventually.

Length : 48.5 in.

Wingspan : 48.0 in.

Wing area : 525 in.2 Weight : 3.75 lb Transmitter : Spektrum DX7 (DSM2 or DSMX) Receiver : Spektrum AR635 (w/ Bind-n-Fly version) Servos : Digital Micro Servo 13 g (4 ea.)

Motor : E-flite BL25 1000 Kv brushless Propeller : 12 x 5.25 in.

ESC : 60-amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Battery : 14.8V 4S 2800-mAh LiPo Price : $379.99 (EFL10550)

DISTRIBUTOR

Assembly of the Carbon-Z Yak 54 is about as easy as it gets. The entire build takes mere minutes, with adhesive required only to secure the rudder. I wasn’t sure why this couldn’t have been accomplished at the factory, which would have made the entire process completely free of any sort of glue, but the cyanoacrylate (CA) hinges are already in position, so a bit of CA has them fastened in place in no time. Everything else goes together using a few metric drivers. The manual provides simple-to-follow instructions, and there are pictures detailing each and every step.

The model’s wings and horizontal stabs both get fastened in place by screws, so they can be removed easily if required — though it’s hard to image a situation where this would be necessary.

With a wingspan of only 48 inches, the Yak fits in most vehicles fully assembled.

The wings slide into slots that match up to holes for the bolting. The horizontal stabilizers come in two pieces and fit together via a key system, so they operate as a unit when deflected by the single pushrod. The system seems foolproof, and I expect to see this design on other E-flite aircraft. The assembly was so fast and simple I forgot to take a

SPECIFICATIONS

ASSEMBLY AND SETUP

Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 800-338-4639 Horizonhobby.com

RC-SF.COM

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REVIEW

Even if you are not a competitionlevel 3D heli pilot, or capable of tic tocs, this machine is guaranteed to give you a great andrenaline rush!

The heli comes as you see it here, with the exception of the battery â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just add a battery and then bind the transmitter to the receiver.

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RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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BLADE 300 CFX BNF BASIC GET A REAL CNC / CARBON FIBER QUALITY ADRENALIN RUSH

I

can’t tic toc, piro pogo, chaos, tumble, or do any of the outrageous 3D maneuvers that I’m so envious of when watching pro pilots. What I do well while flying this new Blade® 300 CFX is get a serious adrenaline rush, the same as any professional helicopter pilot competing at a world championship.

What causes such an adrenaline rush? For one, the Blade 300 CFX is significant upgrade to the popular 300 X model. Blade not only added carbon fiber and aluminum parts, but also outfitted this machine with some of the same ground-breaking design elements used on their Blade 700 X Pro Series helicopters.

collective response feel natural. Then too...

FEATURES • Carbon fiber main frame • Optimized servo geometry • 245-mm carbon fiber main blades • CNC-machined aluminum head

BY WIL BYERS

• Integrated bearing block servo mounts • 11-tooth pinion, installed • Spektrum™ AR7200BX flybarless control system • E-flite® 320H 4500-Kv brushless motor • E-flite 25A brushless heli ESC

FLAWLESS RESPONSE THRU ENHANCED GEOMETRY I’m not a 3D heli junky, but I learned from Blade’s site that this machine uses the same servo geometry as their Blade 700 X Pro Series heli. It eliminates mechanical inefficiency by keeping the swashplate links near vertical throughout their range of motion, so cyclic and The carbon fiber blades and the CNC-machined aluminum rotor head make this helicopter a super 3D machine right out of the BNF box. rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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REVIEW

BLADE 300 CFX BNF BASIC

1 1

You get absolutely everything you need in the Blade 300 CFX BNF package, with the exception of a 3S 1350-mAhb LiPo battery pack — buy two.

2 The battery tray sits out front, securly fitted to the carbon fiber frames. This model even has factory-installed hook-nloop material.

3

2

3

The CNC-machined aluminum head is first rate all around.

From top to bottom, you won’t find any loose-fitting parts or slop in this head.

4 I checked every link on the head to see how well they fit, and for slop. There were none in any of the ball link connections.

5 The servos that come with the unit are high quality, although they do use plastic gears, but at this model’s price point they are superb quality.

4

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5 RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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6

7

6

The Spektrum AR7200BX is installed at the factory, including bundling the wire loom to get it up and out of the way of the main gear, etc.

7

An E-flite DS76T digital servo controlls the tail rotor. It weighs 7.6 grams, puts out 11.1 oz-in. of torque, and has a speed of 0.03 sec/600.

8

The 300 CFX uses a rubber belt to drive the tail rotor, which keeps the tail lightweight. The tail rotor’s blades and grips are plastic.

9

The brushless outrunner motor is 4500 Kv. The main gear ratio is 12.72 and the pinion gear is a 11-tooth unit. The motor gets plenty of cooling.

8

9

• E-flite DS76 digital cyclic servos • E-flite DS76T tail servo

time you take it out of the box, charge the battery, and program the radio.

NEEDED • 6-channel+ DSM2- or DSMXtransmitter • 11.1-volt 3S 1350-mAh 30C LiPo battery • LiPo charger

STRENGTH AND PRECISION Blade has built strength and precision into nearly every part of this machine. The frames are carbon fiber and the head assembly is CNCmachined aluminum, with highquality ball links throughout.

The 245-mm blades are carbon fiber, designed for 3D performance.

The tailboom is also carbon fiber. The tail rotor assembly is high strength plastic and is driven by a belt system.

The model uses E-flite DS76T servos that weigh just 7.6 grams

FLYBARLESS The Blade 300 CFX comes with the Spektrum AR7200BX receiver, which is factory set up. It’s also flybarless. You won’t spend hours setting up the gyro and the flybar, which means you can be flying in about an hour from the rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

each, but they’re also super fast: 0.03 seconds per 60 degrees of travel — putting out 11.1 oz-in. of torque.

The motor appears to be an E-flite outrunner. The specifications call it a 4500 Kv unit with a main gear ratio of 12.72. The pinion gear is an 11-tooth unit, which provides a bit more head speed and less lag during intense 3D maneuvers (not that I’ll be doing any).

Binding the Blade 300 CFX was as easy as inserting the bind plug, energizing the ESC, and putting the transmitter into its bind mode via the System Setup Menu. The AR7200BX receiver bound on the first try! Be sure to set the frame rate for 11 ms.

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BLADE 300 CFX BNF BASIC

I’m not a proficient 3D pilot yet, but you can see this machine in action at YouTube.com. There are plenty of great videos that show its potential.

Look at the clean lines of this helicopter. In fact, everything is clean and well designed! You can take it right out of the box and go flying!

wants to get into flying helicopters buy this machine. You need not be a 3D pilot to enjoy the outstanding handling of the Blade 300 CFX. I’d say this is a buy machine if you want feel adrenalin pumping in your veins again. It’s priced right too!

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

I have my Spektrum DX9 programmed for Hold, Normal, Stunt Mode 1, and Stunt Mode 2. The manual details all the settings I used.

SPECIFICATIONS

IN FLIGHT Flying this machine is a blast no matter your skill level. You’re going to like the slow-start feature of the ESC; the heli will spool up very nicely.

After it’s in the air, its rock steady performance is immediately obvious.

Even though I’m not a 3D pilot, I can tell from flying this model that it’s a highly capable performer. You can definitely feel this as you put it through some maneuvers.

I’d recommend that anyone who

DISTRIBUTOR

REVIEW

Type : Collective pitch flybarless electric Rotor diameter : 21.7 in. (550mm) Tail rotor : 5.5 in. (140mm) diameter Rotor blade : 245 mm length Weight : 18.0 oz (510 g) Length : 20.1 in. (510mm) Gear ratio : 12.72 Motor : 4500 Kv outrunner Kit : BNF basic Control system : 120-degree CCPM Recommended : Expert pilot Environment : Outdoor Price : $399.99 (BLH4650)

76

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

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DYNAMITE PASSPORT ULTRALITE 50W AC/DC CHARGER

I have a great little charger that I use on my workbench often: the Dyanmite Passport Ultralite.

This little charger only has one output port, but it will deliver 50 watts of power. What I like is that I can just plug it into the wall’s 120 VAC outlet and immediately start charging. It provides charge, discharge, cycle, and storage modes. You can also use it to charge different battery chemistries

including NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, Li-Ion, etc.

The programming interface is easy to understand too; thankfully you don’t need to have a degree in computer science to get this unit up and running.

Another benefit of this charger is the display. It’s easy to read in nearly all light conditions.

All in all, this little charger works great for charging batteries like those that power the Blade 300 CFX.

OUT OF THE MANUFACTURER’S PACKAGING, MY 3S 11.1-VOLT 1350-mAh PACKS ONLY TOOK ABOUT 600 MILLIAMPS TO TOP OFF AND BE READY FOR THE BLADE 300 CFX HELICOPTER.

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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REVIEW

BLADE 300 CFX BNF BASIC

SPEKTRUM DX9

Let start this short howto article assuming that the DX9 rocks it! We’re making that assumption because it really does. To put it bluntly, it kicks butt! It has more features and functions than one could even imagine just a few years ago. It is quite simply, a state-of-the-art piece of hardware with superb software that makes programming this radio exceptionally easy.

Now that we have that assumption out of the way, let me tell you how to program it for the Blade 300 CFX the easy way.

Start by creating a new model. To do this, start the radio, navigate down to the System Setup menu, and click the roll selector. In this menu, you simply pick a new model. Then you’ll want to pick the aircraft type (in this case a heli), then Model Name, then Swash Type (the Blade 300 CFX uses Normal).

Your next step is to program the Flight Model Setup. You’ll use Switch B as shown in the accompanying photos.

That setting will give you Normal, Stunt 1, and Stunt 2 modes. For my model’s setup I chose switch H for the Hold switch. To do this you’ll scroll down

through Switch 1 and Switch 2 settings to the Hold Switch. Then toggle over to the Switch setting. It will be set to Inhibit, which you’ll navigate over to and activate the setting for Switch H. You must then tell the radio what position you want the Hold Mode to be set to. I chose to have the hold to the back of the radio, but you can pick your preference.

Once you’ve set the Flight Modes, set the Frame Rate to 11 milliseconds Then, press the BACK button twice to get back to the home screen. Next, press the Roll Select button to get to the Main Programming screen. The rest of the programming is super simple.

You can simply follow the settings on the accompanying Control Set Up table. I started with the Dual Rates and Exponential settings. Note that these settings are set for Normal, Stunt 1, and Stunt 2 Flight Modes. So, you must toggle the Flight Mode switch to establish the settings; i.e., 0 = Normal, 1 = Stunt 1, and 2 = Stunt 2.

Next, you must set the Travel values and Reverse to the appropriate servos as per the Set Up table. I recommend you double-check your settings when you’ve completed that Function. The Throttle

Curves and Pitch Curves are next. Again, use the accompanying table to establish the proper values. I found it fun to do because the curve is changing to represent the proper settings. If you’ve never set up this type of heli before, know that my 300 CFX flew right out of the box with these settings.

Of course, you must also set a countdown timer to monitor your flight time. It will start once the throttle is advanced to 25 percent.

Setting the Gyro is about as easy at it gets. You’ll navigate down to Gyro, set the values for the respective positions, and set the respective channel for the gyro, which in this case is Gear.

If you’re like me and just getting into 3D helis, this is a superb machine to use as a starting point. I can assure you, you’ll feel the adrenaline pump when you toggle to Stunt Mode 1 for the first time!

Price $449.99 Distributor Horizon Hobby Horizonhobby.com

IN THE NEW DX9, THE BACK HANDLE INCORPORATES A SECOND 2.4-GHz ANTENNA TO PROVIDE SIGNAL DIVERSITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION.

THE DX9 RETAINS THE LOOK AND FEEL OF PREVIOUS SPEKTRUM RADIOS, HOWEVER, ITS LCD SCREEN IS EASIER TO READ AND COMES WITH A 2000mAh Li-Ion BATTERY PACK.

78

RC SPORT FLYER . SEPTEMBER 2014

THE CONTROL SWITCHES, KNOB, AND SLIDERS ARE ALL WELL POSITIONED. WITH THE NEW VOICE FEATURE, SO YOU’LL KNKOW WHEN A CONTROL IS ACTIVATED. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

YOU’LL LIKE THE NEW STICKS ENDS BECAUSE THEY’RE MORE ERRECT AND CONCAVE FOR A SECURE FEEL BETWEEN THUMB AND CONTROL.

THERE ARE TWO SLIDERS ON THE RADIO’S BACK, ONE ABOVE EACH GRIP. NOTE THAT NEXT TO THE HEADPHONE JACK IS A TRAINER CORD PORT. NOT NEEDED! THIS RADIO DOES IT WIRELESSLY.

THE DX9’S PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST IS OUTSTANDING. YOU CAN HAVE THE RADIO ASK YOU A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS BEFORE THE RF SECTION GETS ACTIVATED — NICE!

HERE YOU SEE THAT I’M USING SWITCH ‘H’ TO ACTIVATE THE HOLD MODE, WITH ‘0’ BEING HOLD AND ‘1’ BEING NORMAL, STUNT 1, AND STUNT 2 MODES.

YOU CAN NOW SELECT A MODEL AND ENTER THE PILOT’S NAME. PLUS, YOU CAN ADJUST THE OUTPUT SOUND BY PRESSING THE BACK BUTTON AND THEN SCOLLING A VALUE.

AS YOU CAN SEE, ONCE I TOGGLE SWITCH ‘H’ TO THE ‘1’ POSITION, THE NORMAL MODE IS ACTIVE, WHICH LETS ME CONTROL THE HEAD SPEED WITH THE THROTTLE STICK.

IN STUNT 1 MODE, THE BLADE 300 CFX’S ROTOR HEAD WILL SPOOL UP TO A PRESET RPM. THE BLADES’ PTICH IS THEN THROTTLE STICK CONTROLLED RELATIVE TO CENTER.

IN STUNT 2 MODE, THE ROTOR HEAD WILL SPOOL UP TO A HIGHER RPM. THE BLADES’ PTICH IS THROTTLE STICK CONTROLLED RELATIVE TO ITS CENTER POSITION PLUS AND MINUS.

THE DX9 HAS DIGITAL TRIMS, TRIMMERS, NEW SPEAKER LOCATION, RUBBERIZED GRIPS, ROLLING SELECT BUTTON, SIX 3-POSITION AND TWO 2-POSITION SWITCHES. rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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79

AD INDEX AeroWorks

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Airborne Models

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TruTurn

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Evolution Engines

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Weekender

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5 82

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Fuel Injected Genius

62GXi

The NEW EVOLUTION Engines 62GXi with SureFire EFI ®

™

Now there’s a giant scale gas engine for those who don’t have engine tuning expertise. The new Evolution 62GXi is a potent 62cc engine with the power and convenience of electronic fuel injection. You’ll never touch a needle valve yet still enjoy starting ease, reliability and long engine life. That’s because exclusive SureFire™ EFI technology built into the engine uses finely-tuned software and sensors so the 62GXi gets the perfect flow of fuel regardless of where or what you fly. Even an aluminum wraparound muffler is included. Flying big has never been simpler.

The SureFire™ EFI electronic fuel injection system is another Horizon Hobby innovation.

• Displacement: 3.8 cu in (61.5cc) • Bore: 1.80 in (46.0mm) • Stroke: 1.50 in (37.0mm) • Cylinder type: Ringed piston, Nikasil-plated cylinder • Weight with Muffler and Ignition: 66.6 oz (1888 g) • Propeller Range: 22x8–24x10 • RPM Range: 1,000–8,000 So if you’re looking for the most hassle free giant scale gas engine experience, visit EvolutionEngines.com today to get more information and find your local retailer.

VISIT

Your Local Retailer

CLICK

horizonhobby.com

©2014 Horizon Hobby, Inc. Evolution, SureFire, the Evolution logo and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. 43443

CALL

1.800.338.4639

SERIOUS FUN.™