108 MODEL AVIATION
behind the finest data-acquisition equipment
I’ve used in this hobby. He also understands
customer service better than most. I’ve
talked about my eLogger and Seagull
loggers many times, and I know I wear Bill
out with questions, but he always takes the
time to help.
The company has systems for the most
complicated setups
or the simplest
setups. The prices are right and the software
is excellent. If you’re interested in finding
out what’s going on with your airplane or
helicopter in the air, be sure to check out
these units.
Tejera Microsystems Engineering
(TME): Albert Tejera is well known in both
Toledo or bust! Some trade-show must-see locations
Electrics Greg Gimlick | [email protected]
TAKING OFF: Can you feel it? The
excitement of the Toledo R/C Expo, or
Toledo Show, is around the corner.
Although I’m writing this as the excitement
of Christmas is ending, I can’t help but get
excited just thinking about the Weak
Signals’ show in Ohio, the weekend of
April 3-5 at the SeaGate Centre.
This will be the 55th year of this event,
and it will be bigger and better than the
previous ones; it always gets better. I don’t
have any word on what indoor events will
happen yet, but they will be announced
online at the Weak Signals site or
RCGroups by the time you read this.
This month I’m going to try to give you
a brief guide to help you plan your visit.
The show is huge, and it helps to plan ahead
so you don’t miss anything. There’s no way
I can cover all the manufacturers, and I
apologize for that.
It used to be easy to cover all of the
electric-flight dealers; now almost all
companies have some electric equipment, so
it’s impossible to do—and I know there will
be new dealers with which I’m unfamiliar.
Let’s take a look at some must-visit booths.
Radical RC: Dave Thacker has been
helping modelers for as long as I can
remember, and he remains one of the most
helpful business owners in the industry. He
and his staff understand the questions and
know the answers before you even ask
them.
Dave’s booth will be loaded with
motors, controllers, wires, connectors,
batteries, kits, adapters, chargers, you name
it. Don’t miss this.
Eagle Tree Systems: Bill Parry is the brain
Xtreme Power Systems will be selling its newest version of the 2.4
GHz modules/receivers, Graupner turbine engines, and electricducted-
fan systems.
Castle Creations, which is typically seen everywhere including the
Weak Signals’ show, will show all of its products and have staff there
to answer questions.
Bill Parry (L) of Eagle Tree Systems regularly has a booth at the Toledo Show, and he
will be there to show and explain his data-acquisition systems.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:08 AM Page 108
April 2009 109
glow and electric circles, because of his
chargers and smoke systems.
I just wrote a column about his battery
charger system and its features. If you have
questions, stop by and talk to Albert. He’ll
have it all set up and running so he’s ready
to explain what all it can do. TME offers
great customer support, and you can talk to
the designer/owner with a phone call.
Castle Creations: I’ve bought and used
Castle Creations speed controls since the
days when Patrick del Castillo made only
the Sprite-25 for brushed motors. He has
grown into one of the largest manufacturers
of speed controls in the world and continues
to expand and improve his product line.
This year, Castle will be showing its new
Ice line of controllers and promoting its
relationship with Neu Motors. These are
some of the best motors in the world and are
made to order.
Castle has a policy of not selling
products at its booth during the show so that
it doesn’t compete with its own dealers. The
owner and engineers will be there to answer
all your questions, though, and that’s a great
thing!
Xtreme Power Systems (XPS): The
company will be selling the new V3
continuous-hopping software that supports
multiple receivers and many new features. It
will also have its new line of Xtreme Li-
Poly batteries and Graupner G-Booster
turbines.
The company has a new 120mm fan with
a specially designed outrunner motor. The
fan will run at more than 10,000 watts. I saw
the prototype a few months ago, and this is
one impressive fan-and-motor combo.
I chose the XPS system to convert my
Multiplex Royal Evo 12 radio with its new
2.4 GHz mode. Check out the YouTube
video on the conversion process. (The Web
site address is in the “Sources” list at the end
of the column.)
Aero-Model Inc. and Hacker USA: For
years, Sean and Dana Plummer have
provided electric-power modelers with
some of the finest motors in the world, and
they continue to expand their line with the
help of Rainer Hacker. Last year, he was in
the booth and answering anyone’s questions
who had them.
Sean is a wealth of information, and his
Web site offers combo deals and a full line
of motors and helicopters. Not all purple
motors are the same, so come see the
original one that the others are copying.
Stevens AeroModel: Bill Stevens has a
small booth on the main floor that is packed
to the gills with some of the finest little
laser-cut kits for indoor and park flyers
you’ll find anywhere. He is always in the
booth, and it is fully stocked for selling.
Go to the indoor fly-in and you’ll see all
of Bill’s products in flight and return to buy
one the next day. He also carries motors,
controllers, and tools, so you can get it all
from him to optimize your aircraft.
Nick Ziroli Plans: Nick Ziroli Sr. is worldrenowned
for his Giant Scale designs/plans
and as a Top Gun competitor. What isn’t
widely known is that he is also heavily
The author’s new E-flite Triton EQ 6S
balancing charger with internal DC power
supply operates in both DC/DC and AC/DC
modes. Visit Great Planes at Toledo and see
all the new Hobbico products.
Greg’s new E-flite Blade mCX and Spektrum DX7 radio. You can see both products at
the Toledo Show, along with all the new Horizon Hobby products.
Hobby Lobby will have the new line of Pilot-1 models, including this gorgeous 1/8-scale
Aeronca Champ. This is one of the busiest booths, and everything is for sale.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:11 AM Page 109
involved in electrics and has designed
several models that have been published.
He is always near his booth, which is
typically right next to Robart and Frank
Tiano Enterprises, with his son, showing off
designs and answering questions.
Another bonus when you stop by is that
you’ll usually find Rich Uravitch. He has
done it all and offers a full line of models—
some designed to be electric and others that
can be powered by either motors or engines.
Tru-Turn Precision Model Products: Tru-
Turn has added a full line of adapters, so
now you can use the company’s incredible
line of spinners on most motors. It has also
developed a line of specialized electric
spinners and propeller nuts. If you have a
motor with you, the staff members at the
booth will match it with the right setup for
your needs.
FMA Direct: Jaime Marks heads this longstanding
leader in electric-model products
and will be in the booth as usual this year.
I’ve talked about using the company’s
Cellpro 4s charger, and Red Scholefield has
tested the bigger 10s, which impressed him.
FMA Direct will have its full line of
chargers, including the new Cellpro 4s
Multi, Revolectrix batteries, and accessories
available at the show, and representatives
can answer all of your questions.
West Mountain Radio: I’ve used the
company’s incredible Anderson Powerpole
(APP) crimper since it was introduced, and
it’s the best $50 you’ll spend on a tool. The
Computerized Battery Analyzer II is
constantly in use on my bench, and I can’t
imagine not having it. On my field box is
the company’s RIGrunner, which allows me
to have multiple APP connectors in a neat
and protected box.
All of these items will be at the West
Mountain Radio booth. Don’t leave without
a crimper if you use APPs in your systems.
Peak Electronics/Sirius: If you need
anything for your radio in terms of
connectors, leads, servos, receivers,
whatever, you need to stop by this booth.
George Joy has made the Sirius
chargers, known for safety and quality, for
years. He has the only fast charger I trust
with my Multiplex Royal Evo radio. You
can also get a hands-on demo if you need to
learn how to make your own custom servo
leads.
Great Planes Model Distributors: This
will be one of the biggest booths at the
show, and it will have many items on
display. Sales reps will be there to answer
all of your questions, but nothing is sold at
the Toledo Expo. Dealers at the show will
have Great Planes products available.
I just bought the new Triton EQ charger
that has its own DC power supply built in
and will balance 6S packs. Check it out at
the booth!
You won’t be able to miss this vendor,
because it will have giant-screen monitors
and RealFlight simulators in use. Get in line
and try it.
Horizon Hobby: This company has the
other biggest display at the Toledo Show.
You can see everything in the incredible Eflite
line of electrics, all the JR radios, etc.
There are no sales at the show, but there are
dealers who will have Horizon Hobby
products.
Plenty of reps will be available to
answer your inquiries. You can get all of
your JR/Spektrum radio questions
answered.
I have the Spektrum DX7 radio system
and love it. If you’re a helicopter pilot,
check out the DX7 Special Edition,
designed just for you, and the Vibe 500
looks like a winner. Horizon Hobby
continues to wow us with its expanding line
of electric-flight products, and they’ll all be
there.
Hobby Lobby: You might know this
company from its beautiful catalogs, but
you’ll be overwhelmed when you see it all
in person, on display and for sale.
The simulators will be running, and the
company’s great new line of Pilot-1
airplane kits will be available. They are
gorgeous ARFs ranging from Giant Scale
to 1/8 scale. Almost everything in the
catalog will be available, as will many
helpful employees to answer your
questions.
Hitec RCD/Multiplex: This is another
manufacturer that won’t be selling at the
show, but it will have numerous staff
members there to describe everything on
display and answer questions.
The company has a full line of greatflying
foam airplanes and the two lines of
exceptional radio systems. Word has it that
the new nine-channel 2.4 GHz radio will be
on display.
Swap Shop: If you’ve been in the hobby
long, you probably know that swap shops
can be a mix of trash and treasure. The
Weak Signals management does an
exceptional job of governing this area, and
you’ll find many small cottage industries
alongside modelers who are looking to sell
their stuff.
Final Approach: I hope to see many of
you at the WRAM Show and the Toledo
R/C Expo. I get excited just thinking about
the new products and trade shows.
And one last thing. Make a list of what
you’re looking for before the show; that
way, you won’t waste time or forget
anything. See you there!
Sources:
Toledo Show
www.toledoshow.com
RCGroups
www.rcgroups.com
Radical RC
(937) 256-7727
www.radicalrc.com
Eagle Tree Systems
(425) 614-0450
www.eagletreesystems.com
TME
11705 Boyette Rd. #418
Riverview FL 33569
www.tmenet.com
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
XPS
2440 N. Kiowa Blvd.
Lake Havasu City AZ 86403
www.xtremepowersystems.net
XPS conversion process video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=
MTTBSjFCQpc
Aero-Model Inc.
(480) 726-7519
www.aero-model.com
Steven AeroModel
(719) 387-4187
www.stevensaero.com
Nick Ziroli Plans
(631) 467-4765
www.ziroliplans.com
Tru-Turn Products
(281) 479-9600
www.tru-turn.com
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
West Mountain Radio
(203) 853-8080
www.westmountainradio.com
Peak Electronics
(800) 532-0092
www.siriuselectronics.com
Great Planes
(217) 398-6300
www.greatplanes.com
Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Hitec RCD
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
110 MODEL AVIATION
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 11:32 AM Page 110
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 108,109,110
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 108,109,110
108 MODEL AVIATION
behind the finest data-acquisition equipment
I’ve used in this hobby. He also understands
customer service better than most. I’ve
talked about my eLogger and Seagull
loggers many times, and I know I wear Bill
out with questions, but he always takes the
time to help.
The company has systems for the most
complicated setups
or the simplest
setups. The prices are right and the software
is excellent. If you’re interested in finding
out what’s going on with your airplane or
helicopter in the air, be sure to check out
these units.
Tejera Microsystems Engineering
(TME): Albert Tejera is well known in both
Toledo or bust! Some trade-show must-see locations
Electrics Greg Gimlick | [email protected]
TAKING OFF: Can you feel it? The
excitement of the Toledo R/C Expo, or
Toledo Show, is around the corner.
Although I’m writing this as the excitement
of Christmas is ending, I can’t help but get
excited just thinking about the Weak
Signals’ show in Ohio, the weekend of
April 3-5 at the SeaGate Centre.
This will be the 55th year of this event,
and it will be bigger and better than the
previous ones; it always gets better. I don’t
have any word on what indoor events will
happen yet, but they will be announced
online at the Weak Signals site or
RCGroups by the time you read this.
This month I’m going to try to give you
a brief guide to help you plan your visit.
The show is huge, and it helps to plan ahead
so you don’t miss anything. There’s no way
I can cover all the manufacturers, and I
apologize for that.
It used to be easy to cover all of the
electric-flight dealers; now almost all
companies have some electric equipment, so
it’s impossible to do—and I know there will
be new dealers with which I’m unfamiliar.
Let’s take a look at some must-visit booths.
Radical RC: Dave Thacker has been
helping modelers for as long as I can
remember, and he remains one of the most
helpful business owners in the industry. He
and his staff understand the questions and
know the answers before you even ask
them.
Dave’s booth will be loaded with
motors, controllers, wires, connectors,
batteries, kits, adapters, chargers, you name
it. Don’t miss this.
Eagle Tree Systems: Bill Parry is the brain
Xtreme Power Systems will be selling its newest version of the 2.4
GHz modules/receivers, Graupner turbine engines, and electricducted-
fan systems.
Castle Creations, which is typically seen everywhere including the
Weak Signals’ show, will show all of its products and have staff there
to answer questions.
Bill Parry (L) of Eagle Tree Systems regularly has a booth at the Toledo Show, and he
will be there to show and explain his data-acquisition systems.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:08 AM Page 108
April 2009 109
glow and electric circles, because of his
chargers and smoke systems.
I just wrote a column about his battery
charger system and its features. If you have
questions, stop by and talk to Albert. He’ll
have it all set up and running so he’s ready
to explain what all it can do. TME offers
great customer support, and you can talk to
the designer/owner with a phone call.
Castle Creations: I’ve bought and used
Castle Creations speed controls since the
days when Patrick del Castillo made only
the Sprite-25 for brushed motors. He has
grown into one of the largest manufacturers
of speed controls in the world and continues
to expand and improve his product line.
This year, Castle will be showing its new
Ice line of controllers and promoting its
relationship with Neu Motors. These are
some of the best motors in the world and are
made to order.
Castle has a policy of not selling
products at its booth during the show so that
it doesn’t compete with its own dealers. The
owner and engineers will be there to answer
all your questions, though, and that’s a great
thing!
Xtreme Power Systems (XPS): The
company will be selling the new V3
continuous-hopping software that supports
multiple receivers and many new features. It
will also have its new line of Xtreme Li-
Poly batteries and Graupner G-Booster
turbines.
The company has a new 120mm fan with
a specially designed outrunner motor. The
fan will run at more than 10,000 watts. I saw
the prototype a few months ago, and this is
one impressive fan-and-motor combo.
I chose the XPS system to convert my
Multiplex Royal Evo 12 radio with its new
2.4 GHz mode. Check out the YouTube
video on the conversion process. (The Web
site address is in the “Sources” list at the end
of the column.)
Aero-Model Inc. and Hacker USA: For
years, Sean and Dana Plummer have
provided electric-power modelers with
some of the finest motors in the world, and
they continue to expand their line with the
help of Rainer Hacker. Last year, he was in
the booth and answering anyone’s questions
who had them.
Sean is a wealth of information, and his
Web site offers combo deals and a full line
of motors and helicopters. Not all purple
motors are the same, so come see the
original one that the others are copying.
Stevens AeroModel: Bill Stevens has a
small booth on the main floor that is packed
to the gills with some of the finest little
laser-cut kits for indoor and park flyers
you’ll find anywhere. He is always in the
booth, and it is fully stocked for selling.
Go to the indoor fly-in and you’ll see all
of Bill’s products in flight and return to buy
one the next day. He also carries motors,
controllers, and tools, so you can get it all
from him to optimize your aircraft.
Nick Ziroli Plans: Nick Ziroli Sr. is worldrenowned
for his Giant Scale designs/plans
and as a Top Gun competitor. What isn’t
widely known is that he is also heavily
The author’s new E-flite Triton EQ 6S
balancing charger with internal DC power
supply operates in both DC/DC and AC/DC
modes. Visit Great Planes at Toledo and see
all the new Hobbico products.
Greg’s new E-flite Blade mCX and Spektrum DX7 radio. You can see both products at
the Toledo Show, along with all the new Horizon Hobby products.
Hobby Lobby will have the new line of Pilot-1 models, including this gorgeous 1/8-scale
Aeronca Champ. This is one of the busiest booths, and everything is for sale.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:11 AM Page 109
involved in electrics and has designed
several models that have been published.
He is always near his booth, which is
typically right next to Robart and Frank
Tiano Enterprises, with his son, showing off
designs and answering questions.
Another bonus when you stop by is that
you’ll usually find Rich Uravitch. He has
done it all and offers a full line of models—
some designed to be electric and others that
can be powered by either motors or engines.
Tru-Turn Precision Model Products: Tru-
Turn has added a full line of adapters, so
now you can use the company’s incredible
line of spinners on most motors. It has also
developed a line of specialized electric
spinners and propeller nuts. If you have a
motor with you, the staff members at the
booth will match it with the right setup for
your needs.
FMA Direct: Jaime Marks heads this longstanding
leader in electric-model products
and will be in the booth as usual this year.
I’ve talked about using the company’s
Cellpro 4s charger, and Red Scholefield has
tested the bigger 10s, which impressed him.
FMA Direct will have its full line of
chargers, including the new Cellpro 4s
Multi, Revolectrix batteries, and accessories
available at the show, and representatives
can answer all of your questions.
West Mountain Radio: I’ve used the
company’s incredible Anderson Powerpole
(APP) crimper since it was introduced, and
it’s the best $50 you’ll spend on a tool. The
Computerized Battery Analyzer II is
constantly in use on my bench, and I can’t
imagine not having it. On my field box is
the company’s RIGrunner, which allows me
to have multiple APP connectors in a neat
and protected box.
All of these items will be at the West
Mountain Radio booth. Don’t leave without
a crimper if you use APPs in your systems.
Peak Electronics/Sirius: If you need
anything for your radio in terms of
connectors, leads, servos, receivers,
whatever, you need to stop by this booth.
George Joy has made the Sirius
chargers, known for safety and quality, for
years. He has the only fast charger I trust
with my Multiplex Royal Evo radio. You
can also get a hands-on demo if you need to
learn how to make your own custom servo
leads.
Great Planes Model Distributors: This
will be one of the biggest booths at the
show, and it will have many items on
display. Sales reps will be there to answer
all of your questions, but nothing is sold at
the Toledo Expo. Dealers at the show will
have Great Planes products available.
I just bought the new Triton EQ charger
that has its own DC power supply built in
and will balance 6S packs. Check it out at
the booth!
You won’t be able to miss this vendor,
because it will have giant-screen monitors
and RealFlight simulators in use. Get in line
and try it.
Horizon Hobby: This company has the
other biggest display at the Toledo Show.
You can see everything in the incredible Eflite
line of electrics, all the JR radios, etc.
There are no sales at the show, but there are
dealers who will have Horizon Hobby
products.
Plenty of reps will be available to
answer your inquiries. You can get all of
your JR/Spektrum radio questions
answered.
I have the Spektrum DX7 radio system
and love it. If you’re a helicopter pilot,
check out the DX7 Special Edition,
designed just for you, and the Vibe 500
looks like a winner. Horizon Hobby
continues to wow us with its expanding line
of electric-flight products, and they’ll all be
there.
Hobby Lobby: You might know this
company from its beautiful catalogs, but
you’ll be overwhelmed when you see it all
in person, on display and for sale.
The simulators will be running, and the
company’s great new line of Pilot-1
airplane kits will be available. They are
gorgeous ARFs ranging from Giant Scale
to 1/8 scale. Almost everything in the
catalog will be available, as will many
helpful employees to answer your
questions.
Hitec RCD/Multiplex: This is another
manufacturer that won’t be selling at the
show, but it will have numerous staff
members there to describe everything on
display and answer questions.
The company has a full line of greatflying
foam airplanes and the two lines of
exceptional radio systems. Word has it that
the new nine-channel 2.4 GHz radio will be
on display.
Swap Shop: If you’ve been in the hobby
long, you probably know that swap shops
can be a mix of trash and treasure. The
Weak Signals management does an
exceptional job of governing this area, and
you’ll find many small cottage industries
alongside modelers who are looking to sell
their stuff.
Final Approach: I hope to see many of
you at the WRAM Show and the Toledo
R/C Expo. I get excited just thinking about
the new products and trade shows.
And one last thing. Make a list of what
you’re looking for before the show; that
way, you won’t waste time or forget
anything. See you there!
Sources:
Toledo Show
www.toledoshow.com
RCGroups
www.rcgroups.com
Radical RC
(937) 256-7727
www.radicalrc.com
Eagle Tree Systems
(425) 614-0450
www.eagletreesystems.com
TME
11705 Boyette Rd. #418
Riverview FL 33569
www.tmenet.com
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
XPS
2440 N. Kiowa Blvd.
Lake Havasu City AZ 86403
www.xtremepowersystems.net
XPS conversion process video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=
MTTBSjFCQpc
Aero-Model Inc.
(480) 726-7519
www.aero-model.com
Steven AeroModel
(719) 387-4187
www.stevensaero.com
Nick Ziroli Plans
(631) 467-4765
www.ziroliplans.com
Tru-Turn Products
(281) 479-9600
www.tru-turn.com
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
West Mountain Radio
(203) 853-8080
www.westmountainradio.com
Peak Electronics
(800) 532-0092
www.siriuselectronics.com
Great Planes
(217) 398-6300
www.greatplanes.com
Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Hitec RCD
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
110 MODEL AVIATION
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 11:32 AM Page 110
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 108,109,110
108 MODEL AVIATION
behind the finest data-acquisition equipment
I’ve used in this hobby. He also understands
customer service better than most. I’ve
talked about my eLogger and Seagull
loggers many times, and I know I wear Bill
out with questions, but he always takes the
time to help.
The company has systems for the most
complicated setups
or the simplest
setups. The prices are right and the software
is excellent. If you’re interested in finding
out what’s going on with your airplane or
helicopter in the air, be sure to check out
these units.
Tejera Microsystems Engineering
(TME): Albert Tejera is well known in both
Toledo or bust! Some trade-show must-see locations
Electrics Greg Gimlick | [email protected]
TAKING OFF: Can you feel it? The
excitement of the Toledo R/C Expo, or
Toledo Show, is around the corner.
Although I’m writing this as the excitement
of Christmas is ending, I can’t help but get
excited just thinking about the Weak
Signals’ show in Ohio, the weekend of
April 3-5 at the SeaGate Centre.
This will be the 55th year of this event,
and it will be bigger and better than the
previous ones; it always gets better. I don’t
have any word on what indoor events will
happen yet, but they will be announced
online at the Weak Signals site or
RCGroups by the time you read this.
This month I’m going to try to give you
a brief guide to help you plan your visit.
The show is huge, and it helps to plan ahead
so you don’t miss anything. There’s no way
I can cover all the manufacturers, and I
apologize for that.
It used to be easy to cover all of the
electric-flight dealers; now almost all
companies have some electric equipment, so
it’s impossible to do—and I know there will
be new dealers with which I’m unfamiliar.
Let’s take a look at some must-visit booths.
Radical RC: Dave Thacker has been
helping modelers for as long as I can
remember, and he remains one of the most
helpful business owners in the industry. He
and his staff understand the questions and
know the answers before you even ask
them.
Dave’s booth will be loaded with
motors, controllers, wires, connectors,
batteries, kits, adapters, chargers, you name
it. Don’t miss this.
Eagle Tree Systems: Bill Parry is the brain
Xtreme Power Systems will be selling its newest version of the 2.4
GHz modules/receivers, Graupner turbine engines, and electricducted-
fan systems.
Castle Creations, which is typically seen everywhere including the
Weak Signals’ show, will show all of its products and have staff there
to answer questions.
Bill Parry (L) of Eagle Tree Systems regularly has a booth at the Toledo Show, and he
will be there to show and explain his data-acquisition systems.
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April 2009 109
glow and electric circles, because of his
chargers and smoke systems.
I just wrote a column about his battery
charger system and its features. If you have
questions, stop by and talk to Albert. He’ll
have it all set up and running so he’s ready
to explain what all it can do. TME offers
great customer support, and you can talk to
the designer/owner with a phone call.
Castle Creations: I’ve bought and used
Castle Creations speed controls since the
days when Patrick del Castillo made only
the Sprite-25 for brushed motors. He has
grown into one of the largest manufacturers
of speed controls in the world and continues
to expand and improve his product line.
This year, Castle will be showing its new
Ice line of controllers and promoting its
relationship with Neu Motors. These are
some of the best motors in the world and are
made to order.
Castle has a policy of not selling
products at its booth during the show so that
it doesn’t compete with its own dealers. The
owner and engineers will be there to answer
all your questions, though, and that’s a great
thing!
Xtreme Power Systems (XPS): The
company will be selling the new V3
continuous-hopping software that supports
multiple receivers and many new features. It
will also have its new line of Xtreme Li-
Poly batteries and Graupner G-Booster
turbines.
The company has a new 120mm fan with
a specially designed outrunner motor. The
fan will run at more than 10,000 watts. I saw
the prototype a few months ago, and this is
one impressive fan-and-motor combo.
I chose the XPS system to convert my
Multiplex Royal Evo 12 radio with its new
2.4 GHz mode. Check out the YouTube
video on the conversion process. (The Web
site address is in the “Sources” list at the end
of the column.)
Aero-Model Inc. and Hacker USA: For
years, Sean and Dana Plummer have
provided electric-power modelers with
some of the finest motors in the world, and
they continue to expand their line with the
help of Rainer Hacker. Last year, he was in
the booth and answering anyone’s questions
who had them.
Sean is a wealth of information, and his
Web site offers combo deals and a full line
of motors and helicopters. Not all purple
motors are the same, so come see the
original one that the others are copying.
Stevens AeroModel: Bill Stevens has a
small booth on the main floor that is packed
to the gills with some of the finest little
laser-cut kits for indoor and park flyers
you’ll find anywhere. He is always in the
booth, and it is fully stocked for selling.
Go to the indoor fly-in and you’ll see all
of Bill’s products in flight and return to buy
one the next day. He also carries motors,
controllers, and tools, so you can get it all
from him to optimize your aircraft.
Nick Ziroli Plans: Nick Ziroli Sr. is worldrenowned
for his Giant Scale designs/plans
and as a Top Gun competitor. What isn’t
widely known is that he is also heavily
The author’s new E-flite Triton EQ 6S
balancing charger with internal DC power
supply operates in both DC/DC and AC/DC
modes. Visit Great Planes at Toledo and see
all the new Hobbico products.
Greg’s new E-flite Blade mCX and Spektrum DX7 radio. You can see both products at
the Toledo Show, along with all the new Horizon Hobby products.
Hobby Lobby will have the new line of Pilot-1 models, including this gorgeous 1/8-scale
Aeronca Champ. This is one of the busiest booths, and everything is for sale.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:11 AM Page 109
involved in electrics and has designed
several models that have been published.
He is always near his booth, which is
typically right next to Robart and Frank
Tiano Enterprises, with his son, showing off
designs and answering questions.
Another bonus when you stop by is that
you’ll usually find Rich Uravitch. He has
done it all and offers a full line of models—
some designed to be electric and others that
can be powered by either motors or engines.
Tru-Turn Precision Model Products: Tru-
Turn has added a full line of adapters, so
now you can use the company’s incredible
line of spinners on most motors. It has also
developed a line of specialized electric
spinners and propeller nuts. If you have a
motor with you, the staff members at the
booth will match it with the right setup for
your needs.
FMA Direct: Jaime Marks heads this longstanding
leader in electric-model products
and will be in the booth as usual this year.
I’ve talked about using the company’s
Cellpro 4s charger, and Red Scholefield has
tested the bigger 10s, which impressed him.
FMA Direct will have its full line of
chargers, including the new Cellpro 4s
Multi, Revolectrix batteries, and accessories
available at the show, and representatives
can answer all of your questions.
West Mountain Radio: I’ve used the
company’s incredible Anderson Powerpole
(APP) crimper since it was introduced, and
it’s the best $50 you’ll spend on a tool. The
Computerized Battery Analyzer II is
constantly in use on my bench, and I can’t
imagine not having it. On my field box is
the company’s RIGrunner, which allows me
to have multiple APP connectors in a neat
and protected box.
All of these items will be at the West
Mountain Radio booth. Don’t leave without
a crimper if you use APPs in your systems.
Peak Electronics/Sirius: If you need
anything for your radio in terms of
connectors, leads, servos, receivers,
whatever, you need to stop by this booth.
George Joy has made the Sirius
chargers, known for safety and quality, for
years. He has the only fast charger I trust
with my Multiplex Royal Evo radio. You
can also get a hands-on demo if you need to
learn how to make your own custom servo
leads.
Great Planes Model Distributors: This
will be one of the biggest booths at the
show, and it will have many items on
display. Sales reps will be there to answer
all of your questions, but nothing is sold at
the Toledo Expo. Dealers at the show will
have Great Planes products available.
I just bought the new Triton EQ charger
that has its own DC power supply built in
and will balance 6S packs. Check it out at
the booth!
You won’t be able to miss this vendor,
because it will have giant-screen monitors
and RealFlight simulators in use. Get in line
and try it.
Horizon Hobby: This company has the
other biggest display at the Toledo Show.
You can see everything in the incredible Eflite
line of electrics, all the JR radios, etc.
There are no sales at the show, but there are
dealers who will have Horizon Hobby
products.
Plenty of reps will be available to
answer your inquiries. You can get all of
your JR/Spektrum radio questions
answered.
I have the Spektrum DX7 radio system
and love it. If you’re a helicopter pilot,
check out the DX7 Special Edition,
designed just for you, and the Vibe 500
looks like a winner. Horizon Hobby
continues to wow us with its expanding line
of electric-flight products, and they’ll all be
there.
Hobby Lobby: You might know this
company from its beautiful catalogs, but
you’ll be overwhelmed when you see it all
in person, on display and for sale.
The simulators will be running, and the
company’s great new line of Pilot-1
airplane kits will be available. They are
gorgeous ARFs ranging from Giant Scale
to 1/8 scale. Almost everything in the
catalog will be available, as will many
helpful employees to answer your
questions.
Hitec RCD/Multiplex: This is another
manufacturer that won’t be selling at the
show, but it will have numerous staff
members there to describe everything on
display and answer questions.
The company has a full line of greatflying
foam airplanes and the two lines of
exceptional radio systems. Word has it that
the new nine-channel 2.4 GHz radio will be
on display.
Swap Shop: If you’ve been in the hobby
long, you probably know that swap shops
can be a mix of trash and treasure. The
Weak Signals management does an
exceptional job of governing this area, and
you’ll find many small cottage industries
alongside modelers who are looking to sell
their stuff.
Final Approach: I hope to see many of
you at the WRAM Show and the Toledo
R/C Expo. I get excited just thinking about
the new products and trade shows.
And one last thing. Make a list of what
you’re looking for before the show; that
way, you won’t waste time or forget
anything. See you there!
Sources:
Toledo Show
www.toledoshow.com
RCGroups
www.rcgroups.com
Radical RC
(937) 256-7727
www.radicalrc.com
Eagle Tree Systems
(425) 614-0450
www.eagletreesystems.com
TME
11705 Boyette Rd. #418
Riverview FL 33569
www.tmenet.com
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
XPS
2440 N. Kiowa Blvd.
Lake Havasu City AZ 86403
www.xtremepowersystems.net
XPS conversion process video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=
MTTBSjFCQpc
Aero-Model Inc.
(480) 726-7519
www.aero-model.com
Steven AeroModel
(719) 387-4187
www.stevensaero.com
Nick Ziroli Plans
(631) 467-4765
www.ziroliplans.com
Tru-Turn Products
(281) 479-9600
www.tru-turn.com
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
West Mountain Radio
(203) 853-8080
www.westmountainradio.com
Peak Electronics
(800) 532-0092
www.siriuselectronics.com
Great Planes
(217) 398-6300
www.greatplanes.com
Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Hitec RCD
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
110 MODEL AVIATION
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