What are the differences between the original FMA Direct M5 receiver and the new v2 version?
April 2006 85
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Lightweight microservo
information
• Testors Corporation spray
equipment
• ARF and RTF electricpowered
ducted-fan models
• Lightweight wheel sources
The profile fuselage side of Gordon Johnson’s 1-ounce Monocoupe. You can see two
Falcon 1.7-gram servos pasted to the side. That servo now weighs 1.6 grams and the
price is going down to $34.
If you want to use five servos in this five-channel-function
receiver, you will have to use this “Y” cable or harness.
The new “v2” version of the popular FMA
Direct M5 receiver. The weight as you
see it is 11.5 grams, or .40 ounce.
compared to the original receiver (400 steps vs. 200 steps) and
built-in decoding technology which digitally filters the
transmitter’s signal from noise, providing a “fail-safe”-type
protection for any standard FM system.
In effect, the aircraft will “fly through” temporary interference
with the servos remaining unchanged, and after three seconds of
signal loss the receiver throttle channel signals the ESC to shut
down the motor, thus preventing fly-aways.
THIS IS THE 25TH monthly column in which I will try to give
you the best possible answers to questions you have written or Emailed
to me. Each new inquiry has a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this month’s
material will be published here, and you can find the column in
its entirety on the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
mag/faq/index.asp. All questions and answers will be posted
there.
Once the material is posted to the Web site, you must access
particular questions and answers by subject matter or categories.
This is done to help you retrieve data for particular subjects.
When you call up a question, it reads “Answer … ” Double-click
on that word, and that information, along with any related photos,
will appear.
Let’s start!
Q199: “I have been using several of the FMA Direct M5 micro,
dual-conversion RC receivers for the past couple of years with
excellent success. I noticed recently that FMA now has a new
version of this receiver, designated as ‘v2.’ Can you tell me what
is different about this new version?
“I also have another related question. The M5 receiver has
five channel functions, each with a connector or port. If I were to
use all five channels, how do I connect power to the receiver?”
A199: The FMA Direct M5 is the smallest and lightest-weight
dual-conversion FM RC receiver on the market. I asked FMA
Direct Marketing Director Greg Covey about the difference, old
to new. The following is paraphrased from his response to me.
This new “v2” version is now compatible with digital servos
and other supersensitive servos. It has increased resolution
86 MODEL AVIATION
Testors sells this new series of Pactra paints that is perfect for
foam park flyers. The 30 shades include many WW II scale colors.
Testors sells hobby paint-spraying equipment including
airbrushes, accessories, and a variety of compressors.
Bob’s second model, in 1950, was the Testors FF Baby Zephyr.
He bought a kit from a collector and made this new version.
The Mako Jet RTF ducted-fan aircraft comes fully assembled
with power and radio system. Just charge and fly!
The M5v2 gets its reliability from improved S.M.A.R.T.
(Selective, Microprocessor, Advanced Radio Transmission)
decoding technology, which analyzes each frame, ignores noise
spikes, and operates reliably in the presence of strong
interference. The best part is that the former $54.95 price has
been reduced to $39.95, plus the cost of a crystal.
For your second question, if you were employing electric
power and had an ESC with a BEC, the power would go into the
receiver via the cable that is plugged into the throttle port. In that
case you could have four servos and the ESC/throttle plugged
into the receiver, providing you with five separate channel
functions.
If you have a fuel-powered aircraft and want to use all five
channel functions, you must purchase what we call a “Y” cable,
or “Y” harness. This is a servo-type cable that splits into two
connectors.
You plug the center connector into any receiver port. On the
other end one connector accepts a servo while the other accepts
the battery-pack input. You essentially split the single input so it
can accept a servo and the power. This same Y harness can be
employed on the aileron channel function when you want to use
two separate aileron servos (one operating each aileron).
Every RC manufacturer offers these Y cables for its RC
systems. They are inexpensive and lightweight.
Q200: “I have seen many references over the past year
concerning a truly micro- or submicroservo that weighs only 1.7
grams. This is a true proportional servo, not a magnetic actuator
that has a unique worm gear drive and a Hall effect sensor
instead of a feedback potentiometer.
“I’ve seen indoor RC model aircraft built to a total weight of
1.0 ounce using two of these servos for the rudder and elevator
control functions. But the problem for me has been the rather
expensive $62 price tag. Are there any less expensive alternatives
on the hobby market?”
A200: You are referring to the 1.7-gram Falcon servo, which was
designed by Chris Fouweather in Great Britain and manufactured
by Chris Stewart of Falcon Models Ltd. (www.falconmodels
.uk.com/). The good news is that you don’t have to look any
further for that weight of servo for the right price.
Chris Stewart has set up a mass-production process for
assembling these tiny servos. As a result, the new price,
announced in November 2005, is approximately $34 (US)—
almost half of what it used to be. The weight has also been
slightly reduced so that Falcon can call this a 1.6-gram servo,
including a micro JST connector and cable.
Bob Selman Designs in the US will soon be stocking these
servos at this lower price. You can reach
Bob through his Web site at www.bsdmicro
rc.com/.
The Falcon Models Web site now
features a Falcon receiver/servo block that
contains the company’s Falcon/Hook
receiver and two Falcon servos. The total
weight of this combination is 4.8 grams,
and it is available on US 72 MHz RC
channels. I understand that this new
“block” is not currently sold direct in the
US; you will have to order it from the
manufacturer in Great Britain.
Q201: “I read your Q/A concerning
making your own decals and specifically
the kit offered by the Testors Company. I
decided to look up their Web site,
www.testors.com, and found that they also
have a complete line of neat airbrush and
compressor outfits. Have you ever worked
with any of these products?”
A201: I haven’t worked with any of the
company’s spraying equipment yet, but I
certainly hope to in the near future. I
spotted the Testors booth at a recent trade
show and decided to take a good look at
what the company was offering.
Testors sells various types of paints for
different applications. What surprised me
was that it has an extensive line of paintspraying
equipment I was not aware of. I
noted airbrushes and compressors from
Aztek, Pactra, and Testors. On the Web
site go to “Air Brushes & Accessories” for
details. I even saw a display of Pactra paint
products especially developed for the
electric-aircraft builder/flier.
When I started in the hobby in 1950
my second model was an FF airplane
called the Baby Zephyr, kitted by the
Testors Company. The kit sold for the
astronomical price of 98¢! I recently
bought an original kit of this model,
assembled it, and placed one of my
original K&B Infant .020 engines in it.
That was the engine for which the Zephyr
had been designed.
I even used the same color scheme as
portrayed on the kit box. Many old-time
modelers will remember the fine line of CL
and FF kits that were produced by Testors,
along with the paints and cements.
Q202: “I have had the desire recently to try
my hand at a ducted-fan, electric-powered,
jet-style model aircraft. My time is limited,
so I was specifically wondering if there
might be a ducted fan ARF or RTF model
available?”
A202: I’m so glad I get to attend many
regional and national fly-ins and trade
shows because it gives me a chance to see
all the new products that come onto the
market. Many times recently I’ve mentioned
the big JR Indoor Electric Festival that was
held in Columbus, Ohio, the weekend of
November 5-6, 2005. This is the biggest
indoor RC fly-in in the country.
One of the vendors at that show had
exactly what you want: a ducted-fan,
electric-powered model called the Mako Jet
that comes as an RTF, with the radio
system, motor, battery, and everything
ready to go. It is sold by Shark Jaw Toys
(Box 851325, Yukon OK 73085; Web site:
www.iwatoyco.com/).
The Mako Jet is a double-wing, or what
some would call a “joined”-wing, design. It
comes with the motor ducted-fan assembly
and the complete RC system. The price for
the entire package at the festival was
approximately $160.
Demonstration pilot Chris McNair won
the festival award for “Best Jet” flying this
design. It flew well and was impressive.
I need more letters about many different
subjects. You readers set the pace for this
column. If you have a question or even want
to hear about a new product, please write in
and ask (via E-mail or postal-delivered
letters to AMA Headquarters,
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 85,86,88
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 85,86,88
What are the differences between the original FMA Direct M5 receiver and the new v2 version?
April 2006 85
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Lightweight microservo
information
• Testors Corporation spray
equipment
• ARF and RTF electricpowered
ducted-fan models
• Lightweight wheel sources
The profile fuselage side of Gordon Johnson’s 1-ounce Monocoupe. You can see two
Falcon 1.7-gram servos pasted to the side. That servo now weighs 1.6 grams and the
price is going down to $34.
If you want to use five servos in this five-channel-function
receiver, you will have to use this “Y” cable or harness.
The new “v2” version of the popular FMA
Direct M5 receiver. The weight as you
see it is 11.5 grams, or .40 ounce.
compared to the original receiver (400 steps vs. 200 steps) and
built-in decoding technology which digitally filters the
transmitter’s signal from noise, providing a “fail-safe”-type
protection for any standard FM system.
In effect, the aircraft will “fly through” temporary interference
with the servos remaining unchanged, and after three seconds of
signal loss the receiver throttle channel signals the ESC to shut
down the motor, thus preventing fly-aways.
THIS IS THE 25TH monthly column in which I will try to give
you the best possible answers to questions you have written or Emailed
to me. Each new inquiry has a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this month’s
material will be published here, and you can find the column in
its entirety on the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
mag/faq/index.asp. All questions and answers will be posted
there.
Once the material is posted to the Web site, you must access
particular questions and answers by subject matter or categories.
This is done to help you retrieve data for particular subjects.
When you call up a question, it reads “Answer … ” Double-click
on that word, and that information, along with any related photos,
will appear.
Let’s start!
Q199: “I have been using several of the FMA Direct M5 micro,
dual-conversion RC receivers for the past couple of years with
excellent success. I noticed recently that FMA now has a new
version of this receiver, designated as ‘v2.’ Can you tell me what
is different about this new version?
“I also have another related question. The M5 receiver has
five channel functions, each with a connector or port. If I were to
use all five channels, how do I connect power to the receiver?”
A199: The FMA Direct M5 is the smallest and lightest-weight
dual-conversion FM RC receiver on the market. I asked FMA
Direct Marketing Director Greg Covey about the difference, old
to new. The following is paraphrased from his response to me.
This new “v2” version is now compatible with digital servos
and other supersensitive servos. It has increased resolution
86 MODEL AVIATION
Testors sells this new series of Pactra paints that is perfect for
foam park flyers. The 30 shades include many WW II scale colors.
Testors sells hobby paint-spraying equipment including
airbrushes, accessories, and a variety of compressors.
Bob’s second model, in 1950, was the Testors FF Baby Zephyr.
He bought a kit from a collector and made this new version.
The Mako Jet RTF ducted-fan aircraft comes fully assembled
with power and radio system. Just charge and fly!
The M5v2 gets its reliability from improved S.M.A.R.T.
(Selective, Microprocessor, Advanced Radio Transmission)
decoding technology, which analyzes each frame, ignores noise
spikes, and operates reliably in the presence of strong
interference. The best part is that the former $54.95 price has
been reduced to $39.95, plus the cost of a crystal.
For your second question, if you were employing electric
power and had an ESC with a BEC, the power would go into the
receiver via the cable that is plugged into the throttle port. In that
case you could have four servos and the ESC/throttle plugged
into the receiver, providing you with five separate channel
functions.
If you have a fuel-powered aircraft and want to use all five
channel functions, you must purchase what we call a “Y” cable,
or “Y” harness. This is a servo-type cable that splits into two
connectors.
You plug the center connector into any receiver port. On the
other end one connector accepts a servo while the other accepts
the battery-pack input. You essentially split the single input so it
can accept a servo and the power. This same Y harness can be
employed on the aileron channel function when you want to use
two separate aileron servos (one operating each aileron).
Every RC manufacturer offers these Y cables for its RC
systems. They are inexpensive and lightweight.
Q200: “I have seen many references over the past year
concerning a truly micro- or submicroservo that weighs only 1.7
grams. This is a true proportional servo, not a magnetic actuator
that has a unique worm gear drive and a Hall effect sensor
instead of a feedback potentiometer.
“I’ve seen indoor RC model aircraft built to a total weight of
1.0 ounce using two of these servos for the rudder and elevator
control functions. But the problem for me has been the rather
expensive $62 price tag. Are there any less expensive alternatives
on the hobby market?”
A200: You are referring to the 1.7-gram Falcon servo, which was
designed by Chris Fouweather in Great Britain and manufactured
by Chris Stewart of Falcon Models Ltd. (www.falconmodels
.uk.com/). The good news is that you don’t have to look any
further for that weight of servo for the right price.
Chris Stewart has set up a mass-production process for
assembling these tiny servos. As a result, the new price,
announced in November 2005, is approximately $34 (US)—
almost half of what it used to be. The weight has also been
slightly reduced so that Falcon can call this a 1.6-gram servo,
including a micro JST connector and cable.
Bob Selman Designs in the US will soon be stocking these
servos at this lower price. You can reach
Bob through his Web site at www.bsdmicro
rc.com/.
The Falcon Models Web site now
features a Falcon receiver/servo block that
contains the company’s Falcon/Hook
receiver and two Falcon servos. The total
weight of this combination is 4.8 grams,
and it is available on US 72 MHz RC
channels. I understand that this new
“block” is not currently sold direct in the
US; you will have to order it from the
manufacturer in Great Britain.
Q201: “I read your Q/A concerning
making your own decals and specifically
the kit offered by the Testors Company. I
decided to look up their Web site,
www.testors.com, and found that they also
have a complete line of neat airbrush and
compressor outfits. Have you ever worked
with any of these products?”
A201: I haven’t worked with any of the
company’s spraying equipment yet, but I
certainly hope to in the near future. I
spotted the Testors booth at a recent trade
show and decided to take a good look at
what the company was offering.
Testors sells various types of paints for
different applications. What surprised me
was that it has an extensive line of paintspraying
equipment I was not aware of. I
noted airbrushes and compressors from
Aztek, Pactra, and Testors. On the Web
site go to “Air Brushes & Accessories” for
details. I even saw a display of Pactra paint
products especially developed for the
electric-aircraft builder/flier.
When I started in the hobby in 1950
my second model was an FF airplane
called the Baby Zephyr, kitted by the
Testors Company. The kit sold for the
astronomical price of 98¢! I recently
bought an original kit of this model,
assembled it, and placed one of my
original K&B Infant .020 engines in it.
That was the engine for which the Zephyr
had been designed.
I even used the same color scheme as
portrayed on the kit box. Many old-time
modelers will remember the fine line of CL
and FF kits that were produced by Testors,
along with the paints and cements.
Q202: “I have had the desire recently to try
my hand at a ducted-fan, electric-powered,
jet-style model aircraft. My time is limited,
so I was specifically wondering if there
might be a ducted fan ARF or RTF model
available?”
A202: I’m so glad I get to attend many
regional and national fly-ins and trade
shows because it gives me a chance to see
all the new products that come onto the
market. Many times recently I’ve mentioned
the big JR Indoor Electric Festival that was
held in Columbus, Ohio, the weekend of
November 5-6, 2005. This is the biggest
indoor RC fly-in in the country.
One of the vendors at that show had
exactly what you want: a ducted-fan,
electric-powered model called the Mako Jet
that comes as an RTF, with the radio
system, motor, battery, and everything
ready to go. It is sold by Shark Jaw Toys
(Box 851325, Yukon OK 73085; Web site:
www.iwatoyco.com/).
The Mako Jet is a double-wing, or what
some would call a “joined”-wing, design. It
comes with the motor ducted-fan assembly
and the complete RC system. The price for
the entire package at the festival was
approximately $160.
Demonstration pilot Chris McNair won
the festival award for “Best Jet” flying this
design. It flew well and was impressive.
I need more letters about many different
subjects. You readers set the pace for this
column. If you have a question or even want
to hear about a new product, please write in
and ask (via E-mail or postal-delivered
letters to AMA Headquarters,
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 85,86,88
What are the differences between the original FMA Direct M5 receiver and the new v2 version?
April 2006 85
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Lightweight microservo
information
• Testors Corporation spray
equipment
• ARF and RTF electricpowered
ducted-fan models
• Lightweight wheel sources
The profile fuselage side of Gordon Johnson’s 1-ounce Monocoupe. You can see two
Falcon 1.7-gram servos pasted to the side. That servo now weighs 1.6 grams and the
price is going down to $34.
If you want to use five servos in this five-channel-function
receiver, you will have to use this “Y” cable or harness.
The new “v2” version of the popular FMA
Direct M5 receiver. The weight as you
see it is 11.5 grams, or .40 ounce.
compared to the original receiver (400 steps vs. 200 steps) and
built-in decoding technology which digitally filters the
transmitter’s signal from noise, providing a “fail-safe”-type
protection for any standard FM system.
In effect, the aircraft will “fly through” temporary interference
with the servos remaining unchanged, and after three seconds of
signal loss the receiver throttle channel signals the ESC to shut
down the motor, thus preventing fly-aways.
THIS IS THE 25TH monthly column in which I will try to give
you the best possible answers to questions you have written or Emailed
to me. Each new inquiry has a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this month’s
material will be published here, and you can find the column in
its entirety on the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
mag/faq/index.asp. All questions and answers will be posted
there.
Once the material is posted to the Web site, you must access
particular questions and answers by subject matter or categories.
This is done to help you retrieve data for particular subjects.
When you call up a question, it reads “Answer … ” Double-click
on that word, and that information, along with any related photos,
will appear.
Let’s start!
Q199: “I have been using several of the FMA Direct M5 micro,
dual-conversion RC receivers for the past couple of years with
excellent success. I noticed recently that FMA now has a new
version of this receiver, designated as ‘v2.’ Can you tell me what
is different about this new version?
“I also have another related question. The M5 receiver has
five channel functions, each with a connector or port. If I were to
use all five channels, how do I connect power to the receiver?”
A199: The FMA Direct M5 is the smallest and lightest-weight
dual-conversion FM RC receiver on the market. I asked FMA
Direct Marketing Director Greg Covey about the difference, old
to new. The following is paraphrased from his response to me.
This new “v2” version is now compatible with digital servos
and other supersensitive servos. It has increased resolution
86 MODEL AVIATION
Testors sells this new series of Pactra paints that is perfect for
foam park flyers. The 30 shades include many WW II scale colors.
Testors sells hobby paint-spraying equipment including
airbrushes, accessories, and a variety of compressors.
Bob’s second model, in 1950, was the Testors FF Baby Zephyr.
He bought a kit from a collector and made this new version.
The Mako Jet RTF ducted-fan aircraft comes fully assembled
with power and radio system. Just charge and fly!
The M5v2 gets its reliability from improved S.M.A.R.T.
(Selective, Microprocessor, Advanced Radio Transmission)
decoding technology, which analyzes each frame, ignores noise
spikes, and operates reliably in the presence of strong
interference. The best part is that the former $54.95 price has
been reduced to $39.95, plus the cost of a crystal.
For your second question, if you were employing electric
power and had an ESC with a BEC, the power would go into the
receiver via the cable that is plugged into the throttle port. In that
case you could have four servos and the ESC/throttle plugged
into the receiver, providing you with five separate channel
functions.
If you have a fuel-powered aircraft and want to use all five
channel functions, you must purchase what we call a “Y” cable,
or “Y” harness. This is a servo-type cable that splits into two
connectors.
You plug the center connector into any receiver port. On the
other end one connector accepts a servo while the other accepts
the battery-pack input. You essentially split the single input so it
can accept a servo and the power. This same Y harness can be
employed on the aileron channel function when you want to use
two separate aileron servos (one operating each aileron).
Every RC manufacturer offers these Y cables for its RC
systems. They are inexpensive and lightweight.
Q200: “I have seen many references over the past year
concerning a truly micro- or submicroservo that weighs only 1.7
grams. This is a true proportional servo, not a magnetic actuator
that has a unique worm gear drive and a Hall effect sensor
instead of a feedback potentiometer.
“I’ve seen indoor RC model aircraft built to a total weight of
1.0 ounce using two of these servos for the rudder and elevator
control functions. But the problem for me has been the rather
expensive $62 price tag. Are there any less expensive alternatives
on the hobby market?”
A200: You are referring to the 1.7-gram Falcon servo, which was
designed by Chris Fouweather in Great Britain and manufactured
by Chris Stewart of Falcon Models Ltd. (www.falconmodels
.uk.com/). The good news is that you don’t have to look any
further for that weight of servo for the right price.
Chris Stewart has set up a mass-production process for
assembling these tiny servos. As a result, the new price,
announced in November 2005, is approximately $34 (US)—
almost half of what it used to be. The weight has also been
slightly reduced so that Falcon can call this a 1.6-gram servo,
including a micro JST connector and cable.
Bob Selman Designs in the US will soon be stocking these
servos at this lower price. You can reach
Bob through his Web site at www.bsdmicro
rc.com/.
The Falcon Models Web site now
features a Falcon receiver/servo block that
contains the company’s Falcon/Hook
receiver and two Falcon servos. The total
weight of this combination is 4.8 grams,
and it is available on US 72 MHz RC
channels. I understand that this new
“block” is not currently sold direct in the
US; you will have to order it from the
manufacturer in Great Britain.
Q201: “I read your Q/A concerning
making your own decals and specifically
the kit offered by the Testors Company. I
decided to look up their Web site,
www.testors.com, and found that they also
have a complete line of neat airbrush and
compressor outfits. Have you ever worked
with any of these products?”
A201: I haven’t worked with any of the
company’s spraying equipment yet, but I
certainly hope to in the near future. I
spotted the Testors booth at a recent trade
show and decided to take a good look at
what the company was offering.
Testors sells various types of paints for
different applications. What surprised me
was that it has an extensive line of paintspraying
equipment I was not aware of. I
noted airbrushes and compressors from
Aztek, Pactra, and Testors. On the Web
site go to “Air Brushes & Accessories” for
details. I even saw a display of Pactra paint
products especially developed for the
electric-aircraft builder/flier.
When I started in the hobby in 1950
my second model was an FF airplane
called the Baby Zephyr, kitted by the
Testors Company. The kit sold for the
astronomical price of 98¢! I recently
bought an original kit of this model,
assembled it, and placed one of my
original K&B Infant .020 engines in it.
That was the engine for which the Zephyr
had been designed.
I even used the same color scheme as
portrayed on the kit box. Many old-time
modelers will remember the fine line of CL
and FF kits that were produced by Testors,
along with the paints and cements.
Q202: “I have had the desire recently to try
my hand at a ducted-fan, electric-powered,
jet-style model aircraft. My time is limited,
so I was specifically wondering if there
might be a ducted fan ARF or RTF model
available?”
A202: I’m so glad I get to attend many
regional and national fly-ins and trade
shows because it gives me a chance to see
all the new products that come onto the
market. Many times recently I’ve mentioned
the big JR Indoor Electric Festival that was
held in Columbus, Ohio, the weekend of
November 5-6, 2005. This is the biggest
indoor RC fly-in in the country.
One of the vendors at that show had
exactly what you want: a ducted-fan,
electric-powered model called the Mako Jet
that comes as an RTF, with the radio
system, motor, battery, and everything
ready to go. It is sold by Shark Jaw Toys
(Box 851325, Yukon OK 73085; Web site:
www.iwatoyco.com/).
The Mako Jet is a double-wing, or what
some would call a “joined”-wing, design. It
comes with the motor ducted-fan assembly
and the complete RC system. The price for
the entire package at the festival was
approximately $160.
Demonstration pilot Chris McNair won
the festival award for “Best Jet” flying this
design. It flew well and was impressive.
I need more letters about many different
subjects. You readers set the pace for this
column. If you have a question or even want
to hear about a new product, please write in
and ask (via E-mail or postal-delivered
letters to AMA Headquarters,