answers were posted in a section of the AMA
Web site. That Web site is in the process of
being revised, and no new postings will be
made in the foreseeable future. Therefore,
what you read here each month is all you will
see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format.
Recognize that the original “search
process” by categories will also be suspended
until the full posting is back online. In the
meantime, I’m available to help you locate
specific subjects of interest; just drop me an
E-mail.
Also, please keep sending in your
questions. That’s the only way I can continue
to provide this service to all our readers.
Q228: “I noticed that Horizon Hobby is now
advertising a new transmitter synthesized RF
module which will allow me to select any one
of the 50 RC aircraft channels between 72 and
73 MHz.
“Have you seen or tried one of these new
modules? Any comments on the application?
Does it function any different than any of the
other modules now on the market?”
A228: Horizon Hobby did add a new
transmitter radio frequency (RF) synthesized
module to its JR line last month. I haven’t had
one in my possession yet, but I can still offer
some comments.
The module is JR item NET-J72: the PLL
(Phase Locked Looped) synthesized 72 MHz
FM RF module intended for PPM (regular
FM) and PCM transmission. It will fit into
any existing JR transmitter that has a
removable RF module.
THIS IS THE 28th monthly column in which
you write or E-mail your questions to me and
I try to give you the best possible answers.
Each new question is given a sequential
number for identification purposes.
Until now part of this column was
published in MA and additional questions and
The new JR synthesized RF module
July 2006 71
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
The proper way to use a length of heat-shrink tubing as a strain
relief between the wire and the pin of an APP connector.
RAM2 onboard altimeter components: the RAM2, a cable that
connects it through a USB port on your PC, and a CD with
viewing software.
The heart of the RAM2: a tiny 7.5-gram sensor that goes in your
model. The highest altitude attained is stored there.
The new JR synthesized RF module, for use with JR transmitters
that have removable modules, is from Horizon Hobby.
Also included in this column:
• The RAM2 onboard altimeter
• Heat-shrink tubing as strain relief
• Manila-folder plans-parts
templates
• Polyspan from Larry Davison
72 MODEL AVIATION
Materials for making templates when cutting parts: a copy of the plans, a bottle of
rubber cement, an opened manila file folder, and a roll of 3M Magic Tape.
Attach the plans copy to the folder with the help of rubber cement. Then seal the
edges of the plans copy with strips of the Magic Tape.
Cut the plans outline with scissors. Trace the template outline
onto balsa sheet material using a fine felt-tipped pen. Cut the
part from the wood using an X-Acto knife.
That is the key item. If your JR transmitter doesn’t have a
removable RF module, you can’t use this new synthesized
module.
As you can see in the photo, two dials are used to set the 72-73
MHz RC channel numbers from 11 to 60. You set the left-side
dial to the first channel digit and the right dial to the second digit.
The two dials are located on the outside (outward facing) of the
module. So when it is plugged into the transmitter, you can still
see what channel you are set to.
You can also make channel changes without physically
removing the module. That is certainly a plus.
You can obtain price and ordering information for this new
product by contacting Horizon Hobby at 4105 Fieldstone Rd.,
Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site:
www.horizonhobby.com.
Q229: “Years ago I saw a wristwatch device that actually
measured the maximum altitude attained by your model aircraft in
flight. This watch was set to zero and then placed inside the
model. It was somewhat difficult to both
set and to read after the flight. It was also
on the bulky side.
“I’d like to learn the altitude of some of
my RC sailplanes and was wondering if
there are any improved products today that
can perform the same function.”
A229: I recently learned about an onboard
altimeter device you may find interesting.
It is called the RAM2 (which stands for
Recording Altimeter for Models) and is
provided by Soaring Circuits (in
Pennsylvania). The E-mail address is
[email protected], and the Web site
is www.soaringcircuits.com.
The RAM2 includes the onboard
altimeter sensor, a USB interface cable to
download data into a PC, and the
necessary software contained on a CD.
Everything as I just described is sold for
$99 plus $5 shipping within the US.
The sensor plugs directly into your RC
receiver or you can use a separate battery
for power. The large memory provided can
hold an entire day of flying data.
The sensor’s dimensions are 1 inch
long x 3/4 inch wide x 3/8 inch high, and its
flying weight is 7.5 grams (.26 ounce)
including a 12-inch-long cable. Sample
rates are 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds. Memory
can store as many as nine hours of data at
the one-second rate.
Although I haven’t tried this device, it
looks interesting and is something I must
try in the near term. I suspect it could also
be used for FF and sailplane-type aircraft.
If you have success with the RAM2,
please write in and share your results with
us.
Q230: “I know you have mentioned before
that strain relieving the wire going into a
connector pin is important. You mentioned
the use of heat-shrink tubing for this purpose.
Can you show us a photo or two that will help
explain this technique in more detail?”
A230: Probably one of the best examples of
using heat-shrink tubing as a strain relief
involves the popular Anderson Powerpole
APP) connector pins. These have also
been known throughout the years as the
“Sermos” connectors, after the late John
Sermos.
Before the mechanical crimping tools
became popular, the wire going into the
APP connector pin was soldered in place.
The job was tedious. In most cases the
solder would tend to “wick” back up under
the wire insulation. At this junction (wire
to connector pin) the solder produced a
brittle joint. Flexing of the wire quickly
led to its breaking off at the pin.
To relieve the strain at this semirigid
point of contact, many of us found that a
short length of heat-shrink tubing would
protect the wire-to-pin joint. To do this
right, cut a 1-inch length of heat-shrink
tubing and slip it onto the wire. Solder or
crimp the wire into the connector pin.
Then slide the heat-shrink tubing up over
the joint (onto the pin!). Use a heat gun to
shrink the tubing so that it is snug up
against the connector pin.
The final step is to insert the pin (with
the wire) into the APP plastic housing.
That length of tubing that sticks out
beyond the housing will act as an excellent
strain relief. The included photo should
tell the entire story. Any addition of heatshrink
tubing to a wire/connector joint can
add considerably to the overall strength
and service life of that joint.
Q231: “I read in many of your
construction articles how you fashion
templates to cut out parts using unfolded
manila file folders. I have a good idea how
you do this but would really appreciate a
few photos to illustrate your technique.”
A231: Start by making a copy of your fullsize
plans. Roughly cut out the parts you
want to fabricate. Paste those portions of
the plans to the (opened) manila folder
with rubber cement and then seal the edges
with 3M-brand Magic Tape.
Allow that to dry for a couple hours
and then cut to the plans outline with a
pair of scissors. Trace the template outline
directly onto your balsa or plywood
material using a felt-tipped pen. (I use the
fine-tipped Uni-Ball Vision.) When
finished, I save all my templates in a file
folder in case replacement parts are
required later.
Q232: “My FF friends use a covering
product known as Polyspan. I’d like to try
this on some of my park flyers and microsize
aircraft. Where can I learn more about
this product?”
A232: Polyspan is a product offered by
Society of Antique Modelers Champ Larry
Davison. It comes in 10 x 39-inch sheets
for $15 apiece. Larry offers detailed
application instructions for this product.
You can E-mail him for a copy
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/07
Page Numbers: 71,72,74
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/07
Page Numbers: 71,72,74
answers were posted in a section of the AMA
Web site. That Web site is in the process of
being revised, and no new postings will be
made in the foreseeable future. Therefore,
what you read here each month is all you will
see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format.
Recognize that the original “search
process” by categories will also be suspended
until the full posting is back online. In the
meantime, I’m available to help you locate
specific subjects of interest; just drop me an
E-mail.
Also, please keep sending in your
questions. That’s the only way I can continue
to provide this service to all our readers.
Q228: “I noticed that Horizon Hobby is now
advertising a new transmitter synthesized RF
module which will allow me to select any one
of the 50 RC aircraft channels between 72 and
73 MHz.
“Have you seen or tried one of these new
modules? Any comments on the application?
Does it function any different than any of the
other modules now on the market?”
A228: Horizon Hobby did add a new
transmitter radio frequency (RF) synthesized
module to its JR line last month. I haven’t had
one in my possession yet, but I can still offer
some comments.
The module is JR item NET-J72: the PLL
(Phase Locked Looped) synthesized 72 MHz
FM RF module intended for PPM (regular
FM) and PCM transmission. It will fit into
any existing JR transmitter that has a
removable RF module.
THIS IS THE 28th monthly column in which
you write or E-mail your questions to me and
I try to give you the best possible answers.
Each new question is given a sequential
number for identification purposes.
Until now part of this column was
published in MA and additional questions and
The new JR synthesized RF module
July 2006 71
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
The proper way to use a length of heat-shrink tubing as a strain
relief between the wire and the pin of an APP connector.
RAM2 onboard altimeter components: the RAM2, a cable that
connects it through a USB port on your PC, and a CD with
viewing software.
The heart of the RAM2: a tiny 7.5-gram sensor that goes in your
model. The highest altitude attained is stored there.
The new JR synthesized RF module, for use with JR transmitters
that have removable modules, is from Horizon Hobby.
Also included in this column:
• The RAM2 onboard altimeter
• Heat-shrink tubing as strain relief
• Manila-folder plans-parts
templates
• Polyspan from Larry Davison
72 MODEL AVIATION
Materials for making templates when cutting parts: a copy of the plans, a bottle of
rubber cement, an opened manila file folder, and a roll of 3M Magic Tape.
Attach the plans copy to the folder with the help of rubber cement. Then seal the
edges of the plans copy with strips of the Magic Tape.
Cut the plans outline with scissors. Trace the template outline
onto balsa sheet material using a fine felt-tipped pen. Cut the
part from the wood using an X-Acto knife.
That is the key item. If your JR transmitter doesn’t have a
removable RF module, you can’t use this new synthesized
module.
As you can see in the photo, two dials are used to set the 72-73
MHz RC channel numbers from 11 to 60. You set the left-side
dial to the first channel digit and the right dial to the second digit.
The two dials are located on the outside (outward facing) of the
module. So when it is plugged into the transmitter, you can still
see what channel you are set to.
You can also make channel changes without physically
removing the module. That is certainly a plus.
You can obtain price and ordering information for this new
product by contacting Horizon Hobby at 4105 Fieldstone Rd.,
Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site:
www.horizonhobby.com.
Q229: “Years ago I saw a wristwatch device that actually
measured the maximum altitude attained by your model aircraft in
flight. This watch was set to zero and then placed inside the
model. It was somewhat difficult to both
set and to read after the flight. It was also
on the bulky side.
“I’d like to learn the altitude of some of
my RC sailplanes and was wondering if
there are any improved products today that
can perform the same function.”
A229: I recently learned about an onboard
altimeter device you may find interesting.
It is called the RAM2 (which stands for
Recording Altimeter for Models) and is
provided by Soaring Circuits (in
Pennsylvania). The E-mail address is
[email protected], and the Web site
is www.soaringcircuits.com.
The RAM2 includes the onboard
altimeter sensor, a USB interface cable to
download data into a PC, and the
necessary software contained on a CD.
Everything as I just described is sold for
$99 plus $5 shipping within the US.
The sensor plugs directly into your RC
receiver or you can use a separate battery
for power. The large memory provided can
hold an entire day of flying data.
The sensor’s dimensions are 1 inch
long x 3/4 inch wide x 3/8 inch high, and its
flying weight is 7.5 grams (.26 ounce)
including a 12-inch-long cable. Sample
rates are 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds. Memory
can store as many as nine hours of data at
the one-second rate.
Although I haven’t tried this device, it
looks interesting and is something I must
try in the near term. I suspect it could also
be used for FF and sailplane-type aircraft.
If you have success with the RAM2,
please write in and share your results with
us.
Q230: “I know you have mentioned before
that strain relieving the wire going into a
connector pin is important. You mentioned
the use of heat-shrink tubing for this purpose.
Can you show us a photo or two that will help
explain this technique in more detail?”
A230: Probably one of the best examples of
using heat-shrink tubing as a strain relief
involves the popular Anderson Powerpole
APP) connector pins. These have also
been known throughout the years as the
“Sermos” connectors, after the late John
Sermos.
Before the mechanical crimping tools
became popular, the wire going into the
APP connector pin was soldered in place.
The job was tedious. In most cases the
solder would tend to “wick” back up under
the wire insulation. At this junction (wire
to connector pin) the solder produced a
brittle joint. Flexing of the wire quickly
led to its breaking off at the pin.
To relieve the strain at this semirigid
point of contact, many of us found that a
short length of heat-shrink tubing would
protect the wire-to-pin joint. To do this
right, cut a 1-inch length of heat-shrink
tubing and slip it onto the wire. Solder or
crimp the wire into the connector pin.
Then slide the heat-shrink tubing up over
the joint (onto the pin!). Use a heat gun to
shrink the tubing so that it is snug up
against the connector pin.
The final step is to insert the pin (with
the wire) into the APP plastic housing.
That length of tubing that sticks out
beyond the housing will act as an excellent
strain relief. The included photo should
tell the entire story. Any addition of heatshrink
tubing to a wire/connector joint can
add considerably to the overall strength
and service life of that joint.
Q231: “I read in many of your
construction articles how you fashion
templates to cut out parts using unfolded
manila file folders. I have a good idea how
you do this but would really appreciate a
few photos to illustrate your technique.”
A231: Start by making a copy of your fullsize
plans. Roughly cut out the parts you
want to fabricate. Paste those portions of
the plans to the (opened) manila folder
with rubber cement and then seal the edges
with 3M-brand Magic Tape.
Allow that to dry for a couple hours
and then cut to the plans outline with a
pair of scissors. Trace the template outline
directly onto your balsa or plywood
material using a felt-tipped pen. (I use the
fine-tipped Uni-Ball Vision.) When
finished, I save all my templates in a file
folder in case replacement parts are
required later.
Q232: “My FF friends use a covering
product known as Polyspan. I’d like to try
this on some of my park flyers and microsize
aircraft. Where can I learn more about
this product?”
A232: Polyspan is a product offered by
Society of Antique Modelers Champ Larry
Davison. It comes in 10 x 39-inch sheets
for $15 apiece. Larry offers detailed
application instructions for this product.
You can E-mail him for a copy
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/07
Page Numbers: 71,72,74
answers were posted in a section of the AMA
Web site. That Web site is in the process of
being revised, and no new postings will be
made in the foreseeable future. Therefore,
what you read here each month is all you will
see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format.
Recognize that the original “search
process” by categories will also be suspended
until the full posting is back online. In the
meantime, I’m available to help you locate
specific subjects of interest; just drop me an
E-mail.
Also, please keep sending in your
questions. That’s the only way I can continue
to provide this service to all our readers.
Q228: “I noticed that Horizon Hobby is now
advertising a new transmitter synthesized RF
module which will allow me to select any one
of the 50 RC aircraft channels between 72 and
73 MHz.
“Have you seen or tried one of these new
modules? Any comments on the application?
Does it function any different than any of the
other modules now on the market?”
A228: Horizon Hobby did add a new
transmitter radio frequency (RF) synthesized
module to its JR line last month. I haven’t had
one in my possession yet, but I can still offer
some comments.
The module is JR item NET-J72: the PLL
(Phase Locked Looped) synthesized 72 MHz
FM RF module intended for PPM (regular
FM) and PCM transmission. It will fit into
any existing JR transmitter that has a
removable RF module.
THIS IS THE 28th monthly column in which
you write or E-mail your questions to me and
I try to give you the best possible answers.
Each new question is given a sequential
number for identification purposes.
Until now part of this column was
published in MA and additional questions and
The new JR synthesized RF module
July 2006 71
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
The proper way to use a length of heat-shrink tubing as a strain
relief between the wire and the pin of an APP connector.
RAM2 onboard altimeter components: the RAM2, a cable that
connects it through a USB port on your PC, and a CD with
viewing software.
The heart of the RAM2: a tiny 7.5-gram sensor that goes in your
model. The highest altitude attained is stored there.
The new JR synthesized RF module, for use with JR transmitters
that have removable modules, is from Horizon Hobby.
Also included in this column:
• The RAM2 onboard altimeter
• Heat-shrink tubing as strain relief
• Manila-folder plans-parts
templates
• Polyspan from Larry Davison
72 MODEL AVIATION
Materials for making templates when cutting parts: a copy of the plans, a bottle of
rubber cement, an opened manila file folder, and a roll of 3M Magic Tape.
Attach the plans copy to the folder with the help of rubber cement. Then seal the
edges of the plans copy with strips of the Magic Tape.
Cut the plans outline with scissors. Trace the template outline
onto balsa sheet material using a fine felt-tipped pen. Cut the
part from the wood using an X-Acto knife.
That is the key item. If your JR transmitter doesn’t have a
removable RF module, you can’t use this new synthesized
module.
As you can see in the photo, two dials are used to set the 72-73
MHz RC channel numbers from 11 to 60. You set the left-side
dial to the first channel digit and the right dial to the second digit.
The two dials are located on the outside (outward facing) of the
module. So when it is plugged into the transmitter, you can still
see what channel you are set to.
You can also make channel changes without physically
removing the module. That is certainly a plus.
You can obtain price and ordering information for this new
product by contacting Horizon Hobby at 4105 Fieldstone Rd.,
Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site:
www.horizonhobby.com.
Q229: “Years ago I saw a wristwatch device that actually
measured the maximum altitude attained by your model aircraft in
flight. This watch was set to zero and then placed inside the
model. It was somewhat difficult to both
set and to read after the flight. It was also
on the bulky side.
“I’d like to learn the altitude of some of
my RC sailplanes and was wondering if
there are any improved products today that
can perform the same function.”
A229: I recently learned about an onboard
altimeter device you may find interesting.
It is called the RAM2 (which stands for
Recording Altimeter for Models) and is
provided by Soaring Circuits (in
Pennsylvania). The E-mail address is
[email protected], and the Web site
is www.soaringcircuits.com.
The RAM2 includes the onboard
altimeter sensor, a USB interface cable to
download data into a PC, and the
necessary software contained on a CD.
Everything as I just described is sold for
$99 plus $5 shipping within the US.
The sensor plugs directly into your RC
receiver or you can use a separate battery
for power. The large memory provided can
hold an entire day of flying data.
The sensor’s dimensions are 1 inch
long x 3/4 inch wide x 3/8 inch high, and its
flying weight is 7.5 grams (.26 ounce)
including a 12-inch-long cable. Sample
rates are 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds. Memory
can store as many as nine hours of data at
the one-second rate.
Although I haven’t tried this device, it
looks interesting and is something I must
try in the near term. I suspect it could also
be used for FF and sailplane-type aircraft.
If you have success with the RAM2,
please write in and share your results with
us.
Q230: “I know you have mentioned before
that strain relieving the wire going into a
connector pin is important. You mentioned
the use of heat-shrink tubing for this purpose.
Can you show us a photo or two that will help
explain this technique in more detail?”
A230: Probably one of the best examples of
using heat-shrink tubing as a strain relief
involves the popular Anderson Powerpole
APP) connector pins. These have also
been known throughout the years as the
“Sermos” connectors, after the late John
Sermos.
Before the mechanical crimping tools
became popular, the wire going into the
APP connector pin was soldered in place.
The job was tedious. In most cases the
solder would tend to “wick” back up under
the wire insulation. At this junction (wire
to connector pin) the solder produced a
brittle joint. Flexing of the wire quickly
led to its breaking off at the pin.
To relieve the strain at this semirigid
point of contact, many of us found that a
short length of heat-shrink tubing would
protect the wire-to-pin joint. To do this
right, cut a 1-inch length of heat-shrink
tubing and slip it onto the wire. Solder or
crimp the wire into the connector pin.
Then slide the heat-shrink tubing up over
the joint (onto the pin!). Use a heat gun to
shrink the tubing so that it is snug up
against the connector pin.
The final step is to insert the pin (with
the wire) into the APP plastic housing.
That length of tubing that sticks out
beyond the housing will act as an excellent
strain relief. The included photo should
tell the entire story. Any addition of heatshrink
tubing to a wire/connector joint can
add considerably to the overall strength
and service life of that joint.
Q231: “I read in many of your
construction articles how you fashion
templates to cut out parts using unfolded
manila file folders. I have a good idea how
you do this but would really appreciate a
few photos to illustrate your technique.”
A231: Start by making a copy of your fullsize
plans. Roughly cut out the parts you
want to fabricate. Paste those portions of
the plans to the (opened) manila folder
with rubber cement and then seal the edges
with 3M-brand Magic Tape.
Allow that to dry for a couple hours
and then cut to the plans outline with a
pair of scissors. Trace the template outline
directly onto your balsa or plywood
material using a felt-tipped pen. (I use the
fine-tipped Uni-Ball Vision.) When
finished, I save all my templates in a file
folder in case replacement parts are
required later.
Q232: “My FF friends use a covering
product known as Polyspan. I’d like to try
this on some of my park flyers and microsize
aircraft. Where can I learn more about
this product?”
A232: Polyspan is a product offered by
Society of Antique Modelers Champ Larry
Davison. It comes in 10 x 39-inch sheets
for $15 apiece. Larry offers detailed
application instructions for this product.
You can E-mail him for a copy