Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
Micro precision Pattern is on the way!
March 2006 83
The author’s Pattern Mite micro Pattern model has a 17.5-inch wingspan.
The control layout inside the Pattern Mite. It uses a Microbatics package.
GREETINGS, FELLOW micro fans! I
hope you found the right stuff under the
Christmas tree. This promises to be an
exciting season for our interests, with
quite a bit of new equipment coming
along. I will kick things off with a project
I have been working on that uses some of
this neat new gear.
My interest in flying RC Aerobatics
(Pattern) goes back to the 1960s. I have
made several micro-size electric-powered
models that have approached the ability to
fly true aerobatics, but each time there
were significant limits. This is changing.
With the introduction of the micro
brushless motors and tiny, light servos, it
is time to rethink this possibility. My
current effort (shown)—the Pattern
Mite—is built around the most powerful
micro brushless motor available, along
with three 1.7-gram servos. I am using
equipment from Dynamics Unlimited
(www.slowfly.com) called the Microbatics
package, but other vendors, such as Bob
Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com/), are
current airfoil is an MA409—a relatively
thin section with modest undercamber.
Although the fuselage is only slightly
more than an inch wide, there is ample
room for the new gear (shown). With the
light weight of the new brushless motors, I
have had to rethink the model’s moments
to achieve a reasonable CG.
The dual-layer BL5-3-60 motor weighs
only 5 grams, yet it produces 60 grams of
thrust on a 5 x 3 GWS propeller. A photo
shows it mounted on the Pattern Mite’s
nose. All this power comes from a single
Li-Poly cell of 300 mAh capacity. The
total weight of the equipment and motor is
roughly 23 grams.
At this point I can fly all the basic
aerobatic maneuvers with authority and
penetrate a substantial breeze. The Pattern
Mite is not a “3-D”-capable model, nor do
I intend it to be.
Even though I have been focusing on a
small Pattern model, this same equipment
could be used to fly small scale warbirdtype
machines or other projects that need
ample thrust to do their best. The future
keeps looking brighter for the world of
micro.
A talented young man named Casey
Holmes (11412 Greyson Rd., Moreno
Valley CA 92557) has developed a new
actuator that shows great promise. A photo
shows his new dual-actuator unit based on
Also included in this column:
• A new actuator from Casey
Holmes
• Ralph Bradley’s Sky Bug
selling similar equipment.
For my first effort I chose the low-wing
layout with modest dihedral for smooth
handling in turbulence. I am calling this
little design the Pattern Mite. I do not
consider it to be a finished product, but
more of a work in progress.
There is much to learn about the best
wing sizes, airfoils, weight-reduction
techniques, and drag-reduction methods.
The Pattern Mite currently has a wingspan
of 17.5 inches, an area of 75 square inches,
and weighs 43 grams flight ready. The
muscle-wire technology. The Web site is
www.rcprotech.com/mwa.html.
Casey wrote:
“Specifications: 80-90 ohms of
resistance. Requires a receiver meant for
driving standard coil actuators. Two
actuators per MWA frame (aileron/
elevator, rudder/elevator, or elevons).
“It features extremely light weight
(1.5 grams max), high speed (about one
second from endpoint to endpoint),
amazing force output (19 grams max),
natural self-centering ability (no extra
weight in magnets to center), single- and
double-sided output arms (ailerons and
push/pull setups possible), low voltage
operation (single-cell Li-Poly input,
4.2VDC max), and low current
consumption (30 mAh per actuator).
“It is also very strong (it requires 200
grams of shock force to break a muscle
wire) and has thin PCB (you can lighten
the actuators by drilling holes easily),
reparable actuator PCB frame (new
springs or muscle wire readily available),
reconfigurable springs for placing in a
fuselage or small area, easy-to-use fivewire
interface (wires to battery and
receiver outputs), and finally, the best
part, it’s hand assembled and tested.
“We put at least one hour into each
and every single muscle-wire actuator we
produce. This includes removal of waste
PCB material by scissors or filing,
bending and soldering springs to the right
size and shape, assembly of the output
arms units, and securely wiring muscle
wire to the spring units in a fashion
which produces low stress on the muscle
wire.”
Remember, you saw it here first.
The Pattern Mite uses a BL5-3-60 Brushless motor. Casey Holmes developed this dual muscle-wire actuator.
Dr. Nation built this micro B-52 model from Ferrell Papic plans.
Along with the applications Casey
mentioned, these devices are strong
enough to raise micro retracts.
(Remember those warbirds I mentioned?)
I wrote that this is an interesting
season for new products. And there are
more!
Column contributor Ferrell Papic (300
W. Lincoln #82, Orange CA 92665; Tel.:
(714) 974-1046) has announced his entry
into the plans business. He sent me
information about a book of plans for
small RC models; they range from ultralight
Plantraco types to slightly larger,
heavier types that are suitable for the
microservo systems and similar.
Ferrell’s book also includes
information about building tiny ducted
fans and winding specifications for small
84 MODEL AVIATION
March 2006 85
The author’s modified Ralph Bradley Sky Bug spans 6 inches and weighs 5 grams.
The underside of Dr. Nation’s B-52. This model has a 14-inch wingspan.
brushless motors. The list price is $37
with $3 shipping and handling. Dealers
can take a 30% discount.
Ferrell also has a line of plans for
larger electric-powered RC models. A
couple photos show a B-52 with a 14-inch
wingspan built by Dr. Nation from these
plans. The equipment is a Plantraco
system. It is refreshing to see more
modelers getting involved and sharing
their talents.
A few issues ago Paul Bradley (MA’s
“Small-Field Flying” columnist) included
a picture of a submicro model his brother
Ralph built. I was intrigued enough to
contact Ralph for more details on this
fascinating little airplane he calls the Sky
Bug.
Ralph was kind enough to share his
design with me, which sort of pushed me
over the edge. I had to have one too! A
photo shows my version, which includes
a few small changes to suit my flying
style.
The wingspan is 6 inches and the
weight is 5 grams total. The equipment is
a mixture. The receiver is a Plantraco
Butterfly-style unit (no connectors); the
motor is a 6mm, 4.5-ohm direct drive
with a 1-inch carved propeller; the
actuator is a 0.6-gram unit from Balsa
Products (www.balsapr.com); and the
battery is a 30 mAh Li-Poly cell from
Bob Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com).
The 6mm motor would normally be
too much of a load for the 30 mAh cell,
but by using a tiny direct-drive propeller,
the current is low enough for safety. My
version of the Sky Bug cruises at
approximately half to two-thirds throttle
for nearly eight minutes if I avoid excess
use of higher power settings.
This type of model has worked out
extremely well for me as an alternative
to the Plantraco Butterfly since I do not
have an indoor space that is large
enough in which to fly RC models. Of
course, with progress the way it is, that
may change!
My Sky Bug has a moderate wing
loading and is not especially slow, so it
can handle a bit of a breeze outdoors. It
is really hard to damage flying over
grass, so I have gotten away with several
misjudged turns and such.
Such small models may not be for
everyone, but they get the attention at a
regular RC field where their wingspans
are maybe a quarter of the length of the
propellers on many of the popular
airplanes.
Happy micro-flying, and send all the
pictures of and information about those
new projects to me to share with fellow
modelers. It is always good to hear from
manufacturers as well. MA
03sig3.QXD 1/24/06 2:58 PM Page 85
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 83,84,85
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 83,84,85
Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
Micro precision Pattern is on the way!
March 2006 83
The author’s Pattern Mite micro Pattern model has a 17.5-inch wingspan.
The control layout inside the Pattern Mite. It uses a Microbatics package.
GREETINGS, FELLOW micro fans! I
hope you found the right stuff under the
Christmas tree. This promises to be an
exciting season for our interests, with
quite a bit of new equipment coming
along. I will kick things off with a project
I have been working on that uses some of
this neat new gear.
My interest in flying RC Aerobatics
(Pattern) goes back to the 1960s. I have
made several micro-size electric-powered
models that have approached the ability to
fly true aerobatics, but each time there
were significant limits. This is changing.
With the introduction of the micro
brushless motors and tiny, light servos, it
is time to rethink this possibility. My
current effort (shown)—the Pattern
Mite—is built around the most powerful
micro brushless motor available, along
with three 1.7-gram servos. I am using
equipment from Dynamics Unlimited
(www.slowfly.com) called the Microbatics
package, but other vendors, such as Bob
Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com/), are
current airfoil is an MA409—a relatively
thin section with modest undercamber.
Although the fuselage is only slightly
more than an inch wide, there is ample
room for the new gear (shown). With the
light weight of the new brushless motors, I
have had to rethink the model’s moments
to achieve a reasonable CG.
The dual-layer BL5-3-60 motor weighs
only 5 grams, yet it produces 60 grams of
thrust on a 5 x 3 GWS propeller. A photo
shows it mounted on the Pattern Mite’s
nose. All this power comes from a single
Li-Poly cell of 300 mAh capacity. The
total weight of the equipment and motor is
roughly 23 grams.
At this point I can fly all the basic
aerobatic maneuvers with authority and
penetrate a substantial breeze. The Pattern
Mite is not a “3-D”-capable model, nor do
I intend it to be.
Even though I have been focusing on a
small Pattern model, this same equipment
could be used to fly small scale warbirdtype
machines or other projects that need
ample thrust to do their best. The future
keeps looking brighter for the world of
micro.
A talented young man named Casey
Holmes (11412 Greyson Rd., Moreno
Valley CA 92557) has developed a new
actuator that shows great promise. A photo
shows his new dual-actuator unit based on
Also included in this column:
• A new actuator from Casey
Holmes
• Ralph Bradley’s Sky Bug
selling similar equipment.
For my first effort I chose the low-wing
layout with modest dihedral for smooth
handling in turbulence. I am calling this
little design the Pattern Mite. I do not
consider it to be a finished product, but
more of a work in progress.
There is much to learn about the best
wing sizes, airfoils, weight-reduction
techniques, and drag-reduction methods.
The Pattern Mite currently has a wingspan
of 17.5 inches, an area of 75 square inches,
and weighs 43 grams flight ready. The
muscle-wire technology. The Web site is
www.rcprotech.com/mwa.html.
Casey wrote:
“Specifications: 80-90 ohms of
resistance. Requires a receiver meant for
driving standard coil actuators. Two
actuators per MWA frame (aileron/
elevator, rudder/elevator, or elevons).
“It features extremely light weight
(1.5 grams max), high speed (about one
second from endpoint to endpoint),
amazing force output (19 grams max),
natural self-centering ability (no extra
weight in magnets to center), single- and
double-sided output arms (ailerons and
push/pull setups possible), low voltage
operation (single-cell Li-Poly input,
4.2VDC max), and low current
consumption (30 mAh per actuator).
“It is also very strong (it requires 200
grams of shock force to break a muscle
wire) and has thin PCB (you can lighten
the actuators by drilling holes easily),
reparable actuator PCB frame (new
springs or muscle wire readily available),
reconfigurable springs for placing in a
fuselage or small area, easy-to-use fivewire
interface (wires to battery and
receiver outputs), and finally, the best
part, it’s hand assembled and tested.
“We put at least one hour into each
and every single muscle-wire actuator we
produce. This includes removal of waste
PCB material by scissors or filing,
bending and soldering springs to the right
size and shape, assembly of the output
arms units, and securely wiring muscle
wire to the spring units in a fashion
which produces low stress on the muscle
wire.”
Remember, you saw it here first.
The Pattern Mite uses a BL5-3-60 Brushless motor. Casey Holmes developed this dual muscle-wire actuator.
Dr. Nation built this micro B-52 model from Ferrell Papic plans.
Along with the applications Casey
mentioned, these devices are strong
enough to raise micro retracts.
(Remember those warbirds I mentioned?)
I wrote that this is an interesting
season for new products. And there are
more!
Column contributor Ferrell Papic (300
W. Lincoln #82, Orange CA 92665; Tel.:
(714) 974-1046) has announced his entry
into the plans business. He sent me
information about a book of plans for
small RC models; they range from ultralight
Plantraco types to slightly larger,
heavier types that are suitable for the
microservo systems and similar.
Ferrell’s book also includes
information about building tiny ducted
fans and winding specifications for small
84 MODEL AVIATION
March 2006 85
The author’s modified Ralph Bradley Sky Bug spans 6 inches and weighs 5 grams.
The underside of Dr. Nation’s B-52. This model has a 14-inch wingspan.
brushless motors. The list price is $37
with $3 shipping and handling. Dealers
can take a 30% discount.
Ferrell also has a line of plans for
larger electric-powered RC models. A
couple photos show a B-52 with a 14-inch
wingspan built by Dr. Nation from these
plans. The equipment is a Plantraco
system. It is refreshing to see more
modelers getting involved and sharing
their talents.
A few issues ago Paul Bradley (MA’s
“Small-Field Flying” columnist) included
a picture of a submicro model his brother
Ralph built. I was intrigued enough to
contact Ralph for more details on this
fascinating little airplane he calls the Sky
Bug.
Ralph was kind enough to share his
design with me, which sort of pushed me
over the edge. I had to have one too! A
photo shows my version, which includes
a few small changes to suit my flying
style.
The wingspan is 6 inches and the
weight is 5 grams total. The equipment is
a mixture. The receiver is a Plantraco
Butterfly-style unit (no connectors); the
motor is a 6mm, 4.5-ohm direct drive
with a 1-inch carved propeller; the
actuator is a 0.6-gram unit from Balsa
Products (www.balsapr.com); and the
battery is a 30 mAh Li-Poly cell from
Bob Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com).
The 6mm motor would normally be
too much of a load for the 30 mAh cell,
but by using a tiny direct-drive propeller,
the current is low enough for safety. My
version of the Sky Bug cruises at
approximately half to two-thirds throttle
for nearly eight minutes if I avoid excess
use of higher power settings.
This type of model has worked out
extremely well for me as an alternative
to the Plantraco Butterfly since I do not
have an indoor space that is large
enough in which to fly RC models. Of
course, with progress the way it is, that
may change!
My Sky Bug has a moderate wing
loading and is not especially slow, so it
can handle a bit of a breeze outdoors. It
is really hard to damage flying over
grass, so I have gotten away with several
misjudged turns and such.
Such small models may not be for
everyone, but they get the attention at a
regular RC field where their wingspans
are maybe a quarter of the length of the
propellers on many of the popular
airplanes.
Happy micro-flying, and send all the
pictures of and information about those
new projects to me to share with fellow
modelers. It is always good to hear from
manufacturers as well. MA
03sig3.QXD 1/24/06 2:58 PM Page 85
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 83,84,85
Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
Micro precision Pattern is on the way!
March 2006 83
The author’s Pattern Mite micro Pattern model has a 17.5-inch wingspan.
The control layout inside the Pattern Mite. It uses a Microbatics package.
GREETINGS, FELLOW micro fans! I
hope you found the right stuff under the
Christmas tree. This promises to be an
exciting season for our interests, with
quite a bit of new equipment coming
along. I will kick things off with a project
I have been working on that uses some of
this neat new gear.
My interest in flying RC Aerobatics
(Pattern) goes back to the 1960s. I have
made several micro-size electric-powered
models that have approached the ability to
fly true aerobatics, but each time there
were significant limits. This is changing.
With the introduction of the micro
brushless motors and tiny, light servos, it
is time to rethink this possibility. My
current effort (shown)—the Pattern
Mite—is built around the most powerful
micro brushless motor available, along
with three 1.7-gram servos. I am using
equipment from Dynamics Unlimited
(www.slowfly.com) called the Microbatics
package, but other vendors, such as Bob
Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com/), are
current airfoil is an MA409—a relatively
thin section with modest undercamber.
Although the fuselage is only slightly
more than an inch wide, there is ample
room for the new gear (shown). With the
light weight of the new brushless motors, I
have had to rethink the model’s moments
to achieve a reasonable CG.
The dual-layer BL5-3-60 motor weighs
only 5 grams, yet it produces 60 grams of
thrust on a 5 x 3 GWS propeller. A photo
shows it mounted on the Pattern Mite’s
nose. All this power comes from a single
Li-Poly cell of 300 mAh capacity. The
total weight of the equipment and motor is
roughly 23 grams.
At this point I can fly all the basic
aerobatic maneuvers with authority and
penetrate a substantial breeze. The Pattern
Mite is not a “3-D”-capable model, nor do
I intend it to be.
Even though I have been focusing on a
small Pattern model, this same equipment
could be used to fly small scale warbirdtype
machines or other projects that need
ample thrust to do their best. The future
keeps looking brighter for the world of
micro.
A talented young man named Casey
Holmes (11412 Greyson Rd., Moreno
Valley CA 92557) has developed a new
actuator that shows great promise. A photo
shows his new dual-actuator unit based on
Also included in this column:
• A new actuator from Casey
Holmes
• Ralph Bradley’s Sky Bug
selling similar equipment.
For my first effort I chose the low-wing
layout with modest dihedral for smooth
handling in turbulence. I am calling this
little design the Pattern Mite. I do not
consider it to be a finished product, but
more of a work in progress.
There is much to learn about the best
wing sizes, airfoils, weight-reduction
techniques, and drag-reduction methods.
The Pattern Mite currently has a wingspan
of 17.5 inches, an area of 75 square inches,
and weighs 43 grams flight ready. The
muscle-wire technology. The Web site is
www.rcprotech.com/mwa.html.
Casey wrote:
“Specifications: 80-90 ohms of
resistance. Requires a receiver meant for
driving standard coil actuators. Two
actuators per MWA frame (aileron/
elevator, rudder/elevator, or elevons).
“It features extremely light weight
(1.5 grams max), high speed (about one
second from endpoint to endpoint),
amazing force output (19 grams max),
natural self-centering ability (no extra
weight in magnets to center), single- and
double-sided output arms (ailerons and
push/pull setups possible), low voltage
operation (single-cell Li-Poly input,
4.2VDC max), and low current
consumption (30 mAh per actuator).
“It is also very strong (it requires 200
grams of shock force to break a muscle
wire) and has thin PCB (you can lighten
the actuators by drilling holes easily),
reparable actuator PCB frame (new
springs or muscle wire readily available),
reconfigurable springs for placing in a
fuselage or small area, easy-to-use fivewire
interface (wires to battery and
receiver outputs), and finally, the best
part, it’s hand assembled and tested.
“We put at least one hour into each
and every single muscle-wire actuator we
produce. This includes removal of waste
PCB material by scissors or filing,
bending and soldering springs to the right
size and shape, assembly of the output
arms units, and securely wiring muscle
wire to the spring units in a fashion
which produces low stress on the muscle
wire.”
Remember, you saw it here first.
The Pattern Mite uses a BL5-3-60 Brushless motor. Casey Holmes developed this dual muscle-wire actuator.
Dr. Nation built this micro B-52 model from Ferrell Papic plans.
Along with the applications Casey
mentioned, these devices are strong
enough to raise micro retracts.
(Remember those warbirds I mentioned?)
I wrote that this is an interesting
season for new products. And there are
more!
Column contributor Ferrell Papic (300
W. Lincoln #82, Orange CA 92665; Tel.:
(714) 974-1046) has announced his entry
into the plans business. He sent me
information about a book of plans for
small RC models; they range from ultralight
Plantraco types to slightly larger,
heavier types that are suitable for the
microservo systems and similar.
Ferrell’s book also includes
information about building tiny ducted
fans and winding specifications for small
84 MODEL AVIATION
March 2006 85
The author’s modified Ralph Bradley Sky Bug spans 6 inches and weighs 5 grams.
The underside of Dr. Nation’s B-52. This model has a 14-inch wingspan.
brushless motors. The list price is $37
with $3 shipping and handling. Dealers
can take a 30% discount.
Ferrell also has a line of plans for
larger electric-powered RC models. A
couple photos show a B-52 with a 14-inch
wingspan built by Dr. Nation from these
plans. The equipment is a Plantraco
system. It is refreshing to see more
modelers getting involved and sharing
their talents.
A few issues ago Paul Bradley (MA’s
“Small-Field Flying” columnist) included
a picture of a submicro model his brother
Ralph built. I was intrigued enough to
contact Ralph for more details on this
fascinating little airplane he calls the Sky
Bug.
Ralph was kind enough to share his
design with me, which sort of pushed me
over the edge. I had to have one too! A
photo shows my version, which includes
a few small changes to suit my flying
style.
The wingspan is 6 inches and the
weight is 5 grams total. The equipment is
a mixture. The receiver is a Plantraco
Butterfly-style unit (no connectors); the
motor is a 6mm, 4.5-ohm direct drive
with a 1-inch carved propeller; the
actuator is a 0.6-gram unit from Balsa
Products (www.balsapr.com); and the
battery is a 30 mAh Li-Poly cell from
Bob Selman (www.bsdmicrorc.com).
The 6mm motor would normally be
too much of a load for the 30 mAh cell,
but by using a tiny direct-drive propeller,
the current is low enough for safety. My
version of the Sky Bug cruises at
approximately half to two-thirds throttle
for nearly eight minutes if I avoid excess
use of higher power settings.
This type of model has worked out
extremely well for me as an alternative
to the Plantraco Butterfly since I do not
have an indoor space that is large
enough in which to fly RC models. Of
course, with progress the way it is, that
may change!
My Sky Bug has a moderate wing
loading and is not especially slow, so it
can handle a bit of a breeze outdoors. It
is really hard to damage flying over
grass, so I have gotten away with several
misjudged turns and such.
Such small models may not be for
everyone, but they get the attention at a
regular RC field where their wingspans
are maybe a quarter of the length of the
propellers on many of the popular
airplanes.
Happy micro-flying, and send all the
pictures of and information about those
new projects to me to share with fellow
modelers. It is always good to hear from
manufacturers as well. MA
03sig3.QXD 1/24/06 2:58 PM Page 85