In each installment of “Worth a Closer Look” we do our
best to bring you new and exciting products from our
industry. These write-ups are not press releases, but are
actually minireviews written by the Model Aviation staff. In
each instance the product or service is actually built, tested,
flown, used, etc. to give you a firsthand account of how it
performs.
We have found some of these items on our own, but many
have been brought to our attention from outside sources. If
you have a product or service that you feel might be “worth a
closer look,” contact Model Aviation Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt at (610) 614-1747, or send an E-mail to closerlook@
airbornemedia.com.
Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Seeker 6 Receiver
Several years ago,
Polk’s Hobby
introduced its Tracker
II synthesized RC
transmitter along with
the Seeker II receiver.
This combination was
so unique because the
transmitter contained a
scanning receiver that
indicated if your
channel was clear. The
receiver would lock onto your transmitter’s channel and place it in
its memory until you changed it.
The good news for those of us who fly lightweight parking lot
and backyard flyers is that Polk’s has begun distributing a new
miniature version of the Seeker II called the Seeker 6.
As the name implies, the Seeker 6 has six channel functions. It
is of dual-conversion circuitry and will operate from any FM/PPM
(Pulse Position Modulation) RC transmitter on the market (be it
high or low deviation).
This receiver is 1.875 inches long (including the connector
pins), .875 inch wide, 1.2 inches thick, and weighs only .54 ounce.
The simple process used to set the channel number (frequency)
into this receiver is identical to the process used on the Seeker II.
Place your transmitter, with its
antenna fully extended, next to
the Seeker 6 antenna (no more
than 20-30 inches away). Turn
the power on to the transmitter,
and then hold down the “SET”
button (which can be mounted
to the outside of your aircraft’s
fuselage). While holding down
the “SET” button, turn on the
receiver power.
The servo plugged into channel 1 will begin moving back and
forth in small increments. In a few seconds, when that servo stops
moving, your Seeker 6 receiver will have set itself to the same
channel number (frequency) as your transmitter.
Even when the receiver power is turned off, the channel you set
is saved. Repeat the process to go to another channel. If you are
lucky enough to own any synthesized transmitter, you will be able
to select and use any one of the 50 aircraft channels on 72 MHz
while at the flying field. What a convenience!
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Seeker 6 is
$60. At this reduced size, there is no reason not to try one in your
small parking lot flyer.
Polk’s Hobby: 698 S. 21st St., Irvington NJ 07111; Tel.: (973)
351-9800; Web site: www.polkshobbylmpinc.us
E/Z Glo
Let’s say you’re trying to start your
engine, but it won’t start. You’ve checked
everything, and then someone suggests
looking at the glow plug. If only there was
a quick way to tell if something was wrong
with the plug without getting out the tools!
Now there is! Du-Bro has introduced
the E/Z Glo: a revolutionary ignitor and
glow-plug tester.
This device will not only effectively
ignite your model’s glow plug, but it will
also test it and report its
condition with an audible beep.
Connect the E/Z Glo to your
glow-plug, press the test button,
and listen for the tone. If you
hear a beep, the plug is good. If
you don’t hear anything, the
plug is bad.
The E/Z Glo has a $21.99
street price and comes complete
with a replaceable 1700 mAh
battery and charger.
Du-Bro: Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084; Tel.: (800) 848-9411;
Web site: www.dubro.com
Northrop Plans
Service
If you were active
in model aviation in
the early 1970s, you
might remember Model
Builder magazine.
Although it has long
since ceased, many of
the plans, three-views,
and technical drawings
it featured are now
available from Bill
Northrop’s Plans Service.
Bill saved many of
the FF, CL, and RC
plans. The subjects
include simple sport
models, Scale airplanes,
Pattern aircraft, Duration
models, gliders, and more.
He has issued a Plans
Catalog, which lists each model
and includes a thumbnail photo
with specifications (engine,
radio, weight, etc.). Also
available are Full Size Plans and
the Scratch Builder’s Almanac.
Among the three sources there are more than 300 models from
which to choose. Chances are that you’ll find something to bring out
the scratch-builder in you.
For more information about these catalogs and pricing on all
available plans, contact the company directly.
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service: 2019 Doral Ct., Henderson NV
89074; Tel.: (702) 896-2162; E-mail: [email protected]
January 2005 15
ParkZone J-3 Cub
A few weeks ago, a box arrived from
Horizon Hobby that contained a small
park flyer: its new ParkZone J-3 Cub. At
first glance the model appeared to be
similar to other foamie park flyers on the
market, but what we found inside the box
was quite different.
The kit comes complete and includes a
three-channel transmitter, AA alkaline
batteries for the transmitter, a DC peakdetection
field charger, an 8.4-volt NiMH
battery pack (600 mAh), and a complete
instruction manual.
Before you begin assembling the Cub,
grab the battery pack, the peak charger,
and the instruction manual. Read about
charging your pack and start charging. It
takes roughly 40 minutes, so your pack
will be ready to go by the time you’re
finished with the Cub!
The Cub comes as a 99% ready-to-fly
model. The only
“building” the
modeler has to do
is attach the wings
and aluminum
landing gear; both
are held on with a
few screws. (The
wing also requires
a few rubber
bands.) Even the
stickers come
already applied!
The fuselage
shell and cowl are
made from molded
plastic. The wing
and tail surfaces are made from foam, and the wing has a
molded-in, high-lift airfoil shape.
Before you attach the wing, notice the radio inside the
fuselage. This radio system has individual servos for rudder and
elevator, as well as a receiver with a built-in speed control. It is
a fully proportional three-channel FM system with full control
of throttle, steering, and pitch.
The radio
system also
incorporates the
Mode Change
Flight Control
System. The mode
in which you fly is
determined by a
jumper on the
receiver circuit
board. The first
mode is the way
the J-3 comes from
the factory. You
will have the
benefit of slight up-elevator when you give rudder input. This
helps you achieve smooth turns and will greatly aid you in your
transition to learning pitch control.
After you have flown several successful flights in the first
mode, you can advance to the second mode. In it, you will have
conventional control of the rudder and elevator at all times.
Although this means you can fly more aggressively, it also means
that crashes are more likely.
When assembled, the Cub has a wingspan of 37.25 inches, a
length of 26.75 inches, and a ready-to-fly weight of 15 ounces.
We were a bit skeptical about how well the Cub would
perform. It seemed to weigh a lot, and we questioned whether or
not the power from its 370 motor/gearbox combination would be
enough.
All questions were quickly answered with the first hand
launch. The Cub immediately took to a commanding climb and
had power to spare. Throttling back to a cruising speed, we found
it extremely maneuverable.
You could easily cruise around for 10-12 minutes, performing
gentle Figure
Eights, Stall
Turns, and more
with just half
throttle. Increase
the power, and
you’ll be looping,
rolling, and
snapping with
just a small dive
into each of the
maneuvers.
When it comes
time to land, the Cub is not a floater, so you’ll need a small
amount of power to control the landings.
This Cub was a pleasant surprise. It assembled quickly, flew
well, and was quite durable. We have no problem recommending
it for the novice who is just starting RC or the experienced
modeler who wants a simple model to fly when there isn’t time to
get to the field.
The ParkZone J-3 Cub park flyer has a street price of $159.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL
61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/01
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/01
Page Numbers: 14,15
In each installment of “Worth a Closer Look” we do our
best to bring you new and exciting products from our
industry. These write-ups are not press releases, but are
actually minireviews written by the Model Aviation staff. In
each instance the product or service is actually built, tested,
flown, used, etc. to give you a firsthand account of how it
performs.
We have found some of these items on our own, but many
have been brought to our attention from outside sources. If
you have a product or service that you feel might be “worth a
closer look,” contact Model Aviation Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt at (610) 614-1747, or send an E-mail to closerlook@
airbornemedia.com.
Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Seeker 6 Receiver
Several years ago,
Polk’s Hobby
introduced its Tracker
II synthesized RC
transmitter along with
the Seeker II receiver.
This combination was
so unique because the
transmitter contained a
scanning receiver that
indicated if your
channel was clear. The
receiver would lock onto your transmitter’s channel and place it in
its memory until you changed it.
The good news for those of us who fly lightweight parking lot
and backyard flyers is that Polk’s has begun distributing a new
miniature version of the Seeker II called the Seeker 6.
As the name implies, the Seeker 6 has six channel functions. It
is of dual-conversion circuitry and will operate from any FM/PPM
(Pulse Position Modulation) RC transmitter on the market (be it
high or low deviation).
This receiver is 1.875 inches long (including the connector
pins), .875 inch wide, 1.2 inches thick, and weighs only .54 ounce.
The simple process used to set the channel number (frequency)
into this receiver is identical to the process used on the Seeker II.
Place your transmitter, with its
antenna fully extended, next to
the Seeker 6 antenna (no more
than 20-30 inches away). Turn
the power on to the transmitter,
and then hold down the “SET”
button (which can be mounted
to the outside of your aircraft’s
fuselage). While holding down
the “SET” button, turn on the
receiver power.
The servo plugged into channel 1 will begin moving back and
forth in small increments. In a few seconds, when that servo stops
moving, your Seeker 6 receiver will have set itself to the same
channel number (frequency) as your transmitter.
Even when the receiver power is turned off, the channel you set
is saved. Repeat the process to go to another channel. If you are
lucky enough to own any synthesized transmitter, you will be able
to select and use any one of the 50 aircraft channels on 72 MHz
while at the flying field. What a convenience!
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Seeker 6 is
$60. At this reduced size, there is no reason not to try one in your
small parking lot flyer.
Polk’s Hobby: 698 S. 21st St., Irvington NJ 07111; Tel.: (973)
351-9800; Web site: www.polkshobbylmpinc.us
E/Z Glo
Let’s say you’re trying to start your
engine, but it won’t start. You’ve checked
everything, and then someone suggests
looking at the glow plug. If only there was
a quick way to tell if something was wrong
with the plug without getting out the tools!
Now there is! Du-Bro has introduced
the E/Z Glo: a revolutionary ignitor and
glow-plug tester.
This device will not only effectively
ignite your model’s glow plug, but it will
also test it and report its
condition with an audible beep.
Connect the E/Z Glo to your
glow-plug, press the test button,
and listen for the tone. If you
hear a beep, the plug is good. If
you don’t hear anything, the
plug is bad.
The E/Z Glo has a $21.99
street price and comes complete
with a replaceable 1700 mAh
battery and charger.
Du-Bro: Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084; Tel.: (800) 848-9411;
Web site: www.dubro.com
Northrop Plans
Service
If you were active
in model aviation in
the early 1970s, you
might remember Model
Builder magazine.
Although it has long
since ceased, many of
the plans, three-views,
and technical drawings
it featured are now
available from Bill
Northrop’s Plans Service.
Bill saved many of
the FF, CL, and RC
plans. The subjects
include simple sport
models, Scale airplanes,
Pattern aircraft, Duration
models, gliders, and more.
He has issued a Plans
Catalog, which lists each model
and includes a thumbnail photo
with specifications (engine,
radio, weight, etc.). Also
available are Full Size Plans and
the Scratch Builder’s Almanac.
Among the three sources there are more than 300 models from
which to choose. Chances are that you’ll find something to bring out
the scratch-builder in you.
For more information about these catalogs and pricing on all
available plans, contact the company directly.
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service: 2019 Doral Ct., Henderson NV
89074; Tel.: (702) 896-2162; E-mail: [email protected]
January 2005 15
ParkZone J-3 Cub
A few weeks ago, a box arrived from
Horizon Hobby that contained a small
park flyer: its new ParkZone J-3 Cub. At
first glance the model appeared to be
similar to other foamie park flyers on the
market, but what we found inside the box
was quite different.
The kit comes complete and includes a
three-channel transmitter, AA alkaline
batteries for the transmitter, a DC peakdetection
field charger, an 8.4-volt NiMH
battery pack (600 mAh), and a complete
instruction manual.
Before you begin assembling the Cub,
grab the battery pack, the peak charger,
and the instruction manual. Read about
charging your pack and start charging. It
takes roughly 40 minutes, so your pack
will be ready to go by the time you’re
finished with the Cub!
The Cub comes as a 99% ready-to-fly
model. The only
“building” the
modeler has to do
is attach the wings
and aluminum
landing gear; both
are held on with a
few screws. (The
wing also requires
a few rubber
bands.) Even the
stickers come
already applied!
The fuselage
shell and cowl are
made from molded
plastic. The wing
and tail surfaces are made from foam, and the wing has a
molded-in, high-lift airfoil shape.
Before you attach the wing, notice the radio inside the
fuselage. This radio system has individual servos for rudder and
elevator, as well as a receiver with a built-in speed control. It is
a fully proportional three-channel FM system with full control
of throttle, steering, and pitch.
The radio
system also
incorporates the
Mode Change
Flight Control
System. The mode
in which you fly is
determined by a
jumper on the
receiver circuit
board. The first
mode is the way
the J-3 comes from
the factory. You
will have the
benefit of slight up-elevator when you give rudder input. This
helps you achieve smooth turns and will greatly aid you in your
transition to learning pitch control.
After you have flown several successful flights in the first
mode, you can advance to the second mode. In it, you will have
conventional control of the rudder and elevator at all times.
Although this means you can fly more aggressively, it also means
that crashes are more likely.
When assembled, the Cub has a wingspan of 37.25 inches, a
length of 26.75 inches, and a ready-to-fly weight of 15 ounces.
We were a bit skeptical about how well the Cub would
perform. It seemed to weigh a lot, and we questioned whether or
not the power from its 370 motor/gearbox combination would be
enough.
All questions were quickly answered with the first hand
launch. The Cub immediately took to a commanding climb and
had power to spare. Throttling back to a cruising speed, we found
it extremely maneuverable.
You could easily cruise around for 10-12 minutes, performing
gentle Figure
Eights, Stall
Turns, and more
with just half
throttle. Increase
the power, and
you’ll be looping,
rolling, and
snapping with
just a small dive
into each of the
maneuvers.
When it comes
time to land, the Cub is not a floater, so you’ll need a small
amount of power to control the landings.
This Cub was a pleasant surprise. It assembled quickly, flew
well, and was quite durable. We have no problem recommending
it for the novice who is just starting RC or the experienced
modeler who wants a simple model to fly when there isn’t time to
get to the field.
The ParkZone J-3 Cub park flyer has a street price of $159.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL
61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com MA