Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Yak 55 3D ARF
This ElectriFly model can perform almost any
maneuver—nearly anywhere! Pilots with low-wing
experience will
be drawn to it.
The airframe
is made from
durable,
lightweight EPS
foam, and Depron
is used for the
aileron, rudder/fin, and
stabilizer halves. Carbon-fiber tubes reinforce the fuselage.
Recesses for the radio components are already in place,
including a precut channel in the fuselage for the servo-lead wires.
Servo-arm extensions provide even more deflection for the large
control surfaces. The clear battery hatch features a Velcro fastener
for quick and easy pack changes.
With its low parts count and easy final assembly, this exciting
aerobat can be flight-ready in just two to three hours. The durable
foam construction features a preapplied high-visibility trim scheme.
A powerful 280-size, ball-bearing motor and 5:1 gearbox come
ready to be installed. The included propeller saver allows the
propeller to deflect back at landing and is compatible with APC or
GWS propeller hubs.
The Yak 55 3D ARF spans 33.5 inches and weighs 12-14
ounces ready to fly. It has a street price of $49.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.electrifly.com/
parkflyers/gpma1190.html
P-40 Warhawk ARF
The P-40 was one of World War II’s most popular US fighters.
The last of Curtiss Aircraft’s famous “hawk” line that originated in
the 1930s, the P-40 eventually morphed into the P-40E: a heavily
armed and armored craft that the American Volunteer Group used
in China.
Hangar 9’s 60-size P-40E is a scale rendition of Rudy Frasca’s
(Urbana IL) full-scale Flying Tiger. With its realistic scale looks
and sport performance, this ARF captures the spirit of the aircraft.
Balsa-and-plywood construction is used throughout, and a
prepainted fiberglass cowl and belly pan are included. The
airframe is covered with UltraCote. Also included are preinstalled
metal retracts which rotate 90°.
This P-40 spans 64.6 inches, has a wing area of 708.4 square
inches, and weighs 7.5-8.5 pounds ready to fly. It requires a fivechannel
radio (with six servos) and a .60-.78 two-stroke or 91-100
four-stroke engine. Its street price is $259.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign
IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
Futaba 14MZ System
You may have already heard some
of the buzz about the new
14MZ radio system. We
can’t do it justice with
the small amount of
space we have
available here, but
following are
highlights of its many
features.
Examining the
14MZ is like exploring
a new world, with
amazing discoveries at
every turn.
The system uses
dual internal processors
and incorporates a new
PCM-G3 2048 resolution
for unprecedented speed and precision (as much as 40% faster than
the Futaba 9Z). All of the programming runs on the Windows CE
operating system. (The 14MZ can also transmit in 1024.)
Power for all of this comes from a 2200 mAh Lithium-Ion
transmitter battery and includes software for airplanes, helicopters,
and gliders.
The HVGA screen features crystal-clear 640 x 240-pixel
resolution. It uses transflective technology (layered transparent and
reflecting surfaces) and adjustable backlighting and contrast for easy
visibility, even in direct sunlight.
Use the built-in microphone to record and store as many as 24
voice prompts, such as “Call next maneuver!” or “Landing gear
down!” Assign these recordings to specific switches and functions.
Then through the built-in speaker, you’ll hear audio confirmations of
proper stick movement throughout the flight.
Thanks to state-of-the-art BGA (Ball Grid Array) layered PCboard
technology, the 14MZ’s R5014DPS 14-channel synthesized
receiver is unbelievably small. It incorporates WFSS (Wireless
Frequency Setting System), which allows you to change frequencies
at busy airfields. You can do it from the transmitter, without
changing crystals!
By using Compact Flash cards, you can increase the memory to
100 models. Upload digital images of your aircraft for use as model
names on the graphic display menu. In addition to the built-in
microphone, you can create, transfer, and store audio files using your
PC so you can fly to music or flight call sequences.
Reconfigure the eight 14MZ shoulder switches to your
preference. Just pull out a switch to remove it and plug in the style
you prefer: tall or short, button or toggle, spring-loaded or
positionable.
Numerous aircraft configurations are already programmed into
the 14MZ; there are seven wing types, four tail types, and three
motor types. That’s one of the many built-in “shortcuts” that makes
this radio so easy to use.
With the 14MZ, you can group multiple servos that control a
single function onto transmitter operation—but plug the servos into
different individually adjustable receiver channels (even
nonconsecutively) without needing a separate servo synchronizer for
mixing.
We could go on, but check out the Web site for complete
information.
Oh, the price? A cool $2,199.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.14mz.com
April 2005 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 [email protected].
Handlaunch Pro Clinic DVD
This new two-DVD instructional series concentrates on the
latest developments in discus/SAL hand-launch techniques. You
will learn basic and advanced skills for discus-style throwing, as
well as valuable building tips and sailplane-tuning secrets.
This video is perfect for
all pilot skill levels, from
beginner to expert. Even if
you don’t fly Hand-
Launched Gliders (HLGs),
you can apply the tips to all
types of RC Soaring.
On Disk 1, HLG expert
Paul Naton shows you how
to prepare an advanced
composite glider for flight
and how to set up your
radio and do final
balancing and tuning.
This section is filled
with many pro-level tips
and advice about building
and optimizing your HLG
for best performance. Paul
also covers radio, receiver,
servo, and battery choices,
and much more.
On Disk 2, Paul takes
you out to the flying field for an extensive clinic on launching,
tuning, and flying techniques. This includes an involved throwing
tutorial that is sure to help you improve your launch height, tips
for setting up presets and CG, and a review of common mistakes.
Then you will join Paul for a flying session, during which he
describes flying techniques, and you will watch him catch
thermals using thermal-indicating poles.
You will also see champions such as Joe Wurts, Oleg
Golovidov, Phil Pearson, and Phil Barnes fly at the International
Hand Launch Glider Festival in San Diego, California.
Phil Pearson shows off the latest Encore prototype, which is
one of the most advanced HLGs ever designed.
National Champion Bruce Davidson shares his thoughts about
launch and setup technique, and Joe shows the latest in transmitter
technology.
HLG and aerodynamic guru Mark Drela shows off his Super
Gee 2 glider and talks about the development of the breakthrough
AG series of hand-launch airfoils.
This DVD set has a street price of $39.95 and a run time of
approximately four hours.
Radio Carbon Art: Box 2311, Corvallis OR 97339; Tel.: (541)
752-9661; Web site: www.radiocarbonart.com/Pages/
proclinicmain.html
Sirius Charge Pro Former
Peak
Electronics
is known for
its extensive
line of
batterycharging
and
-testing
devices, all
of which are
contained in
small, lightblue
metal boxes. Recently Peak Electronics’ George Joy
introduced a new charger: the Sirius Charge Pro Former.
This little device was designed to fill a specific need in Ni-
Cd and NiMH battery care. The Pro Former is actually a lowcurrent,
selectable charger that can provide eight charge
currents ranging from roughly 25 to 400 mA.
Since this is a constant-current charger, these levels apply
for one to as many as eight Ni-Cd or NiMH cells. It is
important to note at the start that this charger is not intended
for use with any type of Lithium battery.
The Pro Former measures 4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and
1 inch thick (plus the height of the switch knob). You must
supply a 12-volt DC input from a car battery or a 115VACoperated
power supply that is capable of at least 0.5-amp
output.
Peak Electronics offers two types of power supplies that are
appropriate for this type of application. On the output side,
there is a cable with a connector that is suitable for plugging
into a Futaba, Airtronics, or Polk’s Hobby RC transmitter
charging jack. Adapter cables are available for use with Hitec
(smaller-diameter 2.1mm center pin) and JR transmitters.
A second cable plugs into the first and terminates in a
universal receiver-type charging plug. Special adapters are
available from Peak Electronics to suit your specific battery
needs.
The idea behind the Pro Former is that most new Ni-Cd or
NiMH batteries (cells or packs) were never conditioned before
being put into service. The manufacturers don’t usually have
time for this conditioning.
Most modelers will purchase a Ni-Cd or NiMH pack,
immediately fast-charge it, and then go right out to fly.
Because of this abrupt start, many new batteries are unable to
achieve their rated capacity (in mAh!). RC-system
manufacturers, likewise, will provide batteries without ever
having charged them overnight at the prescribed level.
With the new breed of AA-size alkaline cells rated at up to
2300 mAh, many of these batteries are never charged at the
correct level. Using a 50-60 mA RC-system charger, to charge
a 2300 mAh battery by allowing it to stay on for several days,
is the wrong technique.
The Pro Former allows you to select an overnight charge
current that is suitable for a wide range of battery capacities. It
has an eight-position switch that lets you select charge currents
from 100 to 350 mAh (25 mA) to 3550 to 5550 mAh (400
mA).
The Pro Former is currently priced at $49.95 plus $6.95
shipping and handling. This device provides an easy way to do
the “right thing” for your Ni-Cd and NiMH battery packs.
Peak Electronics Inc.: 934 E. Houston Ave., Gilbert AZ 85234;
Tel.: (800) 532-0092; Web site: www.siriuselectronics.com MA
04sig1.QXD 2/25/05 2:13 pm Page 15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 14,15
Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Yak 55 3D ARF
This ElectriFly model can perform almost any
maneuver—nearly anywhere! Pilots with low-wing
experience will
be drawn to it.
The airframe
is made from
durable,
lightweight EPS
foam, and Depron
is used for the
aileron, rudder/fin, and
stabilizer halves. Carbon-fiber tubes reinforce the fuselage.
Recesses for the radio components are already in place,
including a precut channel in the fuselage for the servo-lead wires.
Servo-arm extensions provide even more deflection for the large
control surfaces. The clear battery hatch features a Velcro fastener
for quick and easy pack changes.
With its low parts count and easy final assembly, this exciting
aerobat can be flight-ready in just two to three hours. The durable
foam construction features a preapplied high-visibility trim scheme.
A powerful 280-size, ball-bearing motor and 5:1 gearbox come
ready to be installed. The included propeller saver allows the
propeller to deflect back at landing and is compatible with APC or
GWS propeller hubs.
The Yak 55 3D ARF spans 33.5 inches and weighs 12-14
ounces ready to fly. It has a street price of $49.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.electrifly.com/
parkflyers/gpma1190.html
P-40 Warhawk ARF
The P-40 was one of World War II’s most popular US fighters.
The last of Curtiss Aircraft’s famous “hawk” line that originated in
the 1930s, the P-40 eventually morphed into the P-40E: a heavily
armed and armored craft that the American Volunteer Group used
in China.
Hangar 9’s 60-size P-40E is a scale rendition of Rudy Frasca’s
(Urbana IL) full-scale Flying Tiger. With its realistic scale looks
and sport performance, this ARF captures the spirit of the aircraft.
Balsa-and-plywood construction is used throughout, and a
prepainted fiberglass cowl and belly pan are included. The
airframe is covered with UltraCote. Also included are preinstalled
metal retracts which rotate 90°.
This P-40 spans 64.6 inches, has a wing area of 708.4 square
inches, and weighs 7.5-8.5 pounds ready to fly. It requires a fivechannel
radio (with six servos) and a .60-.78 two-stroke or 91-100
four-stroke engine. Its street price is $259.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign
IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
Futaba 14MZ System
You may have already heard some
of the buzz about the new
14MZ radio system. We
can’t do it justice with
the small amount of
space we have
available here, but
following are
highlights of its many
features.
Examining the
14MZ is like exploring
a new world, with
amazing discoveries at
every turn.
The system uses
dual internal processors
and incorporates a new
PCM-G3 2048 resolution
for unprecedented speed and precision (as much as 40% faster than
the Futaba 9Z). All of the programming runs on the Windows CE
operating system. (The 14MZ can also transmit in 1024.)
Power for all of this comes from a 2200 mAh Lithium-Ion
transmitter battery and includes software for airplanes, helicopters,
and gliders.
The HVGA screen features crystal-clear 640 x 240-pixel
resolution. It uses transflective technology (layered transparent and
reflecting surfaces) and adjustable backlighting and contrast for easy
visibility, even in direct sunlight.
Use the built-in microphone to record and store as many as 24
voice prompts, such as “Call next maneuver!” or “Landing gear
down!” Assign these recordings to specific switches and functions.
Then through the built-in speaker, you’ll hear audio confirmations of
proper stick movement throughout the flight.
Thanks to state-of-the-art BGA (Ball Grid Array) layered PCboard
technology, the 14MZ’s R5014DPS 14-channel synthesized
receiver is unbelievably small. It incorporates WFSS (Wireless
Frequency Setting System), which allows you to change frequencies
at busy airfields. You can do it from the transmitter, without
changing crystals!
By using Compact Flash cards, you can increase the memory to
100 models. Upload digital images of your aircraft for use as model
names on the graphic display menu. In addition to the built-in
microphone, you can create, transfer, and store audio files using your
PC so you can fly to music or flight call sequences.
Reconfigure the eight 14MZ shoulder switches to your
preference. Just pull out a switch to remove it and plug in the style
you prefer: tall or short, button or toggle, spring-loaded or
positionable.
Numerous aircraft configurations are already programmed into
the 14MZ; there are seven wing types, four tail types, and three
motor types. That’s one of the many built-in “shortcuts” that makes
this radio so easy to use.
With the 14MZ, you can group multiple servos that control a
single function onto transmitter operation—but plug the servos into
different individually adjustable receiver channels (even
nonconsecutively) without needing a separate servo synchronizer for
mixing.
We could go on, but check out the Web site for complete
information.
Oh, the price? A cool $2,199.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.14mz.com
April 2005 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 [email protected].
Handlaunch Pro Clinic DVD
This new two-DVD instructional series concentrates on the
latest developments in discus/SAL hand-launch techniques. You
will learn basic and advanced skills for discus-style throwing, as
well as valuable building tips and sailplane-tuning secrets.
This video is perfect for
all pilot skill levels, from
beginner to expert. Even if
you don’t fly Hand-
Launched Gliders (HLGs),
you can apply the tips to all
types of RC Soaring.
On Disk 1, HLG expert
Paul Naton shows you how
to prepare an advanced
composite glider for flight
and how to set up your
radio and do final
balancing and tuning.
This section is filled
with many pro-level tips
and advice about building
and optimizing your HLG
for best performance. Paul
also covers radio, receiver,
servo, and battery choices,
and much more.
On Disk 2, Paul takes
you out to the flying field for an extensive clinic on launching,
tuning, and flying techniques. This includes an involved throwing
tutorial that is sure to help you improve your launch height, tips
for setting up presets and CG, and a review of common mistakes.
Then you will join Paul for a flying session, during which he
describes flying techniques, and you will watch him catch
thermals using thermal-indicating poles.
You will also see champions such as Joe Wurts, Oleg
Golovidov, Phil Pearson, and Phil Barnes fly at the International
Hand Launch Glider Festival in San Diego, California.
Phil Pearson shows off the latest Encore prototype, which is
one of the most advanced HLGs ever designed.
National Champion Bruce Davidson shares his thoughts about
launch and setup technique, and Joe shows the latest in transmitter
technology.
HLG and aerodynamic guru Mark Drela shows off his Super
Gee 2 glider and talks about the development of the breakthrough
AG series of hand-launch airfoils.
This DVD set has a street price of $39.95 and a run time of
approximately four hours.
Radio Carbon Art: Box 2311, Corvallis OR 97339; Tel.: (541)
752-9661; Web site: www.radiocarbonart.com/Pages/
proclinicmain.html
Sirius Charge Pro Former
Peak
Electronics
is known for
its extensive
line of
batterycharging
and
-testing
devices, all
of which are
contained in
small, lightblue
metal boxes. Recently Peak Electronics’ George Joy
introduced a new charger: the Sirius Charge Pro Former.
This little device was designed to fill a specific need in Ni-
Cd and NiMH battery care. The Pro Former is actually a lowcurrent,
selectable charger that can provide eight charge
currents ranging from roughly 25 to 400 mA.
Since this is a constant-current charger, these levels apply
for one to as many as eight Ni-Cd or NiMH cells. It is
important to note at the start that this charger is not intended
for use with any type of Lithium battery.
The Pro Former measures 4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and
1 inch thick (plus the height of the switch knob). You must
supply a 12-volt DC input from a car battery or a 115VACoperated
power supply that is capable of at least 0.5-amp
output.
Peak Electronics offers two types of power supplies that are
appropriate for this type of application. On the output side,
there is a cable with a connector that is suitable for plugging
into a Futaba, Airtronics, or Polk’s Hobby RC transmitter
charging jack. Adapter cables are available for use with Hitec
(smaller-diameter 2.1mm center pin) and JR transmitters.
A second cable plugs into the first and terminates in a
universal receiver-type charging plug. Special adapters are
available from Peak Electronics to suit your specific battery
needs.
The idea behind the Pro Former is that most new Ni-Cd or
NiMH batteries (cells or packs) were never conditioned before
being put into service. The manufacturers don’t usually have
time for this conditioning.
Most modelers will purchase a Ni-Cd or NiMH pack,
immediately fast-charge it, and then go right out to fly.
Because of this abrupt start, many new batteries are unable to
achieve their rated capacity (in mAh!). RC-system
manufacturers, likewise, will provide batteries without ever
having charged them overnight at the prescribed level.
With the new breed of AA-size alkaline cells rated at up to
2300 mAh, many of these batteries are never charged at the
correct level. Using a 50-60 mA RC-system charger, to charge
a 2300 mAh battery by allowing it to stay on for several days,
is the wrong technique.
The Pro Former allows you to select an overnight charge
current that is suitable for a wide range of battery capacities. It
has an eight-position switch that lets you select charge currents
from 100 to 350 mAh (25 mA) to 3550 to 5550 mAh (400
mA).
The Pro Former is currently priced at $49.95 plus $6.95
shipping and handling. This device provides an easy way to do
the “right thing” for your Ni-Cd and NiMH battery packs.
Peak Electronics Inc.: 934 E. Houston Ave., Gilbert AZ 85234;
Tel.: (800) 532-0092; Web site: www.siriuselectronics.com MA
04sig1.QXD 2/25/05 2:13 pm Page 15