Electrics - 2006/04
A Toledo Show preview!
Greg Gimlick | [email protected]
IT'S SHOW TIME! I'm going to do something slightly different; I'm going to take you to the Weak Signals 52nd R/C Expo, also known as the Toledo Show, before it happens! I've been talking to some of the manufacturers and vendors about what they will have at the event and thought I'd write a primer for those of you who have never been or are considering going.
There's no way I can cover everything and everyone who will be there, but I can give you some places to get started. Each company listed here is one I've personally done business with and have been satisfied with the products, prices, and customer service.
This is the best show, as far as I'm concerned, and is easily accessible from many hotels in the area. Plentiful parking and food makes it easy to attend. I would advise you not to bring kids in strollers because it does get crowded, and all they'll see is people's rear ends. It's also difficult to maneuver them around.
This year's show will be April 7-9 at the SeaGate Center. You can get more information at www.toledoshow.com.
Castle Creations
I couldn't go to Toledo without seeing Patrick and Shawn at Castle Creations. They have provided more support for projects through the years than any other manufacturer and are always ready with answers to the difficult questions.
They don't sell any products at the show because they don't compete with their vendors. They have acquired Berg receivers and revamped the whole product line to improve an already excellent product.
When it comes to reliable information, quality, products that are made in America, and customer service, Patrick and Shawn are the best. I call them for all of my speed-control needs and questions, and I've hit them with some odd situations when we've brainstormed projects for magazines. They have been right every time!
Accompanying photos show the company's newest high-voltage Phoenix controller — the Thunderbird-18 — the Berg MS4L receiver, and the great little Castle Link USB controller programmer.
FMA Direct
Fred Marks and his family have been instrumental in developing products for the electric-power modeler for many years, and the trend continues. This season they are introducing the Cellpro line of products and will have them at the Toledo Show. Following is the information about them.
The Cellpro Slimline packs offer 2s to 4s configurations in capacities of 480, 730, 910, 1320, and 2100 mAh. The Cellpro advantage is lower cost and a system solution that monitors each cell on both charge and discharge.
The Cellpro 4s Discharge Protection Module (DPM) is a small and lightweight solution to protect the weakest cell in the pack during flight. The Cellpro DPM also monitors the ESC throttle control line and sends an early warning of pack depletion by pulsing the motor control. Two or three Cellpro DPMs can be daisy chained for 8s and 12s applications. For more info on the new Cellpro line, go to: http://www.fmadirect.com/new_applications/whatsnew/index.htm
The Cellpro 4s balancing charger with LCD display that will be available for the Toledo Show does the following:
- Shows all 4 cell voltages with 1/10% accuracy full scale.
- Shows current and supply voltage.
- Shows Ahr, Fuel Level, and Charge mode.
- Amp Hours is factory calibrated to +/-1% accuracy.
- The charger has a speaker.
- The current can be set to 0.25 to 4 amps in 0.25A steps. This is very intuitive. Simply hold the button and Screen 4 will change the current setting. It is then stored to flash memory.
- Auto-current setting will charge any battery less than 3.5 Ah in 50 minutes.
- AS viewer PC software shows everything the BalancePro HD 6s charger does plus time remaining.
- All error codes are displayed in plain text.
- Battery Restore mode will fix over-discharged cells just like in the 6s charger.
E Cubed R/C
Most electric-power fliers are probably familiar with the famous Azarr antennas, which are available in various sizes for particular applications, but many don't know the wide range of products Azarr sells. He'll be at Toledo with his huge inventory of APC-E propellers and more Anderson Powerpole options than I've ever seen.
This year he will also introduce the new electric propellers from Mejzlik. These are hollow carbon fiber, available in the following sizes: 22 x 12E, 22 x 12WE, 22 x 10E, 20 x 11WE, 20 x 12E, and 26 x 15E. There will be more sizes to come.
Azarr will have his full line of products along with all of his valuable knowledge at Toledo. Pay him a visit.
Stuff We Like (Keith Hollifield)
I mentioned Keith Hollifield's company last year when I discovered his DIY brushless-motor kits, and they sold out the week after the column was published. He carries a full line of electric-flight products, but this year he has an even better DIY kit, and the price is still approximately $30.
The Rocket motors have the magnets already installed, which makes a difference in ease of assembly. There are two kits available, and the larger is rated at 270 watts. I've been happy with the ones I have.
If you think you might want to give a DIY kit a try, talk to Keith. He has a great deal of information about various ways to wind the motor to customize it to your application.
Stevens AeroModel
I showed you my wire cutter/strippers a few months ago, and I got them from this company.
Bill carries many unique tools for the aircraft, along with some beautifully executed laser-cut balsa kits. His booth is small and packed full of things you won't want to miss, from tools to motors to kits to ARFs to building supplies.
Hitec / Multiplex
This stop is a must for any RC modeler! Glen Merritt is the marketing manager and one of the finest individuals you'll ever meet. He'll be in the booth at the Toledo show with the people you want to talk to if you have any Hitec or Multiplex questions.
Hitec doesn't sell anything at the show, but there will be many vendors who do carry the company's products. I use the Multiplex Royal Evo 9 and Hitec Eclipse transmitter for all my projects and couldn't be happier with them.
Following is a recent announcement from the company:
"Hitec announces two new Micro class servos: the HS-65HB with long-lasting and durable Karbonite gears and the HS-65MG with strong, shock-resistant metal gears. The HS-65s are Hitec’s most powerful servos in the micro class, with over 31 ounce/inch of power at 6 volts.
Created for higher performance micro helicopters, electric park flyers, and 1/18-scale cars, both servos feature a top ball bearing for long life and positive centering. Here are the specs:
- Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.5 x 0.9 inch
- Torque: 25 ounces @ 4.8V / 31 ounces @ 6.0V
- Speed: 0.16 seconds @ 4.8V / 0.13 second @ 6.0V
- Weight: HS-65HB is 0.39 ounce / HS-65MG is 0.44 ounce"
West Mountain Radio
I've mentioned this company before, and I can't emphasize how indispensable its products are in my shop. I've shown you the Computerized Battery Analyzer; it is a must-own tool, as is the powerpole crimper.
I haven't shown you West Mountain Radio's RIGrunner, which is a convenient and safe way to run 12VDC multiple chargers and battery coolers from a car or field battery—no more clip leads. It is a 13.8VDC power panel that uses Anderson Powerpole connectors, aka Sermos. Following are its features:
- All models are conservatively rated at 40 amps total with any outlet good to 40 amps.
- Anderson Powerpole connectors, aka Sermos.
- Safe, secure, hot-connect, polarized, color-keyed, genderless connector system.
- Each outlet may be used at full ratings.
- LED over- and under-voltage indicators instantly indicate a problem without interpretation.
- An audio alert (on some models) can be configured to sound on overvoltage, undervoltage, both, or may be disabled.
- Each outlet is individually fused with automotive ATC/ATO fuses. The unit is shipped with the appropriate fuses installed.
- Fuses are quick to change. They are accessible from the outside using high-quality fuse holders.
- Each fuse has a handy blown-fuse LED to show short-circuit problems instantly.
- Commercial quality construction—no sharp edges and no plastic.
- A full array of quick-change Powerpole power supply, extension, and adapter cables available.
- One full year parts and labor guarantee; you pay only one-way shipping, with no warranty charges.
- Mounting with supplied 3M Bumpon protective feet, 3M adhesive pads, or screwed down using any #6 or #8 screws.
Don't miss talking to Ned and Del and checking out their full line of products at the West Mountain Radio booth!
AstroFlight
If you've heard of electric flight, you have likely heard of Bob Boucher and AstroFlight. Bob even holds a patent on electric flight! He is in the Astro booth at Toledo every year with Doug Ingraham, who does the programming for the company's electronics.
This year they will have the new 60 and 90 brushless motors and the new 19-size motor. The Blinky Li-Poly balancer and the 109 Li-Poly charger travel with me wherever I go.
Check out the company's full line of products and take the opportunity to talk to the designer and manufacturer in person! As a bonus, you'll probably bump into famous electric-power modeler Keith Shaw hanging around the booth!
Radical RC
Dave Thacker has been handing out great information and help for years and can be found at most major electric fly-ins with his huge booth of products. Stop at his booth, but go early; during the day you can hardly see him through the crowd gathered around.
Balsa Products
Balsa Products carries the full line of GWS products and a ton of other useful items for the modeler. The company's customer service on the phone and by e-mail is excellent, and the staff's product knowledge is great.
If you are a micro flier you'll want to see Balsa Products' line of Bluebird components, which will get you a radio system weighing less than 16 grams. The company has recently purchased the eFlight designs line, so the selection of micro products has been greatly expanded.
Kennedy Composites
Barry Kennedy and his wife are well known at the Electric meets and sailplane events. They carry a beautiful line of electric-powered and pure sailplanes, along with all the gear you need to get going.
Last year they introduced the now-famous Sombra Shadow 3 receivers at the Toledo Show. Don't miss a chance to visit them.
DJ Aerotech
Don Stackhouse and Joe Hahn have probably taught more people about Electrics and aerodynamics than any others using the online forums. They are knowledgeable and patient, but they will also convince you that Roadkill isn't just for breakfast anymore. That is their line of indoor/backyard models that have proven themselves to be exceptional fliers.
This company carries everything you need to get your craft into the air and be successful the first time. This is a must-visit booth.
Hobby Lobby
You have to stop by and see the incredible number of products this company brings to the show. It sells out of the most popular items early, so be sure to buy it when you see it or you may be disappointed on Sunday. Hobby Lobby sponsors the electric-flight symposiums every year.
Northeast Sailplane Products
Sal and his crew display an incredible array of products at their booth, where you can touch and feel most of the items you read about in the magazines. Sales are brisk and prices will be greatly reduced for show specials. You can save a great deal of shipping cost by buying your large kits at the show.
Du-Bro
This company has introduced many new products for the electric-power flier in the last few years, from micro control systems to control clevises and horns. This year Du-Bro has released a line of servo arms that solve the problem of supplied arms that are too short for many applications. Check out the new micro servo mounts while you're in Toledo.
The Big Boys
Horizon Hobby and Great Planes Model Distributors set up huge booths with all their products on display. They don't sell anything at the show, but all the information is there and other dealers will have their products. Sales reps will be available to take questions.
Magazines
All publications will be there, along with their editors and most of the columnists. It's a great chance to give face-to-face feedback and get subscription deals.
AMA
The Academy has a great booth every year with all sorts of products. The best part is that you can see your elected officials and speak with them. They're a captive audience and ready for your input; take advantage of it!
Cautions and Warnings
- Batteries: Every battery manufacturer will be represented. Stay with brands you know and have seen reviewed and discussed in magazines or on online forums. Unlabeled packs and cells may look like a deal, but you don't know what you're buying.
- Swap shop: This is a cool place to visit upstairs, and there are many great deals to be had. Remember that swap shops have everything from treasures to trash.
Final Approach
There isn't enough space to mention everyone I'd like to, and I apologize to those I've missed. I only covered those I've dealt with for Electrics; there are tons of others who have gas and glow supplies. If you decide to go to Toledo this year you won't regret it, and I hope to see you there. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
