Author: Greg Gimlick
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 108,109,110
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Toledo or bust! Some trade-show must-see locations

Greg Gimlick | [email protected]

TAKING OFF: Can you feel it? The excitement of the Toledo R/C Expo (the Toledo Show) is around the corner. Although I'm writing this as the excitement of Christmas is ending, I can't help but get excited just thinking about the Weak Signals' show in Ohio, the weekend of April 3–5 at the SeaGate Centre.

This will be the 55th year of the event, and it will be bigger and better than previous ones; it always improves. I don't have any word on the indoor events yet, but they will be announced online at the Weak Signals site or RCGroups by the time you read this.

This month I'm going to give you a brief guide to help plan your visit. The show is huge, and it helps to plan ahead so you don't miss anything. There's no way I can cover all the manufacturers, and I apologize for that.

It used to be easier to cover all the electric-flight dealers; now almost every company has some electric equipment, so it's impossible to list everyone—and I know there will be new dealers I'm unfamiliar with. Below are some must-visit booths.

Must-visit booths

Radical RC

Dave Thacker has been helping modelers for as long as I can remember, and he remains one of the most helpful business owners in the industry. He and his staff understand the questions and know the answers before you even ask them.

Dave's booth will be loaded with motors, controllers, wires, connectors, batteries, kits, adapters, chargers—everything. Don't miss this one.

Eagle Tree Systems

Bill Parry is the brain behind some of the finest data-acquisition equipment I've used in this hobby. He also understands customer service better than most. I've talked about my eLogger and Seagull loggers many times, and I know I wear Bill out with questions, but he always takes the time to help.

The company has systems for the most complicated setups or the simplest ones. The prices are right and the software is excellent. If you're interested in finding out what's going on with your airplane or helicopter in the air, be sure to check out these units.

Tejera Microsystems Engineering (TME)

Albert Tejera is well known in both glow and electric circles for his chargers and smoke systems. I recently wrote a column about his battery charger system and its features. If you have questions, stop by and talk to Albert. He'll have it set up and running so he can explain what it can do. TME offers great customer support, and you can talk to the designer/owner by phone.

Castle Creations

I've bought and used Castle Creations speed controls since the days when Patrick del Castillo made only the Sprite-25 for brushed motors. He has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of speed controls in the world and continues to expand and improve his product line. This year Castle will be showing its new ICE line of controllers and promoting its relationship with Neu Motors. These are some of the best motors in the world and are made to order.

Castle has a policy of not selling products at its booth during the show so it doesn't compete with its own dealers. The owner and engineers will be there to answer all your questions, though, and that's a great thing.

Xtreme Power Systems (XPS)

XPS will be selling the new V3 continuous-hopping software that supports multiple receivers and many new features. It will also introduce a new line of Xtreme Li-Poly batteries and Graupner G-Booster turbines. The company has a new 120mm fan with a specially designed outrunner motor; the fan will run at more than 10,000 watts. I saw the prototype a few months ago, and it is an impressive fan-and-motor combo.

I used the XPS system to convert my Multiplex Royal Evo 12 radio with its new 2.4 GHz mode. Check out the YouTube video on the conversion (link in the Sources list).

Aero-Model Inc. and Hacker USA

For years Sean and Dana Plummer have provided electric-power modelers with some of the finest motors in the world, expanding their line with the help of Rainer Hacker. Last year Rainer was in the booth answering questions.

Sean is a wealth of information, and his website offers combo deals and a full line of motors and helicopters. Not all purple motors are the same—come see the original one that others are copying.

Stevens AeroModel

Bill Stevens has a small booth on the main floor that is packed with some of the finest little laser-cut kits for indoor and park flyers you'll find anywhere. He is always in the booth, and it is fully stocked for selling. Go to the indoor fly-in and you'll see all of Bill's products in flight—and return to buy one the next day. He also carries motors, controllers, and tools, so you can get everything from him to optimize your aircraft.

Nick Ziroli Plans

Nick Ziroli Sr. is world-renowned for his Giant Scale designs and as a Top Gun competitor. What isn't widely known is that he is also heavily involved in electrics and has designed several models that have been published. He is usually near his booth—typically right next to Robart and Frank Tiano Enterprises—with his son, showing off designs and answering questions.

Another bonus when you stop by is that you'll usually find Rich Uravitch. He has done it all and offers a full line of models—some designed to be electric and others that can be powered by either motors or engines.

Tru-Turn Precision Model Products

Tru-Turn has added a full line of adapters, so now you can use the company's excellent spinners on most motors. It has also developed a line of specialized electric spinners and propeller nuts. If you have a motor with you, the staff at the booth will match it with the right setup for your needs.

FMA Direct

Jaime Marks heads this long-standing leader in electric-model products and will be in the booth as usual. I've talked about using the company's Cellpro 4s charger, and Red Scholefield has tested the bigger 10s, which impressed him.

FMA Direct will have its full line of chargers, including the new Cellpro 4s Multi, RevoltRix batteries, and accessories available at the show, and representatives can answer all of your questions.

West Mountain Radio

I've used the company's Anderson Powerpole (APP) crimper since it was introduced, and it's the best $50 you'll spend on a tool. The Computerized Battery Analyzer II is constantly in use on my bench, and I can't imagine not having it. On my field box is the company's RiGrunner, which allows multiple APP connectors in a neat and protected box.

All of these items will be at the West Mountain Radio booth. Don't leave without a crimper if you use APPs in your systems.

Peak Electronics / Sirius

If you need anything for your radio in terms of connectors, leads, servos, receivers, or similar items, stop by this booth.

George Joy has made the Sirius chargers—known for safety and quality—for years. He has the only fast charger I trust with my Multiplex Royal Evo radio. You can also get a hands-on demo if you need to learn how to make your own custom servo leads.

Great Planes Model Distributors

This will be one of the biggest booths at the show, with many items on display. Sales reps will be there to answer questions, but nothing is sold at the Toledo Expo; dealers at the show will have Great Planes products available.

I just bought the new Triton EQ charger that has its own DC power supply built in and will balance 6S packs. Check it out at the booth!

You won't miss this vendor—there will be giant-screen monitors and RealFlight simulators in use. Get in line and try it.

Horizon Hobby

Horizon Hobby has one of the largest displays at the Toledo Show. You can see everything in the impressive E-flite line of electrics, all the JR radios, and more. There are no sales at the show, but dealers will have Horizon Hobby products.

Plenty of reps will be available to answer inquiries and radio questions. I have the Spektrum DX7 radio system and love it. If you're a helicopter pilot, check out the DX7 Special Edition designed just for you—the Vibe 500 looks like a winner. Horizon continues to impress with its expanding line of electric-flight products.

Hobby Lobby

You might know Hobby Lobby from its beautiful catalogs, but you'll be overwhelmed when you see it all in person, on display and for sale.

The simulators will be running, and the company's great new line of Pilot-1 airplane kits will be available. These are gorgeous ARFs ranging from Giant Scale to 1/8 scale. Almost everything in the catalog will be available, and many helpful employees will be on hand to answer your questions.

Hitec RCD / Multiplex

This manufacturer won't be selling at the show, but it will have numerous staff members present to describe everything on display and answer questions.

The company has a full line of great-flying foam airplanes and two lines of exceptional radio systems. Word has it that a new nine-channel 2.4 GHz radio will be on display.

Swap Shop

If you've been in the hobby long, you know swap shops can be a mix of trash and treasure. The Weak Signals management does an exceptional job of governing this area, and you'll find many small cottage industries alongside modelers looking to sell their stuff.

Final Approach

I hope to see many of you at the WRAM Show and the Toledo R/C Expo. I get excited just thinking about the new products and trade shows.

One last thing: make a list of what you're looking for before the show so you won't waste time or forget anything. See you there!

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.