Toledo electric roundup
I'm going to concentrate my allotted space on the Weak Signals' Toledo R/C Expo. Many of the new releases shown at the April event were scheduled to be available in June, so you should now be able to find them.
Electric power continues its fast-paced growth and presence, with many new offerings and updates.
Castle Creations
Castle has updated its line of Phoenix ESCs, introducing the new Edge series. It offers a user-programmable auxiliary wire capable of being used for helicopter governor gain input adjustments, an audible beacon after a crash, an rpm output for three-axis gyros that support rpm sensors, an ESC arming lock, or as a receiver arming lock.
Combined with data-logging capability, the Edge series of controllers raises the bar for ESCs. Look for more information when I get my hands on some to test.
Hangar 9 Cirrus SR22T 30cc ARF
This new Scale offering is a gorgeous thing to behold! The wingspan is 96 inches and with electric power, it should weigh slightly less than 18 pounds. Designed for gas or electric power, the suggested E-flite Power 160 on 10S powering an 18 x 10 APC-E propeller should fly it beautifully.
The fuselage is fiberglass, while the wing and tail are built-up then covered in Ultracote. The doors open for access and the wing is a two-piece, plug-in design for easy transport. I hope to build this later in the year.
Flyzone AirCore Modular Aircraft System
This was one of the coolest things I saw at the show and it should now be available from Hobbico. It's based on the Power Cartridge that contains a brushless motor, brushless ESC, Tactic SLT receiver, and three digital ultramicro servos.
You can remove the Power Cartridge and install it in another AirCore aircraft in seconds. It self-aligns and locks into place with magnets—no tools necessary.
There are currently four airplanes available, including the trainer, Focke-Wulf FW 190, Mitsubishi Zero, and Supermarine Spitfire. These are perfect for indoor or calm-day flying and you only have to buy one power cartridge. It is an innovative design and was a highlight of the show.
Eagle Tree Systems Guardian
The 2D/3D Inertial Stabilizer system is a gem! I laid a quarter next to the little airplane in which it was installed so you could see that it fits into nearly anything. I've used one for the last year and several people in my club have bought one after playing with mine.
Electrics
Greg Gimlick
In the 3-D gyro submode, the Guardian uses its built-in three-axis gyro to increase your model's stability, but still gives you full control. The Guardian greatly reduces the effects of gusts, turbulence, motor torque, and other factors.
It's hard to believe you can have something like this, including great company support, for approximately $75.
Easytiger Models Golden Tiger EDF
I've been playing with some new fan units lately, so this CNC-machined, high-grade alloy, strong, lightweight, gold-plated fan jumped off the table and grabbed my attention. What a thing of beauty and it's been tested beyond 100,000 rpm.
It arrives dynamically balanced and the 12-blade design is quiet and efficient. The fan also features built-in safety because the rotor cannot escape the shroud, even if your motor shaft breaks.
It may not be the cheapest fan, but it is the nicest I've seen. Check out videos on YouTube and enjoy the incredible turbine-like sound.
Taking Off
I could go on, but I know others will feature merchandise they saw, too. It was nearly overwhelming to see so many new and improved products and offerings at Toledo. If you've never been to this show, put it on your schedule for next year! ✈
SOURCES:
Weak Signals Toledo R/C Model Expo www.toledoshow.com
Castle Creations (913) 390-6939 www.castlecreations.com
Hangar 9 (800) 338-4639 www.hangar-9.com
Flyzone (800) 637-7660 www.flyzoneplanes.com
EagleTree Systems, LLC (425) 614-0450 www.eagletreesystems.com
Easytiger Models (917) 971-3322 www.easytigermodels.com
YouTube www.youtube.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
