Electronics 2003/11

November 2003 73
TRAINER SYSTEMS are more
commonly referred to as “buddy boxes.” I
could not locate a definitive reference, but
I remember reading somewhere that the
German Multiplex company was the
first—or claimed to be the first—to
introduce them.
That would not surprise me; Multiplex
has been a leader in Radio Control (RC)
technology for years. For instance, the big
names in RC are running the race in digital
servos years after the fact; Multiplex had
digital servos at least 10 years ago!
In this country there is no doubt who
was the “fustest with the mostest”; it was
Bob Dunham’s Orbit Electronics, which
pioneered much of the equipment we enjoy
today and was advertising “The End of the
Crash Course” sometime in the 1960s.
Kraft Systems, EK Logictrol, and
ProLine—the big ones of that era (now
unfortunately all gone)—soon followed.
We have beginners with us, so you
experienced readers please bear with me!
The RC trainer system is a dual-control
method of teaching RC flight during which
the experienced instructor pilot makes the
takeoff and trims the airplane. Then with
the actuation of a switch, the fledgling
pilot takes control.
If the newcomer gets the model into an
unrecoverable attitude at any time, the
instructor releases the switch, regains
control, and recovers the airplane. The
instructor’s transmitter is referred to as the
“master”; the transmitter the trainee uses is
called the “slave,” or “trainer.”
This is not a universally accepted
method of teaching RC flying. Some
instructors prefer to hand the transmitter to
the student, and they expect that he or she
will admit to being confused and
graciously relinquish the transmitter when
asked to do so.
I have seen some wrestling matches
take place at such times, and I have
successfully used the buddy-box training
technique many times, but as with
everything else in RC, there is more than
one way to train. Teaching another person
is a unique skill; not all good RC fliers
make good instructors with or without a
buddy box.
As sophisticated and functional as some
modern transmitters are, they all break
down into three basic sections: an encoder,
a modulator, and a radio-frequency (RF)
generator.
In given brands of radios, the
modulator and RF sections are often
similar. The encoder is what determines
whether the transmitter is a basic 1970sstyle
four-channel unit or one that includes
all of the requirements to fly all three basic
model types—fixed-wing powered and
sailplanes, and helicopters—in world-class
competition.
The encoder is where it all begins.
Your inputs on the sticks, knobs, and
switches are transformed into electronic
information within the encoder circuitry.
The encoder’s output is then fed into and
processed by the modulator, which, in
turn, feeds your commands to the RF
section for transmission into what in non-
RC communications is referred to as the
“ether”: a hypothetical medium in which
RF travels.
Somewhat off of the buddy-box
subject, I want to touch briefly on the
common RC systems: Amplitude
Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation
(FM), and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM).
Some confusion exists; AM and FM are
actual RF signals, but PCM is not!
Eloy Marez
E l e c t r o n i c s
2626 W. Northwood, Santa Ana CA 92704
The Pacific Aeromodel Power Panel, along with standard panel features, includes some
nonstandard charger functions worth your consideration. See text.
This diagram is of a master/trainer system, which is shown in the trainer mode. Battery
connections vary according to system make.
Encoding is the information that is
ultimately transmitted in the FM mode, but
more about that later.
The selection is made within the
modulator. In some cases encoders for AM
and FM equipment with the same brand
names are similar and will successfully
interconnect for trainer-system operation.
More about that later too.
AM and FM convert your input
information into a series of pulses of
varying lengths, called Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM); that ultimately
determines the position of the servo output
wheel.
PCM is completely different. All inputs
are converted into computer-speak, for
which one has to have knowledge of bits,
binary coding, and such to understand—
which is far beyond the scope or
requirements for this discussion. All
control-input information is encoded by a
microprocessor (the heart of all
computers), which leads to the erroneous
term “computer radio” for such units.
As probably anyone who owns a
computer and one of these transmitters
knows, there are vast differences between
the two. The term has scared off many
fliers who claim that they don’t know
anything about computers. Your digital
camera, television, VCR, automobile, and
probably your microwave and clothes
washer are controlled by
microprocessors—all without the
intimidating word “computer” in front of
their names.
After all of the black magic has taken
place, the control information coming out
of the receiver to the servo, including that
from the most sophisticated PCM
synthesized system, consists of the same
PWM pulses that come out of the most
basic car/boat two-channel AM radio.
Another misconception we have been
led to believe, quite innocently, is that
PCM is some form of exotic radio signal.
It is not; as explained, it is in the encoding,
and not the RF, that is different. In fact,
most PCM transmitters use the same RF
section, be it internal or plug-in module, as
their FM counterparts. To further disprove
the prevailing misconception, at one time
JR produced a car/boat PCM system called
Alpina, which used AM in the final RF
section.
Back to buddy boxes! Refer to the
block-diagram sketches. When the trainer
system is connected and actuated, what
happens is simple; we have substituted the
encoder in the trainer transmitter for the
encoder in the master.
Effectively we still have a single
transmitter, but its sections are physically
located in different cases. In all cases the
modulator/RF section in the trainer transmitter
are deactivated, and in most cases the encoder
in the master is also inactive.
That wasn’t so hard to understand, was
it? Electronically adding the trainer system
to the basic transmitter is easy. However,
the physical requirements are not, nor are
they quite as simple to understand. The
matter becomes even more complex as the
circuitry varies from one maker to another.
Fortunately the trainer system’s use is not
anywhere near as complicated as its
mechanics.
What are the differences in trainer
systems? There are none when it comes to
usage! There are variations from make to
make electronically! In all cases it is
recommended to use the connecting cable
that is available from the maker, and the
best source of information for your system
is its maker! (Importer, that is!) Futaba has
two types of trainer cords: one for its
FM/PCM systems and one usable only
with AM equipment.
And since Futaba has more different
systems available than other suppliers, the
question of compatibility arises. Make sure
that the two you plan to use will mate.
Again, your best source of info is the
supplier; Hobbico in this case.
What happens when you plug in the
connecting cable and press the switch
probably matters little, but my mail
indicates that many of you like details, so
here goes. Some brands power the trainer
transmitter (encoder only!) from the main
transmitter battery, and others use the
November 2003 77
Tru-Turn now offers the popular Ultimate shape in EIGHT
different sizes! This Spinner looks great on your Cessna as well
as CAP, Edge, Extra, Giles, and many other aerobatic and sport
designs.
You'll find this Spinner available in "120-Slot" for the prop range
used on 4-stroke .91-1.50 motors and "Menz Cut" for use with
most european style props up to 22". Special Slotting is
available upon request too! Use our "Adapter Finder" online to
find an Adapter Kit and learn of any possible Spinner Backplate
modifications you may need at our website today!
See your Hobby dealer or call Tru-Turn direct:
(281) 479-9600 www.tru-turn.com
Made in the U.S.A.
by Romco Manufacturing, Inc.
100 West First Street, Deer Park, Texas 77536
Made in the U.S.A.
compatibility question. Some brands are
and some aren’t. Your best source of
information about this and similar
subjects is the importer—not the Internet!
To such queries you will often get
answers ending with “In my humble
opinion ... ” or something similar, without
experience or knowledge. Opinions are
not worth risking airplanes on!
Compatibility between different
brands of radios is often questioned—and
generally criticized without basis—
because it does not exist. There is no law,
or any standards, which say that all
encoders have to be designed with exactly
the same parameters, which is the main
requirement for compatibility.
With the exception of the computer
industry, which is much larger than the
RC market, there is little or no
interchanging of parts or components in
any other consumer products. You don’t
go to the Chevy place for a part for your
Ferrari.
There is an important consideration
when it comes to mixing different brands
of equipment. As long as everything is
fine, everything is fine! But if you
experience unacceptable behavior of any
kind, you will find it difficult, if not
impossible, to have your mixed breed
tested or serviced as a system.
You can send your transmitter and
receiver off to its importer and your
trainer’s internal battery. In either case, the
total available time will not vary
significantly because the highest current
drain within the transmitter is the RF
section.
If the master’s battery is used by the
slave, the proper connections are made
through the cable automatically. It is
unnecessary to remove or disconnect the
trainer’s battery; the RF section is dead.
Similarly (I have been asked about
this), it is unnecessary to remove the
crystal or the RF module from the
transmitter to be used as the trainer. All
other connections required are made when
the cable is in place.
When the trainer system is switched in,
only those features inherent in the trainer
transmitter will be available to the student.
When using an advanced (computer!)
radio as the master and a basic
noncomputer transmitter as the trainer,
only the latter’s normal functions will be
available to the student. Any mixing, servo
settings, etc. programmed into the master
will be unavailable when the switch is
thrown. Obviously it is necessary that all
of the airplane controls respond properly
to the trainer-transmitter’s inputs.
I don’t have one of every radio made,
so I cannot discuss all of the features
available. However, some of the more
advanced (computer!) transmitters feature
trainer systems that allow the instructor to
pass only partial control to the trainee. The
late Larry Lloyd at Airtronics used to let
nonhelicopter pilots fly his helicopter with
only pitch and roll while he kept control of
the throttle and tail rotor.
Then there is the Mode One/Mode Two
78 MODEL AVIATION
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November 2003 79
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Send $2.00 for Model Airplane Catalog
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837-A W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446
www.pennvalleyhobbycenter.com
We stock three different styles of MK mechanical
retractable landing gear.There is the Standard
(green) set for use on .60-1.20 sized aircraft.
They feature a 3.5mm (5⁄32”) strut.There is
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and a 4.0mm (3⁄16”) strut for 120 and larger aircraft.The Special
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Standard Main Gear Set (Green 3.5mm) pair .................$59.95
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servos to theirs, both of which will tell
you that everything works normally; but
it doesn’t when you mate them. One of
the service centers might help, but in all
cases curing a problem that only shows
up in flight is impossible to duplicate on
the test bench and difficult to cure.
I have not tried it, but it is generally
accepted that Futaba and Hitec
transmitters work with each other as
master/trainer or vice versa. Even with
two same-name transmitters, a good
range check using the master and trainer
should be made; it is doubly important in
the case of a mismatch of brands such as
this.
As I mentioned, not all same-brand
transmitters mate with all others of that
brand in the trainer mode; it is important
to find out which will. Some of the
makers sell trainer-only transmitters
(without modulator and RF sections) for
this use at affordable prices.
If you see yourself have a continuing
use for this method of RC flight training,
it may be worthwhile to find out from the
maker of yours whether or not such a unit
is available. In any case, whatever you
use to teach or learn RC flight, now you
have more of an idea of what is going on!
Pacific Aeromodel Power Panel: Power
panels are plentiful enough that one has
to study the individual features of each
before making his or her choice. A
$18.95
per pair
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recently introduced unit from a
company that is better known for its
high-quality Scale Almost Ready-to-
Fly airplanes—Pacific Aeromodel
(PA)—has capabilities that are worth
your consideration.
The PA panel has the usual straightthrough
connections for your engine
starter, through which you can also
charge the supply battery. Although it’s
not stated in the instructions, the same
12-volt output could also be used to
power an electric fuel pump.
The glow-plug supply is adjustable
and metered. The instructions remind
you that different glow plugs have
different power requirements and
caution you to start with the low
settings. Once you have obtained the
correct setting for a specific plug, you
can correctly duplicate it with the meter.
Not common to all power panels are
the battery-charging features on the PA
unit. It will charge your glow-plug
starter battery, which plugs directly onto
a glow-plug-like fitting. The charge
level is controlled by the currentadjusting
knob, and it should be set to
not overheat the battery being charged.
You can also charge or peak your
transmitter and receiver batteries—fouror
five-cell in the latter. The transmittercharge
section is nonautomatic;
according to my tests, that will revive
the battery starting at some 250
milliamperes, slowly decreasing, all
depending on its charge condition. The
instructions recommend a maximum
five-hour charge period.
The receiver-battery charger is more
sophisticated, as stated, and is switchselectable
for five or six cells. It includes
a 160-milliamp discharge feature, so you
can start fresh if you like.
Discharge/charge status is indicated by
light-emitting diodes. This is a peakdetect
charger which charges normally at
roughly 750 milliamps, after which it
automatically drops to a 10-mil trickle
rate.
The PA power panel has become the
standard size for the units, and the
suggested price is $44.95. The street
price is undoubtedly less; check around.
Contact Pacific Aeromodel Mfg. Inc. at
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[email protected]
15437 Proctor Ave., City of Industry CA
91745; Tel.: (626) 961-6199; Web site:
www.pacaeromodel.com. MA

November 2003 73
TRAINER SYSTEMS are more
commonly referred to as “buddy boxes.” I
could not locate a definitive reference, but
I remember reading somewhere that the
German Multiplex company was the
first—or claimed to be the first—to
introduce them.
That would not surprise me; Multiplex
has been a leader in Radio Control (RC)
technology for years. For instance, the big
names in RC are running the race in digital
servos years after the fact; Multiplex had
digital servos at least 10 years ago!
In this country there is no doubt who
was the “fustest with the mostest”; it was
Bob Dunham’s Orbit Electronics, which
pioneered much of the equipment we enjoy
today and was advertising “The End of the
Crash Course” sometime in the 1960s.
Kraft Systems, EK Logictrol, and
ProLine—the big ones of that era (now
unfortunately all gone)—soon followed.
We have beginners with us, so you
experienced readers please bear with me!
The RC trainer system is a dual-control
method of teaching RC flight during which
the experienced instructor pilot makes the
takeoff and trims the airplane. Then with
the actuation of a switch, the fledgling
pilot takes control.
If the newcomer gets the model into an
unrecoverable attitude at any time, the
instructor releases the switch, regains
control, and recovers the airplane. The
instructor’s transmitter is referred to as the
“master”; the transmitter the trainee uses is
called the “slave,” or “trainer.”
This is not a universally accepted
method of teaching RC flying. Some
instructors prefer to hand the transmitter to
the student, and they expect that he or she
will admit to being confused and
graciously relinquish the transmitter when
asked to do so.
I have seen some wrestling matches
take place at such times, and I have
successfully used the buddy-box training
technique many times, but as with
everything else in RC, there is more than
one way to train. Teaching another person
is a unique skill; not all good RC fliers
make good instructors with or without a
buddy box.
As sophisticated and functional as some
modern transmitters are, they all break
down into three basic sections: an encoder,
a modulator, and a radio-frequency (RF)
generator.
In given brands of radios, the
modulator and RF sections are often
similar. The encoder is what determines
whether the transmitter is a basic 1970sstyle
four-channel unit or one that includes
all of the requirements to fly all three basic
model types—fixed-wing powered and
sailplanes, and helicopters—in world-class
competition.
The encoder is where it all begins.
Your inputs on the sticks, knobs, and
switches are transformed into electronic
information within the encoder circuitry.
The encoder’s output is then fed into and
processed by the modulator, which, in
turn, feeds your commands to the RF
section for transmission into what in non-
RC communications is referred to as the
“ether”: a hypothetical medium in which
RF travels.
Somewhat off of the buddy-box
subject, I want to touch briefly on the
common RC systems: Amplitude
Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation
(FM), and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM).
Some confusion exists; AM and FM are
actual RF signals, but PCM is not!
Eloy Marez
E l e c t r o n i c s
2626 W. Northwood, Santa Ana CA 92704
The Pacific Aeromodel Power Panel, along with standard panel features, includes some
nonstandard charger functions worth your consideration. See text.
This diagram is of a master/trainer system, which is shown in the trainer mode. Battery
connections vary according to system make.
Encoding is the information that is
ultimately transmitted in the FM mode, but
more about that later.
The selection is made within the
modulator. In some cases encoders for AM
and FM equipment with the same brand
names are similar and will successfully
interconnect for trainer-system operation.
More about that later too.
AM and FM convert your input
information into a series of pulses of
varying lengths, called Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM); that ultimately
determines the position of the servo output
wheel.
PCM is completely different. All inputs
are converted into computer-speak, for
which one has to have knowledge of bits,
binary coding, and such to understand—
which is far beyond the scope or
requirements for this discussion. All
control-input information is encoded by a
microprocessor (the heart of all
computers), which leads to the erroneous
term “computer radio” for such units.
As probably anyone who owns a
computer and one of these transmitters
knows, there are vast differences between
the two. The term has scared off many
fliers who claim that they don’t know
anything about computers. Your digital
camera, television, VCR, automobile, and
probably your microwave and clothes
washer are controlled by
microprocessors—all without the
intimidating word “computer” in front of
their names.
After all of the black magic has taken
place, the control information coming out
of the receiver to the servo, including that
from the most sophisticated PCM
synthesized system, consists of the same
PWM pulses that come out of the most
basic car/boat two-channel AM radio.
Another misconception we have been
led to believe, quite innocently, is that
PCM is some form of exotic radio signal.
It is not; as explained, it is in the encoding,
and not the RF, that is different. In fact,
most PCM transmitters use the same RF
section, be it internal or plug-in module, as
their FM counterparts. To further disprove
the prevailing misconception, at one time
JR produced a car/boat PCM system called
Alpina, which used AM in the final RF
section.
Back to buddy boxes! Refer to the
block-diagram sketches. When the trainer
system is connected and actuated, what
happens is simple; we have substituted the
encoder in the trainer transmitter for the
encoder in the master.
Effectively we still have a single
transmitter, but its sections are physically
located in different cases. In all cases the
modulator/RF section in the trainer transmitter
are deactivated, and in most cases the encoder
in the master is also inactive.
That wasn’t so hard to understand, was
it? Electronically adding the trainer system
to the basic transmitter is easy. However,
the physical requirements are not, nor are
they quite as simple to understand. The
matter becomes even more complex as the
circuitry varies from one maker to another.
Fortunately the trainer system’s use is not
anywhere near as complicated as its
mechanics.
What are the differences in trainer
systems? There are none when it comes to
usage! There are variations from make to
make electronically! In all cases it is
recommended to use the connecting cable
that is available from the maker, and the
best source of information for your system
is its maker! (Importer, that is!) Futaba has
two types of trainer cords: one for its
FM/PCM systems and one usable only
with AM equipment.
And since Futaba has more different
systems available than other suppliers, the
question of compatibility arises. Make sure
that the two you plan to use will mate.
Again, your best source of info is the
supplier; Hobbico in this case.
What happens when you plug in the
connecting cable and press the switch
probably matters little, but my mail
indicates that many of you like details, so
here goes. Some brands power the trainer
transmitter (encoder only!) from the main
transmitter battery, and others use the
November 2003 77
Tru-Turn now offers the popular Ultimate shape in EIGHT
different sizes! This Spinner looks great on your Cessna as well
as CAP, Edge, Extra, Giles, and many other aerobatic and sport
designs.
You'll find this Spinner available in "120-Slot" for the prop range
used on 4-stroke .91-1.50 motors and "Menz Cut" for use with
most european style props up to 22". Special Slotting is
available upon request too! Use our "Adapter Finder" online to
find an Adapter Kit and learn of any possible Spinner Backplate
modifications you may need at our website today!
See your Hobby dealer or call Tru-Turn direct:
(281) 479-9600 www.tru-turn.com
Made in the U.S.A.
by Romco Manufacturing, Inc.
100 West First Street, Deer Park, Texas 77536
Made in the U.S.A.
compatibility question. Some brands are
and some aren’t. Your best source of
information about this and similar
subjects is the importer—not the Internet!
To such queries you will often get
answers ending with “In my humble
opinion ... ” or something similar, without
experience or knowledge. Opinions are
not worth risking airplanes on!
Compatibility between different
brands of radios is often questioned—and
generally criticized without basis—
because it does not exist. There is no law,
or any standards, which say that all
encoders have to be designed with exactly
the same parameters, which is the main
requirement for compatibility.
With the exception of the computer
industry, which is much larger than the
RC market, there is little or no
interchanging of parts or components in
any other consumer products. You don’t
go to the Chevy place for a part for your
Ferrari.
There is an important consideration
when it comes to mixing different brands
of equipment. As long as everything is
fine, everything is fine! But if you
experience unacceptable behavior of any
kind, you will find it difficult, if not
impossible, to have your mixed breed
tested or serviced as a system.
You can send your transmitter and
receiver off to its importer and your
trainer’s internal battery. In either case, the
total available time will not vary
significantly because the highest current
drain within the transmitter is the RF
section.
If the master’s battery is used by the
slave, the proper connections are made
through the cable automatically. It is
unnecessary to remove or disconnect the
trainer’s battery; the RF section is dead.
Similarly (I have been asked about
this), it is unnecessary to remove the
crystal or the RF module from the
transmitter to be used as the trainer. All
other connections required are made when
the cable is in place.
When the trainer system is switched in,
only those features inherent in the trainer
transmitter will be available to the student.
When using an advanced (computer!)
radio as the master and a basic
noncomputer transmitter as the trainer,
only the latter’s normal functions will be
available to the student. Any mixing, servo
settings, etc. programmed into the master
will be unavailable when the switch is
thrown. Obviously it is necessary that all
of the airplane controls respond properly
to the trainer-transmitter’s inputs.
I don’t have one of every radio made,
so I cannot discuss all of the features
available. However, some of the more
advanced (computer!) transmitters feature
trainer systems that allow the instructor to
pass only partial control to the trainee. The
late Larry Lloyd at Airtronics used to let
nonhelicopter pilots fly his helicopter with
only pitch and roll while he kept control of
the throttle and tail rotor.
Then there is the Mode One/Mode Two
78 MODEL AVIATION
WWW.PSPEC.COM
Complete engine and muffler packages are available.
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DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME!
TWISTER 4-STROKE MUFFLERS & ELBOWS
PISTON/CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES
ULTRATHRUST MUFFLERS
PERFORMANCE SPECIALTIES
PO Box 3146 • Gardnerville, NV 89410
Phone: 775-265-7523 • Fax: 775-265-7522
November 2003 79
® 3-in-1 Lathe/Mill/Drill
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1-800-345-6342
Visit us at www.Smithy.com
• Easy to use – No experience
required, call us Toll-Free
for machining help.
• Versatile – Fix or make almost
anything made of metal,
wood, or plastic.
• Affordable – 6 models
to choose, starting
as low as just $995.
• CNC Compatible
FREE!
Info
Kit
Write: Smithy Co., P.O. Box 1517 Dept MA, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
SMITHY OWNERS SAY:
“I can fix ‘most anything.
I don’t know how I lived
without my Smithy. It
paid for itself in no time.”
www.WirelessVideoCameras.com
Airborne Video Systems
SCALE FLIGHT MODEL CO.
Repro Rubber Power Kits, Comet, Megow, Burd,
Scientific, Jasco, also available - Campbell,
Diels, Dumas, Florio Flyer, Guillow’s,
Golden Age Repro, Herr, Micro-X, Peck, Sig.
Send $2.00 for Model Airplane Catalog
Penn Valley Hobby Center
837-A W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446
www.pennvalleyhobbycenter.com
We stock three different styles of MK mechanical
retractable landing gear.There is the Standard
(green) set for use on .60-1.20 sized aircraft.
They feature a 3.5mm (5⁄32”) strut.There is
also the Standard (Gold) set which features a beefier mechanism
and a 4.0mm (3⁄16”) strut for 120 and larger aircraft.The Special
Gold set has struts with forward rake pre-bent and a special strut
mount to support them.These struts are also 4.0mm.
We also carry a great selection of special retract linkages
and spare struts for all of our MK retracts.
Standard Main Gear Set (Green 3.5mm) pair .................$59.95
Standard Nose Gear Set (Green 3.5mm) pair ................$47.95
Standard Main Gear Set (Gold 4.0mm) pair...................$69.95
Special Main Gear Set (Gold 4.0mm Forward Bend) pair ....$79.95
MK Super Light Wheels
with plastic hubs
50mm pair ..........$10.95
55mm pair ..........$11.95
60mm pair ..........$12.95
MK tail wheel assemblies
Tail wheel assy. ...$21.95
Tail wheel 3/4” .....$4.95
Looking for reliable retracts
and tires? Gator R/C has them!
2100 N Old Mill Rd
Brookline, MO 65619
Min. $6.50
Shipping&Handling per order
417-725-7755
www.gatorrc.com
VISA & MasterCard Welcomed!
servos to theirs, both of which will tell
you that everything works normally; but
it doesn’t when you mate them. One of
the service centers might help, but in all
cases curing a problem that only shows
up in flight is impossible to duplicate on
the test bench and difficult to cure.
I have not tried it, but it is generally
accepted that Futaba and Hitec
transmitters work with each other as
master/trainer or vice versa. Even with
two same-name transmitters, a good
range check using the master and trainer
should be made; it is doubly important in
the case of a mismatch of brands such as
this.
As I mentioned, not all same-brand
transmitters mate with all others of that
brand in the trainer mode; it is important
to find out which will. Some of the
makers sell trainer-only transmitters
(without modulator and RF sections) for
this use at affordable prices.
If you see yourself have a continuing
use for this method of RC flight training,
it may be worthwhile to find out from the
maker of yours whether or not such a unit
is available. In any case, whatever you
use to teach or learn RC flight, now you
have more of an idea of what is going on!
Pacific Aeromodel Power Panel: Power
panels are plentiful enough that one has
to study the individual features of each
before making his or her choice. A
$18.95
per pair
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
It’s Time To Get a Grip
On Your Flying.
High quality transmitter knobs
offer more precise control
and feel.
Produced from
light weight
aluminum.
Black anodized
to assure long
lasting performance.
Features:
•Knurled on sides and
recessed on top for better
feel.
• They fit most popular
transmitters...Futaba, HiTec,
Airtronics, JR & others.
TRANSMITTER KNOBS
recently introduced unit from a
company that is better known for its
high-quality Scale Almost Ready-to-
Fly airplanes—Pacific Aeromodel
(PA)—has capabilities that are worth
your consideration.
The PA panel has the usual straightthrough
connections for your engine
starter, through which you can also
charge the supply battery. Although it’s
not stated in the instructions, the same
12-volt output could also be used to
power an electric fuel pump.
The glow-plug supply is adjustable
and metered. The instructions remind
you that different glow plugs have
different power requirements and
caution you to start with the low
settings. Once you have obtained the
correct setting for a specific plug, you
can correctly duplicate it with the meter.
Not common to all power panels are
the battery-charging features on the PA
unit. It will charge your glow-plug
starter battery, which plugs directly onto
a glow-plug-like fitting. The charge
level is controlled by the currentadjusting
knob, and it should be set to
not overheat the battery being charged.
You can also charge or peak your
transmitter and receiver batteries—fouror
five-cell in the latter. The transmittercharge
section is nonautomatic;
according to my tests, that will revive
the battery starting at some 250
milliamperes, slowly decreasing, all
depending on its charge condition. The
instructions recommend a maximum
five-hour charge period.
The receiver-battery charger is more
sophisticated, as stated, and is switchselectable
for five or six cells. It includes
a 160-milliamp discharge feature, so you
can start fresh if you like.
Discharge/charge status is indicated by
light-emitting diodes. This is a peakdetect
charger which charges normally at
roughly 750 milliamps, after which it
automatically drops to a 10-mil trickle
rate.
The PA power panel has become the
standard size for the units, and the
suggested price is $44.95. The street
price is undoubtedly less; check around.
Contact Pacific Aeromodel Mfg. Inc. at
OVER 100 LITHIUM-ION
BATTERY PACKS TO
CHOOSE FROM
MULTI-VOLTAGE MODULES
POWER REGULATORS
CHARGERS
CLIP-ON-COCKPIT
TELEMETRY SYSTEM
R/C Power Solutions
“...Great Products...
Great Customer Service...”
2002 TOC CHAMPION
CHIP HYDE
FROM MICRO-FLYERS...
...TO GIANT SCALE...
...LAND, SEA AND AIR...
WE HAVE A POWER SYSTEM
THAT’S “LITE” FOR YOU!
Contact:
Skyborn Electronics
3405 Express Dr.
Garland, TX 75041
972-267-5099 Fax: 972-271-3529
www.rcpowerflite.com
[email protected]
15437 Proctor Ave., City of Industry CA
91745; Tel.: (626) 961-6199; Web site:
www.pacaeromodel.com. MA