Bob Aberle
F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s
E-mail: [email protected]
The pen points to one of two warning LEDs on the rear of the
BatShare that monitor each battery pack’s voltage.
The small BatShare sold by Smart-Fly will allow you to use two
separate battery packs to power your RC system.
THIS IS THE 14th monthly column in which I will try to give you
the best possible answers to questions you have written in or Emailed
to me. Each new question is given a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this column will
appear in print and the columns in their entirety will be posted on
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/mag/faq/index.asp.
There, you can access particular questions by subject matter or
categories. This was done to help you retrieve data for specific
topics. When you call up a question, at the end it reads “Answer ...”
Double-click on that word, and the answer and any related photos
will be displayed.
Let’s start!
Q109: “I worry about my battery pack failing during a flight,
causing the crash of my aircraft. I realize that any single point
failure could stop my RC system from operating and controlling
my model. I heard that there are devices that allow for redundant
(more than one) battery packs to power the same RC system. Can
you shed some light on this?”
A109: I’ve seen several so-called redundant battery schemes
throughout the years. The idea behind it is that you can use two
battery packs, feeding them through a control device and then into
your single RC system aboard your model.
I received a sample of such a product recently, and it is being
passed on to one of the MA columnists for a more detailed review.
The device is made by Quest Engineering and Development of
Phoenix, Arizona, and it is called the Smart-Fly BatShare. You can
find a description of it at www.smart-fly.com.
As you can see in the photo, the BatShare is small, measuring
11⁄2 inches long, 3⁄4-inch wide, and 1⁄4-inch thick, and it weighs 0.5
ounce. Its size and weight would make it suitable for almost any
size model.
There are two input cables to which you plug in two separate
battery packs. The packs should have the same voltage (number of
cells) but can have different capacities. In practice, power is drawn
equally for both packs, and the available capacity is the sum of the
two.
The BatShare continually monitors both battery packs and will
switch to the one with the higher voltage. There are two output
cables that go to your RC receiver. One can go to an unused channel
port.
The unit is rated at 12 amps input current per cable, or a total of
24 amps for the two inputs. It is claimed that the voltage drop is
only 0.47 volt at 6 amps and 0.55 volt at 12 amps. Two LEDs
provide a monitoring function for both outputs.
The BatShare sells for $54.95. Quest Engineering has several
other specialty items to offer, so check out the Web site.
Q110: “I have a perfectly good Hitec 335 charger that I purchased
several years ago to charge Ni-Cd battery packs. Now I also have
several NiMH battery packs and wonder if I can use this same
charger. I understand from what I’ve found on the Web that NiMH
cells have a different peak voltage than Ni-Cd cells, and that as a
result, my charger may have difficulty in detecting it.”
A110: Your popular Hitec 335 field-type peak-detect charger should
have no trouble charging Ni-Cd and NiMH battery cells. The actual
peak that occurs with NiMH cells is slightly less discernable than it
is with Ni-Cd cells, but that difference is usually taken into account
in the charger circuitry. Some chargers (but not many!) allow you to
select the peak for either type of cell.
These Hitec RC transmitters are capable of broadcasting regular
FM (PPM) or a new form of PCM that Hitec calls “Q-PCM.”
74 MODEL AVIATION
If you wanted to substitute NiMH cells for Ni-Cd, you would most
likely need to add one more, making a total of eight.
The next RC electric trainer that Bob recommends is Hobby
Lobby International’s flap-equipped Lipol-One ARF.
Bob recommends the popular Multiplex Easy Star RTF trainer as
an electric-powered RC model for a true first-timer.
When you mentioned a “different peak voltage,” I think you
really meant a different “nominal voltage.” We usually refer to a Ni-
Cd cell’s nominal, or average, voltage as 1.2. That is because in
practice this cell can get up to 1.3 volts at the point of full charge,
and it can be discharged to 1.0 or 0.9 volt.
The nominal voltage of NiMH cells is slightly less than that of
Ni-Cd cells. What this boils down to is that if you are using a sevencell
Ni-Cd battery pack and decide to replace it with a NiMH pack,
you will likely have to add one cell. It will take an eight-cell NiMH
battery pack to replace a seven-cell Ni-Cd battery pack. That’s not a
startling difference!
However, many who make this kind of substitution have found
that their aircraft fly slower when going from Ni-Cd to NiMH (with
the same number of cells). But going one NiMH cell more (higher
voltage) produces roughly the same performance. Of course, if you
decide to go for Li-Poly batteries, you end up with a totally different
situation.
Q111: “I noticed in magazine advertisements that the new Hitec
Optic 6 RC transmitter can provide RF [radio frequency] signals on
regular FM (also known as PPM [Pulse Position Modulation]) as
well as PCM [Pulse Code Modulation]. Do I need a special receiver
to operate PCM? Do any other Hitec RC transmitters operate on
PCM?”
A111: I recently reviewed the new Hitec Optic 6 RC system. That
article will likely appear in MA soon, so you might want to wait for
it and read it in detail. I contacted Glen Merritt—marketing director
at Hitec and Multiplex Modelsport USA—to make sure I provide
the correct answers.
Hitec refers to its new PCM function as “Q-PCM,” which stands
for Quick PCM. As do all PCM RC receivers, it provides fail-safe
operation and includes fail-safe preset control capability. At this
time Hitec offers only one receiver for Q-PCM operation; it is
designated the HPD-07RH.
Hitec updated its popular Eclipse transmitter in March 2003, and
part of that modification included the addition of the Q-PCM
capability. Therefore, all Eclipse transmitters sold after that date can
operate on Q-PCM.
I also learned that Hitec has begun offering an upgrade to the
“older” Eclipse transmitters, which includes a new HPD-07RH
seven-channel Q-PCM receiver for a $100 charge. Therefore, Hitec
now has two transmitters that operate on Q-PCM: the Eclipse and
the Optic 6—and one Q-PCM receiver—the HPD-07RH.
Q112: “I just taught a 14-year-old how to fly RC. I’ve been using
glow-fueled engines in my airplanes for many years. This young
teenager that I am instructing wants to buy an electric-powered,
high-wing, trainer-type aircraft. Do you know of any 30- or 40-size
trainers that are electric powered and come complete with
everything needed, both the power system and the RC system?”
Bob suggests Hobby Lobby’s Bonnie 20 ARF as the third model
in the process of learning to fly RC electric aircraft.
A112: A 30- or 40-size model, presumably
something in the 500-square-inch and 4- to
5-pound weight range, is a bit too much
for a first-timer’s electric-powered trainer.
A 40-powered glow-engine trainer would
certainly cost less than a comparable-size
electric trainer. Oh, it can be done, and
thanks to brushless motors and Li-Poly
batteries, we will soon see many larger
electric-powered models coming onto the
market.
But for now, let me provide some
practical advice that will allow you to
enjoy electric power as you continue to
instruct your student pilot.
An excellent electric-powered RTF
trainer is the Multiplex Easy Star. It is
basically an electric-powered sailplane
constructed entirely from a special molded
foam that allows you to use cyanoacrylate
glue on it. You can purchase the Easy Star
along with a Hitec RC system,
rechargeable battery pack, and charger. I
have written a detailed review of this
aircraft, and it should be published in MA
shortly.
The Easy Star is an excellent model for
a beginner. It can be flown slowly without
the tendency to stall. The motor is
mounted high on a pylon facing the rear of
the aircraft, so it is unlikely that you will
ever break a propeller or bend the motor
shaft.
After your student has mastered this
first electric-powered airplane, I
recommend Hobby Lobby International’s
new Lipol-One high-wing, all-folded-foam
trainer. Some assembly work is involved,
but the foam parts come prepainted and no
covering is necessary.
This particular model is powered by a new
Model Motors AXI 2204/54 brushless
outrunner motor and a two-cell 700 mAh Li-
Poly battery pack. The brushless motor is
efficient and will last a long time. The Li-Poly
battery will provide long flight times, which is
important for a student pilot.
A detailed review of the Lipol-One is
currently posted on Sport Aviator, which is
AMA’s online magazine. I urge you to look it
up at www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?
CatID=15&ID=59.
Once you have your student up to speed
with the Easy Star and the Lipol-One, I
recommend the Hobby Lobby Bonnie 20. It is
a high-wing ARF with a wing area of roughly
420 square inches and a total weight of
approximately 60 ounces.
The Bonnie 20 employs full four-channel
control of ailerons, elevator, rudder, and
motor throttle. It has a tricycle-landing-gear
configuration (two main wheels and a nose
wheel). The nose gear is steerable from the
rudder channel.
This is the kind of airplane you will want
to train your student with when you begin
basic maneuvers involving rolls via aileron
control. The Bonnie 20 review is posted on
Sport Aviator at www.masportaviator.com/
ah.asp?CatID=1&ID=39.
The three electric-powered aircraft I have
recommended can provide all you need to
turn your young student loose in our
wonderful hobby. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 72,74,76
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 72,74,76
Bob Aberle
F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s
E-mail: [email protected]
The pen points to one of two warning LEDs on the rear of the
BatShare that monitor each battery pack’s voltage.
The small BatShare sold by Smart-Fly will allow you to use two
separate battery packs to power your RC system.
THIS IS THE 14th monthly column in which I will try to give you
the best possible answers to questions you have written in or Emailed
to me. Each new question is given a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this column will
appear in print and the columns in their entirety will be posted on
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/mag/faq/index.asp.
There, you can access particular questions by subject matter or
categories. This was done to help you retrieve data for specific
topics. When you call up a question, at the end it reads “Answer ...”
Double-click on that word, and the answer and any related photos
will be displayed.
Let’s start!
Q109: “I worry about my battery pack failing during a flight,
causing the crash of my aircraft. I realize that any single point
failure could stop my RC system from operating and controlling
my model. I heard that there are devices that allow for redundant
(more than one) battery packs to power the same RC system. Can
you shed some light on this?”
A109: I’ve seen several so-called redundant battery schemes
throughout the years. The idea behind it is that you can use two
battery packs, feeding them through a control device and then into
your single RC system aboard your model.
I received a sample of such a product recently, and it is being
passed on to one of the MA columnists for a more detailed review.
The device is made by Quest Engineering and Development of
Phoenix, Arizona, and it is called the Smart-Fly BatShare. You can
find a description of it at www.smart-fly.com.
As you can see in the photo, the BatShare is small, measuring
11⁄2 inches long, 3⁄4-inch wide, and 1⁄4-inch thick, and it weighs 0.5
ounce. Its size and weight would make it suitable for almost any
size model.
There are two input cables to which you plug in two separate
battery packs. The packs should have the same voltage (number of
cells) but can have different capacities. In practice, power is drawn
equally for both packs, and the available capacity is the sum of the
two.
The BatShare continually monitors both battery packs and will
switch to the one with the higher voltage. There are two output
cables that go to your RC receiver. One can go to an unused channel
port.
The unit is rated at 12 amps input current per cable, or a total of
24 amps for the two inputs. It is claimed that the voltage drop is
only 0.47 volt at 6 amps and 0.55 volt at 12 amps. Two LEDs
provide a monitoring function for both outputs.
The BatShare sells for $54.95. Quest Engineering has several
other specialty items to offer, so check out the Web site.
Q110: “I have a perfectly good Hitec 335 charger that I purchased
several years ago to charge Ni-Cd battery packs. Now I also have
several NiMH battery packs and wonder if I can use this same
charger. I understand from what I’ve found on the Web that NiMH
cells have a different peak voltage than Ni-Cd cells, and that as a
result, my charger may have difficulty in detecting it.”
A110: Your popular Hitec 335 field-type peak-detect charger should
have no trouble charging Ni-Cd and NiMH battery cells. The actual
peak that occurs with NiMH cells is slightly less discernable than it
is with Ni-Cd cells, but that difference is usually taken into account
in the charger circuitry. Some chargers (but not many!) allow you to
select the peak for either type of cell.
These Hitec RC transmitters are capable of broadcasting regular
FM (PPM) or a new form of PCM that Hitec calls “Q-PCM.”
74 MODEL AVIATION
If you wanted to substitute NiMH cells for Ni-Cd, you would most
likely need to add one more, making a total of eight.
The next RC electric trainer that Bob recommends is Hobby
Lobby International’s flap-equipped Lipol-One ARF.
Bob recommends the popular Multiplex Easy Star RTF trainer as
an electric-powered RC model for a true first-timer.
When you mentioned a “different peak voltage,” I think you
really meant a different “nominal voltage.” We usually refer to a Ni-
Cd cell’s nominal, or average, voltage as 1.2. That is because in
practice this cell can get up to 1.3 volts at the point of full charge,
and it can be discharged to 1.0 or 0.9 volt.
The nominal voltage of NiMH cells is slightly less than that of
Ni-Cd cells. What this boils down to is that if you are using a sevencell
Ni-Cd battery pack and decide to replace it with a NiMH pack,
you will likely have to add one cell. It will take an eight-cell NiMH
battery pack to replace a seven-cell Ni-Cd battery pack. That’s not a
startling difference!
However, many who make this kind of substitution have found
that their aircraft fly slower when going from Ni-Cd to NiMH (with
the same number of cells). But going one NiMH cell more (higher
voltage) produces roughly the same performance. Of course, if you
decide to go for Li-Poly batteries, you end up with a totally different
situation.
Q111: “I noticed in magazine advertisements that the new Hitec
Optic 6 RC transmitter can provide RF [radio frequency] signals on
regular FM (also known as PPM [Pulse Position Modulation]) as
well as PCM [Pulse Code Modulation]. Do I need a special receiver
to operate PCM? Do any other Hitec RC transmitters operate on
PCM?”
A111: I recently reviewed the new Hitec Optic 6 RC system. That
article will likely appear in MA soon, so you might want to wait for
it and read it in detail. I contacted Glen Merritt—marketing director
at Hitec and Multiplex Modelsport USA—to make sure I provide
the correct answers.
Hitec refers to its new PCM function as “Q-PCM,” which stands
for Quick PCM. As do all PCM RC receivers, it provides fail-safe
operation and includes fail-safe preset control capability. At this
time Hitec offers only one receiver for Q-PCM operation; it is
designated the HPD-07RH.
Hitec updated its popular Eclipse transmitter in March 2003, and
part of that modification included the addition of the Q-PCM
capability. Therefore, all Eclipse transmitters sold after that date can
operate on Q-PCM.
I also learned that Hitec has begun offering an upgrade to the
“older” Eclipse transmitters, which includes a new HPD-07RH
seven-channel Q-PCM receiver for a $100 charge. Therefore, Hitec
now has two transmitters that operate on Q-PCM: the Eclipse and
the Optic 6—and one Q-PCM receiver—the HPD-07RH.
Q112: “I just taught a 14-year-old how to fly RC. I’ve been using
glow-fueled engines in my airplanes for many years. This young
teenager that I am instructing wants to buy an electric-powered,
high-wing, trainer-type aircraft. Do you know of any 30- or 40-size
trainers that are electric powered and come complete with
everything needed, both the power system and the RC system?”
Bob suggests Hobby Lobby’s Bonnie 20 ARF as the third model
in the process of learning to fly RC electric aircraft.
A112: A 30- or 40-size model, presumably
something in the 500-square-inch and 4- to
5-pound weight range, is a bit too much
for a first-timer’s electric-powered trainer.
A 40-powered glow-engine trainer would
certainly cost less than a comparable-size
electric trainer. Oh, it can be done, and
thanks to brushless motors and Li-Poly
batteries, we will soon see many larger
electric-powered models coming onto the
market.
But for now, let me provide some
practical advice that will allow you to
enjoy electric power as you continue to
instruct your student pilot.
An excellent electric-powered RTF
trainer is the Multiplex Easy Star. It is
basically an electric-powered sailplane
constructed entirely from a special molded
foam that allows you to use cyanoacrylate
glue on it. You can purchase the Easy Star
along with a Hitec RC system,
rechargeable battery pack, and charger. I
have written a detailed review of this
aircraft, and it should be published in MA
shortly.
The Easy Star is an excellent model for
a beginner. It can be flown slowly without
the tendency to stall. The motor is
mounted high on a pylon facing the rear of
the aircraft, so it is unlikely that you will
ever break a propeller or bend the motor
shaft.
After your student has mastered this
first electric-powered airplane, I
recommend Hobby Lobby International’s
new Lipol-One high-wing, all-folded-foam
trainer. Some assembly work is involved,
but the foam parts come prepainted and no
covering is necessary.
This particular model is powered by a new
Model Motors AXI 2204/54 brushless
outrunner motor and a two-cell 700 mAh Li-
Poly battery pack. The brushless motor is
efficient and will last a long time. The Li-Poly
battery will provide long flight times, which is
important for a student pilot.
A detailed review of the Lipol-One is
currently posted on Sport Aviator, which is
AMA’s online magazine. I urge you to look it
up at www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?
CatID=15&ID=59.
Once you have your student up to speed
with the Easy Star and the Lipol-One, I
recommend the Hobby Lobby Bonnie 20. It is
a high-wing ARF with a wing area of roughly
420 square inches and a total weight of
approximately 60 ounces.
The Bonnie 20 employs full four-channel
control of ailerons, elevator, rudder, and
motor throttle. It has a tricycle-landing-gear
configuration (two main wheels and a nose
wheel). The nose gear is steerable from the
rudder channel.
This is the kind of airplane you will want
to train your student with when you begin
basic maneuvers involving rolls via aileron
control. The Bonnie 20 review is posted on
Sport Aviator at www.masportaviator.com/
ah.asp?CatID=1&ID=39.
The three electric-powered aircraft I have
recommended can provide all you need to
turn your young student loose in our
wonderful hobby. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 72,74,76
Bob Aberle
F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s
E-mail: [email protected]
The pen points to one of two warning LEDs on the rear of the
BatShare that monitor each battery pack’s voltage.
The small BatShare sold by Smart-Fly will allow you to use two
separate battery packs to power your RC system.
THIS IS THE 14th monthly column in which I will try to give you
the best possible answers to questions you have written in or Emailed
to me. Each new question is given a sequential number for
identification purposes.
Because publication space is limited, part of this column will
appear in print and the columns in their entirety will be posted on
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/mag/faq/index.asp.
There, you can access particular questions by subject matter or
categories. This was done to help you retrieve data for specific
topics. When you call up a question, at the end it reads “Answer ...”
Double-click on that word, and the answer and any related photos
will be displayed.
Let’s start!
Q109: “I worry about my battery pack failing during a flight,
causing the crash of my aircraft. I realize that any single point
failure could stop my RC system from operating and controlling
my model. I heard that there are devices that allow for redundant
(more than one) battery packs to power the same RC system. Can
you shed some light on this?”
A109: I’ve seen several so-called redundant battery schemes
throughout the years. The idea behind it is that you can use two
battery packs, feeding them through a control device and then into
your single RC system aboard your model.
I received a sample of such a product recently, and it is being
passed on to one of the MA columnists for a more detailed review.
The device is made by Quest Engineering and Development of
Phoenix, Arizona, and it is called the Smart-Fly BatShare. You can
find a description of it at www.smart-fly.com.
As you can see in the photo, the BatShare is small, measuring
11⁄2 inches long, 3⁄4-inch wide, and 1⁄4-inch thick, and it weighs 0.5
ounce. Its size and weight would make it suitable for almost any
size model.
There are two input cables to which you plug in two separate
battery packs. The packs should have the same voltage (number of
cells) but can have different capacities. In practice, power is drawn
equally for both packs, and the available capacity is the sum of the
two.
The BatShare continually monitors both battery packs and will
switch to the one with the higher voltage. There are two output
cables that go to your RC receiver. One can go to an unused channel
port.
The unit is rated at 12 amps input current per cable, or a total of
24 amps for the two inputs. It is claimed that the voltage drop is
only 0.47 volt at 6 amps and 0.55 volt at 12 amps. Two LEDs
provide a monitoring function for both outputs.
The BatShare sells for $54.95. Quest Engineering has several
other specialty items to offer, so check out the Web site.
Q110: “I have a perfectly good Hitec 335 charger that I purchased
several years ago to charge Ni-Cd battery packs. Now I also have
several NiMH battery packs and wonder if I can use this same
charger. I understand from what I’ve found on the Web that NiMH
cells have a different peak voltage than Ni-Cd cells, and that as a
result, my charger may have difficulty in detecting it.”
A110: Your popular Hitec 335 field-type peak-detect charger should
have no trouble charging Ni-Cd and NiMH battery cells. The actual
peak that occurs with NiMH cells is slightly less discernable than it
is with Ni-Cd cells, but that difference is usually taken into account
in the charger circuitry. Some chargers (but not many!) allow you to
select the peak for either type of cell.
These Hitec RC transmitters are capable of broadcasting regular
FM (PPM) or a new form of PCM that Hitec calls “Q-PCM.”
74 MODEL AVIATION
If you wanted to substitute NiMH cells for Ni-Cd, you would most
likely need to add one more, making a total of eight.
The next RC electric trainer that Bob recommends is Hobby
Lobby International’s flap-equipped Lipol-One ARF.
Bob recommends the popular Multiplex Easy Star RTF trainer as
an electric-powered RC model for a true first-timer.
When you mentioned a “different peak voltage,” I think you
really meant a different “nominal voltage.” We usually refer to a Ni-
Cd cell’s nominal, or average, voltage as 1.2. That is because in
practice this cell can get up to 1.3 volts at the point of full charge,
and it can be discharged to 1.0 or 0.9 volt.
The nominal voltage of NiMH cells is slightly less than that of
Ni-Cd cells. What this boils down to is that if you are using a sevencell
Ni-Cd battery pack and decide to replace it with a NiMH pack,
you will likely have to add one cell. It will take an eight-cell NiMH
battery pack to replace a seven-cell Ni-Cd battery pack. That’s not a
startling difference!
However, many who make this kind of substitution have found
that their aircraft fly slower when going from Ni-Cd to NiMH (with
the same number of cells). But going one NiMH cell more (higher
voltage) produces roughly the same performance. Of course, if you
decide to go for Li-Poly batteries, you end up with a totally different
situation.
Q111: “I noticed in magazine advertisements that the new Hitec
Optic 6 RC transmitter can provide RF [radio frequency] signals on
regular FM (also known as PPM [Pulse Position Modulation]) as
well as PCM [Pulse Code Modulation]. Do I need a special receiver
to operate PCM? Do any other Hitec RC transmitters operate on
PCM?”
A111: I recently reviewed the new Hitec Optic 6 RC system. That
article will likely appear in MA soon, so you might want to wait for
it and read it in detail. I contacted Glen Merritt—marketing director
at Hitec and Multiplex Modelsport USA—to make sure I provide
the correct answers.
Hitec refers to its new PCM function as “Q-PCM,” which stands
for Quick PCM. As do all PCM RC receivers, it provides fail-safe
operation and includes fail-safe preset control capability. At this
time Hitec offers only one receiver for Q-PCM operation; it is
designated the HPD-07RH.
Hitec updated its popular Eclipse transmitter in March 2003, and
part of that modification included the addition of the Q-PCM
capability. Therefore, all Eclipse transmitters sold after that date can
operate on Q-PCM.
I also learned that Hitec has begun offering an upgrade to the
“older” Eclipse transmitters, which includes a new HPD-07RH
seven-channel Q-PCM receiver for a $100 charge. Therefore, Hitec
now has two transmitters that operate on Q-PCM: the Eclipse and
the Optic 6—and one Q-PCM receiver—the HPD-07RH.
Q112: “I just taught a 14-year-old how to fly RC. I’ve been using
glow-fueled engines in my airplanes for many years. This young
teenager that I am instructing wants to buy an electric-powered,
high-wing, trainer-type aircraft. Do you know of any 30- or 40-size
trainers that are electric powered and come complete with
everything needed, both the power system and the RC system?”
Bob suggests Hobby Lobby’s Bonnie 20 ARF as the third model
in the process of learning to fly RC electric aircraft.
A112: A 30- or 40-size model, presumably
something in the 500-square-inch and 4- to
5-pound weight range, is a bit too much
for a first-timer’s electric-powered trainer.
A 40-powered glow-engine trainer would
certainly cost less than a comparable-size
electric trainer. Oh, it can be done, and
thanks to brushless motors and Li-Poly
batteries, we will soon see many larger
electric-powered models coming onto the
market.
But for now, let me provide some
practical advice that will allow you to
enjoy electric power as you continue to
instruct your student pilot.
An excellent electric-powered RTF
trainer is the Multiplex Easy Star. It is
basically an electric-powered sailplane
constructed entirely from a special molded
foam that allows you to use cyanoacrylate
glue on it. You can purchase the Easy Star
along with a Hitec RC system,
rechargeable battery pack, and charger. I
have written a detailed review of this
aircraft, and it should be published in MA
shortly.
The Easy Star is an excellent model for
a beginner. It can be flown slowly without
the tendency to stall. The motor is
mounted high on a pylon facing the rear of
the aircraft, so it is unlikely that you will
ever break a propeller or bend the motor
shaft.
After your student has mastered this
first electric-powered airplane, I
recommend Hobby Lobby International’s
new Lipol-One high-wing, all-folded-foam
trainer. Some assembly work is involved,
but the foam parts come prepainted and no
covering is necessary.
This particular model is powered by a new
Model Motors AXI 2204/54 brushless
outrunner motor and a two-cell 700 mAh Li-
Poly battery pack. The brushless motor is
efficient and will last a long time. The Li-Poly
battery will provide long flight times, which is
important for a student pilot.
A detailed review of the Lipol-One is
currently posted on Sport Aviator, which is
AMA’s online magazine. I urge you to look it
up at www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?
CatID=15&ID=59.
Once you have your student up to speed
with the Easy Star and the Lipol-One, I
recommend the Hobby Lobby Bonnie 20. It is
a high-wing ARF with a wing area of roughly
420 square inches and a total weight of
approximately 60 ounces.
The Bonnie 20 employs full four-channel
control of ailerons, elevator, rudder, and
motor throttle. It has a tricycle-landing-gear
configuration (two main wheels and a nose
wheel). The nose gear is steerable from the
rudder channel.
This is the kind of airplane you will want
to train your student with when you begin
basic maneuvers involving rolls via aileron
control. The Bonnie 20 review is posted on
Sport Aviator at www.masportaviator.com/
ah.asp?CatID=1&ID=39.
The three electric-powered aircraft I have
recommended can provide all you need to
turn your young student loose in our
wonderful hobby. MA
