Stuck on your work? Bob describes a cyanoacrylate release agent
November 2006 87
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• RC Spotlight Internet search
engine
• Mini Ultra Stick landing-gear
modification
• E Cubed R/C antenna-length
clarification
• Where to get ignition-engine
parts
• AstroFlight Lithium Charger
(item 109) upgrade
• Alternative balsa supplier
CA Release can prevent you from getting
glued to your workbench and can prevent
glue from getting into hinge points on
control surfaces.
Jim T. Graham created a new RC-hobby search engine: “RC Spotlight.” This is the top of the home page.
The Mini Ultra Stick’s landing gear is slanted forward, thanks to the inserted TE stock.
That will prevent the model from tipping up on its nose on landing.
THIS IS MY 32nd monthly column in which I
try to give you the best possible answers to
questions you have written or E-mailed to me.
Each new inquiry is given a sequential number
for identification purposes.
Until the August 2005 column this material
had been published in MA and additional
questions and answers had been posted on a
special section of the AMA Web site
(www.modelaircraft.org). That Web page is
now in the process of being revised, and there
will be no new postings in the foreseeable
future.
What you read each month in print is all you
will see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format. The original
“search process” by categories will also be
suspended until the posting is back online.
In the meantime, I’m available to help you
locate specific subjects of interest. Just drop
me an E-mail. Also please keep sending in
your questions; that’s the only way I can
continue to provide this service to readers.
Q255: “I have accidentally stuck myself
many times to my model or my workbench
while using the cyanoacrylate-type instant
glues and accelerators.
“I also recently received a good burn
because I had gotten a few drops of
cyanoacrylate cement on my finger, and then
without realizing it sprayed the accelerator in
the same area. It kicked off the cement and
gave me a good burn that later became
infected.
“Aside from the solvents offered, is there
11sig3.QXD 9/26/06 10:46 AM Page 8788 MODEL AVIATION
Azarr stipulates that the receiver antenna need only be cut off 3
inches from the case, providing flexibility when locating the
reduced-size antenna.
Noted Old-Timer modeler Larry Davidson is selling new modelengine
ignition coils. They weigh only 29 grams!
The pen tip points to the polarity “dot” marking on the new
v1.7 microchip. Make sure that dot faces the center of the
panel—not the outside. Insert exactly as shown.
The popular AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) and the
new v1.7 microchip, which provides a software update.
anything else I might keep on hand to prevent this from becoming a
problem?”
A255: I recently learned about a skin-protection product called CA
Release, sold by Jim McCoul of Craft & Hobby Creations of Sterling
Heights, Michigan. It is sold in 1-ounce jars for $4.50, and you pay a
lower price if you purchase five or more jars.
CA Release is a white, creamlike substance. You apply it to your
hands or fingers before using cyanoacrylate-type cement, other hobby
glues, and even hobby paint products. With this product, if any cement
or paint gets on your hands or fingers, you can easily peel it off after it
dries without affecting your skin in any way. I’ve tried CA Release, and
it does work as claimed.
There is also a bonus with this product. When installing controlsurface
hinges on your aircraft, apply some CA Release at the hinge line
before the cement. The result is that the hinge will be cemented to the
structure, but the hinge line will be free to move.
When I went to Jim’s Web site (www.wideopenwest.com/~
mmc9892), I was surprised to see quite a few other interesting products
such as servo-cable conduit tubes, hole cutters for the passage of conduit
tubes, fuel-line clamps, and wood clamps. Visit the site and check out
the various products. It always amazes me how one item can lead to
another and another!
Q256: “I just wanted you to know that I recently learned of a new
Internet search engine that is geared specifically to our RC hobby. It is
called ‘RC Spotlight’—the world’s first RC search engine. I suggest you
try it!”
A256: (Or in this case, follow-up 256.) I took the reader’s advice and
looked up this new search engine. The address is www.rcspotlight.com.
It was created by Jim T. Graham, who was formerly with Hobby Lobby
International and now runs his own RC hobby business known as Billy
Hell RC (www.billyhell.com/).
I’ve tried Jim’s new search engine, and it does work. It will probably
take awhile to get it fully organized and operational, but the concept is
interesting and I urge you to try this new service for the RC modeler.
Q257: “I read your review of the E-flite Mini Ultra Stick ARF which is
posted to the AMA’s webzine Sport Aviator. Your flight shots looked
so great I went right out and bought my own ‘Stick.’
“I like it very much, but I have noticed that the position of the
landing is such that the airplane almost always tips up on its nose with
every landing. What do you recommend? Relocating the landing gear?”
A257: Several fellow SEFLI (Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island) club
members and I have experienced this same “nose-up” tendency.
11sig3.QXD 9/25/06 2:25 PM Page 88Fortunately one club member, Ron Williams,
found a suggested correction for this problem
on the RC Groups (www.rcgroups.com)
forum.
The person who made the suggestion is
known by the handle “Basketcase,” of Saint
Petersburg, Florida. The correction is so
simple you won’t believe it.
Remove the landing gear and place a
length of 1-inch-wide TE stock between the
gear and the bottom of the fuselage. Position
the angle of the TE stock so it tilts the gear
forward. Replace the two screws and you are
back in business. I did this, and my Mini Ultra
Stick no longer tips up on landing.
“Basketcase” also indicated that his flying
field was quite rough, so he also substituted
Du-Bro 21/2-inch-diameter Super Lite wheels.
I didn’t need to do that, but I thought
everyone would be interested in the tip.
Q258: “I have successfully used Azarr’s
(from E Cubed R/C) reduced-size RC receiver
antennas on many of my aircraft. The
instructions have always indicated that you
should cut off the existing receiver antenna 1
inch from the case and then solder the E
Cubed reduced-size antenna to that stub.
“Well, recently I had a particular
application where I needed just a little more
wire. Can I cut off the full-size antenna a little
farther out from the receiver case?”
A258: This situation recently came up for me,
and I also need a bit more antenna wire to be
able to get the Azarr antenna out of my RC
compartment. I contacted Azarr and learned
that the instructions will soon be changed to
read, “Cut original receiver antenna up to 3
inches from the case.”
That extra 2 inches did just what I needed.
You can find out more about these antennas at
www.ecubedrc.com/antennas.htm.
Q259: “I was interested when I read a recent
FAQ concerning the availability of model
ignition engine spark plugs. I’d like to take
this one step further: where can I get ignition
coils for model engine use?”
A259: The answer, as it was for the spark
plugs, is SAM (Society of Antique Modelers)
Champ Larry Davidson. He makes a point of
obtaining most of the hard-to-get ignitionengine
components to keep up interest in
antique-engine operation.
Larry has informed me that a new model
ignition coil is being made for him that
weighs just 29 grams. He expects to sell these
for $20 each plus $5.50 for postage and
handling. You can reach Larry at samchamp
@charter.net.
A special congratulations to Larry for
recently being inducted into AMA’s Model
Aviation Hall of Fame.
Q260: “I own an AstroFlight model 109
Lithium Charger. I understand there is a new
software addendum available. What’s this all
about? Do I need it?”
A260: The latest software revision for the
AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) is
v1.7. It is contained on a single 20-pin
microprocessor chip. AstroFlight makes this
chip available for update purposes for $10 (at
www.astroflight.com).
Since my AstroFlight charger was one of
the original units, it had only v1.0 software.
But I never experienced a single malfunction
with this charger. However, several features
associated with this v1.7 update are worth
considering.
Mode 2 has been changed from a one-hour
timed period to 10 hours. This will allow you
to slow-charge your packs and charge packs
as large as 90 Ah. The Ah display now reads
from 10 mAh up to 90 Ah.
When discharging a pack, the charger will
now only go down to 3.2 volts per cell rather
than the former 2.9 volts. If for any reason the
charger jumps up in cell count to one cell
higher during Mode 2 or 3, it will cut off and
display a “Bat Fault” message on the LCD
screen.
When swapping this new IC chip, make
sure you have the polarity correct. One end of
the chip has a small “dot” marking; it should
be facing the center of the panel. Look at the
photo I have included and make sure this is
done properly. After installing the new chip,
the display will read “v1.7” every time you
turn on the charger’s power.
Q261: “I really like to deal with my local
hobby shop because they are always willing to
help and I feel committed to return the favor
by helping them to earn the living that they
deserve.
“But I have to tell you I’ve been on
occasion frustrated when I got to a critical
point in my model construction and needed
some extra pieces of balsa wood, plywood,
and even some small-diameter wood dowel.
Just when that need arises, I seem to have the
bad luck because it was my local shop’s day
off (closed) or it was closed on a Sunday.
“These folks certainly deserve their free
time like anyone else. Is there any alternate
supply of such materials when I need
something in a pinch?”
A261: I encountered a similar situation
recently while trying to finish several models
for construction articles almost at the same
time. So I took a chance and went to the local
Michaels arts-and-crafts store. (I believe it is a
national chain.)
To my complete surprise, there was a full
box of Midwest balsa sheets and sticks in a
variety of sizes, a selection of thin plywood,
and small-diameter (such as 1/16 and 1/8 inch)
wood dowels. It seems that the local
lumberyards, The Home Depot, and the like
seldom have dowels smaller than 3/16 inch in
diameter.
While preparing this column I tried
another local craft store called A.C.
Moore. Again, I found a reasonable
selection of modeling woods. I’m not
leaving my hobby dealer out of the loop,
but even he would agree that this is a good
alternative when you are getting desperate
to complete that next model. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 87,88,89
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 87,88,89
Stuck on your work? Bob describes a cyanoacrylate release agent
November 2006 87
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• RC Spotlight Internet search
engine
• Mini Ultra Stick landing-gear
modification
• E Cubed R/C antenna-length
clarification
• Where to get ignition-engine
parts
• AstroFlight Lithium Charger
(item 109) upgrade
• Alternative balsa supplier
CA Release can prevent you from getting
glued to your workbench and can prevent
glue from getting into hinge points on
control surfaces.
Jim T. Graham created a new RC-hobby search engine: “RC Spotlight.” This is the top of the home page.
The Mini Ultra Stick’s landing gear is slanted forward, thanks to the inserted TE stock.
That will prevent the model from tipping up on its nose on landing.
THIS IS MY 32nd monthly column in which I
try to give you the best possible answers to
questions you have written or E-mailed to me.
Each new inquiry is given a sequential number
for identification purposes.
Until the August 2005 column this material
had been published in MA and additional
questions and answers had been posted on a
special section of the AMA Web site
(www.modelaircraft.org). That Web page is
now in the process of being revised, and there
will be no new postings in the foreseeable
future.
What you read each month in print is all you
will see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format. The original
“search process” by categories will also be
suspended until the posting is back online.
In the meantime, I’m available to help you
locate specific subjects of interest. Just drop
me an E-mail. Also please keep sending in
your questions; that’s the only way I can
continue to provide this service to readers.
Q255: “I have accidentally stuck myself
many times to my model or my workbench
while using the cyanoacrylate-type instant
glues and accelerators.
“I also recently received a good burn
because I had gotten a few drops of
cyanoacrylate cement on my finger, and then
without realizing it sprayed the accelerator in
the same area. It kicked off the cement and
gave me a good burn that later became
infected.
“Aside from the solvents offered, is there
11sig3.QXD 9/26/06 10:46 AM Page 8788 MODEL AVIATION
Azarr stipulates that the receiver antenna need only be cut off 3
inches from the case, providing flexibility when locating the
reduced-size antenna.
Noted Old-Timer modeler Larry Davidson is selling new modelengine
ignition coils. They weigh only 29 grams!
The pen tip points to the polarity “dot” marking on the new
v1.7 microchip. Make sure that dot faces the center of the
panel—not the outside. Insert exactly as shown.
The popular AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) and the
new v1.7 microchip, which provides a software update.
anything else I might keep on hand to prevent this from becoming a
problem?”
A255: I recently learned about a skin-protection product called CA
Release, sold by Jim McCoul of Craft & Hobby Creations of Sterling
Heights, Michigan. It is sold in 1-ounce jars for $4.50, and you pay a
lower price if you purchase five or more jars.
CA Release is a white, creamlike substance. You apply it to your
hands or fingers before using cyanoacrylate-type cement, other hobby
glues, and even hobby paint products. With this product, if any cement
or paint gets on your hands or fingers, you can easily peel it off after it
dries without affecting your skin in any way. I’ve tried CA Release, and
it does work as claimed.
There is also a bonus with this product. When installing controlsurface
hinges on your aircraft, apply some CA Release at the hinge line
before the cement. The result is that the hinge will be cemented to the
structure, but the hinge line will be free to move.
When I went to Jim’s Web site (www.wideopenwest.com/~
mmc9892), I was surprised to see quite a few other interesting products
such as servo-cable conduit tubes, hole cutters for the passage of conduit
tubes, fuel-line clamps, and wood clamps. Visit the site and check out
the various products. It always amazes me how one item can lead to
another and another!
Q256: “I just wanted you to know that I recently learned of a new
Internet search engine that is geared specifically to our RC hobby. It is
called ‘RC Spotlight’—the world’s first RC search engine. I suggest you
try it!”
A256: (Or in this case, follow-up 256.) I took the reader’s advice and
looked up this new search engine. The address is www.rcspotlight.com.
It was created by Jim T. Graham, who was formerly with Hobby Lobby
International and now runs his own RC hobby business known as Billy
Hell RC (www.billyhell.com/).
I’ve tried Jim’s new search engine, and it does work. It will probably
take awhile to get it fully organized and operational, but the concept is
interesting and I urge you to try this new service for the RC modeler.
Q257: “I read your review of the E-flite Mini Ultra Stick ARF which is
posted to the AMA’s webzine Sport Aviator. Your flight shots looked
so great I went right out and bought my own ‘Stick.’
“I like it very much, but I have noticed that the position of the
landing is such that the airplane almost always tips up on its nose with
every landing. What do you recommend? Relocating the landing gear?”
A257: Several fellow SEFLI (Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island) club
members and I have experienced this same “nose-up” tendency.
11sig3.QXD 9/25/06 2:25 PM Page 88Fortunately one club member, Ron Williams,
found a suggested correction for this problem
on the RC Groups (www.rcgroups.com)
forum.
The person who made the suggestion is
known by the handle “Basketcase,” of Saint
Petersburg, Florida. The correction is so
simple you won’t believe it.
Remove the landing gear and place a
length of 1-inch-wide TE stock between the
gear and the bottom of the fuselage. Position
the angle of the TE stock so it tilts the gear
forward. Replace the two screws and you are
back in business. I did this, and my Mini Ultra
Stick no longer tips up on landing.
“Basketcase” also indicated that his flying
field was quite rough, so he also substituted
Du-Bro 21/2-inch-diameter Super Lite wheels.
I didn’t need to do that, but I thought
everyone would be interested in the tip.
Q258: “I have successfully used Azarr’s
(from E Cubed R/C) reduced-size RC receiver
antennas on many of my aircraft. The
instructions have always indicated that you
should cut off the existing receiver antenna 1
inch from the case and then solder the E
Cubed reduced-size antenna to that stub.
“Well, recently I had a particular
application where I needed just a little more
wire. Can I cut off the full-size antenna a little
farther out from the receiver case?”
A258: This situation recently came up for me,
and I also need a bit more antenna wire to be
able to get the Azarr antenna out of my RC
compartment. I contacted Azarr and learned
that the instructions will soon be changed to
read, “Cut original receiver antenna up to 3
inches from the case.”
That extra 2 inches did just what I needed.
You can find out more about these antennas at
www.ecubedrc.com/antennas.htm.
Q259: “I was interested when I read a recent
FAQ concerning the availability of model
ignition engine spark plugs. I’d like to take
this one step further: where can I get ignition
coils for model engine use?”
A259: The answer, as it was for the spark
plugs, is SAM (Society of Antique Modelers)
Champ Larry Davidson. He makes a point of
obtaining most of the hard-to-get ignitionengine
components to keep up interest in
antique-engine operation.
Larry has informed me that a new model
ignition coil is being made for him that
weighs just 29 grams. He expects to sell these
for $20 each plus $5.50 for postage and
handling. You can reach Larry at samchamp
@charter.net.
A special congratulations to Larry for
recently being inducted into AMA’s Model
Aviation Hall of Fame.
Q260: “I own an AstroFlight model 109
Lithium Charger. I understand there is a new
software addendum available. What’s this all
about? Do I need it?”
A260: The latest software revision for the
AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) is
v1.7. It is contained on a single 20-pin
microprocessor chip. AstroFlight makes this
chip available for update purposes for $10 (at
www.astroflight.com).
Since my AstroFlight charger was one of
the original units, it had only v1.0 software.
But I never experienced a single malfunction
with this charger. However, several features
associated with this v1.7 update are worth
considering.
Mode 2 has been changed from a one-hour
timed period to 10 hours. This will allow you
to slow-charge your packs and charge packs
as large as 90 Ah. The Ah display now reads
from 10 mAh up to 90 Ah.
When discharging a pack, the charger will
now only go down to 3.2 volts per cell rather
than the former 2.9 volts. If for any reason the
charger jumps up in cell count to one cell
higher during Mode 2 or 3, it will cut off and
display a “Bat Fault” message on the LCD
screen.
When swapping this new IC chip, make
sure you have the polarity correct. One end of
the chip has a small “dot” marking; it should
be facing the center of the panel. Look at the
photo I have included and make sure this is
done properly. After installing the new chip,
the display will read “v1.7” every time you
turn on the charger’s power.
Q261: “I really like to deal with my local
hobby shop because they are always willing to
help and I feel committed to return the favor
by helping them to earn the living that they
deserve.
“But I have to tell you I’ve been on
occasion frustrated when I got to a critical
point in my model construction and needed
some extra pieces of balsa wood, plywood,
and even some small-diameter wood dowel.
Just when that need arises, I seem to have the
bad luck because it was my local shop’s day
off (closed) or it was closed on a Sunday.
“These folks certainly deserve their free
time like anyone else. Is there any alternate
supply of such materials when I need
something in a pinch?”
A261: I encountered a similar situation
recently while trying to finish several models
for construction articles almost at the same
time. So I took a chance and went to the local
Michaels arts-and-crafts store. (I believe it is a
national chain.)
To my complete surprise, there was a full
box of Midwest balsa sheets and sticks in a
variety of sizes, a selection of thin plywood,
and small-diameter (such as 1/16 and 1/8 inch)
wood dowels. It seems that the local
lumberyards, The Home Depot, and the like
seldom have dowels smaller than 3/16 inch in
diameter.
While preparing this column I tried
another local craft store called A.C.
Moore. Again, I found a reasonable
selection of modeling woods. I’m not
leaving my hobby dealer out of the loop,
but even he would agree that this is a good
alternative when you are getting desperate
to complete that next model. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 87,88,89
Stuck on your work? Bob describes a cyanoacrylate release agent
November 2006 87
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• RC Spotlight Internet search
engine
• Mini Ultra Stick landing-gear
modification
• E Cubed R/C antenna-length
clarification
• Where to get ignition-engine
parts
• AstroFlight Lithium Charger
(item 109) upgrade
• Alternative balsa supplier
CA Release can prevent you from getting
glued to your workbench and can prevent
glue from getting into hinge points on
control surfaces.
Jim T. Graham created a new RC-hobby search engine: “RC Spotlight.” This is the top of the home page.
The Mini Ultra Stick’s landing gear is slanted forward, thanks to the inserted TE stock.
That will prevent the model from tipping up on its nose on landing.
THIS IS MY 32nd monthly column in which I
try to give you the best possible answers to
questions you have written or E-mailed to me.
Each new inquiry is given a sequential number
for identification purposes.
Until the August 2005 column this material
had been published in MA and additional
questions and answers had been posted on a
special section of the AMA Web site
(www.modelaircraft.org). That Web page is
now in the process of being revised, and there
will be no new postings in the foreseeable
future.
What you read each month in print is all you
will see. I will advise you when we are able to
return to the original format. The original
“search process” by categories will also be
suspended until the posting is back online.
In the meantime, I’m available to help you
locate specific subjects of interest. Just drop
me an E-mail. Also please keep sending in
your questions; that’s the only way I can
continue to provide this service to readers.
Q255: “I have accidentally stuck myself
many times to my model or my workbench
while using the cyanoacrylate-type instant
glues and accelerators.
“I also recently received a good burn
because I had gotten a few drops of
cyanoacrylate cement on my finger, and then
without realizing it sprayed the accelerator in
the same area. It kicked off the cement and
gave me a good burn that later became
infected.
“Aside from the solvents offered, is there
11sig3.QXD 9/26/06 10:46 AM Page 8788 MODEL AVIATION
Azarr stipulates that the receiver antenna need only be cut off 3
inches from the case, providing flexibility when locating the
reduced-size antenna.
Noted Old-Timer modeler Larry Davidson is selling new modelengine
ignition coils. They weigh only 29 grams!
The pen tip points to the polarity “dot” marking on the new
v1.7 microchip. Make sure that dot faces the center of the
panel—not the outside. Insert exactly as shown.
The popular AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) and the
new v1.7 microchip, which provides a software update.
anything else I might keep on hand to prevent this from becoming a
problem?”
A255: I recently learned about a skin-protection product called CA
Release, sold by Jim McCoul of Craft & Hobby Creations of Sterling
Heights, Michigan. It is sold in 1-ounce jars for $4.50, and you pay a
lower price if you purchase five or more jars.
CA Release is a white, creamlike substance. You apply it to your
hands or fingers before using cyanoacrylate-type cement, other hobby
glues, and even hobby paint products. With this product, if any cement
or paint gets on your hands or fingers, you can easily peel it off after it
dries without affecting your skin in any way. I’ve tried CA Release, and
it does work as claimed.
There is also a bonus with this product. When installing controlsurface
hinges on your aircraft, apply some CA Release at the hinge line
before the cement. The result is that the hinge will be cemented to the
structure, but the hinge line will be free to move.
When I went to Jim’s Web site (www.wideopenwest.com/~
mmc9892), I was surprised to see quite a few other interesting products
such as servo-cable conduit tubes, hole cutters for the passage of conduit
tubes, fuel-line clamps, and wood clamps. Visit the site and check out
the various products. It always amazes me how one item can lead to
another and another!
Q256: “I just wanted you to know that I recently learned of a new
Internet search engine that is geared specifically to our RC hobby. It is
called ‘RC Spotlight’—the world’s first RC search engine. I suggest you
try it!”
A256: (Or in this case, follow-up 256.) I took the reader’s advice and
looked up this new search engine. The address is www.rcspotlight.com.
It was created by Jim T. Graham, who was formerly with Hobby Lobby
International and now runs his own RC hobby business known as Billy
Hell RC (www.billyhell.com/).
I’ve tried Jim’s new search engine, and it does work. It will probably
take awhile to get it fully organized and operational, but the concept is
interesting and I urge you to try this new service for the RC modeler.
Q257: “I read your review of the E-flite Mini Ultra Stick ARF which is
posted to the AMA’s webzine Sport Aviator. Your flight shots looked
so great I went right out and bought my own ‘Stick.’
“I like it very much, but I have noticed that the position of the
landing is such that the airplane almost always tips up on its nose with
every landing. What do you recommend? Relocating the landing gear?”
A257: Several fellow SEFLI (Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island) club
members and I have experienced this same “nose-up” tendency.
11sig3.QXD 9/25/06 2:25 PM Page 88Fortunately one club member, Ron Williams,
found a suggested correction for this problem
on the RC Groups (www.rcgroups.com)
forum.
The person who made the suggestion is
known by the handle “Basketcase,” of Saint
Petersburg, Florida. The correction is so
simple you won’t believe it.
Remove the landing gear and place a
length of 1-inch-wide TE stock between the
gear and the bottom of the fuselage. Position
the angle of the TE stock so it tilts the gear
forward. Replace the two screws and you are
back in business. I did this, and my Mini Ultra
Stick no longer tips up on landing.
“Basketcase” also indicated that his flying
field was quite rough, so he also substituted
Du-Bro 21/2-inch-diameter Super Lite wheels.
I didn’t need to do that, but I thought
everyone would be interested in the tip.
Q258: “I have successfully used Azarr’s
(from E Cubed R/C) reduced-size RC receiver
antennas on many of my aircraft. The
instructions have always indicated that you
should cut off the existing receiver antenna 1
inch from the case and then solder the E
Cubed reduced-size antenna to that stub.
“Well, recently I had a particular
application where I needed just a little more
wire. Can I cut off the full-size antenna a little
farther out from the receiver case?”
A258: This situation recently came up for me,
and I also need a bit more antenna wire to be
able to get the Azarr antenna out of my RC
compartment. I contacted Azarr and learned
that the instructions will soon be changed to
read, “Cut original receiver antenna up to 3
inches from the case.”
That extra 2 inches did just what I needed.
You can find out more about these antennas at
www.ecubedrc.com/antennas.htm.
Q259: “I was interested when I read a recent
FAQ concerning the availability of model
ignition engine spark plugs. I’d like to take
this one step further: where can I get ignition
coils for model engine use?”
A259: The answer, as it was for the spark
plugs, is SAM (Society of Antique Modelers)
Champ Larry Davidson. He makes a point of
obtaining most of the hard-to-get ignitionengine
components to keep up interest in
antique-engine operation.
Larry has informed me that a new model
ignition coil is being made for him that
weighs just 29 grams. He expects to sell these
for $20 each plus $5.50 for postage and
handling. You can reach Larry at samchamp
@charter.net.
A special congratulations to Larry for
recently being inducted into AMA’s Model
Aviation Hall of Fame.
Q260: “I own an AstroFlight model 109
Lithium Charger. I understand there is a new
software addendum available. What’s this all
about? Do I need it?”
A260: The latest software revision for the
AstroFlight Lithium Charger (item 109) is
v1.7. It is contained on a single 20-pin
microprocessor chip. AstroFlight makes this
chip available for update purposes for $10 (at
www.astroflight.com).
Since my AstroFlight charger was one of
the original units, it had only v1.0 software.
But I never experienced a single malfunction
with this charger. However, several features
associated with this v1.7 update are worth
considering.
Mode 2 has been changed from a one-hour
timed period to 10 hours. This will allow you
to slow-charge your packs and charge packs
as large as 90 Ah. The Ah display now reads
from 10 mAh up to 90 Ah.
When discharging a pack, the charger will
now only go down to 3.2 volts per cell rather
than the former 2.9 volts. If for any reason the
charger jumps up in cell count to one cell
higher during Mode 2 or 3, it will cut off and
display a “Bat Fault” message on the LCD
screen.
When swapping this new IC chip, make
sure you have the polarity correct. One end of
the chip has a small “dot” marking; it should
be facing the center of the panel. Look at the
photo I have included and make sure this is
done properly. After installing the new chip,
the display will read “v1.7” every time you
turn on the charger’s power.
Q261: “I really like to deal with my local
hobby shop because they are always willing to
help and I feel committed to return the favor
by helping them to earn the living that they
deserve.
“But I have to tell you I’ve been on
occasion frustrated when I got to a critical
point in my model construction and needed
some extra pieces of balsa wood, plywood,
and even some small-diameter wood dowel.
Just when that need arises, I seem to have the
bad luck because it was my local shop’s day
off (closed) or it was closed on a Sunday.
“These folks certainly deserve their free
time like anyone else. Is there any alternate
supply of such materials when I need
something in a pinch?”
A261: I encountered a similar situation
recently while trying to finish several models
for construction articles almost at the same
time. So I took a chance and went to the local
Michaels arts-and-crafts store. (I believe it is a
national chain.)
To my complete surprise, there was a full
box of Midwest balsa sheets and sticks in a
variety of sizes, a selection of thin plywood,
and small-diameter (such as 1/16 and 1/8 inch)
wood dowels. It seems that the local
lumberyards, The Home Depot, and the like
seldom have dowels smaller than 3/16 inch in
diameter.
While preparing this column I tried
another local craft store called A.C.
Moore. Again, I found a reasonable
selection of modeling woods. I’m not
leaving my hobby dealer out of the loop,
but even he would agree that this is a good
alternative when you are getting desperate
to complete that next model. MA