Also included in this column:
• RC flying techniques
• Motor-thrust measurements
• Bob’s revised book
• RC pushrod tubing
Bob holds his popular Scratch-One. A helper—not
the pilot—should launch any model that requires
hand launching.
What you should not do! Bob simulates a hand
launch of an Aerocraft Pogo while holding the
transmitter in his left hand.
THIS IS THE 36th 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 future reference.
Many questions and answers have been
posted to the AMA Web site at
www.modelaircraft.org/mag/
faq/index.asp. Unfortunately that
posting stopped in August 2005
and will not continue until this
section of the AMA Web site is
revamped. In the meantime, if
you can’t find the subject
matter you are interested in,
drop me an E-mail or letter and
I will try to assist you.
Q280: “I built your Scratch-One
design that was featured in MA’s
“From the Ground Up Series” two
years ago and is now posted to the AMA
Web site. I hate to tell you, but on my first
launch the airplane went right into the
ground before I had a chance to do
anything.
“The damage was slight but it left me
kind of shaking. Would you have any
suggestions?”
A280: I have a good feeling I know what
happened.
Since the Scratch-One is essentially a
powered sailplane and has no landing gear,
it must be launched by hand. I’ll bet you
went out by yourself and attempted to
make that first flight by launching the
model with your right hand while grasping
the transmitter case with your left hand.
Then immediately after launching
(throwing) the airplane, you had to move
your right hand to the right-side control
stick and apply rudder and/or elevator
control as necessary.
The first flight with each model can be
different. It
might have a bit too
much down-elevator trim
or it might have been slightly nose-heavy.
The minute you launched the airplane, it
may have wanted to head straight for the
ground. The only problem is that it took
you roughly a second to grip that right
control stick and command up-elevator.
For that reason I always have a fellow
club member launch for the first flight
while I grip the transmitter with both
hands and have my fingers on the right
control stick to instantly apply any amount
of corrective control. That has saved a few
models for me throughout the years, and
I’m never too proud to ask for some help.
It may be hard to get someone out to
help you, but you should make the effort.
In fact, it is always a good idea to have a
helper, friend, club member, or even a
bystander next to you while flying.
It’s not a hard-and-fast guideline, but
most fun-flys I attend insist on the “twoperson”
rule. We do at the SEFLI (Silent
Electric Flyers of Long Island) club field
on the east end of Long Island and at our
annual Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology (NEAT) Fair.
(Plans are still available for the
Scratch-One design, as is a balsa-wood
material package from Aerocraft Inc.
[www.aerocraftrc.com/].)
Q281: “I keep hearing about the pros and
cons of electric-motor thrust
measurements, but I’d still like to take
some measurements on my own to see if I
can correlate any data to my actual flying
experiences. My question is, Can you
recommend an inexpensive thrust test
stand for my purpose that is simple to
use?”
A281: One of the reasons I love to attend
the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo in
Toledo, Ohio, is that I get to see a little of
everything offered in our hobby. With
modern digital cameras I usually take 500
or more photos during the several days I
attend the show.
After reading your question I realized
that I had seen a simple and inexpensive
electric-motor thrust-measurement stand at
the BP Hobbies booth in Toledo. The
accompanying photo tells the entire story.
The stand is made from wood and has a
single pivot point. The motor is mounted
on top, and when it operates it moves the
pivoting stick forward. The other end of
this stick rests on a digital scale. Operating
the motor, in turn, pushes down on the
scale, resulting in a measured amount of
thrust. The entire test stand sells for only
$20, which is inexpensive.
You will also need a reasonably
accurate digital scale. If you don’t have
one, BP Hobbies sells a test stand/digital
scale combo for $36.
I’ve never been a big fan of measuring
and/or using motor-thrust data, but some
modelers feel comfortable using that kind
of information. This thrust test stand will
let you explore the possibility without
making a big investment. For more
information call BP Hobbies at (732) 287-
3933 or go to www.bphobbies.com.
Q282: “The Horizon DX6 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum RC system has been on the
market for over a year. I have one and it
works great, but when will I see a system
that isn’t limited to the close-in flying of
small models, like the parking lot variety?”
A282: In September 2006 Horizon Hobby
announced the release of a new 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum radio system that is
claimed to be full range. To quote the
literature, “you’ll be able to fly anything
from micro electric helicopters, to big gaspowered
IMAC planes without regard to
frequencies and free from the fear of
interference.”
The new system is designated the DX7.
It is a seven-channel-function DSM2 unit
with an AR7000 receiver and four DS821
digital servos. This full-blown computer
radio system has 20 memory positions and
all kinds of bells and whistles. DX7 units
were expected to begin delivery in
December (2006).
I won’t go into anymore detail at this
time because AMA Technical Director
Steve Kaluf began field-testing a new DX7
unit in August. His report on the
technology used in the system was
published in the December MA and his
product review is elsewhere in this issue.
Please make it a point to read those
informative articles. And for further
reference Horizon Hobby has posted a
story about the new DX-7 system at
www.horizonhobby.com/Articles/Article.a
spx?ArticleID=1626&Page=11.
While attending the big JR Indoor
Electric Festival in Columbus, Ohio, in
November I attended a lecture given by the
Horizon Hobby technical staff about the
DX7 system. At that time I also learned
that there will soon be a micro 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum receiver weighing only
3.5 grams.
That size and weight of receiver will be
perfect for the micro and indoor
enthusiasts. The new receiver will be
compatible only with the new DX7 system.
At the 2006 NEAT Fair approximately
one-third of the fliers used the Horizon
Hobby DX6 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The pilots who used those units
did not have to use the transmitter
impound area. They held onto their
transmitters and simply went to an
available flight station every time they
wanted to fly.
Despite the fact that these spread
spectrum transmitters were not impounded,
not a single incident of interference
resulted during the three days of flying. I
heard many fliers say they were going to
spread spectrum for this year!
It would seem that we have taken a
gigantic leap in technical progress in the
RC industry in the past year, but please
keep in mind that none of the other
existing RC bands are going to be taken
away from us. If you are happy operating
on 72 MHz, keep right at it!
Q283: “I enjoyed reading your book titled
Getting Started in Backyard Flying, but
quite frankly, based on current technology,
it is now somewhat dated. I like the format
and organization, but is there any chance
that you might come out with an updated
or revised edition?”
A283: I realize this answer is going to be
self-serving. I invested a lot of time in
writing my book in the first place. I hope it
has helped modelers get involved with
parking lot and backyard flying.
However, you are correct; the rapid
progress in parking lot flying has made it
necessary to revise my book. The easiest
way to do this was to delete the last four
chapters, which created the opportunity to
78 MODEL AVIATION
This inexpensive thrustmeasuring
test stand
from BP Hobbies can be
purchased, along with
the digital scale, for $36.
Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz RC system. This new version
is rated for “full range,” meaning it can control any
size/weight model.
New Horizon Spektrum 2.4 GHz
microreceiver weighs only 3.5 grams. It is
perfect for micro/indoor size-models but is
incompatible with DX6 transmitter.
Bob’s popular book has
been revised to include
roughly 20 new pages
covering micro brushless
motors, Li-Poly batteries,
and spread spectrum
RC systems.
Stevens Aero
Model’s nylon
pushrod tubing
is perfect for
small/microsize
model
control-surface
operation.
add approximately 20 new pages.
These new pages will contain
information about and photos of new
brushless motors (especially the smaller
ones), equally small brushless ESCs, Li-
Poly batteries (I only covered Ni-Cd and
NiMH in the original edition), and the
new 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The cover will be the same, but
with a bold banner across the top
reflecting the revisions.
The new version of the book should be in
print by the time you read this. Copies will
be sold through AMA’s museum store or
you can order them directly from Air Age at
www.rcstore.com/RS/general/detail.asp?c
atnum=2028&catego=BO.
Q284: “I’m having trouble locating smalldiameter
plastic tubing for use with
control-surface wire pushrods. Got any
suggestions?”
A284: For parking lot models weighing
approximately 8 ounces or more, the Du-
Bro 20-inch Micro Push Rod system (item
847) with .032-inch-diameter wire works
fine. But when you get down to the truly
micro-size aircraft weighing 6 ounces and
less, it is more practical to use a smallerdiameter
wire, such as .020 inch.
My friend Steve Polles recently
introduced me to a Stevens Aero Model
product that fits the bill: pushrod tubing
for 1/32-inch-diameter wire (item 16639).
You can find it at http://stevensaero.com/
shop/product.php?productid=16639.
This yellow tubing is manufactured by
Sullivan Products and repackaged by
Stevens. It has an outside diameter of .072
inch, an inside diameter of .040 inch, and
comes in 36-inch lengths for just 50¢ (per
length). The smaller-diameter .020 wire
works perfectly inside this tubing.
Thanks, Steve! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/03
Page Numbers: 77,78,80
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/03
Page Numbers: 77,78,80
Also included in this column:
• RC flying techniques
• Motor-thrust measurements
• Bob’s revised book
• RC pushrod tubing
Bob holds his popular Scratch-One. A helper—not
the pilot—should launch any model that requires
hand launching.
What you should not do! Bob simulates a hand
launch of an Aerocraft Pogo while holding the
transmitter in his left hand.
THIS IS THE 36th 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 future reference.
Many questions and answers have been
posted to the AMA Web site at
www.modelaircraft.org/mag/
faq/index.asp. Unfortunately that
posting stopped in August 2005
and will not continue until this
section of the AMA Web site is
revamped. In the meantime, if
you can’t find the subject
matter you are interested in,
drop me an E-mail or letter and
I will try to assist you.
Q280: “I built your Scratch-One
design that was featured in MA’s
“From the Ground Up Series” two
years ago and is now posted to the AMA
Web site. I hate to tell you, but on my first
launch the airplane went right into the
ground before I had a chance to do
anything.
“The damage was slight but it left me
kind of shaking. Would you have any
suggestions?”
A280: I have a good feeling I know what
happened.
Since the Scratch-One is essentially a
powered sailplane and has no landing gear,
it must be launched by hand. I’ll bet you
went out by yourself and attempted to
make that first flight by launching the
model with your right hand while grasping
the transmitter case with your left hand.
Then immediately after launching
(throwing) the airplane, you had to move
your right hand to the right-side control
stick and apply rudder and/or elevator
control as necessary.
The first flight with each model can be
different. It
might have a bit too
much down-elevator trim
or it might have been slightly nose-heavy.
The minute you launched the airplane, it
may have wanted to head straight for the
ground. The only problem is that it took
you roughly a second to grip that right
control stick and command up-elevator.
For that reason I always have a fellow
club member launch for the first flight
while I grip the transmitter with both
hands and have my fingers on the right
control stick to instantly apply any amount
of corrective control. That has saved a few
models for me throughout the years, and
I’m never too proud to ask for some help.
It may be hard to get someone out to
help you, but you should make the effort.
In fact, it is always a good idea to have a
helper, friend, club member, or even a
bystander next to you while flying.
It’s not a hard-and-fast guideline, but
most fun-flys I attend insist on the “twoperson”
rule. We do at the SEFLI (Silent
Electric Flyers of Long Island) club field
on the east end of Long Island and at our
annual Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology (NEAT) Fair.
(Plans are still available for the
Scratch-One design, as is a balsa-wood
material package from Aerocraft Inc.
[www.aerocraftrc.com/].)
Q281: “I keep hearing about the pros and
cons of electric-motor thrust
measurements, but I’d still like to take
some measurements on my own to see if I
can correlate any data to my actual flying
experiences. My question is, Can you
recommend an inexpensive thrust test
stand for my purpose that is simple to
use?”
A281: One of the reasons I love to attend
the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo in
Toledo, Ohio, is that I get to see a little of
everything offered in our hobby. With
modern digital cameras I usually take 500
or more photos during the several days I
attend the show.
After reading your question I realized
that I had seen a simple and inexpensive
electric-motor thrust-measurement stand at
the BP Hobbies booth in Toledo. The
accompanying photo tells the entire story.
The stand is made from wood and has a
single pivot point. The motor is mounted
on top, and when it operates it moves the
pivoting stick forward. The other end of
this stick rests on a digital scale. Operating
the motor, in turn, pushes down on the
scale, resulting in a measured amount of
thrust. The entire test stand sells for only
$20, which is inexpensive.
You will also need a reasonably
accurate digital scale. If you don’t have
one, BP Hobbies sells a test stand/digital
scale combo for $36.
I’ve never been a big fan of measuring
and/or using motor-thrust data, but some
modelers feel comfortable using that kind
of information. This thrust test stand will
let you explore the possibility without
making a big investment. For more
information call BP Hobbies at (732) 287-
3933 or go to www.bphobbies.com.
Q282: “The Horizon DX6 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum RC system has been on the
market for over a year. I have one and it
works great, but when will I see a system
that isn’t limited to the close-in flying of
small models, like the parking lot variety?”
A282: In September 2006 Horizon Hobby
announced the release of a new 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum radio system that is
claimed to be full range. To quote the
literature, “you’ll be able to fly anything
from micro electric helicopters, to big gaspowered
IMAC planes without regard to
frequencies and free from the fear of
interference.”
The new system is designated the DX7.
It is a seven-channel-function DSM2 unit
with an AR7000 receiver and four DS821
digital servos. This full-blown computer
radio system has 20 memory positions and
all kinds of bells and whistles. DX7 units
were expected to begin delivery in
December (2006).
I won’t go into anymore detail at this
time because AMA Technical Director
Steve Kaluf began field-testing a new DX7
unit in August. His report on the
technology used in the system was
published in the December MA and his
product review is elsewhere in this issue.
Please make it a point to read those
informative articles. And for further
reference Horizon Hobby has posted a
story about the new DX-7 system at
www.horizonhobby.com/Articles/Article.a
spx?ArticleID=1626&Page=11.
While attending the big JR Indoor
Electric Festival in Columbus, Ohio, in
November I attended a lecture given by the
Horizon Hobby technical staff about the
DX7 system. At that time I also learned
that there will soon be a micro 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum receiver weighing only
3.5 grams.
That size and weight of receiver will be
perfect for the micro and indoor
enthusiasts. The new receiver will be
compatible only with the new DX7 system.
At the 2006 NEAT Fair approximately
one-third of the fliers used the Horizon
Hobby DX6 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The pilots who used those units
did not have to use the transmitter
impound area. They held onto their
transmitters and simply went to an
available flight station every time they
wanted to fly.
Despite the fact that these spread
spectrum transmitters were not impounded,
not a single incident of interference
resulted during the three days of flying. I
heard many fliers say they were going to
spread spectrum for this year!
It would seem that we have taken a
gigantic leap in technical progress in the
RC industry in the past year, but please
keep in mind that none of the other
existing RC bands are going to be taken
away from us. If you are happy operating
on 72 MHz, keep right at it!
Q283: “I enjoyed reading your book titled
Getting Started in Backyard Flying, but
quite frankly, based on current technology,
it is now somewhat dated. I like the format
and organization, but is there any chance
that you might come out with an updated
or revised edition?”
A283: I realize this answer is going to be
self-serving. I invested a lot of time in
writing my book in the first place. I hope it
has helped modelers get involved with
parking lot and backyard flying.
However, you are correct; the rapid
progress in parking lot flying has made it
necessary to revise my book. The easiest
way to do this was to delete the last four
chapters, which created the opportunity to
78 MODEL AVIATION
This inexpensive thrustmeasuring
test stand
from BP Hobbies can be
purchased, along with
the digital scale, for $36.
Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz RC system. This new version
is rated for “full range,” meaning it can control any
size/weight model.
New Horizon Spektrum 2.4 GHz
microreceiver weighs only 3.5 grams. It is
perfect for micro/indoor size-models but is
incompatible with DX6 transmitter.
Bob’s popular book has
been revised to include
roughly 20 new pages
covering micro brushless
motors, Li-Poly batteries,
and spread spectrum
RC systems.
Stevens Aero
Model’s nylon
pushrod tubing
is perfect for
small/microsize
model
control-surface
operation.
add approximately 20 new pages.
These new pages will contain
information about and photos of new
brushless motors (especially the smaller
ones), equally small brushless ESCs, Li-
Poly batteries (I only covered Ni-Cd and
NiMH in the original edition), and the
new 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The cover will be the same, but
with a bold banner across the top
reflecting the revisions.
The new version of the book should be in
print by the time you read this. Copies will
be sold through AMA’s museum store or
you can order them directly from Air Age at
www.rcstore.com/RS/general/detail.asp?c
atnum=2028&catego=BO.
Q284: “I’m having trouble locating smalldiameter
plastic tubing for use with
control-surface wire pushrods. Got any
suggestions?”
A284: For parking lot models weighing
approximately 8 ounces or more, the Du-
Bro 20-inch Micro Push Rod system (item
847) with .032-inch-diameter wire works
fine. But when you get down to the truly
micro-size aircraft weighing 6 ounces and
less, it is more practical to use a smallerdiameter
wire, such as .020 inch.
My friend Steve Polles recently
introduced me to a Stevens Aero Model
product that fits the bill: pushrod tubing
for 1/32-inch-diameter wire (item 16639).
You can find it at http://stevensaero.com/
shop/product.php?productid=16639.
This yellow tubing is manufactured by
Sullivan Products and repackaged by
Stevens. It has an outside diameter of .072
inch, an inside diameter of .040 inch, and
comes in 36-inch lengths for just 50¢ (per
length). The smaller-diameter .020 wire
works perfectly inside this tubing.
Thanks, Steve! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/03
Page Numbers: 77,78,80
Also included in this column:
• RC flying techniques
• Motor-thrust measurements
• Bob’s revised book
• RC pushrod tubing
Bob holds his popular Scratch-One. A helper—not
the pilot—should launch any model that requires
hand launching.
What you should not do! Bob simulates a hand
launch of an Aerocraft Pogo while holding the
transmitter in his left hand.
THIS IS THE 36th 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 future reference.
Many questions and answers have been
posted to the AMA Web site at
www.modelaircraft.org/mag/
faq/index.asp. Unfortunately that
posting stopped in August 2005
and will not continue until this
section of the AMA Web site is
revamped. In the meantime, if
you can’t find the subject
matter you are interested in,
drop me an E-mail or letter and
I will try to assist you.
Q280: “I built your Scratch-One
design that was featured in MA’s
“From the Ground Up Series” two
years ago and is now posted to the AMA
Web site. I hate to tell you, but on my first
launch the airplane went right into the
ground before I had a chance to do
anything.
“The damage was slight but it left me
kind of shaking. Would you have any
suggestions?”
A280: I have a good feeling I know what
happened.
Since the Scratch-One is essentially a
powered sailplane and has no landing gear,
it must be launched by hand. I’ll bet you
went out by yourself and attempted to
make that first flight by launching the
model with your right hand while grasping
the transmitter case with your left hand.
Then immediately after launching
(throwing) the airplane, you had to move
your right hand to the right-side control
stick and apply rudder and/or elevator
control as necessary.
The first flight with each model can be
different. It
might have a bit too
much down-elevator trim
or it might have been slightly nose-heavy.
The minute you launched the airplane, it
may have wanted to head straight for the
ground. The only problem is that it took
you roughly a second to grip that right
control stick and command up-elevator.
For that reason I always have a fellow
club member launch for the first flight
while I grip the transmitter with both
hands and have my fingers on the right
control stick to instantly apply any amount
of corrective control. That has saved a few
models for me throughout the years, and
I’m never too proud to ask for some help.
It may be hard to get someone out to
help you, but you should make the effort.
In fact, it is always a good idea to have a
helper, friend, club member, or even a
bystander next to you while flying.
It’s not a hard-and-fast guideline, but
most fun-flys I attend insist on the “twoperson”
rule. We do at the SEFLI (Silent
Electric Flyers of Long Island) club field
on the east end of Long Island and at our
annual Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology (NEAT) Fair.
(Plans are still available for the
Scratch-One design, as is a balsa-wood
material package from Aerocraft Inc.
[www.aerocraftrc.com/].)
Q281: “I keep hearing about the pros and
cons of electric-motor thrust
measurements, but I’d still like to take
some measurements on my own to see if I
can correlate any data to my actual flying
experiences. My question is, Can you
recommend an inexpensive thrust test
stand for my purpose that is simple to
use?”
A281: One of the reasons I love to attend
the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo in
Toledo, Ohio, is that I get to see a little of
everything offered in our hobby. With
modern digital cameras I usually take 500
or more photos during the several days I
attend the show.
After reading your question I realized
that I had seen a simple and inexpensive
electric-motor thrust-measurement stand at
the BP Hobbies booth in Toledo. The
accompanying photo tells the entire story.
The stand is made from wood and has a
single pivot point. The motor is mounted
on top, and when it operates it moves the
pivoting stick forward. The other end of
this stick rests on a digital scale. Operating
the motor, in turn, pushes down on the
scale, resulting in a measured amount of
thrust. The entire test stand sells for only
$20, which is inexpensive.
You will also need a reasonably
accurate digital scale. If you don’t have
one, BP Hobbies sells a test stand/digital
scale combo for $36.
I’ve never been a big fan of measuring
and/or using motor-thrust data, but some
modelers feel comfortable using that kind
of information. This thrust test stand will
let you explore the possibility without
making a big investment. For more
information call BP Hobbies at (732) 287-
3933 or go to www.bphobbies.com.
Q282: “The Horizon DX6 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum RC system has been on the
market for over a year. I have one and it
works great, but when will I see a system
that isn’t limited to the close-in flying of
small models, like the parking lot variety?”
A282: In September 2006 Horizon Hobby
announced the release of a new 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum radio system that is
claimed to be full range. To quote the
literature, “you’ll be able to fly anything
from micro electric helicopters, to big gaspowered
IMAC planes without regard to
frequencies and free from the fear of
interference.”
The new system is designated the DX7.
It is a seven-channel-function DSM2 unit
with an AR7000 receiver and four DS821
digital servos. This full-blown computer
radio system has 20 memory positions and
all kinds of bells and whistles. DX7 units
were expected to begin delivery in
December (2006).
I won’t go into anymore detail at this
time because AMA Technical Director
Steve Kaluf began field-testing a new DX7
unit in August. His report on the
technology used in the system was
published in the December MA and his
product review is elsewhere in this issue.
Please make it a point to read those
informative articles. And for further
reference Horizon Hobby has posted a
story about the new DX-7 system at
www.horizonhobby.com/Articles/Article.a
spx?ArticleID=1626&Page=11.
While attending the big JR Indoor
Electric Festival in Columbus, Ohio, in
November I attended a lecture given by the
Horizon Hobby technical staff about the
DX7 system. At that time I also learned
that there will soon be a micro 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum receiver weighing only
3.5 grams.
That size and weight of receiver will be
perfect for the micro and indoor
enthusiasts. The new receiver will be
compatible only with the new DX7 system.
At the 2006 NEAT Fair approximately
one-third of the fliers used the Horizon
Hobby DX6 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The pilots who used those units
did not have to use the transmitter
impound area. They held onto their
transmitters and simply went to an
available flight station every time they
wanted to fly.
Despite the fact that these spread
spectrum transmitters were not impounded,
not a single incident of interference
resulted during the three days of flying. I
heard many fliers say they were going to
spread spectrum for this year!
It would seem that we have taken a
gigantic leap in technical progress in the
RC industry in the past year, but please
keep in mind that none of the other
existing RC bands are going to be taken
away from us. If you are happy operating
on 72 MHz, keep right at it!
Q283: “I enjoyed reading your book titled
Getting Started in Backyard Flying, but
quite frankly, based on current technology,
it is now somewhat dated. I like the format
and organization, but is there any chance
that you might come out with an updated
or revised edition?”
A283: I realize this answer is going to be
self-serving. I invested a lot of time in
writing my book in the first place. I hope it
has helped modelers get involved with
parking lot and backyard flying.
However, you are correct; the rapid
progress in parking lot flying has made it
necessary to revise my book. The easiest
way to do this was to delete the last four
chapters, which created the opportunity to
78 MODEL AVIATION
This inexpensive thrustmeasuring
test stand
from BP Hobbies can be
purchased, along with
the digital scale, for $36.
Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz RC system. This new version
is rated for “full range,” meaning it can control any
size/weight model.
New Horizon Spektrum 2.4 GHz
microreceiver weighs only 3.5 grams. It is
perfect for micro/indoor size-models but is
incompatible with DX6 transmitter.
Bob’s popular book has
been revised to include
roughly 20 new pages
covering micro brushless
motors, Li-Poly batteries,
and spread spectrum
RC systems.
Stevens Aero
Model’s nylon
pushrod tubing
is perfect for
small/microsize
model
control-surface
operation.
add approximately 20 new pages.
These new pages will contain
information about and photos of new
brushless motors (especially the smaller
ones), equally small brushless ESCs, Li-
Poly batteries (I only covered Ni-Cd and
NiMH in the original edition), and the
new 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RC
systems. The cover will be the same, but
with a bold banner across the top
reflecting the revisions.
The new version of the book should be in
print by the time you read this. Copies will
be sold through AMA’s museum store or
you can order them directly from Air Age at
www.rcstore.com/RS/general/detail.asp?c
atnum=2028&catego=BO.
Q284: “I’m having trouble locating smalldiameter
plastic tubing for use with
control-surface wire pushrods. Got any
suggestions?”
A284: For parking lot models weighing
approximately 8 ounces or more, the Du-
Bro 20-inch Micro Push Rod system (item
847) with .032-inch-diameter wire works
fine. But when you get down to the truly
micro-size aircraft weighing 6 ounces and
less, it is more practical to use a smallerdiameter
wire, such as .020 inch.
My friend Steve Polles recently
introduced me to a Stevens Aero Model
product that fits the bill: pushrod tubing
for 1/32-inch-diameter wire (item 16639).
You can find it at http://stevensaero.com/
shop/product.php?productid=16639.
This yellow tubing is manufactured by
Sullivan Products and repackaged by
Stevens. It has an outside diameter of .072
inch, an inside diameter of .040 inch, and
comes in 36-inch lengths for just 50¢ (per
length). The smaller-diameter .020 wire
works perfectly inside this tubing.
Thanks, Steve! MA