PLEASE WRITE
in with your
questions since that
is the only way we
can keep this
column format
going. When
referring to already
published Q/As (for
follow-ups), always
provide the number
as a reference.
Q329: “I recently
read an article about
a balsa stripper and
like always, now I can’t find it. Can you help
me out?”
A329: A balsa stripper allows you to cut
sticks from sheet balsa. You could do this
with a simple X-Acto knife and a steel
straightedge, but a stripper can do the job
more easily and accurately. One advantage
to cutting your own sticks is that you can
match the balsa’s hardness and grain.
I’m sure there are several balsa strippers
on the hobby market. The one I’m familiar
with is the Balsa Stripper from Hobby Lobby
International (item HLH625) that sells for
$19.90. Spare blades for it are available for
$1.50 each.
This tool can handle 36- and 48-inch
lengths of balsa sheet up to 1/2 inch thick. It includes a 36-inch-long
extruded-aluminum guide channel that assures a straight cut, even
when the sheet-wood edges are irregular.
This stripper is a basic tool you should have in your shop. Even if
you don’t scratch-build aircraft, it will prove to be a big help when
you’re cutting wood to odd sizes to repair ARFs and RTFs.
Q330: “I recently placed an order with FMA Direct for one of their
servo testers but was told that they were no longer selling this
product. I understand that this tester had many special features that
were desirable and wonder if you can furnish me with information on
a comparable tester.”
A330: I’ve seen many servo testers offered through the years. They
range from basic units that simply drive the servo without the need
for the RC system to sophisticated and expensive testers with all
kinds of features. Some of these units cost as much as a complete RC
system.
When I want to try a servo to see if it works, that the gears aren’t
worn, or that the resolution is acceptable, I use an available RC
system. But for those who want a dedicated servo tester, there are still
some on the market.
Vexa Control Inc. of Ocala, Florida, sells a ServoXciter EF,
which the company claims is a precision servo driver and tester. It is
a handheld device that costs a reasonable $69.95.
You can use the ServoXciter EF to test servos or break in new
servos. It can allow you to set up control linkages in your aircraft for
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper
January 2008 73
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Servo tester
• Voltage regulator
• Brushless-motor timing
• Follow-up to Velcro-tape
convention (Q/A 302)
• Follow-up to converting from
fuel to electric power (Q/A 314)
• Follow-up to plans-soaking idea
(Q/A 317)
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper. Stripping your own
wood can save you money and allows you to get the exact sizes
needed for your models.
Fromeco Scale Avionics, LLC’s Regulator
will reduce input of up to 10.0 volts DC
to an output range of 4.9-6.2 volts DC.
Vexa Controls Inc.’s ServoXciter EF precision servo driver will let
you test and break in RC servos without using your RC system.
01sig3.QXD 11/20/07 10:22 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Answer 317 suggested rubbing mineral oil
on plans to make them translucent. A
reader has suggested that WD-40 also
works well for this application.
Paul Thoms suggests making an adapter,
with one side the hook portion of Velcro
tape and the other the fuzzy side. The two
are cemented together.
The Ampeer newsletter, edited by Ken
Myers, is one of the best references for the
electric-powered-model enthusiast.
Q/A 314 dealt with converting glow-fuel power to electric. The Cox .049 glow engine
(L) is roughly equivalent to the AXi 2203 50-watt motor (R).
the first time. It is claimed to be able to
verify receiver pulses and check for glitches.
It can also check onboard battery voltages.
Q331: “I understand that there are regulator
devices available on the hobby market that
will reduce a higher airborne operating
voltage down to a safe and usable level to
operate an RC system. Why would I want to
do this and where could I buy such a
regulator?”
A331: A voltage regulator reduces a higher
voltage level to a lower lever to customize it
for specific applications. The BEC circuits
included in most current-day motor ESCs are
essentially voltage regulators. You feed in
something such as 7.0-12.0 volts on the
battery end and the BEC provides a regulated
5.0-volt output to operate the RC system
from the same battery pack.
But keep in mind that voltage regulators
are also sold as stand-alone items. Their sole
job is to reduce and regulate voltage.
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC, the
company that sells the popular TNC
tachometer, also offers the Regulator. It is a
small device, weighing just 1.2 ounces, and
sells for $40.
The Regulator can handle input voltages
up to 10.0 volts DC, so you can use a power
source of five to seven NiMH or Ni-Cd cells
or two Li-Poly cells. Either way, the
regulated output can be adjusted between 4.9
and 6.2 volts and at current levels of up to 9
amps. Being able to adjust the output voltage
is a real plus for this regulator.
The higher voltage will cause your
servos to travel faster, while the converse is
true as you get close to the 4.9-volt
minimum. But the choice is yours to tailor
the servo speed to exactly what you want
for each particular aircraft. You can also use
the regulator with a five-cell NiMH or Ni-
Cd battery pack and still select the exact
output voltage for your needs.
Because of the high current rating, this
regulator can easily be used for giant-size
model aircraft and large helicopters.
Q332: “I have noted in certain brushless
motor literature that they can be ‘timed’ or
adjusted to optimize performance. Outrunner
type brushless motors seem to employ
different timing than the in-runner variety.
I’m curious about these motor adjustments
and would like to find out more information.”
A332: Until recently the subject of
brushless-motor timing has been somewhat
limited and rather vague. Some people say
that outrunner-type brushless motors need a
“timing advance,” while inrunner motors
prefer more of a “retarded” timing. I did a
literature search and have come up with
several references that might help you.
The company simply known as Air Craft,
located in Japan and operated by David
Radford, has an excellent DataSheet on the
subject of brushless-motor timing. Although
this info is specific to certain types of motors
and ESCs, it is still extremely helpful.
I found another excellent reference in an
article published in the August 2007 issue of
Ampeer: the popular national electric-power
01sig3.QXD 11/19/07 3:02 PM Page 74
newsletter that is edited by Ken Myers of
Walled Lake, Michigan. Ampeer is sold by
subscription for an annual fee of $10. I’m not
sure if back issues or copies of that specific
article are available, so you should ask Ken.
The September and October 2007
Ampeers contained excellent articles about
selecting electric power systems, which is
always important information for the electricpower
flier.
Follow-Up to Q/A 302 (July 2007 MA, page
75): It was suggested that when using Velcro
hook-and-fastener tape that you place the
hook side on the battery pack and the
“fuzzy” side on the aircraft. If all your fellow
club members did the same, it would be easy
to swap battery packs if the need would
arise.
Paul Thoms wrote in and indicated that
he placed pieces of the hook side and the
fuzzy side back to back and cemented them
together. This essentially makes an adapter
you can keep in your field kit.
With this suggestion it doesn’t matter
what your choice is for the hook or fastener
(fuzzy) side. Just install the adapter between
your battery pack and the aircraft. The slight
extra thickness should not be any bother.
Follow-Up to Q/A 314 (September 2007
MA, pages 87-88): I mentioned several
manufacturer/distributors that offer help
when you are converting a model from a
fueled to an electric power system. They can
also recommend electric power systems if
you provide the size and estimated weight of
your proposed aircraft.
As I suspected, many companies now
provide this kind of service. I was recently
informed that Hobby Lobby International’s
senior technical representative, L.A.
Johnston, provides this same kind of service
with regards to the company’s product line
of motors, ESCs, propellers, and batteries.
The conversion table I referenced in that
Q/A was accidentally omitted during the
editing process. A copy has since been
published in MA. In case you didn’t see it,
please drop me an E-mail and I will reply
immediately with an attachment of that table.
My apologies for any inconvenience that
may have caused.
Follow-Up to Q/A 317 (October 2007 MA,
page 92): Charlie Reich noted my suggestion
of using mineral oil as a plans soaker to see
the wing outline on the reverse side. He
indicated that he has used another popular
chemical to do the same job: WD-40 spray
oil.
It is easy to use because it comes in a
spray can and is readily available in all kinds
of stores. It dries after a day or so and
doesn’t deteriorate the plans or paper in any
way.
Now you have two ways of doing the
same job! MA
Sources:
Balsa Stripper:
Hobby Lobby International
(615) 373-1444
www.hobby-lobby.com/planer.htm
Brushless-motor DataSheet:
Air Craft
81 948 21 1045
www.aircraft-world.com/prod_datasheets/
ac-esc.htm (The character between “prod”
and “datasheets” is an underline—not a
space!)
Brushless-motor timing reference:
Ampeer
[email protected]
(810) 679-3238
Fuel-to-electric-power information:
L.A. Johnston
[email protected]
ServoXciter EF:
Vexa Control Inc.
Box 830301
Ocala FL 34483
www.vexacontrol.com
The Regulator:
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC
(503) 766-3261
www.fromeco.org/aregulators.htm
76 MODEL AVIATION
01sig3.QXD 11/19/07 3:14 PM Page 76
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/01
Page Numbers: 73,74,76
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/01
Page Numbers: 73,74,76
PLEASE WRITE
in with your
questions since that
is the only way we
can keep this
column format
going. When
referring to already
published Q/As (for
follow-ups), always
provide the number
as a reference.
Q329: “I recently
read an article about
a balsa stripper and
like always, now I can’t find it. Can you help
me out?”
A329: A balsa stripper allows you to cut
sticks from sheet balsa. You could do this
with a simple X-Acto knife and a steel
straightedge, but a stripper can do the job
more easily and accurately. One advantage
to cutting your own sticks is that you can
match the balsa’s hardness and grain.
I’m sure there are several balsa strippers
on the hobby market. The one I’m familiar
with is the Balsa Stripper from Hobby Lobby
International (item HLH625) that sells for
$19.90. Spare blades for it are available for
$1.50 each.
This tool can handle 36- and 48-inch
lengths of balsa sheet up to 1/2 inch thick. It includes a 36-inch-long
extruded-aluminum guide channel that assures a straight cut, even
when the sheet-wood edges are irregular.
This stripper is a basic tool you should have in your shop. Even if
you don’t scratch-build aircraft, it will prove to be a big help when
you’re cutting wood to odd sizes to repair ARFs and RTFs.
Q330: “I recently placed an order with FMA Direct for one of their
servo testers but was told that they were no longer selling this
product. I understand that this tester had many special features that
were desirable and wonder if you can furnish me with information on
a comparable tester.”
A330: I’ve seen many servo testers offered through the years. They
range from basic units that simply drive the servo without the need
for the RC system to sophisticated and expensive testers with all
kinds of features. Some of these units cost as much as a complete RC
system.
When I want to try a servo to see if it works, that the gears aren’t
worn, or that the resolution is acceptable, I use an available RC
system. But for those who want a dedicated servo tester, there are still
some on the market.
Vexa Control Inc. of Ocala, Florida, sells a ServoXciter EF,
which the company claims is a precision servo driver and tester. It is
a handheld device that costs a reasonable $69.95.
You can use the ServoXciter EF to test servos or break in new
servos. It can allow you to set up control linkages in your aircraft for
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper
January 2008 73
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Servo tester
• Voltage regulator
• Brushless-motor timing
• Follow-up to Velcro-tape
convention (Q/A 302)
• Follow-up to converting from
fuel to electric power (Q/A 314)
• Follow-up to plans-soaking idea
(Q/A 317)
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper. Stripping your own
wood can save you money and allows you to get the exact sizes
needed for your models.
Fromeco Scale Avionics, LLC’s Regulator
will reduce input of up to 10.0 volts DC
to an output range of 4.9-6.2 volts DC.
Vexa Controls Inc.’s ServoXciter EF precision servo driver will let
you test and break in RC servos without using your RC system.
01sig3.QXD 11/20/07 10:22 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Answer 317 suggested rubbing mineral oil
on plans to make them translucent. A
reader has suggested that WD-40 also
works well for this application.
Paul Thoms suggests making an adapter,
with one side the hook portion of Velcro
tape and the other the fuzzy side. The two
are cemented together.
The Ampeer newsletter, edited by Ken
Myers, is one of the best references for the
electric-powered-model enthusiast.
Q/A 314 dealt with converting glow-fuel power to electric. The Cox .049 glow engine
(L) is roughly equivalent to the AXi 2203 50-watt motor (R).
the first time. It is claimed to be able to
verify receiver pulses and check for glitches.
It can also check onboard battery voltages.
Q331: “I understand that there are regulator
devices available on the hobby market that
will reduce a higher airborne operating
voltage down to a safe and usable level to
operate an RC system. Why would I want to
do this and where could I buy such a
regulator?”
A331: A voltage regulator reduces a higher
voltage level to a lower lever to customize it
for specific applications. The BEC circuits
included in most current-day motor ESCs are
essentially voltage regulators. You feed in
something such as 7.0-12.0 volts on the
battery end and the BEC provides a regulated
5.0-volt output to operate the RC system
from the same battery pack.
But keep in mind that voltage regulators
are also sold as stand-alone items. Their sole
job is to reduce and regulate voltage.
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC, the
company that sells the popular TNC
tachometer, also offers the Regulator. It is a
small device, weighing just 1.2 ounces, and
sells for $40.
The Regulator can handle input voltages
up to 10.0 volts DC, so you can use a power
source of five to seven NiMH or Ni-Cd cells
or two Li-Poly cells. Either way, the
regulated output can be adjusted between 4.9
and 6.2 volts and at current levels of up to 9
amps. Being able to adjust the output voltage
is a real plus for this regulator.
The higher voltage will cause your
servos to travel faster, while the converse is
true as you get close to the 4.9-volt
minimum. But the choice is yours to tailor
the servo speed to exactly what you want
for each particular aircraft. You can also use
the regulator with a five-cell NiMH or Ni-
Cd battery pack and still select the exact
output voltage for your needs.
Because of the high current rating, this
regulator can easily be used for giant-size
model aircraft and large helicopters.
Q332: “I have noted in certain brushless
motor literature that they can be ‘timed’ or
adjusted to optimize performance. Outrunner
type brushless motors seem to employ
different timing than the in-runner variety.
I’m curious about these motor adjustments
and would like to find out more information.”
A332: Until recently the subject of
brushless-motor timing has been somewhat
limited and rather vague. Some people say
that outrunner-type brushless motors need a
“timing advance,” while inrunner motors
prefer more of a “retarded” timing. I did a
literature search and have come up with
several references that might help you.
The company simply known as Air Craft,
located in Japan and operated by David
Radford, has an excellent DataSheet on the
subject of brushless-motor timing. Although
this info is specific to certain types of motors
and ESCs, it is still extremely helpful.
I found another excellent reference in an
article published in the August 2007 issue of
Ampeer: the popular national electric-power
01sig3.QXD 11/19/07 3:02 PM Page 74
newsletter that is edited by Ken Myers of
Walled Lake, Michigan. Ampeer is sold by
subscription for an annual fee of $10. I’m not
sure if back issues or copies of that specific
article are available, so you should ask Ken.
The September and October 2007
Ampeers contained excellent articles about
selecting electric power systems, which is
always important information for the electricpower
flier.
Follow-Up to Q/A 302 (July 2007 MA, page
75): It was suggested that when using Velcro
hook-and-fastener tape that you place the
hook side on the battery pack and the
“fuzzy” side on the aircraft. If all your fellow
club members did the same, it would be easy
to swap battery packs if the need would
arise.
Paul Thoms wrote in and indicated that
he placed pieces of the hook side and the
fuzzy side back to back and cemented them
together. This essentially makes an adapter
you can keep in your field kit.
With this suggestion it doesn’t matter
what your choice is for the hook or fastener
(fuzzy) side. Just install the adapter between
your battery pack and the aircraft. The slight
extra thickness should not be any bother.
Follow-Up to Q/A 314 (September 2007
MA, pages 87-88): I mentioned several
manufacturer/distributors that offer help
when you are converting a model from a
fueled to an electric power system. They can
also recommend electric power systems if
you provide the size and estimated weight of
your proposed aircraft.
As I suspected, many companies now
provide this kind of service. I was recently
informed that Hobby Lobby International’s
senior technical representative, L.A.
Johnston, provides this same kind of service
with regards to the company’s product line
of motors, ESCs, propellers, and batteries.
The conversion table I referenced in that
Q/A was accidentally omitted during the
editing process. A copy has since been
published in MA. In case you didn’t see it,
please drop me an E-mail and I will reply
immediately with an attachment of that table.
My apologies for any inconvenience that
may have caused.
Follow-Up to Q/A 317 (October 2007 MA,
page 92): Charlie Reich noted my suggestion
of using mineral oil as a plans soaker to see
the wing outline on the reverse side. He
indicated that he has used another popular
chemical to do the same job: WD-40 spray
oil.
It is easy to use because it comes in a
spray can and is readily available in all kinds
of stores. It dries after a day or so and
doesn’t deteriorate the plans or paper in any
way.
Now you have two ways of doing the
same job! MA
Sources:
Balsa Stripper:
Hobby Lobby International
(615) 373-1444
www.hobby-lobby.com/planer.htm
Brushless-motor DataSheet:
Air Craft
81 948 21 1045
www.aircraft-world.com/prod_datasheets/
ac-esc.htm (The character between “prod”
and “datasheets” is an underline—not a
space!)
Brushless-motor timing reference:
Ampeer
[email protected]
(810) 679-3238
Fuel-to-electric-power information:
L.A. Johnston
[email protected]
ServoXciter EF:
Vexa Control Inc.
Box 830301
Ocala FL 34483
www.vexacontrol.com
The Regulator:
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC
(503) 766-3261
www.fromeco.org/aregulators.htm
76 MODEL AVIATION
01sig3.QXD 11/19/07 3:14 PM Page 76
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/01
Page Numbers: 73,74,76
PLEASE WRITE
in with your
questions since that
is the only way we
can keep this
column format
going. When
referring to already
published Q/As (for
follow-ups), always
provide the number
as a reference.
Q329: “I recently
read an article about
a balsa stripper and
like always, now I can’t find it. Can you help
me out?”
A329: A balsa stripper allows you to cut
sticks from sheet balsa. You could do this
with a simple X-Acto knife and a steel
straightedge, but a stripper can do the job
more easily and accurately. One advantage
to cutting your own sticks is that you can
match the balsa’s hardness and grain.
I’m sure there are several balsa strippers
on the hobby market. The one I’m familiar
with is the Balsa Stripper from Hobby Lobby
International (item HLH625) that sells for
$19.90. Spare blades for it are available for
$1.50 each.
This tool can handle 36- and 48-inch
lengths of balsa sheet up to 1/2 inch thick. It includes a 36-inch-long
extruded-aluminum guide channel that assures a straight cut, even
when the sheet-wood edges are irregular.
This stripper is a basic tool you should have in your shop. Even if
you don’t scratch-build aircraft, it will prove to be a big help when
you’re cutting wood to odd sizes to repair ARFs and RTFs.
Q330: “I recently placed an order with FMA Direct for one of their
servo testers but was told that they were no longer selling this
product. I understand that this tester had many special features that
were desirable and wonder if you can furnish me with information on
a comparable tester.”
A330: I’ve seen many servo testers offered through the years. They
range from basic units that simply drive the servo without the need
for the RC system to sophisticated and expensive testers with all
kinds of features. Some of these units cost as much as a complete RC
system.
When I want to try a servo to see if it works, that the gears aren’t
worn, or that the resolution is acceptable, I use an available RC
system. But for those who want a dedicated servo tester, there are still
some on the market.
Vexa Control Inc. of Ocala, Florida, sells a ServoXciter EF,
which the company claims is a precision servo driver and tester. It is
a handheld device that costs a reasonable $69.95.
You can use the ServoXciter EF to test servos or break in new
servos. It can allow you to set up control linkages in your aircraft for
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper
January 2008 73
? Frequently Asked Questions Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Servo tester
• Voltage regulator
• Brushless-motor timing
• Follow-up to Velcro-tape
convention (Q/A 302)
• Follow-up to converting from
fuel to electric power (Q/A 314)
• Follow-up to plans-soaking idea
(Q/A 317)
Hobby Lobby International’s Balsa Stripper. Stripping your own
wood can save you money and allows you to get the exact sizes
needed for your models.
Fromeco Scale Avionics, LLC’s Regulator
will reduce input of up to 10.0 volts DC
to an output range of 4.9-6.2 volts DC.
Vexa Controls Inc.’s ServoXciter EF precision servo driver will let
you test and break in RC servos without using your RC system.
01sig3.QXD 11/20/07 10:22 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Answer 317 suggested rubbing mineral oil
on plans to make them translucent. A
reader has suggested that WD-40 also
works well for this application.
Paul Thoms suggests making an adapter,
with one side the hook portion of Velcro
tape and the other the fuzzy side. The two
are cemented together.
The Ampeer newsletter, edited by Ken
Myers, is one of the best references for the
electric-powered-model enthusiast.
Q/A 314 dealt with converting glow-fuel power to electric. The Cox .049 glow engine
(L) is roughly equivalent to the AXi 2203 50-watt motor (R).
the first time. It is claimed to be able to
verify receiver pulses and check for glitches.
It can also check onboard battery voltages.
Q331: “I understand that there are regulator
devices available on the hobby market that
will reduce a higher airborne operating
voltage down to a safe and usable level to
operate an RC system. Why would I want to
do this and where could I buy such a
regulator?”
A331: A voltage regulator reduces a higher
voltage level to a lower lever to customize it
for specific applications. The BEC circuits
included in most current-day motor ESCs are
essentially voltage regulators. You feed in
something such as 7.0-12.0 volts on the
battery end and the BEC provides a regulated
5.0-volt output to operate the RC system
from the same battery pack.
But keep in mind that voltage regulators
are also sold as stand-alone items. Their sole
job is to reduce and regulate voltage.
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC, the
company that sells the popular TNC
tachometer, also offers the Regulator. It is a
small device, weighing just 1.2 ounces, and
sells for $40.
The Regulator can handle input voltages
up to 10.0 volts DC, so you can use a power
source of five to seven NiMH or Ni-Cd cells
or two Li-Poly cells. Either way, the
regulated output can be adjusted between 4.9
and 6.2 volts and at current levels of up to 9
amps. Being able to adjust the output voltage
is a real plus for this regulator.
The higher voltage will cause your
servos to travel faster, while the converse is
true as you get close to the 4.9-volt
minimum. But the choice is yours to tailor
the servo speed to exactly what you want
for each particular aircraft. You can also use
the regulator with a five-cell NiMH or Ni-
Cd battery pack and still select the exact
output voltage for your needs.
Because of the high current rating, this
regulator can easily be used for giant-size
model aircraft and large helicopters.
Q332: “I have noted in certain brushless
motor literature that they can be ‘timed’ or
adjusted to optimize performance. Outrunner
type brushless motors seem to employ
different timing than the in-runner variety.
I’m curious about these motor adjustments
and would like to find out more information.”
A332: Until recently the subject of
brushless-motor timing has been somewhat
limited and rather vague. Some people say
that outrunner-type brushless motors need a
“timing advance,” while inrunner motors
prefer more of a “retarded” timing. I did a
literature search and have come up with
several references that might help you.
The company simply known as Air Craft,
located in Japan and operated by David
Radford, has an excellent DataSheet on the
subject of brushless-motor timing. Although
this info is specific to certain types of motors
and ESCs, it is still extremely helpful.
I found another excellent reference in an
article published in the August 2007 issue of
Ampeer: the popular national electric-power
01sig3.QXD 11/19/07 3:02 PM Page 74
newsletter that is edited by Ken Myers of
Walled Lake, Michigan. Ampeer is sold by
subscription for an annual fee of $10. I’m not
sure if back issues or copies of that specific
article are available, so you should ask Ken.
The September and October 2007
Ampeers contained excellent articles about
selecting electric power systems, which is
always important information for the electricpower
flier.
Follow-Up to Q/A 302 (July 2007 MA, page
75): It was suggested that when using Velcro
hook-and-fastener tape that you place the
hook side on the battery pack and the
“fuzzy” side on the aircraft. If all your fellow
club members did the same, it would be easy
to swap battery packs if the need would
arise.
Paul Thoms wrote in and indicated that
he placed pieces of the hook side and the
fuzzy side back to back and cemented them
together. This essentially makes an adapter
you can keep in your field kit.
With this suggestion it doesn’t matter
what your choice is for the hook or fastener
(fuzzy) side. Just install the adapter between
your battery pack and the aircraft. The slight
extra thickness should not be any bother.
Follow-Up to Q/A 314 (September 2007
MA, pages 87-88): I mentioned several
manufacturer/distributors that offer help
when you are converting a model from a
fueled to an electric power system. They can
also recommend electric power systems if
you provide the size and estimated weight of
your proposed aircraft.
As I suspected, many companies now
provide this kind of service. I was recently
informed that Hobby Lobby International’s
senior technical representative, L.A.
Johnston, provides this same kind of service
with regards to the company’s product line
of motors, ESCs, propellers, and batteries.
The conversion table I referenced in that
Q/A was accidentally omitted during the
editing process. A copy has since been
published in MA. In case you didn’t see it,
please drop me an E-mail and I will reply
immediately with an attachment of that table.
My apologies for any inconvenience that
may have caused.
Follow-Up to Q/A 317 (October 2007 MA,
page 92): Charlie Reich noted my suggestion
of using mineral oil as a plans soaker to see
the wing outline on the reverse side. He
indicated that he has used another popular
chemical to do the same job: WD-40 spray
oil.
It is easy to use because it comes in a
spray can and is readily available in all kinds
of stores. It dries after a day or so and
doesn’t deteriorate the plans or paper in any
way.
Now you have two ways of doing the
same job! MA
Sources:
Balsa Stripper:
Hobby Lobby International
(615) 373-1444
www.hobby-lobby.com/planer.htm
Brushless-motor DataSheet:
Air Craft
81 948 21 1045
www.aircraft-world.com/prod_datasheets/
ac-esc.htm (The character between “prod”
and “datasheets” is an underline—not a
space!)
Brushless-motor timing reference:
Ampeer
[email protected]
(810) 679-3238
Fuel-to-electric-power information:
L.A. Johnston
[email protected]
ServoXciter EF:
Vexa Control Inc.
Box 830301
Ocala FL 34483
www.vexacontrol.com
The Regulator:
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC
(503) 766-3261
www.fromeco.org/aregulators.htm
76 MODEL AVIATION
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