Frequently Asked Questions - 2010/03
Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Wireless RC trainer systems
Please write in with your questions; that is the only way we can keep this column format going. When referring to Qs and As that have been published (for follow-ups), provide the number as a reference. Addresses, telephone numbers, and Web sites are placed in a group, separate from the text, at the end of this column under “Sources.”
Also included in this column:
- Emery boards
- Digital wattmeters/ammeters
- Sig Pro-Balancer
- Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Q435
“With so many things now operating wireless (Wi‑Fi) it didn’t surprise me recently to see a wireless trainer system being offered for RC model aircraft. Can you steer me to a source for these training systems that no longer require a connecting cable between two RC transmitters?”
A435: Trainer cables have been available from most RC manufacturers for many years. The cables are usually 8–10 feet long and cost $10–$15.
The master (instructor) and slave (student) transmitters previously had to be the same brand to work reliably. Controls on both transmitters had to be set up identically so that there was no difference in aircraft attitude when switching back and forth between instructor and student.
Besides allowing separation between transmitters, these new wireless trainer systems (no cable required) offer several new possibilities. I looked at a system from a new company—Second in Command RC (2icrc)—and using it takes considerably more effort than connecting a single cable between the two transmitters.
The 2icrc system requires two transmitters and two receivers. By reading information on the company’s Web site, I learned that pilots do not have to use the same brand of radio systems, which can be a plus. Any two transmitters using any technology (type of transmission) can be employed. The 2icrc system can be independently programmed for both pilots (instructor and student) for up to six channel functions. The instructor can give a student full or partial control of the aircraft. The company mentions several other advantages on its Web site.
I noticed that Futaba has also released a Wireless Trainer System (item WTR-7), priced at about $100. It's dedicated to Futaba products. The instructor can use a Futaba 50 MHz, 72 MHz, or 2.4 GHz transmitter, but the student's transmitter must be a 2.4 GHz FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) system. The claim is that one push button programs and links to a student's transmitter. The range of the buddy box is reported to be roughly 30 feet.
Q436
"I'm assembling a model aircraft from a laser cut parts kit. There are many slots used in the construction so that one part locks into another keeping everything aligned properly.
"My problem is that many of the slots don't readily accept the mating part. I tried to open a few slots with my X‑Acto blade and found that I removed too much, so the parts were loose fitting. Is there a better way to do this?"
A436: Even in the best laser-cut kits, sometimes the choice of material makes it necessary to slightly enlarge a slot. One of the best ways I've found to do this is to use a common emery board (the type people use to groom fingernails). They are readily available at any drugstore. One side (or both in some cases) of each stick has sandpaper attached.
Insert the emery board into the slot and work it up and down a few times; that will enlarge the opening a bit. Then your mating part should fit more easily. Buy a package of these sticks and keep them on hand for similar situations.
Q437
"I've been told by several local modeler friends that the very first thing I should buy as an electric modeler is a digital ammeter/wattmeter. How do you feel about that and what product do you recommend?"
A437: I've been telling modelers for years that the first thing they need when starting with electric-powered flight is a meter that can read motor current and extrapolate into power input, measured in watts. If you try to guess without a meter, you are going to have either too much power and cook the motor or ESC or too little power and your airplane will fall out of the sky—trusting that you got it into the sky in the first place.
Several brands of these digital meters have been on the hobby market for years. They average $60, regardless of the brand, and work similarly, providing nearly the same parameter readouts.
However, one meter stands out because it offers a lot of good documentation along with the product. RC Electronics Cars and Planes sells a product identified as the Watt's Up RC Battery Watt Meter and Power Analyzer (model WU100). Find this item on the company’s Web site and click on “watt meter connection diagram” on that page; the illustrations show four applications for this meter. If you click on the “Watt’s Up” user manual you will access a PDF that contains 35 pages of comprehensive instructions for this product. The diagrams and manual are what I think are most impressive.
Q438
“Like many modelers I have used two dowels, stuck into a block of wood with pencil erasers placed on top of each dowel as a means of balancing my models. I place my plane on these dowels, at the noted center of gravity position, then observing the attitude of the plane. I add or remove weights until the aircraft is perfectly level.
“Although the technique is simple, keeping the model on the two dowels has always been a problem. I’ve seen recently some new ‘balancing gadgets,’ have you tried any of these?”
A438: I have tried Sig Manufacturing’s Pro‑Balancer (item SIGSH900), and I’ve used it on models weighing as few as 4 ounces. The claim is for a maximum aircraft weight of 33 pounds.
This device serves two purposes: it will help balance your model and will allow you to balance propellers. The kit contains laser-cut plywood parts that require assembly. No cutting is necessary, and putting the Pro‑Balancer together requires both cement and machine screws.
Rather than have your aircraft sit on two dowels, this device has two movable beams—the key feature—that can rotate freely on two ball bearings. An adjustable weight at the end of each beam allows you to level it. Then you place the airplane on the beams, with the CG position lined up with the two ball bearings (actually the beam’s pivot point).
Two adjustable stops allow you to position the model on the beams. At this point your airplane might go nose-down or tail-down, depending on whether it’s nose- or tail-heavy. All you need to do is add weight (nose or tail) to achieve a level position. Then the aircraft is balanced.
Because the airplane rests firmly on both beams, the balancing process is much easier. The propeller‑balancing feature is a bonus. The Pro‑Balancer’s list price is $39.99. It definitely beats the old “two‑dowel” approach.
Q439
“I have a local modeler friend in mind who I feel should be the recipient of the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award. Can you give me an idea as to the process to make this happen?”
A439: The best starting place is the AMA Web site. Under “Museum,” click on “Hall of Fame.” That will show you who has received this prestigious award in the nearly 40 years. Clicking on “Hall of Fame nomination” will take you to a three‑page document that explains the process and includes the application. The address I have included in the “Sources” section at the end of this column will take you there.
Last year, longtime Hall of Fame Selection Committee chairman and AMA Historian Norm Rosenstock retired. Having known Norm for almost 60 years, I congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for all the volunteer services he provided to the AMA and its members for so many years.
Jerry Neuberger is the new chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. This group consists of one appointed member for each AMA district and all former AMA presidents. Each district committee member must be a Hall of Fame member. It has been my privilege to be the AMA District II committee member for the past seven years.
The deadline for filing Hall of Fame applications is March 31 of the award year. Voting takes place during the latter part of April and May. The honorees are notified in July. If you think someone in your area qualifies for the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, submit that nomination now.
Sources:
- Second in Command RC (2icrc)
28914 Roadside Dr. Ste. F-4, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 www.2icrc.com/index.html
- Futaba FASST
(217) 398-8970 http://2.4gigahertz.com
- RC Electronics Cars and Planes
(408) 705-1980 www.rc-cars-planes.com
- Sig Manufacturing Co.
(641) 623-5154 www.sigmfg.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
