PLEASE WRITE IN with your
questions, since that is the only way we
can keep this column format going. When
referring to already published questions and
answers (for follow-ups), always provide
the number as a reference.
Also note that references to addresses
and Web sites are placed in a group,
separate from the text, at the end of this
column under “Sources.” A new feature,
“Tips,” will be provided in addition to
frequently asked questions and will be
numbered in the same sequence.
Q487: “I find quite often, when traveling to
my model flying field that my toolbox has
tipped over and the resulting ‘mess’ has to
be reorganized. This takes time and I never
seem to get everything back in the right
place. Does anyone know about a ‘spill
proof’ toolbox?”
A487: I found the solution to this problem
years ago. The best types of toolboxes for
modelers are the ones designed for fishing,
known as tackle boxes.
Because so many small parts are
required for fishing, such as hooks, flies,
etc., the carriers come with trays that have
attached covers. You can arrange the
compartments to your liking and snap the
covers into place so that your modeling
supplies can’t jump around during
transport.
Most fishing-tackle specialty stores
carry a variety of these boxes. Plano
Molding manufactures the one that I have
used for the past 20 years. I’ve listed the
company Web site in the “Sources” section.
You can also look at one of the big
sporting-goods mail-order houses such as
Cabela’s. I found an interesting tackle box
there; it’s the Flambeau 8050 Brush Guard
Tackle Locker with ZeRust, and it sells for
$64.99. Contact Cabela’s using the
information in the “Sources” section.
There is a wide variety of tackle boxes
available, so look around carefully until
you find something that fits your needs.
Make sure that the trays have attached lids;
that is the important feature, since it
prevents parts from spilling from
compartment to compartment.
Q488: “I’ve seen so many magazine reports
of major flying events, like the Jet Rally,
Top Gun, Joe Nall, etc. My question is, do
they have events for a particular specialty
type aircraft?
“I personally have a thing for biplanes.
Is there any event expressly for biplane
flying anywhere in the country?”
Modelers’ toolboxes
Bob Aberle | baberle@? Frequently Asked Questions optonline.net
March 2011 79
Also included in this column:
• Big Biplane Bash
• O-rings for propeller savers
• Tip for installing O-rings
• The Hitec Multi Charger X4
• Aircraft ballast weights
Mitch Epstein won Best in Show at the 2010 Big Biplane Bash with his 1/3-scale WACO
YMF-5, which is a big model! Many biplanes this size take part in the event every year.
The Flambeau Brush Guard Tackle Locker,
from Cabela’s, is a larger version of the box
that Bob has used for many years. There are
many types of tackle boxes; shop around
thoroughly before buying your own.
The author has used this Plano Molding
box for 20 years. It was intended as a
fishing tackle box but is great for
modeling. Partitions allow you to
customize tool kits for particular-size
implements, and every tray has a cover
that prevents small items from
“jumping around” during transport.
A488: I’m sure that you can find many
flying events that specialize in a particular
type of model by using an Internet search
engine. But since you mentioned biplanes,
I know of one excellent fly-in that is
staged every September in Connecticut:
the Big Biplane Bash.
It was founded and is directed by Gerry
Yarrish, who is the senior technical editor
at Model Airplane News magazine. The
Central Connecticut RC Club (CCRCC),
based in Farmington, hosts and sponsors
this gathering.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:48 PM Page 79
The Bash is in its 10th year and draws
biplane specialists from across the
country. As shown in the accompanying
photo, some of these models are 1/3 scale.
I’ve included the CCRCC Web site
address in the “Sources” section so you
can look up the dates for this year’s event,
make reservations, and get directions.
There are actually three major flying
events that take place in the New York
and Connecticut areas each September.
The first is held near Labor Day weekend
at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in
upstate New York. It specializes in World
War I vintage aircraft.
The following week is the big allelectric
NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology) Fair, which is held near
Downsville, New York. And then the Big
Biplane Bash takes place in Connecticut.
Many aeromodelers who travel from all
parts of our country set up a schedule to
attend all of those gatherings, since they
are relatively close to one another. If you
own an RV, you would have it made. But
you shouldn’t be disappointed with the
biplane show that Gerry Yarrish puts on!
Q489: “I’m having a hard time finding a
good O-ring to hold my prop to the prop
saver adapter on my small electric motors.
Many of the plumber type O-rings are too
stiff while small rubber bands are too soft.
The result is I either can’t mount the prop
to the adapter or if I do mount it, the prop
tends to fly off the motor while in flight.
“Is there a better way to do this?”
A489: Yes, there is, thanks to Azarr of E
Cubed RC. He has sold loads of these
propeller-saver adapters throughout the
years. He also had problems with O-rings,
because they were designed for
compression loads as plumbing washers;
aeromodelers need a more flexible (or
elastic) O-ring.
Azarr discovered that standard 3/8-
inch-OD surgical tubing, such as the kind
used for glider hi-starts, can make the
perfect O-ring. You can purchase this
tubing in the plumbing section of The
Home Deport or Lowe’s.
Taking Azarr’s advice, I bought
several feet of the tubing, for $1.82 per
foot. Each foot can yield a couple dozen
O-rings. All you need to do is cut slices of
the material using an X-Acto knife,
scissors, or a single-edge razor blade.
You can experiment with the thickness
of each slice. A smaller section is okay for
tiny motors, while a larger portion is
better suited for more powerful motors. I
found that 1/8 inch worked for my
purposes.
O-rings made this way are flexible
enough to be easy to install, yet they are
strong enough to keep the propeller on the
adapter. Give it a try; you might be
surprised.
T490: On the heels of this O-ring
suggestion came an interesting tip from
John Jackson of Canada. He got frustrated
with trying to install O-rings on his motor
propeller adapters using tools such as
screwdrivers. Then he found the perfect
implement for this kind of work, called a
“spring hook.”
It was designed to help install small
springs and belts in VHS recording units,
and it looks similar to a crochet needle.
I searched on the Internet and found a
company named AC Radio Supply that
sells an Eclipse spring hook (model 902-
073), which resembles what John had sent
me as a sample. It is 8 inches long and has
a different type of hook on each end. The
price is $3.08 plus shipping.
I’ve included a photo to give you an
idea of how the spring hook looks. I found
that it really hangs onto the O-ring as you
80 MODEL AVIATION
You can easily make O-rings by cutting slices of 3/8-inch-OD
rubber surgical tubing. This tubing is more elastic than
plumbing-type O-rings.
Using a common item called a “spring hook” can help when
installing O-rings on propeller-saver adapters. The hook captures
the O-ring perfectly, so that it won’t slip off while being
stretched.
The new Hitec X4 Multi Charger has four
outputs, permitting you to charge as many
battery chemistries at the same time.
You can purchase thin lead tape with
adhesive backing in the golf section of
many sporting-goods stores. Add a few
lengths to achieve the proper balance
point for your aircraft, and keep a roll in
your field kit.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 80
wrap it from post to post on your propeller
saver.
I’ve included the AC Radio Supply
contact info in the “Sources” section, for
your ordering purposes. Thank you, John!
Q491: “I find that at the present time I
need a variety of chargers to be able to
charge all the various battery chemistries in
my shop. For example there are times that I
am charging Ni-MH packs, Li-Poly, A123,
Eneloop, 12 volt lead acid and even my
single glow lighter cell.
“I was wondering is there now a
charger, with multiple outputs, that can
charge most, if not all of these batteries at
the same time?”
A491: My initial reaction to this question
was no, not at this time. However, that
didn’t stop me from searching around to
see what was available. My FMA Direct
Cellpro Multi4 can charge a variety of
battery chemistries, but only one at a time.
My search led me to a new Hitec
charger called the “X4.” It has four outputs
than can be employed simultaneously on
four types of batteries. And four is
certainly better than one. The only
limitation is that you can’t exceed the
limits of your source voltage supply.
If I understand correctly, the X4 can
charge up to six Li-Poly cells. Maximum
charging current depends on the battery
voltage; I believe that the limit is near 6
amps.
The street price of the X4 is $149.99.
I’m hoping that MA’s battery columnist,
Red Scholefield, will be doing a detailed
review of this product in the near future.
(Editor’s note: The Hitec X4 was
featured in the “Worth a Closer Look”
section in the December 2010 MA.)
Q492: “A fellow modeler came to my
rescue at our flying field when my new
aircraft turned out nose heavy. He offered
me a strip of thin lead tape that had an
adhesive backing on one side. I was able to
cut off an inch of two and paste it to the
bottom of my stab at the rear of the
aircraft.
“I’ve since used up this lead tape and
can no longer locate the person who gave it
to me. Where can I buy a roll of this tape?”
A492: The lead tape you refer to is
available at almost any sports store that
sells golf equipment. I went to my local
Golfsmith and found an entire display of
the material in various-size rolls. The store
even has individual weights with adhesive
backing that are heavier than the roll type.
They are used to help balance golf clubs.
You can find these weights at
nationwide sports stores such as Sports
Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I’ve
listed the Golfsmith contact information in
the “Sources” section. MA
Sources:
Plano Molding
(800) 226-9868
www.planomolding.com
Cabela’s
(800) 237-4444
www.cabelas.com
Central Connecticut RC Club
www.ccrcclub.org
E Cubed RC
(937) 256-7727
www.ecubedrc.com
AC Radio Supply
(866) 462-9379
http://store.acradiosupplyinc.com
Hitec
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Golfsmith
(800) 813-6897
www.golfsmith.com
March 2011 81
Tell them you saw it in “Modeler’s Mall”
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 81
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 79,80,81
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 79,80,81
PLEASE WRITE IN with your
questions, since that is the only way we
can keep this column format going. When
referring to already published questions and
answers (for follow-ups), always provide
the number as a reference.
Also note that references to addresses
and Web sites are placed in a group,
separate from the text, at the end of this
column under “Sources.” A new feature,
“Tips,” will be provided in addition to
frequently asked questions and will be
numbered in the same sequence.
Q487: “I find quite often, when traveling to
my model flying field that my toolbox has
tipped over and the resulting ‘mess’ has to
be reorganized. This takes time and I never
seem to get everything back in the right
place. Does anyone know about a ‘spill
proof’ toolbox?”
A487: I found the solution to this problem
years ago. The best types of toolboxes for
modelers are the ones designed for fishing,
known as tackle boxes.
Because so many small parts are
required for fishing, such as hooks, flies,
etc., the carriers come with trays that have
attached covers. You can arrange the
compartments to your liking and snap the
covers into place so that your modeling
supplies can’t jump around during
transport.
Most fishing-tackle specialty stores
carry a variety of these boxes. Plano
Molding manufactures the one that I have
used for the past 20 years. I’ve listed the
company Web site in the “Sources” section.
You can also look at one of the big
sporting-goods mail-order houses such as
Cabela’s. I found an interesting tackle box
there; it’s the Flambeau 8050 Brush Guard
Tackle Locker with ZeRust, and it sells for
$64.99. Contact Cabela’s using the
information in the “Sources” section.
There is a wide variety of tackle boxes
available, so look around carefully until
you find something that fits your needs.
Make sure that the trays have attached lids;
that is the important feature, since it
prevents parts from spilling from
compartment to compartment.
Q488: “I’ve seen so many magazine reports
of major flying events, like the Jet Rally,
Top Gun, Joe Nall, etc. My question is, do
they have events for a particular specialty
type aircraft?
“I personally have a thing for biplanes.
Is there any event expressly for biplane
flying anywhere in the country?”
Modelers’ toolboxes
Bob Aberle | baberle@? Frequently Asked Questions optonline.net
March 2011 79
Also included in this column:
• Big Biplane Bash
• O-rings for propeller savers
• Tip for installing O-rings
• The Hitec Multi Charger X4
• Aircraft ballast weights
Mitch Epstein won Best in Show at the 2010 Big Biplane Bash with his 1/3-scale WACO
YMF-5, which is a big model! Many biplanes this size take part in the event every year.
The Flambeau Brush Guard Tackle Locker,
from Cabela’s, is a larger version of the box
that Bob has used for many years. There are
many types of tackle boxes; shop around
thoroughly before buying your own.
The author has used this Plano Molding
box for 20 years. It was intended as a
fishing tackle box but is great for
modeling. Partitions allow you to
customize tool kits for particular-size
implements, and every tray has a cover
that prevents small items from
“jumping around” during transport.
A488: I’m sure that you can find many
flying events that specialize in a particular
type of model by using an Internet search
engine. But since you mentioned biplanes,
I know of one excellent fly-in that is
staged every September in Connecticut:
the Big Biplane Bash.
It was founded and is directed by Gerry
Yarrish, who is the senior technical editor
at Model Airplane News magazine. The
Central Connecticut RC Club (CCRCC),
based in Farmington, hosts and sponsors
this gathering.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:48 PM Page 79
The Bash is in its 10th year and draws
biplane specialists from across the
country. As shown in the accompanying
photo, some of these models are 1/3 scale.
I’ve included the CCRCC Web site
address in the “Sources” section so you
can look up the dates for this year’s event,
make reservations, and get directions.
There are actually three major flying
events that take place in the New York
and Connecticut areas each September.
The first is held near Labor Day weekend
at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in
upstate New York. It specializes in World
War I vintage aircraft.
The following week is the big allelectric
NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology) Fair, which is held near
Downsville, New York. And then the Big
Biplane Bash takes place in Connecticut.
Many aeromodelers who travel from all
parts of our country set up a schedule to
attend all of those gatherings, since they
are relatively close to one another. If you
own an RV, you would have it made. But
you shouldn’t be disappointed with the
biplane show that Gerry Yarrish puts on!
Q489: “I’m having a hard time finding a
good O-ring to hold my prop to the prop
saver adapter on my small electric motors.
Many of the plumber type O-rings are too
stiff while small rubber bands are too soft.
The result is I either can’t mount the prop
to the adapter or if I do mount it, the prop
tends to fly off the motor while in flight.
“Is there a better way to do this?”
A489: Yes, there is, thanks to Azarr of E
Cubed RC. He has sold loads of these
propeller-saver adapters throughout the
years. He also had problems with O-rings,
because they were designed for
compression loads as plumbing washers;
aeromodelers need a more flexible (or
elastic) O-ring.
Azarr discovered that standard 3/8-
inch-OD surgical tubing, such as the kind
used for glider hi-starts, can make the
perfect O-ring. You can purchase this
tubing in the plumbing section of The
Home Deport or Lowe’s.
Taking Azarr’s advice, I bought
several feet of the tubing, for $1.82 per
foot. Each foot can yield a couple dozen
O-rings. All you need to do is cut slices of
the material using an X-Acto knife,
scissors, or a single-edge razor blade.
You can experiment with the thickness
of each slice. A smaller section is okay for
tiny motors, while a larger portion is
better suited for more powerful motors. I
found that 1/8 inch worked for my
purposes.
O-rings made this way are flexible
enough to be easy to install, yet they are
strong enough to keep the propeller on the
adapter. Give it a try; you might be
surprised.
T490: On the heels of this O-ring
suggestion came an interesting tip from
John Jackson of Canada. He got frustrated
with trying to install O-rings on his motor
propeller adapters using tools such as
screwdrivers. Then he found the perfect
implement for this kind of work, called a
“spring hook.”
It was designed to help install small
springs and belts in VHS recording units,
and it looks similar to a crochet needle.
I searched on the Internet and found a
company named AC Radio Supply that
sells an Eclipse spring hook (model 902-
073), which resembles what John had sent
me as a sample. It is 8 inches long and has
a different type of hook on each end. The
price is $3.08 plus shipping.
I’ve included a photo to give you an
idea of how the spring hook looks. I found
that it really hangs onto the O-ring as you
80 MODEL AVIATION
You can easily make O-rings by cutting slices of 3/8-inch-OD
rubber surgical tubing. This tubing is more elastic than
plumbing-type O-rings.
Using a common item called a “spring hook” can help when
installing O-rings on propeller-saver adapters. The hook captures
the O-ring perfectly, so that it won’t slip off while being
stretched.
The new Hitec X4 Multi Charger has four
outputs, permitting you to charge as many
battery chemistries at the same time.
You can purchase thin lead tape with
adhesive backing in the golf section of
many sporting-goods stores. Add a few
lengths to achieve the proper balance
point for your aircraft, and keep a roll in
your field kit.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 80
wrap it from post to post on your propeller
saver.
I’ve included the AC Radio Supply
contact info in the “Sources” section, for
your ordering purposes. Thank you, John!
Q491: “I find that at the present time I
need a variety of chargers to be able to
charge all the various battery chemistries in
my shop. For example there are times that I
am charging Ni-MH packs, Li-Poly, A123,
Eneloop, 12 volt lead acid and even my
single glow lighter cell.
“I was wondering is there now a
charger, with multiple outputs, that can
charge most, if not all of these batteries at
the same time?”
A491: My initial reaction to this question
was no, not at this time. However, that
didn’t stop me from searching around to
see what was available. My FMA Direct
Cellpro Multi4 can charge a variety of
battery chemistries, but only one at a time.
My search led me to a new Hitec
charger called the “X4.” It has four outputs
than can be employed simultaneously on
four types of batteries. And four is
certainly better than one. The only
limitation is that you can’t exceed the
limits of your source voltage supply.
If I understand correctly, the X4 can
charge up to six Li-Poly cells. Maximum
charging current depends on the battery
voltage; I believe that the limit is near 6
amps.
The street price of the X4 is $149.99.
I’m hoping that MA’s battery columnist,
Red Scholefield, will be doing a detailed
review of this product in the near future.
(Editor’s note: The Hitec X4 was
featured in the “Worth a Closer Look”
section in the December 2010 MA.)
Q492: “A fellow modeler came to my
rescue at our flying field when my new
aircraft turned out nose heavy. He offered
me a strip of thin lead tape that had an
adhesive backing on one side. I was able to
cut off an inch of two and paste it to the
bottom of my stab at the rear of the
aircraft.
“I’ve since used up this lead tape and
can no longer locate the person who gave it
to me. Where can I buy a roll of this tape?”
A492: The lead tape you refer to is
available at almost any sports store that
sells golf equipment. I went to my local
Golfsmith and found an entire display of
the material in various-size rolls. The store
even has individual weights with adhesive
backing that are heavier than the roll type.
They are used to help balance golf clubs.
You can find these weights at
nationwide sports stores such as Sports
Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I’ve
listed the Golfsmith contact information in
the “Sources” section. MA
Sources:
Plano Molding
(800) 226-9868
www.planomolding.com
Cabela’s
(800) 237-4444
www.cabelas.com
Central Connecticut RC Club
www.ccrcclub.org
E Cubed RC
(937) 256-7727
www.ecubedrc.com
AC Radio Supply
(866) 462-9379
http://store.acradiosupplyinc.com
Hitec
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Golfsmith
(800) 813-6897
www.golfsmith.com
March 2011 81
Tell them you saw it in “Modeler’s Mall”
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 81
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 79,80,81
PLEASE WRITE IN with your
questions, since that is the only way we
can keep this column format going. When
referring to already published questions and
answers (for follow-ups), always provide
the number as a reference.
Also note that references to addresses
and Web sites are placed in a group,
separate from the text, at the end of this
column under “Sources.” A new feature,
“Tips,” will be provided in addition to
frequently asked questions and will be
numbered in the same sequence.
Q487: “I find quite often, when traveling to
my model flying field that my toolbox has
tipped over and the resulting ‘mess’ has to
be reorganized. This takes time and I never
seem to get everything back in the right
place. Does anyone know about a ‘spill
proof’ toolbox?”
A487: I found the solution to this problem
years ago. The best types of toolboxes for
modelers are the ones designed for fishing,
known as tackle boxes.
Because so many small parts are
required for fishing, such as hooks, flies,
etc., the carriers come with trays that have
attached covers. You can arrange the
compartments to your liking and snap the
covers into place so that your modeling
supplies can’t jump around during
transport.
Most fishing-tackle specialty stores
carry a variety of these boxes. Plano
Molding manufactures the one that I have
used for the past 20 years. I’ve listed the
company Web site in the “Sources” section.
You can also look at one of the big
sporting-goods mail-order houses such as
Cabela’s. I found an interesting tackle box
there; it’s the Flambeau 8050 Brush Guard
Tackle Locker with ZeRust, and it sells for
$64.99. Contact Cabela’s using the
information in the “Sources” section.
There is a wide variety of tackle boxes
available, so look around carefully until
you find something that fits your needs.
Make sure that the trays have attached lids;
that is the important feature, since it
prevents parts from spilling from
compartment to compartment.
Q488: “I’ve seen so many magazine reports
of major flying events, like the Jet Rally,
Top Gun, Joe Nall, etc. My question is, do
they have events for a particular specialty
type aircraft?
“I personally have a thing for biplanes.
Is there any event expressly for biplane
flying anywhere in the country?”
Modelers’ toolboxes
Bob Aberle | baberle@? Frequently Asked Questions optonline.net
March 2011 79
Also included in this column:
• Big Biplane Bash
• O-rings for propeller savers
• Tip for installing O-rings
• The Hitec Multi Charger X4
• Aircraft ballast weights
Mitch Epstein won Best in Show at the 2010 Big Biplane Bash with his 1/3-scale WACO
YMF-5, which is a big model! Many biplanes this size take part in the event every year.
The Flambeau Brush Guard Tackle Locker,
from Cabela’s, is a larger version of the box
that Bob has used for many years. There are
many types of tackle boxes; shop around
thoroughly before buying your own.
The author has used this Plano Molding
box for 20 years. It was intended as a
fishing tackle box but is great for
modeling. Partitions allow you to
customize tool kits for particular-size
implements, and every tray has a cover
that prevents small items from
“jumping around” during transport.
A488: I’m sure that you can find many
flying events that specialize in a particular
type of model by using an Internet search
engine. But since you mentioned biplanes,
I know of one excellent fly-in that is
staged every September in Connecticut:
the Big Biplane Bash.
It was founded and is directed by Gerry
Yarrish, who is the senior technical editor
at Model Airplane News magazine. The
Central Connecticut RC Club (CCRCC),
based in Farmington, hosts and sponsors
this gathering.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:48 PM Page 79
The Bash is in its 10th year and draws
biplane specialists from across the
country. As shown in the accompanying
photo, some of these models are 1/3 scale.
I’ve included the CCRCC Web site
address in the “Sources” section so you
can look up the dates for this year’s event,
make reservations, and get directions.
There are actually three major flying
events that take place in the New York
and Connecticut areas each September.
The first is held near Labor Day weekend
at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in
upstate New York. It specializes in World
War I vintage aircraft.
The following week is the big allelectric
NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft
Technology) Fair, which is held near
Downsville, New York. And then the Big
Biplane Bash takes place in Connecticut.
Many aeromodelers who travel from all
parts of our country set up a schedule to
attend all of those gatherings, since they
are relatively close to one another. If you
own an RV, you would have it made. But
you shouldn’t be disappointed with the
biplane show that Gerry Yarrish puts on!
Q489: “I’m having a hard time finding a
good O-ring to hold my prop to the prop
saver adapter on my small electric motors.
Many of the plumber type O-rings are too
stiff while small rubber bands are too soft.
The result is I either can’t mount the prop
to the adapter or if I do mount it, the prop
tends to fly off the motor while in flight.
“Is there a better way to do this?”
A489: Yes, there is, thanks to Azarr of E
Cubed RC. He has sold loads of these
propeller-saver adapters throughout the
years. He also had problems with O-rings,
because they were designed for
compression loads as plumbing washers;
aeromodelers need a more flexible (or
elastic) O-ring.
Azarr discovered that standard 3/8-
inch-OD surgical tubing, such as the kind
used for glider hi-starts, can make the
perfect O-ring. You can purchase this
tubing in the plumbing section of The
Home Deport or Lowe’s.
Taking Azarr’s advice, I bought
several feet of the tubing, for $1.82 per
foot. Each foot can yield a couple dozen
O-rings. All you need to do is cut slices of
the material using an X-Acto knife,
scissors, or a single-edge razor blade.
You can experiment with the thickness
of each slice. A smaller section is okay for
tiny motors, while a larger portion is
better suited for more powerful motors. I
found that 1/8 inch worked for my
purposes.
O-rings made this way are flexible
enough to be easy to install, yet they are
strong enough to keep the propeller on the
adapter. Give it a try; you might be
surprised.
T490: On the heels of this O-ring
suggestion came an interesting tip from
John Jackson of Canada. He got frustrated
with trying to install O-rings on his motor
propeller adapters using tools such as
screwdrivers. Then he found the perfect
implement for this kind of work, called a
“spring hook.”
It was designed to help install small
springs and belts in VHS recording units,
and it looks similar to a crochet needle.
I searched on the Internet and found a
company named AC Radio Supply that
sells an Eclipse spring hook (model 902-
073), which resembles what John had sent
me as a sample. It is 8 inches long and has
a different type of hook on each end. The
price is $3.08 plus shipping.
I’ve included a photo to give you an
idea of how the spring hook looks. I found
that it really hangs onto the O-ring as you
80 MODEL AVIATION
You can easily make O-rings by cutting slices of 3/8-inch-OD
rubber surgical tubing. This tubing is more elastic than
plumbing-type O-rings.
Using a common item called a “spring hook” can help when
installing O-rings on propeller-saver adapters. The hook captures
the O-ring perfectly, so that it won’t slip off while being
stretched.
The new Hitec X4 Multi Charger has four
outputs, permitting you to charge as many
battery chemistries at the same time.
You can purchase thin lead tape with
adhesive backing in the golf section of
many sporting-goods stores. Add a few
lengths to achieve the proper balance
point for your aircraft, and keep a roll in
your field kit.
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 80
wrap it from post to post on your propeller
saver.
I’ve included the AC Radio Supply
contact info in the “Sources” section, for
your ordering purposes. Thank you, John!
Q491: “I find that at the present time I
need a variety of chargers to be able to
charge all the various battery chemistries in
my shop. For example there are times that I
am charging Ni-MH packs, Li-Poly, A123,
Eneloop, 12 volt lead acid and even my
single glow lighter cell.
“I was wondering is there now a
charger, with multiple outputs, that can
charge most, if not all of these batteries at
the same time?”
A491: My initial reaction to this question
was no, not at this time. However, that
didn’t stop me from searching around to
see what was available. My FMA Direct
Cellpro Multi4 can charge a variety of
battery chemistries, but only one at a time.
My search led me to a new Hitec
charger called the “X4.” It has four outputs
than can be employed simultaneously on
four types of batteries. And four is
certainly better than one. The only
limitation is that you can’t exceed the
limits of your source voltage supply.
If I understand correctly, the X4 can
charge up to six Li-Poly cells. Maximum
charging current depends on the battery
voltage; I believe that the limit is near 6
amps.
The street price of the X4 is $149.99.
I’m hoping that MA’s battery columnist,
Red Scholefield, will be doing a detailed
review of this product in the near future.
(Editor’s note: The Hitec X4 was
featured in the “Worth a Closer Look”
section in the December 2010 MA.)
Q492: “A fellow modeler came to my
rescue at our flying field when my new
aircraft turned out nose heavy. He offered
me a strip of thin lead tape that had an
adhesive backing on one side. I was able to
cut off an inch of two and paste it to the
bottom of my stab at the rear of the
aircraft.
“I’ve since used up this lead tape and
can no longer locate the person who gave it
to me. Where can I buy a roll of this tape?”
A492: The lead tape you refer to is
available at almost any sports store that
sells golf equipment. I went to my local
Golfsmith and found an entire display of
the material in various-size rolls. The store
even has individual weights with adhesive
backing that are heavier than the roll type.
They are used to help balance golf clubs.
You can find these weights at
nationwide sports stores such as Sports
Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I’ve
listed the Golfsmith contact information in
the “Sources” section. MA
Sources:
Plano Molding
(800) 226-9868
www.planomolding.com
Cabela’s
(800) 237-4444
www.cabelas.com
Central Connecticut RC Club
www.ccrcclub.org
E Cubed RC
(937) 256-7727
www.ecubedrc.com
AC Radio Supply
(866) 462-9379
http://store.acradiosupplyinc.com
Hitec
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Golfsmith
(800) 813-6897
www.golfsmith.com
March 2011 81
Tell them you saw it in “Modeler’s Mall”
03sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:50 PM Page 81
