Testing out the new Mini Vapor
Joe Malinchak
The ParkZone Vapor introduced many people to the joy of flying a micro RC airplane in the living room. Featuring elevator and rudder control, the model is slow, maneuverable, and easy to fly. ParkZone improved the design by adding lights to the Night Vapor. Now the company has shrunk the design down to true micro size with the new Mini Vapor!
ParkZone RTF Mini Vapor
The RTF version of the Mini Vapor is perfectly sized with a wingspan of 8.7 inches and comes with everything needed to fly out of the box, including transmitter, all necessary batteries, charger, and instructions. The box also functions as a nice carrying and protective storage case.
The airplane uses a new, lightweight, DSMX three-channel receiver/ESC with two servos. The servos use a 3.2mm motor that weighs only 300mg, and performs well. This interests me because it may have the power to fly some micro airplanes as a geared motor, or maybe direct drive!
The nice-size Mini Vapor has an 8.7-inch wingspan. Smaller than the original Vapor, the model is easier to maneuver around the living room.
The model is powered by a geared, short-can 6mm motor, and uses a 30 mAh, 2S C LiPo battery. The airplane is beautifully constructed of composite plastic and lightweight carbon rod.
Flight Tests
It only took me a few minutes from opening the box to putting in my first test hop. I typically would have to charge the 30 mAh battery first, but I had one on hand that was ready to go. I installed the battery, tested the flight controls, and gave it a nice toss. It needed a few clicks of trim, but flew beautifully right out of my hand.
The model can fly fast for a slow flyer, or low in a nose-up, high-alpha attitude. One of the requirements for a good room flyer is a small airframe. The Vapor flies well in the house, but the Mini Vapor’s smaller size makes it better suited for a living room.
I was happy that the airplane had the power to take off from my carpet and climb out above my furniture. I had fun making a few approaches and landing in the same spot on my floor. The aircraft can also be flown outside in calm winds. I began thinking about adding floats to it.
I shrank my design to Mini Vapor size and went to a lake near my home to test it with floats. The first thing that I noticed was that my airplane's tail was setting low in the water.
I decided to try it anyway and gave it full power. It wanted to go, but could not break the water and fly. Then I made a sharp turn and it flipped onto its back, so I had to get wet to retrieve it! The airplane was submerged, so I took it home and let it dry before flying it again.
This happened to me several times with my Vapor, so I was not worried. The airplane functioned fine after drying out, but I knew I had to figure out a way to keep the battery dry. My solution was to use a small, plastic bag and a twist tie. I also realized that I had to modify my float design for the Mini Vapor. I made some changes and had a few successful flights.
I had planned to include my float design with my review of the Mini Vapor, but I am still working out a few details, so look for them in a future issue.
What's New?
Bob Selman Designs (BSD) Micro RC has introduced a new kit called the Mantra Ray. The Mantra Ray has a 16-inch wingspan and was designed by Gary Jones and Ken Spencer. It uses the Spektrum AR6400 receiver, Ultra Micro UM P-51 motor/gearbox, and a 160 mAh LiPo.
If you are looking for a unique, great-flying model to add to your micro airplane hangar, check out BSD's new Mantra Ray. The price is $22. See the BSD website listed in "Sources" for more information.
Indoor Night at NEAT
My wife, Cindy, and I will hold the Indoor Night at the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair again this year at the Downsville High School gymnasium. We have added another night of flying on Friday, September 13, 2013, from 6 to 10 p.m., for some friendly competition and open flying. Flying on Saturday, September 14, 2013, will be held between 2 and 10 p.m. The event will feature state-of-the-art micro models. It is open to individuals with aircraft built from kits or from their own designs. (Sorry, no RTFs allowed.)
There will also be the popular halftime show on Saturday that allows people approximately 5 minutes to showcase their latest creations for the crowd. SKS Video Productions is expected to film the event. You can purchase SKS's wonderful video of last year's event to see the beautiful models that were flown.
Models cannot weigh more than 2 ounces, and will have a flight envelope that allows them to safely fly in the high school gym. AMA or Park Pilot insurance is required!
A $20 registration fee can be paid at the event. Admission is free for spectators. All proceeds benefit Downsville High School's education programs. We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!
SOURCES:
- Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639 www.horizonhobby.com
- BSD Micro RC
(417) 358-9521 www.bsdmicrorc.com
- NEAT Fair
- SKS Video Productions
(800) 988-6488 www.sksvideo.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
