Micro-Flying - 2004/02

108 MODEL AVIATION
GREETINGS FROM microland and indoor Radio Control (RC)
land!
As I write this, we have just gotten our power back following
hurricane Isabelle. Trying to function in this modern world without
electricity is a bummer. I never realized what a luxury a hot shower
could be!
There are many trees down on our property, but most are in
irrelevant locations and will become firewood. For those who suffered
losses in this storm, I offer my condolences.
I want to bring you up to date on the next National Indoor Remotecontrolled
Aircraft Council (NIRAC) championships. The event will
be June 4-6, 2004, at the Oakland Yard Athletics dome in Waterford,
Michigan. There is detailed information on the NIRAC Web site at
www.nirac.org.
Six events and periods of open flying are planned. Some of the
events will require custom models for best results. Arrangements are
being made to provide plans for at least one design for each of these
events. I am going to give you some event details and show at least one
suitable aircraft.
The Old-Timer Climb-and-Glide is an event intended to re-create
the glamour of those early Free Flight (FF) designs. Any FF design,
rubber or gas, published or kitted prior to 1943 will be eligible. The
maximum wingspan will be 42 inches, and the minimum weight will
be 5 ounces. The maximum motor size is equivalent to a 180 class, and
the battery can be as much as 7.4 volts—two Lithium Polymer (Li-
Poly) cells or six Ni-Cd cells.
The models must take off from the floor and will have 30 seconds
of time to climb, then the propeller must stop and the glide must begin.
The score will be the total time combining the climb and glide.
There are many excellent designs available in plan or kit form. I
chose to build a replica of Miss America. The construction is good old
stick-and-tissue, but any material may be used.
The rules allow the airfoil to be changed while keeping the basic
shape of the model. I chose an undercambered section for the wing and
a flat-bottom foil for the stabilizer. The drive is a GWS IPS DXA (Lite
Stick) with a 9 x 7 propeller and two 340 mAh Kokam Li-Poly cells.
The equipment is a GWS R4P receiver with two lightened Hitec HS-50
servos. An unexpected benefit is that this is a superb model for lazy
evening cruising. Watch for a construction article in an AirAge
publication.
Many designs and some kits are suitable for this event. Start by
looking at the line available from A.A. Lidberg Model Plan Service,
1030 E. Baseline, Suite 105-1074, Tempe AZ 85283; Tel.: (480) 839-
8154; Web site: www.aalmps.com/.
Dave Robelen
M i c r o - F l y i n g
Route 4, Box 369, Farmville VA 23901; E-mail: [email protected]
The new JMP Combo Receiver is designed to operate on a single
Li-Poly cell and has a minimum range of 100 meters.
The Indoor Pylon Racing event has been structured for models
such as this AT-6 manufactured by Fan-Tastic Models.
The author’s 42-inch-span, electric-powered Miss America is for
the Old-Timer Climb-and-Glide event.
02sig4.QXD 11/25/03 10:13 am Page 108
110 MODEL AVIATION
The next event to consider is Indoor Pylon
Racing. There have been some changes this
year, so check the NIRAC Web site for full
details.
Essentially the event has been structured to
accommodate a variety of Almost Ready-to-
Fly (ARF) kit models intended for racing
indoors (you can still build your own). The
AT-6, shown in one of the photos, is a good
model. The kit is produced by Fan-Tastic
Models, 3402 Johnson Rd., Southlake TX
76092; E-mail: [email protected];
www.fan-tasticmodels.com/index.htm.
Hobby Lobby has a line of kits designed
for indoor racing. Check out the Strega or
Rare Bear.
A new event that is showing considerable
promise is Indoor Glider. It is based on simple
rules. The maximum wingspan allowed is 30
inches with a 30-gram maximum weight. The
model may be launched in any manner
considered safe by the contest director (CD).
One of my prototypes—the Challenger—is
showing great promise. With magnetic
controls and wire-cut-foam undercambered
wings, it is awe-inspiring to watch the sink
rate on a calm evening. A simple hi-start made
from lightweight fishing line and thin rubber
(20 feet of .025-inch Tan II) will take the
model up with ease and not stress anything in
the process.
This is a fun airplane to fly when the winds
are light. It gives a new meaning to light
thermals!
The Scale event will be based on the AMA
Sport (standoff) Scale event. Judging will be
done from a shorter distance, and the flight
maneuvers will be shortened as necessary to
accommodate the indoor dimensions.
Something came up last year that needs
mentioning. The AMA rules require a pilot
figure in the model during flight. This rule will
be enforced this year, so come prepared.
There are plenty of excellent kits available.
Sig Manufacturing has its line of indoor Scale
models including the Antoinette and
Demoiselle. Sky Hooks and Rigging,
www.microrc.com/, carries a line of kits that
build into excellent subjects. If you are
inclined to build from plans, my Piper
Vagabond is available from AirAge Inc. at
www.rcstore.com.
I will cover the remaining events—
Duration (four 50 mA Ni-Cds) and Cargo—in
my next column. Tell a friend to check the
NIRAC Web site for pictures and information
and plan to be there for the next meet.
For those not leaning toward competition
but with a desire to participate, there will be
open flying each day. The requirements are
simple: maximum weight of 12 ounces;
maximum wing loading of 6 ounces per
square foot; and maximum power of one 280-
class motor on seven Ni-Cd cells. The contest
director (me) will approve exceptions on a
case-by-case basis. Remember that this is an
indoor meet and not an opportunity to bring
those hot park flyers inside.
I often hear of indoor flying sessions that
are hampered by someone bringing a heavy or
powerful aircraft into an enclosed space that is
shared by those who are flying “true” indoor
The Mosquito by Sky Hooks and Rigging comes with accessories, including the
covering. It would be a super model for that first indoor project.
Plans for this Piper Vagabond are available through AirAge, Inc.
The author’s prototype Challenger indoor
RC glider has wire-cut-foam undercambered
wings and magnetic controls.
The author’s rubber-powered PT-19.
Technology is nearly to the point where it
could be practical for indoor RC.
02sig4.QXD 11/25/03 10:14 am Page 110
models. Light models can be damaged, safety
is compromised, and quite a few people fail
to enjoy a session they had looked forward
to. Please be considerate and keep the
outdoor models outside before legislation
makes it a requirement.
A couple of new products have come
through my shop, one of which is a new
receiver by JMP of France. This Combo
Receiver is designed to operate on a single
Li-Poly cell and has a minimum range of 100
meters.
The outputs are designed to drive
magnetic actuators, and the electronic speed
control has a rating of 1.5 amps continuous
with a peak of 2.5 amps. It is narrow band,
with 10 kHz selectivity. This gem is available
with either bare solder pads or connector
sockets that make it interchangeable with the
popular RFFS-100 unit.
In my own tests this receiver does a fine
job of resisting interference, even from a
transmitter on the adjacent channel. Others
have reported smooth operation while flying
next to as many as five transmitters on other
channels.
You can find the JMP Combo Receiver at
Bob Selman Designs, 9054 Gum Rd.,
Carthage MO 64836; Tel.: (417) 358-9521
(between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Central Standard
Time); Web site: http://users.joplin.com/
~bselman. Bob has far more “goodies” than
just this receiver, so check out his line.
Sky Hooks and Rigging has a new indoor
model: the Mosquito. This comes as a deluxe
kit with laser-cut balsa of suitable density and
a custom drive complete with propeller. The
accessories (such as machined-foam wheels)
are nice, and the Reynolds Wrap covering is
included.
If you have balsa building experience, this
would be a super model for that first indoor
project. The drive is designed to operate from
a single Li-Poly cell, and Sky Hooks and
Rigging even has a narrow-band receiver that
will work at this low voltage. Most of my
family has flown mine and enjoyed it.
I’m including this item for inspiration and
ideas. Shown is my little rubber-powered FF
PT-19 with an 8-inch wingspan.
With available equipment, we are nearly
to the point of making a model this small a
practical RC project. Bob Selman carries a
line of tiny equipment made by Nick Leichty
that should be small enough, and there are
pager motors available that could do the job.
The final touch is a suitable battery, and
there is word of some tiny Li-Poly cells
becoming available. Henry Pasquet of
Missouri is flying models that weigh only a
couple grams with magnetic actuators.
How about one of you “watchmaker”
types stepping up and getting it all together. I
will save you some space if you come up
with a solution.
Over and out. MA
114 MODEL AVIATION
02sig4.QXD 11/25/03 10:14 am Page 114