Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/05
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19
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Product Spotlight - 2012/05

ANYLINK 2.4 GHz Radio Adapter

Overview

The 2.4 GHz radios have made flying models easier by eliminating most frequency concerns, but the switch from 72 MHz increased brand loyalty because many 2.4 GHz systems are not interoperable. Many RTF models include basic 2.4 GHz transmitters, leaving modelers with multiple incompatible radios. Removing a radio from a new RTF aircraft is costly.

Hobbico addressed this with the Tactic AnyLink 2.4 GHz Adapter: a compact black module with an antenna that enables use of transmitter-ready (Tx-R) airplanes and models equipped with a Tactic SLT receiver. It is compatible with most Futaba, JR/Spektrum, and Hitec radios.

Features

  • Connects to the transmitter trainer port (Futaba Square Adapter Cable included for Futaba)
  • Fastens to the back of the transmitter with included locking adhesive strips
  • 1,000-foot range, targeted for micro and park-flyer models
  • Works with most Tx-R aircraft and Tactic SLT receivers

Notes

  • A compatibility chart and any additional required cables are available online.
  • The linking process varies by brand; the included manual describes the procedure.
  • To date, 12 aircraft are Tx-R; tested on three without issue.
  • Hobbico offered a free AnyLink with the purchase of any Tx-R aircraft from participating dealers through April 30, 2012.

Contact

  • Hobbico: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
  • Tel: (800) 637-7660
  • Website: www.tx-ready.com

CELECTRA 80W AC/DC Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger

Overview

The Celectra charger offers AC/DC flexibility and straightforward programming using four keys. It is compact and suitable for small- and medium-capacity batteries.

Controls

  • Mode: cycle through main menu screens or return from a submenu
  • Enter: make selections, save value changes, and start charging
  • Inc. / Dec.: navigate submenu screens and adjust values

Specifications

  • Charge power: 80 watts
  • Discharge power: 10 watts
  • Supported chemistries:
  • Li-Ion, LiPo, LiFe up to 6 cells
  • Ni-Cd and Ni-MH: 1 to 15 cells
  • Pb (lead-acid): 2 to 24 volts

Included items

  • Two balance adapter boards (JST XH and JST Thunder Power)
  • Banana plugs with EC2, EC3, EC5, JST, and Futaba battery adapters
  • AC and DC power cables

Features

  • Port for optional temperature sensor (sensor not included)
  • Backlit blue LCD showing amps, voltage, mAh, and elapsed charge time
  • Small footprint suitable for desktop use; no additional power supply required
  • Intuitive interface; minimal time with the manual required

Contact

  • E-flite: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel: (800) 338-4639
  • Website: www.e-flite-rc.com

DogFighter (Receiver-Ready) — Multiplex USA — $249.99 + S&H

Overview

Multiplex USA introduces a receiver-ready version of the popular DogFighter, inspired by classic WWII warbirds. Constructed from durable Elapor foam, the model targets intermediate and sport fliers.

Features

  • Wingspan: 35 in; Length: 32 in
  • Low minimum airspeed with crisp handling for precision aerobatics
  • Detachable wing for easy transport
  • Preinstalled high-performance motor, quality servos, and speed controller
  • Includes two decal sheets ("racer" and "fighter")

Contact

Scorpion HKIII-4020 and HKIII-4025 Series Motors — Innov8tive Designs — $189.99–$219.99 + S&H

Overview

The HKIII-4020 and HKIII-4025 motors are updated successors to the HK-4020 and HK-4025, offering improved stability and cooling.

Features

  • New patented rotors: thicker for stability at higher speeds and better magnetic retention
  • Spiral rib pattern on rotor outer surface for increased surface area and improved cooling
  • Gold electroplated aluminum-alloy construction
  • Pre-attached 4mm male bullet connectors
  • Includes hardware package with three matching female bullet connectors and heat-shrink tubing
  • Designed for helicopter use; propeller adapters not included (available separately)

Contact

  • Innov8tive Designs: 1495 Poinsettia Ave., Suite 144, Vista, CA 92081
  • Tel: (760) 468-8838
  • Website: www.innov8tivedesigns.com

Thunder Tiger Titan X50F Flybarless Helicopter — Great Planes Model Distributors — $549.99–$799.99 + S&H

Overview

The Titan X50F is a flybarless helicopter designed for performance, offering reduced drag and crisp pitch response for aggressive maneuvers.

Features

  • Flybarless rotor head for reduced drag and longer flight times
  • Long metal control arms; rigid one-piece main rotor hub
  • Enlarged titanium rod-and-ball linkages
  • Dual radial, single-thrust bearings; three-piece metal main rotor grips
  • Carbon-fiber main rotor blades optimized for flybarless flight
  • Compatible with most popular three-axis gyro brands

Requirements

  • Six-channel radio with receiver, five servos, and a 1200 mAh battery
  • Available alone or as a kit with a glow RL-53 engine and tuned pipe

Contact

  • Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
  • Tel: (800) 637-7660
  • Website: www.ttamerica.com

Universal Balancing Adapter Board — Common Sense RC — $6.95 + S&H

Overview

The Universal Balancing Adapter Board works with nearly any LiPo battery and plugs into most popular 6S balancing chargers.

Features

  • Supports three major 2S–6S LiPo balance connector types:
  • JST-XH (Common Sense RC, E-flite, ParkZone, Esky, Align, Turnigy, Zippy, etc.)
  • JST-TP (Thunder Power, Flite Power)
  • JST-HP (Hyperion, Polyquest, MaxAmps)

Contact

Black Horse Models Edge 540 V3 — Hobby People — $449.99 + S&H

Overview

The Edge 540 V3 is an all-wood, laser-cut interlocking airframe that is factory jig-built. It is covered with Oracover and shipped with a factory-molded, painted cowl and pants.

Features

  • Wingspan: 81.89 in
  • Most assembly is bolt-on (two-piece wing and two-piece tail)
  • Factory-installed tab-and-groove hinges and custom hardware reduce build time
  • Realistic painted pilot and large removable top hatch for easy access
  • Requires a six-channel radio and nine servos
  • Power: 30–35cc gas or glow engine

Contact

  • Hobby People: 18480 Bandilier Cir., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
  • Tel: (800) 854-8471
  • Website: www.hobbypeople.net

Buzz 100 Electric RC Micro Park Flyer — Stevens AeroModel — $45 + S&H

Overview

The Buzz 100 is a micro park flyer inspired by the vintage free-flight model Buzzard Bombshell. It is slow enough for indoor flight and accepts ParkZone Ultra Micro indoor electronics.

Features

  • 21 in wingspan; flying weight: 1.8 oz
  • 3-channel controls (rudder, elevator, throttle)
  • 100% laser-cut balsa and hardwood parts from AAA-selected wood
  • Complete hardware kit (pushrods, control horns, rubber bands, tail skid)
  • Laser-cut acetate windscreen; step-by-step illustrated instructions

Requirements

  • Wheels, propeller, ultramicro receiver/ESC/servo unit, motor and gearbox
  • 130–160 mAh 3.7V LiPo battery
  • DSM2-compatible transmitter

Contact

  • Stevens AeroModel: Box 15347, Colorado Springs, CO 80935
  • Tel: (719) 387-4187
  • Website: www.stevensaero.com

MicroLux Mini Cordless Driver Set — Micro-Mark — $49.95 + S&H

Overview

The MicroLux Mini Cordless Driver Set is a compact, powerful cordless driver for tight spaces and precision work.

Features

  • Weight: 0.6 lb; length: under 5 in
  • T-handle for comfort and secure grip
  • 3.6V motor drives screws up to 1-5/8 in
  • Trigger (250 rpm) with integral reverse switch
  • Spring-loaded chuck and magnetic extension fitting a 1/4-in hex socket collet
  • Built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and LED work light

Included

  • Driver, wall-mount charger, assortment of drill and screwdriver bits
  • Note: adapter chucks for mini-drilling sold separately

Contact

  • Micro-Mark: 340 Snyder Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
  • Tel: (800) 225-1066
  • Website: www.micromark.com

UMX ASK-21 BNF Sailplane — Horizon Hobby / E-flite — $119.99 + S&H

Overview

The UMX ASK-21 BNF is a fully functional four-channel sailplane capable of aerobatics and thermal or slope soaring, modeled after Rudolf Kaiser’s two-seater.

Features

  • AS3X stabilization system for smooth handling and precision
  • Aerotow capable with remote tow hook
  • Smooth-molded construction with carbon-fiber reinforcement
  • Removable one-piece wing with a high-efficiency airfoil
  • Installed ultramicro, linear, long-throw servos
  • Includes high-power series 1S LiPo receiver battery and fast charger, plus a hi-start launch system

Requirements

  • Four-channel transmitter

Contact

  • Horizon Hobby / E-flite: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel: (800) 338-4639
  • Website: www.e-flite-rc.com

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.