Product Spotlight - 201209
Bug!
The Duratrax VW Baja Bug is an officially licensed 1/10-scale replica of its namesake. It is ready to run and includes a 2.4 GHz radio system. The Bug requires batteries for the vehicle and transmitter, as well as a charger. Duratrax recommends either the Onyx NiMH 7.2-volt 2000 mAh battery or a 7.4-volt LiPo for the car. Four AA batteries power the transmitter.
Available colors: yellow, red, white/blue, and white/black.
Basic specifications:
- Length: 18.2 inches
- Width: 9.5 inches
- Height: 8.7 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
The VW Baja Bug is waterproof and includes free replacement of any Stress-Tech part that breaks during the first year of ownership. The warranty covers 26 different parts, including the front bumper, chassis, and suspension arms. The vehicle and radio have a 90-day warranty for defects.
Evaluation notes:
- With recommended NiMH batteries and a few trim adjustments, the Bug drove straight with responsive throttle.
- The suspension handles on- and off-road hazards and occasional jumps.
- Top speed measured with a Pocket Radar: 18 mph on hard surface (powered by a 19T brushed motor and NiMH battery).
- Switching to a LiPo would slightly increase speed and runtime; the Sprint 2 ESC includes a low-voltage cutoff and is LiPo-friendly.
- Expect approximately eight minutes of runtime with the 2000 mAh NiMH battery.
- Only modification made: replaced supplied body clips and battery tray retainer pin with 90° angled body clips for easier battery changes.
Conclusion: The Duratrax VW Baja Bug is a good starter truck for Volkswagen fans and anyone looking for a ready-to-run surface vehicle with solid warranty and parts availability. Warning to RC pilots: if you let them drive it, you might have to play "punch buggy" to get the transmitter back!
Contact: Hobbico: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Website: www.duratrax.com
Flight Training for Heli Pilots
MA readers may be familiar with Dave Scott, who runs the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and has provided RC instruction for 25 years. Dave developed a "crawl-walk-run" system to ensure pilots learn fundamentals and build on them.
Dave has created several manuals for pilots of different interests and skill levels. The new Heli Flight Training manual is broken into three parts and Dave recommends studying the manual and practicing on an RC flight simulator before transitioning to real flight.
Manual overview:
- Section I — Setup and Ground School: Techniques to optimize helicopter handling and introduce basic helicopter control techniques.
- Section II — Primary Flight Training: Applies the crawl-walk-run approach to produce maximum results in the shortest time.
- Section III — Basic and Intermediate Aerobatics: Builds a foundation of basic aerobatic maneuver components that combine to perform many popular 3-D stunts.
The Heli Flight Training manual includes numerous illustrations and diagrams to make instruction clear and concise. See the table of contents and more on the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School website.
Planned use: Combine the manual with a flight simulator and an indoor micro helicopter this winter, then transition the lessons to a larger outdoor heli when weather permits.
Contact: 1st U.S. R/C Flight School, Box 212, Shawano, WI 54166; Tel.: (715) 853-1003; Website: www.rcflightschool.com
PowerMatch
ElectriFly PowerMatch Power Meter
For electric-powered aircraft, a wattmeter is essential to ensure motors, ESCs, and batteries operate within recommended parameters. The ElectriFly PowerMatch ($44.99) is a power meter with a built-in LiPo balancer (accuracy: 10 mV per cell).
Key features:
- LiPo cell balancer discharges high-voltage cells to match low-voltage cells.
- Balancing port supports ElectriFly-style plugs; included balancing board supports FlightPower and Thunder Power plugs.
- Compatible with LiPo, LiFe, Li-Ion, NiCd, and NiMH batteries with auto detection.
- Three modes:
- Battery Checker Mode — recognizes number of cells and measures cell/pack voltages.
- Cell Balancer Mode — balances lithium packs from 2 to 7 cells.
- Power Checker Mode — displays measured power, current, battery voltage, and used capacity under loads up to 80 amps instantaneous.
- Equipped with Deans Ultra plugs on input and output.
- Built-in radio battery jack for checking receiver pack voltage.
- Includes a detailed 15-page manual with photos and instructions.
Contact: Hobbico: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Website: www.electrifly.com
Ares Nano-Micro Stick 75 (WOT) — $59.99 + S&H (HobbyTown USA)
The 9-gram WOT (without transmitter) Ares Nano-Micro Stick 75 is 100% factory assembled and ready to fly. Package includes a two-in-one receiver/ESC, 30 mAh 1S 3.7-volt LiPo, and DC USB charger.
Highlights:
- 12.4-inch wingspan; slow, easy handling ideal for small indoor spaces.
- Durable, lightweight construction tolerates imperfect landings.
- Ready to bind to compatible Ares 2.4 GHz transmitters — good option for those who already own a compatible transmitter and want another airplane without buying a new transmitter.
Contact: HobbyTown USA, 1233 Libra Dr., Lincoln, NE 68512; Tel.: (402) 434-5050; Website: www.hobbytown.com
BMJR Stuka — $164 + S&H
The BMJR Stuka kit is a faithful reproduction of the original kit from the 1960 Model Airplane News Annual. Notable features:
- Polliwog airfoil and constant wing taper from root to tip.
- Wing can be built flat on the board using a full-depth spar with tabs on spar and ribs — a nod to 1960s construction.
- Updated for laser-cutting technology while remaining true to the original design.
Contact: BMJR Model Products, Box 1210, Sharpes, FL 32959; Tel.: (321) 537-1159; Website: www.bmjrmodels.com
Dual Sunglasses — $19.95–$54.95 + S&H
Dual Eyewear sunglasses are designed for active, outdoor use and include a discreet magnification area molded into the lower portion of the lenses to help read small items (e.g., cell phones).
Features:
- Eight-base lens curvature for wrap-around fit.
- Lenses made from shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate with 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection.
- Optimized Magnification Zone (OMZ) reduces distortion and fatigue; available in +1.5, +2.0, or +2.5 spot diopters.
- Color options: smoke (gray) for bright sun and warmer brown for enhanced contrast.
Contact: Dual Eyewear, LLC, 2400 Central Ave., Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301; Tel.: (720) 235-1112; Website: www.dualeyewear.com
Flyzone Millennium Master — $169.99–$229.99 + S&H (Hobbico)
The Flyzone Millennium Master is a scale model of the full-scale homebuilt Millennium Master. Available transmitter ready (Tx-R) or receiver ready (Rx-R).
Features:
- Constructed from AeroCell foam with factory-applied trim.
- Large magnetic hatch and roomy battery compartment that accepts a variety of packs.
- Each aileron has a dedicated servo; mixing options available.
- Smooth flight and impressive speed; tricycle landing gear with steerable nose wheel for good ground handling.
- Tx-R: all components installed; uses a 2.4 GHz SLT receiver compatible with AnyLink.
- Rx-R: choose your own receiver and battery; brushless motor, ESC, and micro servos preinstalled.
Contact: Hobbico, Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Website: www.flyzoneplanes.com
Revolution Carbon Fiber Main Blades — $36.99–$119.99 + S&H (Horizon Hobby)
Revolution Carbon Fiber main helicopter blades are built from cross-woven carbon fiber for lateral and torsional strength, maximizing precision, balance, and power.
Features:
- Weight matched and balanced.
- Sizes range from 323 mm to 710 mm.
- Available for both flybarred and flybarless helicopters.
Contact: Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Website: www.horizonhobby.com
Scorpion F3P S-1804 Slowfly Motor — $38.99 + S&H (Innov8tive Designs)
Scorpion’s S-18 series is designed by mfly modellmotoren in Germany for indoor slow-flying competition. The F3P S-1804 is a very light contest motor capable of turning a 9-inch propeller with high efficiency.
Features:
- High-quality aluminum alloy construction with gold electroplated parts.
- Stators: 0.2 mm laminations, epoxy coated to prevent shorts.
- Custom-manufactured high-temperature magnets.
- Includes 2 mm lightweight male bullet-style connectors and a complete hardware kit.
- Two-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.
Contact: Innov8tive Designs, Inc., 1495 Poinsettia Ave., Suite 144, Vista, CA 92081; Tel.: (760) 468-8838; Website: www.innov8tivedesigns.com
Benchtop Organizer and Bench Apron — $24.95–$42.95 + S&H (Micro-Mark)
Micro-Mark introduces two space-saving organizers for the workbench.
Bench Apron:
- Heavy-duty canvas apron suspended from a telescoping steel rod.
- Reversible mounting bracket attaches to the workbench.
- 38 pockets; size 18 in. wide x 22 in. high.
- Can be pushed back out of the way when not in use.
- Quick installation.
Benchtop Organizer:
- Finished wood unit fits at the back of your workbench or can hang on the wall.
- Features pockets, bins, drawers, and a rod for wires, ribbon, string, or solder spools.
- Size: 18 x 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches.
Contact: Micro-Mark; Tel.: (800) 225-1066; Website: www.micromark.com
Easy Star II — $94.99 + S&H (Multiplex USA)
The updated Easy Star II is a quick-to-build, easy-to-fly model based on the original Easy Star. It offers larger internal space, more payload capability, and optional ailerons.
Features:
- Prefabricated colorful parts made from ELAPOR foam; no painting required.
- Folding propeller for reduced drag in glider mode.
- Easily detachable tail for transport; motor mounted above the wing for safety.
- Flies well with a 3S 1600–2500 mAh battery; supports elevator/rudder and motor control.
- Recommended power system: 200-watt 28 mm inrunner motor, mini 6S receiver, 17–27 amp speed controller.
Contact: Multiplex USA, 12115 Paine Street, Poway, CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; Website: www.multiplexusa.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
