Five-Gallon Gas Can
Something you might not think about when you graduate to larger aircraft is how many of your support items need to be upgraded as well. Sure, you upgrade your servos to handle the torque and stress; you upgrade your batteries, etc. But what about your fuel can? Whether you use gasoline, kerosene, or smoke-oil fuel, this new 5-gallon fuel can system from RC Fueling Systems might be just the upgrade you need.
It is built using an industry standard, plastic 5-gallon fuel container. That in itself isn’t necessarily going to catch your eye, but what’s strapped to the side of the can definitely will. Hanging from the can’s spout, and held in place with a Velcro strap, is a sturdy 1/8-inch-thick metal plate. Mounted to this plate is a self-contained fuel pump and rechargeable 12-volt NiMh battery. All of the fuel lines and fittings come preinstalled, so the entire system is ready to go right out of the box. Simply add your fuel.
On the side of the battery box are two switches. One you’ll recognize as a standard receiver power switch with a built-in charging jack and an LED power indicator. This switch supplies power to the pump, as well as provides a convenient way to charge the system via its built-in standard JR-compatible connector. This 12-volt system has a 2,450 mAh capacity so there are no worries about running out of power—even during a complete weekend’s worth of flying.
Above the power switch is a heavy-duty, three-position switch that changes the fuel flow for either filling or emptying the tank. Moving the switch to the center stops the fuel flow.
Mounted on the top of the battery box is the pump. Mentioning that it is securely mounted is an understatement. The right-angle mounting bracket is overkill, but you’ll never have to worry about it breaking during years of use and abuse. The motor is protected with an outer rubberized cover to guard against shorting.
Rounding out the system are the preinstalled fuel lines and fittings. Inside the can, there is a clunk on the end of the pickup line that also incorporates a built-in filter. On the outside is the generous 3-foot fill line that you connect to your aircraft.
The complete system comes with a 90-day replacement warranty on all parts, and because all of the parts are plug-and-play, replacement parts are available and easy to swap out.
This 5-gallon fuel can system is available from RC Fueling Systems and sells for $139.95. Also available are 1- and 2-gallon fuel systems.
RC Fueling Systems LLC: website: www.rcfuelingsystems.com; email: [email protected]
Tower Hobbies 424 4-Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter/Reveiver
Greg Gimlick reviewed the Tower Hobbies 424 transmitter for us. Here is what he had to say:
We all had to start somewhere when we entered this great hobby and most of us were restrained by some budget considerations. It can be a daunting task to acquire the equipment we need/want and not break the bank too.
The proliferation of transmitter ready aircraft setups has made that much easier, but you still need a transmitter. Tower Hobbies, a longtime leader in the hobby, has introduced a budget-minded, yet fully capable entry-level radio for less than $70!
This Tower Hobbies 2.4 GHz 424 radio utilizes FHSS/SLT protocol so it provides a full-range-capable system for the entry level pilot. It isn’t a computerized radio with multiple model memories and extensive programming, but it is compatible with all transmitter-ready aircraft with the Tx-R logo, Tactic brand radios, and any receiver advertising the SLT protocol. This opens the door to many offerings to get the new pilot in the air at a budget price.
The radio arrives with the transmitter and Tower Hobbies SLT 6-Channel 2.4GHz receiver, along with a neck strap, switch harness, and receiver-battery holder. The transmitter and receiver each require four AA batteries and they can be alkaline or rechargeable cells.
This may be an entry-level radio, but it includes the mixing for both V-tail and elevon configurations. There are no dual rates, but there is a trainer switch allowing for wireless trainer operation with another SLT radio. The aileron, elevator, and rudder trims are digital and the transmitter trim is analog. Each gimbal is adjustable for length and supported by quad ball bearings.
Linking the transmitter to the receiver is done by a simple push-button sequence. Another plus for a radio at this level is its compatibility with digital and analog servos. Failsafe mode is included, which is an added bonus on an entry-level radio. Each of the control surfaces enters a “hold” function if there is a loss of signal.
The throttle position is user selectable. Servo reversing is provided for each channel by a simple slide switch on the face of the radio.
If you’re in the market for an entry-level radio, this one is worth a closer look.
Tower Hobbies: PO Box 9078, Champaign IL 61826; Tel. (800) 637-6050; website: www.towerhobbies.com
TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Two-stick aircraft transmitter
Channels: Four
Frequencies: 2.403 to 2.480 GHz
Modulation: FHSS spread spectrum
Protocol: Tactic SLT
Antenna: Internal
Power indicator: Red LED with low-battery indication
Input power: 3.4 to 7.0 volts
Compatible battery types: Four AA cells: 1.5-volt alkaline batteries or 1.2-volt
NiCd or NiMH cells (optional)
Gimbals: Quad ball bearings with adjustable stick lengths
Throttle trim: Analog
Aileron, elevator, rudder trims: Digital
Channel reversing: All channels
Wing mixes: V-tail and elevon
Charge jack: Tactic and Futaba compatible
Trainer system: Wireless only, compatible with Tactic brand transmitters
Trainer switch: Two-position momentary toggle
Linking process: Push button on receiver
Failsafe: Throttle is set by user; hold for all other channels
Warnings: Low-battery alarm, no trainer signal
RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS
Channels: Six
Receiving frequencies: 2.403 to 2.480 GHz
Modulation: SLT 2.4 GHz FHSS
Compatibility: Tower Hobbies 2.4 GHz or Tactic 2.4 GHz SLT-compatible 2.4 GHz transmitters
Input power requirement: Four AA alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH cells (4 to 6.0 volts)
Power indicator: Red LED
Link method: Push button
Antennas: Single 30mm
Range: Full range for models up to .60 size
Failsafe: Throttle position is user selectable; other channels hold
Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.0 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 0.29 ounces
