14 MODEL AVIATION
Years of experience
have made the Merlin
line of glow plugs
respected among car,
boat, and aircraft glowengine
users. Designed and
manufactured to the highest standards, this line offers almost
20 plugs to suit the needs of any glow-fuel-burning engine.
A Merlin plug’s average life span is more than 2 gallons of
fuel. That’s a long time for a small car.
Now Merlin plugs are even easier to identify, with a colorcoding
system. Blue indicates a cold plug, green is medium heat,
and red-coded plugs are hot types designed for lower-nitromethane
fuels. Heavy-Duty and Extra Heavy-Duty plugs are designed for
high-rpm applications such as in a car, a ducted fan, or a Pylon
Racing engine. All Merlin plugs use a glass insulator to protect the
element and ensure long life.
Merlin Glow Plugs Inc.: Box 1036, Crown Point IN 46308;
Tel.: (708) 246-3730; Web site: www.merlinglowplugs.com
Attach a small tag to your model airplane, and you will be able
to find it in high grass, soybean fields, corn fields, or trees and
brush. You can also mark and easily locate keys, day planners, cell
phones, purses, and other valuables. The handheld unit directs, by
sound and visual cues, you to the misplaced item.
The Plus unit
can be set to
activate by sound
alert and vibration
if an item goes
outside the preset
area. The small 5-
gram tags can be
easily attached to
nearly anything
with the enclosed
ring and elastic
cord or the
enclosed doublestick
adhesive.
The effective distance is nearly 600 feet line of sight outdoors.
Normal construction is invisible to the Loc8tor. Concrete and steel
naturally limit the effective distance.
The Loc8tor Pack is $99.99 and comes with two tags. The
more versatile Loc8tor Plus Pack comes with three tags and one
Panic Tag for $169.99.
ASB Technology Loc8torus: (215) 579-0334; E-mail: sales@
loc8torus.com; Web site: www.loc8torus.com
Loc8tor Plus
Worth a Closer Look
As seen at the 2007 Weak Signals’ Toledo Show, held April 13-15 in Toledo OH
The Nieuport is not a true biplane; it is a “sesquiplane” (one and
a half wing) configuration, which combines a biplane’s strength
and maneuverability with a
monoplane’s speed to create
one of the most successful
fighters of World War I.
This was demonstrated in
the movie Fly Boys.
The Nieuport 17 has a
top wingspan of 107.375
inches and a wing area of
2,775 square inches. Its overall
weight is expected to be 26-30 pounds with a 40-50cc gas engine
or a 2.4-3.0 cu. in. glow engine. Its fuselage length is 82 inches.
The kit price is $538.95.
The Spad 13 features a scale exhaust system, screen-covered
side access panels, and radiator screen and shutters—everything
that makes a Spad a Spad. Also included are scale machine gun
installations (machine guns sold separately), louver panels, and
valve cover blisters.
The Spad has a wingspan of 79.25 inches and an area of 2,180
square inches. The fuselage length is 61.25 inches, and the
expected weight is 20-22 pounds with a 25-35cc gas engine or a
1.50-1.80 cu. in. glow engine.
The kit price is $349.95; orders are being taken now. The
manual has 130 pages and roughly as many
photos.
Balsa USA: Box
164, Marinette WI
54143; Tel.: (800) 225-
7287; Web site:
www.balsausa.com
1/3 Scale Nieuport 17 and 1/4 Scale Spad 13 Merlin Glow Plugs
West System Inc.’s new scale is
configured especially for measuring small
amounts of epoxy. It allows accurate
dispensation of as few as several drops for
small projects to as much as 4 fluid
ounces when calculating additive
percentages, and it can be used to
check the accuracy of dispensing
pump sets.
This digital, precalibrated, .1- to
150.0-gram scale comes with isolated batteries
installed and a full two-year limited warranty. Structured within a
sturdy 5 x 3 x 3/4-inch case, this go-anywhere unit fits nicely into a
shirt or jacket pocket.
This durable, sensitive scale is presented as part of a “starter” kit
comprising sealable dispensing bottles, mixing sticks, chenille pipe
cleaners, and two sizes of small plastic cups. It is available for
$37.95.
CST—The Composites Store, Inc.: Box 622, Tehachapi CA
93581; Tel.: (800) 338-1278; Web site: www.cstsales.com
Small Batch Epoxy Scale Kit
This new product offers the operator quick and easy one-button
programming or automatic operation. The engine’s glow plug can
receive power at any throttle
setting, and that set point is
stored in memory until it is
changed.
The green status LED
indicates activity, and burnedout
plugs are identified by
flashing on the panel. The unit
doesn’t require a Y harness;
just plug its leads into the
throttle servo and to any 1.2- to
12.0-volt battery.
The Onboard Glow Plug Driver weighs only 34 grams and is
easy to install. Units are available for single- or twin-cylinder
applications. Availability is expected by late May.
Sullivan Products: 1 N. Haven St., Baltimore MD 21224; Tel.:
(410) 732-3500; Web site: www.sullivanproducts.com
Sullivan Onboard Glow Plug Driver
07sig1.QXD 5/23/07 3:19 PM Page 14
This long-awaited, greatly rumored new single-cylinder engine
has finally been released.
Why did it take so long? The new Desert
Aircraft engine isn’t half of the widely
popular DA-150; it has a
displacement of 85cc,
which makes it a new
engine.
Test pilots have noted that vibration
from this power plant is nearly nonexistent
and that it (new) will turn a 27 x 10
Mejzlik propeller at 6,300 rpm. That’s
100cc twin-engine performance! Desert
Aircraft has developed a mass-balanced
crank that makes the DA-85 extremely
smooth.
Expect this engine to be available in early summer. Pricing has
yet to be determined, so keep checking the Internet and your local
hobby dealer for more information.
Desert Aircraft: 1815 S. Research Loop, Tucson AZ 85710;
Tel.: (520) 722-0607; Web site: www.desertaircraft.com
takes only a minute, and this model can be flown in the tiniest spaces.
The Flit features a powerful geared micro motor and featherweight
carbon-fiber propeller. The control system is a three-channel,
proportional, infrared controller with built-in flight-battery recharger,
aluminum carrying case, and tiny 30 mAh Li-Poly battery.
Expect the street price to be $139.99 direct or from your local hobby
shop. With a flying speed as low as 1.5 mph, the Flit is perfect for
flying in homes, gymnasiums, schools, or even the office.
Hobby People: 18480 Bandilier Cir., Fountain Valley CA 92807;
Tel.: (800) 854-8471; Web site: www.hobbypeople.net
July 2007 15
Worth a Closer Look
This charge plug adapts to practically
any battery lead. The latest version is
made with a longer lead, so it’s more
convenient to use with today’s chargers
and battery safety containers.
The Spider comes completely assembled
with gold-plated plugs throughout. The
3.5mm banana plugs fit most chargers, and the
junction sleeve is molded in place to insulate the
connection.
Six output leads are installed,
including a female JST plug, a male
Ultra “T” (with safety cap), a Futaba
receiver female plug (will also fit the
standard UNI plug), a Futaba transmitter
plug (not for use with JR transmitters), and two
blank leads the user may customize.
This version of the Spider can handle 1.5 amps of continuous
current. A heavy-duty version is expected to be released in early
summer that will handle heavier current loads and include popular
battery plugs such as those from Multiplex, Deans, and Anderson.
Leon’s Spider is available direct for $17.99.
Shulman Aviation: 1140 Citrus Oaks Run, Winter Springs FL
32708; Tel.: (407) 359-1020; Web site: www.shulmanaviation.com
Robart Manufacturing
will soon offer an ARF
version of the Top Gunqualified
P-47D
Thunderbolt. This heavymetal
giant has a long list
of features that put it
squarely in the category of
Masters quality. The allcomposite
model will have
surface detail complete with rivets
and access panels. The landing gear will be from
Robart, which is a name renowned for quality.
The 1/5-scale P-47D model has a wingspan of 92 inches and a
length of 79 inches. At Toledo the prototype had yet to be weighed,
but the production version is expected to be at least a pound lighter
than the average built-up model constructed from Ziroli plans.
Recommended power is a 3.7 cu. in. gas engine. Two paint
schemes will be available: the one shown and all silver. More
information will be available on the Web site.
Robart Manufacturing: Box 1247, Saint Charles IL 60174; Tel.:
(877) 584-7616; Web site: www.robart.com
Ziroli Giant P-47D ARF
This true home
flyer is
innovative,
durable,
affordable, fun,
and ready to fly.
The Phase 3 Flit
has a tiny 14-inch
wingspan, weighs
less than 6 grams,
and uses tiny
magnets to retain the wing and locate the tail surfaces. Assembly
Flit Home Flyer
Leon’s Spider
The DA-85 Is Here
The Dragonus
is a Speed 400-
class helicopter
with CCPM
(collective cyclic
pitch mixing) for
precise control. It
has a main rotor
diameter of 28.5
inches and an
overall length of
26 inches. At
8.25 inches high, it has a flying weight of 27.5 ounces.
The kit has a rigid, lightweight aluminum frame, CNC metal
and precision-molded plastic parts. Its step-by-step assembly is
easy, thanks to the packaged parts in separate numbered and
lettered bags. The manual’s exploded view drawings show every
part.
The rotor head is “programmable”; you can mechanically set it
to one of three settings. The mildest is good for initial setup and
general flying. On the most sensitive setting the control is
instantaneous—great for radical 3-D flying. The parts’ fit and
finish is excellent, with no slop in any of the control linkages.
A powerful 300-plus-watt brushless outrunner motor and three
pinions (13-, 14-, and 15-tooth) are included. The blades are wood
covered with clear heat-shrink film. The canopy is white plastic
and can be painted. Flight time exceeds 10 minutes.
The kit price is $158.
Hobby Lobby: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood TN 37027;
Tel.: (615) 373-1444; Web site: www.hobby-lobby.com
Dragonus II N-PLUS
07sig1.QXD 5/23/07 1:09 PM Page 15
16 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
2.4 GHz systems are the hottest category in RC. Following are spread spectrum products that are worth a closer look. They can be
expected to be available by early summer.
Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST Systems
Futaba’s new 12FG radio combines the unmatched precision
of 2048 resolution with the groundbreaking advantages of
Futaba’s
proven FASST
(Futaba
Advanced
Spread
Spectrum
Technology)
2.4 GHz
system. This
radio is for
discerning RC
pilots who
insist on
state-of-theart
features
and functions
for the most
precise control
imaginable.
The
advantage of
FASST Futaba
2.4 GHz systems
is that they use
Constant Channel Shifting. The frequency shifts every 2
milliseconds, so there are no signal conflicts or interruptions.
If the receiver notices a problem with the data coming into
one antenna, it rapidly switches to the other, looking for the
sharpest signal. Futaba uses custom IC (integrated circuit) chips
that have been designed specifically for radio control.
Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST systems leave the factory already
linked. Once linked, the receiver will recognize and respond
only to that transmitter. Binding more receivers is not a problem;
the linking process is simple. Just push a button on the receiver.
The 12FG radio comes with the R6014FS 14-channel
receiver: the first single-unit spread spectrum receiver to offer
more than eight channels. The transmitter features quad-bearing
gimbals, SD Card data storage and transfer (SD card sold
separately), preprogrammed mixes, servo grouping, 30-model
memory, and much more.
Are you are happy with your current Futaba system? The
company has three new module/receiver sets that can be
retrofitted to the 7U, 8U, 9C, 9Z, 12Z, and 14MZ systems. Simply
plug them in and start enjoying all the benefits spread spectrum
technology has to offer without having to invest in a new
transmitter. These “made-for” components fit cleanly and are free
of wires and cables.
For the 7U, 8U, 9C, and 9Z systems, the set includes a TM-7
module and a 7-gram R607FS receiver. An eight-channel set is
available for the 9C and 9Z systems. For 14MZ
users there is a competitor’s
module-and-receiver set
that allows its user free
reign of all that
transmitter’s 14
channels.
The
small,
powerful 2.4
GHz FASST
R606FS and
R607FS
receivers
for flight
systems can control Giant Scale models as easily as park flyers
and weigh a scant 7 grams without the case. Futaba’s receivers
boast higher sensitivity for less unwanted interference.
Soon to come is a dedicated 7C seven-channel radio system
that fits squarely in the middle ground in computer systems. It
will offer much of the 9C’s setup versatility matched to fourchannel
ease of use.
All the Futaba FASST components will be available
separately or as sets. Check a local hobby retailer for
pricing and availability. All items are due in
stock by early summer.
Great Planes Model Distributors:
Box 9021, Champaign IL 61826;
Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site:
http://2.4gigahertz.com
07sig1.QXD 5/23/07 3:31 PM Page 16
DSM2 spread spectrum protocol. Each
Aircraft Module System includes a
DSM2 module, an AR7000 or AR9000
DSM2 receiver, a 2.4 GHz
transmitter antenna system, a
Bind Plug for
“binding” more
DSM2 receivers to
that transmitter,
and a detailed user
guide.
If you’re not
convinced,
Spektrum’s Flight
Log is compatible
with Spektrum
AR9000 receivers
and can be used
to measure the
radio link’s
performance. The
Flight Log displays
overall RF link
performance and the
individual internal and external receivers’ link data. It also displays
receiver voltage.
ParkZone’s new RTF Cessna 210 Centurion is a microsize replica
of the general-aviation classic that can be flown practically
anywhere—inside or outside. With a 15-inch wingspan and weighing
only 18 grams, it is extremely lightweight and
unbelievably maneuverable. And it has
more than enough power to perform
loops and tail slides.
The Centurion uses 2.4
GHz radio control, so it
can be flown without
worry of
interference. It
even includes
a display
stand with a
built-in
charger.
Horizon Hobby, Inc.: 4105
Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web
site: www.horizonhobby.com MA
July 2007 17
JR has two new pro-class,
programmable aircraft systems: the ninechannel
X9303 2.4, which is coming this
summer, and the 12-channel 12X, which is
scheduled for the fall. Both will feature all
the software sophistication for which JR is
known and the no-pins, no-crystals, noglitches
convenience and security of
proven Spektrum DSM2 2.4 GHz
technology.
The unique chip that is the basis for
Spektrum’s 2.4 GHz
technology was developed
specifically for RC by an
avid aircraft modeler who
wanted to create a
robust, ultrareliable
radio frequency (RF)
link that would be
immune to glitches and
interference. This chip
combined with
Spektrum’s patentpending
DSM/DSM2
protocols and the builtin
redundancy of
DuaLink, is technology
JR is proud to adopt.
If you already own a Spektrum-brand radio system, you will be
pleased to know that both new systems will work with any DSM
receivers you already have, including the AR6000, AR6100,
AR7000, and AR9000. When the time comes to move up to more
channels, you’ll
be set.
The JR R921
full-range
receiver can be
used with any
type and size of
aircraft. It
combines a main
receiver
connected by a 6-
inch lead to a smaller
remote receiver, the
combination of which
offers superior path diversity.
The DuaLink dual-path redundancy technology and the fact
that each of the two receivers is mounted in a slightly different
location exposes each to a different RF environment and creates a
bulletproof RF link in all conditions. You can even add a second
remote receiver if you think
the application calls
for it.
Spektrum’s new
Aircraft Module
Systems provide
everything
necessary to equip a
seven- or eightchannel
Futaba
module-based
aircraft system and a
seven- or ninechannel
JR modulebased
transmitter with
Worth a Closer Look
See page 215 for submission guidelines
JR 2.4 GHz Spektrum Systems
07sig1.QXD 5/23/07 1:24 PM Page 17
