14 MODEL AVIATION
Got digital? Hitec does, in many of the bestselling
micro flavors in servo technology.
Ingredients such as durable metal gears and
programmability combine to give a model
airplane, helicopter, or car better
performance with improved centering,
higher resolution, and more holding
power.
Satisfy that digital-servo craving
with the new HS-5055MG, HS-
5056MG, HS-5065MG, HS-5082MG,
and HS-5085MG.
Hitec HS-50
Feather servo users will love the HS-
5055MG; it has 15.27-18.05 ounces of
available torque and weighs just 0.33
ounce.
HS-56 servo fans will appreciate the
HS-5056MG because it
has 13.88-16.66
ounces of torque,
and the slightly
wider HS-5065MG
has an impressive
24.99- to 30.05-ounce
output rating. Those servos weigh
0.37 and 0.42 ounce respectively.
If you’re looking to upgrade
your HS-81 servo-equipped model,
check out the HS-5082MG. This
high-speed
miniservo packs
38.8-47.1 ounces
of torque and weighs a
mere 0.67 ounce.
The slightly larger HS-
5085MG has a whopping
4.8/6.0-volt output rating
from 41.66 to 48.6
ounces and weighs
0.75 ounce.
As far as speed, the
HS-5055 servo’s fastest
transit time is 0.14 second, but the rest are
faster with transit speeds of 0.09-0.12
second.
All of these servos are expected to be
available by the fourth quarter of 2007.
Hitec RCD: 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858)
748-6948; Web site: www.hitecrcd.com
Worth a Closer Look
There’s no more guessing about what’s going on while
flying with Medusa Research, Inc.’s newest product: the Oracle
Data Recorder. It
takes the power
and functionality
of the company’s
world-renowned
Power Analyzer
Pro and shrinks it
down to a small
The electricpowered
Hornet
designed by
Budget RC (BRC)
is for intermediate
and advanced
pilots. This
distinctive model
is for outdoor or
large indoor flying
areas. On low
rates it is predictable, even in a breeze. On high rates it is
unstoppable and will amaze any 3-D enthusiast.
The Hornet is a big step up in performance for those who have
flown flat-wing foamies. Its high-lift airfoil and light weight make
it an amazing slow-flight performer. This model is exceptionally
stable and is a good electric airplane for first-time electric,
intermediate pilots.
Designed with interlocking parts, the kit is preprinted and
features a durable Depron frame that is easy to build and repair.
The Hornet uses a low-cost brushless power system such as the
Tower Pro 2409.
Test-fly the Hornet on the Great Planes RealFlight 3.5
simulator; just download the free file from the Budget RC Web
site. With a wingspan of 33.4 inches, this model’s ready-to-fly
weight is 9.8 ounces and it uses an inexpensive 600 mAh, 3S Li-
Poly battery. The kit is just $37.99.
Budget RC: 5533 Center Dr., Croswell MI 48422; Tel.: (810)
841-4071; Web site: www.budgetrc.com
New Digital Microservos
The Oracle Data Recorder
Budget RC Hornet
1.1 x 1.8-inch package that weighs just 0.5 ounce (Deans
connector version).
The Oracle can record as many as 10 measurements: volts,
amps, watts, amphours,
watt-hours,
two temperatures
(battery, motor,
ESC, etc.), rpm,
throttle position,
and auxiliary
analog input. The
RPM Phase Sensor
connects to one wire of a
brushless motor, so there is no need for optics or magnets.
Even more measurements can be made with add-on modules
that will soon be available. The Servo Monitor Module adds
servo voltage and current and additional inputs for temperatures
or auxiliary analog inputs. The Altimeter Module adds altitude,
and other modules will be available for an array of
measurements.
Record the aircraft flight performance from 20 minutes to
more than 10 days. Multiple recordings are possible, so several
test flights can be recorded without erasing any. Userconfigurable
sampling and recorded data channels give the user
all the flexibility that is needed.
The recorded data is downloadable using the feature-rich
PowerPROview software (included); just plug the Oracle into a
POWERLink USB adapter or Power Analyzer Pro.
The Oracle with Deans connectors or wires is $66.95 by
itself or $99.95 packaged with an RPM Phase Sensor, one Temp
Sensor, and a POWERLink USB Adapter with cable.
Medusa Research, Inc.: 288 Plymouth Ave., Fall River MA
02721; Tel.: (508) 675-0200; Web site: www.medusaproducts.com
10sig1.QXD 8/22/07 12:39 PM Page 14
October 2007 15
Worth a Closer Look
See page 199 for submission guidelines
The first in a new product line, the Model Design &
Blueprinting Handbook, Volume 1, is packed with more than 260
pages that contain an excess of 230 detailed illustrations geared
toward enthusiasts of all modeling genres. Both 3-D and
traditional modelers will find
it to be a valuable resource for
planning and designing
projects.
This all-in-one guide
provides a foundational course
in model design from start to
finish, covering all the basics
of analyzing available
references, sketching threeview
drawings, drafting
blueprints, and making
accurate construction
patterns/templates for modelrelated
projects.
Thanks to the concepts and
techniques included in this
new book, modelers will see “hands-on” how to get project ideas
out of their imagination and onto paper—or into the computer.
Whether the goal is to design and build a 3-D computer model or
construct a physical model from scratch, readers can be up and
running in no time with this handy guide’s help.
Modelers’ Notebook.com: 15600 NE 8th St. Suite B1 PMB 422,
Bellevue WA 98008; E-mail: [email protected]; Web
site: www.modelersnotebook.com
Model Design & Blueprinting Handbook
In response to requests from jet modelers around the world and
recognizing the need for an all-wood, turbine-powered sport jet,
Nick Ziroli Plans is pleased to offer the newest addition to its evergrowing
line of Giant Scale plans and accessories: the Turbinator
sport jet.
The 72-inch-wingspan
model employs traditional
building techniques and
materials and can be built
easily by those who have
previous RC modeling
experience. These
elements combine to
provide an affordable,
material-familiar airframe.
Styled after the classic 1950s-era jets, the Turbinator offers a
realistic-looking, great-performing, and affordable jet model that
doesn’t require exotic materials, complicated internal ducting, or
expensive, specialized components. It uses off-the-shelf retracts
and is grass-field capable, further enhancing its affordability and
everyday flyability.
The plans set consists of four full-size layout and parts
drawings, which show all details and assembly notes, and a
building-sequence manual. The plans set is $54 plus shipping and
handling.
Nick Ziroli Plans: 29 Edgar Dr., Smithtown NY 11787; Tel.:
(631) 467-4765; Web site: www.ziroliplans.com MA
The Turbinator
The SPE 40cc is a simple, reliable, and economical solution to
the ever-rising cost of glow power. It comes with all necessary
accessories including a Walbro carburetor, side-output muffler,
and ignition system. The
package also includes
mounting hardware and a
basic tool kit. Various
engine-mount standoffs are
available, as is a Pitts-style
muffler upon request for a
minor upgrade charge.
This 40cc engine’s
electronic ignition system
advances the ignition
timing as the engine rpm
increases. This ensures
retarded ignition timing at
low rpm for easy starts and
good low-end engine
performance and advanced
timing at high rpm for good
high-end power. The ignition module is water-resistant and
vibration proof and works on any five-cell Ni-Cd or 2S Li-Poly
battery pack.
The SPE 40cc’s power output is rated at 3.4 BHP (brake
horsepower) at 9,000 rpm, and it can turn an 18 x 8 to 21 x 8
propeller. The engine weighs 53 ounces and runs on unleaded
gasoline mixed 1.45:1 with two-stroke mineral oil. The list price is
$309.95.
Cermark: 830 Bell Ranch Dr. #101, Santa Fe Springs CA
90670; Tel: (562) 906-0808; Web site: www.cermark.com
SPE 40 Engine
The iVol is an
input device
(transmitter) for the
Reflex XTR RC
flight simulator. It
controls a model and
simulation software
and is also a state-ofthe-
art device for
joystick games.
Use online
communication to get
support from users around the world. Store the virtual aircraft and its
programming in the iVol, and share it with other experts and novice
pilots.
Soon iVol users can expand their knowledge base by
programming an actual model with a PC, mouse, monitor, and
keyboard, taking advantage of the multimedia support found in a
modern information technology environment.
Once the model is programmed, test its programming with the
simulator. Detect errors and mistakes before they crash the valuable
aircraft. Later in 2007, MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation) will have
2.4 GHz iVol units available that can also be used to fly at the field.
Key features of the iVol radio system include digital trims for all
axes, two position switches, variable stick lengths, proportional input
dials, and free function assignment. The data screen has adjustable
contrast and a bright illuminated display.
The iVol is adaptable. The user can arrange and add switches as
needed, and its rubber grips provide an unmatched feel and handling.
Model Rectifier Corporation: 80 Newfield Ave., Edison NJ
08837; Tel.: (732) 225-2100; Web site: www.modelrec.com
iVol Now and in the Future
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