Worth a Closer Look
A Finer Starter
For the most part, starter motors can handle the excessive power that a three- or four-cell Li-Poly battery can provide—as long as the pack is chosen properly and it's used in short bursts. However, improper handling and a vapor-locked engine will damage a Li-Poly pack more quickly than almost anything.
A Finer Edge Manufacturing (FEM) has a better way to adapt a 12-volt starter to lithium power. Taking the proven technology from the Makita LXT line of 18-volt Li-Ion cordless tools, FEM created an adapter to fit almost every model-engine starter on the market. The package is nearly the most professional setup we’ve seen.
For helicopters and airplanes, we tested the adapter on Sullivan, Robbe, Hobbico, and Horizon Hobby starters and enjoyed reliable, safe power. We had to make 10-32 through-bolts on some of the starters we tried, but all results provided a handsome package.
Besides the FEM adapter, you’ll need the Makita 18-volt battery—either 1.5 amp (item BL1815) or 3.0 amp (BL1830)—and the factory charger (item DC18RA) from Makita. Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new drill!
A Finer Edge Manufacturing 11305 W. Olive Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323 Tel.: (623) 877-1510 Web site: www.afineredgemfg.com
Motrolfly Motors
Subsonic Planes is now the U.S. distributor of Motrolfly motors. Since acquiring the line, Ken Young has worked with the factory to further improve its power plants. Improvements include a hub for a more secure propeller mounting and sealed bearings for long life. Motrolfly motors will be upgraded as new engineering is found to improve performance or benefit the customer. These power plants are backed by a one-year warranty against flaws and defects.
The Motrolfly line currently has motors to power models ranging from 5-ounce F3P aircraft to 8-pound scale machines. Male bullet connectors are installed on the motors, with matching female bullet connectors included. Also included is an X mount with mounting screws and a propeller-shaft adapter.
Shown is the 2820-950 motor that we received and will be testing further. It can be powered using a three- to five-cell Li-Poly battery and is capable of providing 800–1,200 watts, depending on setup. The 2820-950 weighs 5.36 ounces and is suited for airplanes that weigh as much as 6.75 pounds.
Subsonic Planes 7914 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE 68114 Tel.: (402) 319-1844 Web site: www.subsonicplanes.com
Genesis.XT Airbrush
We had the opportunity to try the new Genesis.XT from Grex. We liked the pistol-style trigger—and not just because it looked cool.
While most airbrushes use a top-mounted trigger, the pistol style felt more comfortable and precise; slight changes to trigger input were easier to make in this configuration. This design should also lead to less hand fatigue during long spray sessions, since it is similar to spray guns used in automotive work.
The Genesis.XT is dual action, which means the trigger controls both the air and the paint, allowing more variation in the spray pattern. It can spray several types of paint, including oils, gouaches, urethanes, enamels, lacquers, acrylics, dyes, and inks.
Included accessories:
- Two side-mounted reservoirs
- Nozzle wrench
- Air fitting
- Manual
- Plastic carrying case
The Genesis.XT has a heavy nickel-chrome-plated housing for durability and comes with a one-year warranty.
Grex 705 S. Electric Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803 Tel.: (626) 289-7618 Web site: www.grexusa.com
Kyosho Cub
The Kyosho Minium AD Piper J-3 Cub looks good out of the box and requires only that the wing struts be installed for a more scale appearance, using the included double-stick tape.
While we were adding the struts, we inserted four AA-size alkaline batteries (not included) in the transmitter and charged the flight battery. A nice feature is that the transmitter has a built-in charger for the 70 mAh flight battery. This keeps things simple, and charging can be done while the transmitter is in use.
The included transmitter is 2.4 GHz and allows for as many as 24 Minium aircraft to be flown at the same time.
Before flying, we had to change the transmitter from Mode 1 to Mode 2, which is simple to do by pushing the right stick directly in while turning on the transmitter. Since the transmitter is set up for either mode, Mode 2 fliers will find that the throttle is spring-loaded and requires constant pressure.
The J-3 Cub is a calm outdoor flyer that can easily play indoors, given a gym-sized space.
Kyosho 20322 Valencia Cir., Lake Forest, CA 92630 Tel.: (949) 454-8854 Web site: www.kyoshoamerica.com
Electric SuperTigrized
The strong line of SuperTigre two-stroke glow engines has reliably powered our sport models for decades and continues to be strongly recommended. Now SuperTigre has applied its philosophy to systems for the electric-power enthusiast.
The company has covered the bases and looked into the needs of the RC park-flyer pilot, coming up with motor, ESC, and battery options that are plug-and-play and hassle-free to use. The 370, 400, and .10 motor packages are named so glow-power fliers know what system to buy to convert an old glow setup.
If you have a small, direct-drive, brushed power system, the 370 motor package with a 20-amp ESC and 640 mAh battery is an ideal upgrade. We saw a nice power increase and roughly double the flight time. Foamie warbird fans will love the 400 motor, and anyone with a tired .10 glow-engine–powered model will find the SuperTigre .10 to be a thrill.
We liked the "E-Tigre" line's straightforward construction. Each motor is an outrunner design that has been static-balanced for smoother running and long life. Priced attractively, the batteries are rated at 15 C and include Great Planes balance wiring and plug.
SuperTigre Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61822 Tel.: (217) 398-8970 Web site: www.supertigre.com
Xtreme Radio Upgrade
A transmitter can become a serious RC pilot's best friend. If you're attached to your radio but ready to try 2.4 GHz technology, look at the options Xtreme Power Systems (XPS) has available. There are module and receiver packages that will fit almost any manufacturer's radio.
If you have a previously released XPS setup and want to keep the system up to date, check out XPS's service department. The company's systems have always been serviceable and upgradeable, and the warranty policy is superb.
We had a good experience with one of the first module systems we tested in our Futaba 8UAS radio. During the winter, we returned the system for the latest firmware update—at no charge. Our eight-channel system works better now than on the day it was purchased—more than 10 years ago—and the module/receiver exchange made that possible. The hassle of reprogramming or learning a new radio system vanished. XPS is an American company, and the majority of its products are made in the U.S.
Xtreme Power Systems 2440 N. Kiowa Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Web site: www.xtremepowersystems.net
Tail-Hook Airplane Restraint
When we received the Tail-Hook airplane restraint, we were impressed by its simplicity. Once you have the unit anchored to the ground, hook the foam-padded arms around your model's horizontal stabilizer and start it.
When you are ready to fly, roll your aircraft back a few inches and the Tail-Hook falls away, releasing your aircraft. Neither lifting nor adjusting the restraint is required.
The Tail-Hook is available in two versions: one with a fixed ground spike and one with a removable ground spike. The standard Tail-Hook has an 18-inch-long hook that suits models as large as 1/4 scale. A custom-designed Tail-Hook can be made for larger airplanes.
If you are looking for a safe way to tune or run up your model's engine, the Tail-Hook has you covered. You can purchase one directly from Tom Viechor or through the RC Universe Marketplace.
Tom Viechor Tel.: (908) 218-8963
Common Sense Exhaust
We're testing both the 50- and 90-size versions of the new GP-Exhaust systems, now available from Common Sense RC. This company is branching out and delving into the helicopter special-interest market. Besides these great pipes, you should look closely at Common Sense RC's other helicopter goodies.
GP-Exhaust pipes are tuned exhaust systems handmade in Germany by craftsmen with more than 20 years of experience in RC model-engine design and manufacturing.
The single-piece systems feature robust engineering that includes mounting hardware and a silicone stinger. They are crafted and polished to a high shine, as well as being lightweight and simple to install.
Our aircraft equipped with O.S. engines have performed well with sport muffler systems. The upgrade to GP-Exhaust produced a vivid power boost to our helicopters as well as a quieter exhaust tone. Machines that were once great sport models are now insane 3-D thoroughbreds!
Common Sense RC 9725 Owensmouth Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Tel.: (866) 405-8811 Web site: www.commonsenserc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
