14 MODEL AVIATION
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 its usage is
kept to short bursts. However,
improper handling and a vaporlocked
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 we have
enjoyed the reliable and 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 18-volt battery—
either 1.5 amps (item BL1815) or 3.0 amps (BL1830) and 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
Worth a Closer Look
We had the opportunity to
try the new Genesis XT from
Grex. We liked the pistolstyle
trigger—and not just
because it looked cool.
While most airbrushes
use a top-mounted trigger,
the pistol style felt more
comfortable and more
precise; slight changes to
trigger input were easier to
make in this configuration.
This design should also lead to less hand fatigue if used for long
spray sessions, since it is a similar setup as spray guns used for
automotive use.
The Genesis.XT is dual action, which means that the trigger
controls both the air and the paint. That allows more variation in
the spray pattern.
This airbrush can spray several types of paint, including oils,
gouches, urethanes, enamels, lacquers, acrylics, dyes, and inks.
Included are two side-mounted reservoirs, nozzle wrench, air
fitting, manual, and 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
Subsonic Planes is now the
US distributor of Motrolfly
motors. Since acquiring the
line, Ken Young has worked
with the factory to further
improve its power plants.
Those improvements include a
hub, for a more secure
propeller mounting, and sealed
bearings, to provide years of
use.
Motrolfly motors will be upgraded as new engineering is found
to improve performance or to be beneficial to the customer. These
power plants are backed by a one-year warranty, for 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 power plants, as are
matching female bullet connectors. Also included is an X mount
with mounting screws and 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
The Kyosho Minium AD Piper J-3 Cub looks good when it
comes out of the box and requires only that the wing struts be
installed for a more scale appearance, using the included doublestick
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. This is simple to do by pushing the right stick directly in
while turning on the transmitter. Since the transmitter is set up to
be used for either mode, Mode 2 fliers will find that the throttle is
spring-loaded and requires constant pressure.
The Cub looks as good in
the air as it does on the
ground. It will turn with either
rudder or elevator and does
nice turns with a little of both.
But be careful not to
accidentally give it rudder
while holding the throttle
stick; that is easy to do
without realizing it.
The J-3 Cub is a calm outdoor flyer that can easily play
indoors, given you have a gym-sized space.
Kyosho: 20322 Valencia Cir., Lake Forrest CA 92630; Tel.:
(949) 454-8854; Web site: www.kyoshoamerica.com
Kyosho Cub
A Finer Starter
Motrolfly Motors
Genesis.XT Airbrush
11sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/24/09 1:47 PM Page 14
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 has a
fixed ground spike and one
has a removable ground spike.
The standard Tail-Hook has
an 18-inch-long hook that
suit s 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 Veichor: (908) 218-8963
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. Besides these
great pipes, you should
look closely at Common
Sense RC’s other helicopter goodies.
GP-Exhaust pipes are tuned exhaust systems. They are
handmade in Germany by craftsmen who have more than 20 years
of experience in RC model-engine design work 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 lightweight and simple to install.
Our aircraft are equipped with O.S. engines and have
performed well with sport muffler systems. The
upgrade to GP-Exhaust produced a
vivid power boost to both 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 MA
November 2009 15
Worth a Closer Look
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, to come up with motor, ESC, and
battery options that are plug-and-play and hassle-free to use. The
370, 400, and .10 motors are named so that glow-power fliers
know what system to buy to convert an old glow setup.
If you have a small, directdrive,
brushed power system,
the 370 motor package with
20-amp ESC and 640 mAh
battery is an ideal upgrade.
We saw a nice power increase
and double the flight time.
You 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 to make you smile, the
batteries are rated at 15C and include the Great Planes balance
wiring and plug.
SuperTigre: Box 9021, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 398-
8970; Web site: www.supertigre.com
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 great options that 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 the great XPS 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. Then
during the winter, we returned the system
for the latest v3 firmware update—at no
charge!
Our eight-channel system works
better than on the day it was
purchased—more than 10 years
ago—and the module/receiver
exchange means that we avoided
the hassle of reprogramming or
learning a new radio system.
XPS is an American
company, and the majority of its products are made in the US.
Xtreme Power Systems: 2440 N. Kiowa Blvd., Lake Havasu
City AZ 86403; Web site: www.xtremepowersystems.net
Tail-Hook Electric SuperTigrized Airplane Restraint
See page 183 for submission guidelines
Xtreme Radio Upgrade
Common Sense Exhaust
11sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/24/09 1:51 PM Page 15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 14,15
14 MODEL AVIATION
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 its usage is
kept to short bursts. However,
improper handling and a vaporlocked
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 we have
enjoyed the reliable and 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 18-volt battery—
either 1.5 amps (item BL1815) or 3.0 amps (BL1830) and 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
Worth a Closer Look
We had the opportunity to
try the new Genesis XT from
Grex. We liked the pistolstyle
trigger—and not just
because it looked cool.
While most airbrushes
use a top-mounted trigger,
the pistol style felt more
comfortable and more
precise; slight changes to
trigger input were easier to
make in this configuration.
This design should also lead to less hand fatigue if used for long
spray sessions, since it is a similar setup as spray guns used for
automotive use.
The Genesis.XT is dual action, which means that the trigger
controls both the air and the paint. That allows more variation in
the spray pattern.
This airbrush can spray several types of paint, including oils,
gouches, urethanes, enamels, lacquers, acrylics, dyes, and inks.
Included are two side-mounted reservoirs, nozzle wrench, air
fitting, manual, and 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
Subsonic Planes is now the
US distributor of Motrolfly
motors. Since acquiring the
line, Ken Young has worked
with the factory to further
improve its power plants.
Those improvements include a
hub, for a more secure
propeller mounting, and sealed
bearings, to provide years of
use.
Motrolfly motors will be upgraded as new engineering is found
to improve performance or to be beneficial to the customer. These
power plants are backed by a one-year warranty, for 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 power plants, as are
matching female bullet connectors. Also included is an X mount
with mounting screws and 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
The Kyosho Minium AD Piper J-3 Cub looks good when it
comes out of the box and requires only that the wing struts be
installed for a more scale appearance, using the included doublestick
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. This is simple to do by pushing the right stick directly in
while turning on the transmitter. Since the transmitter is set up to
be used for either mode, Mode 2 fliers will find that the throttle is
spring-loaded and requires constant pressure.
The Cub looks as good in
the air as it does on the
ground. It will turn with either
rudder or elevator and does
nice turns with a little of both.
But be careful not to
accidentally give it rudder
while holding the throttle
stick; that is easy to do
without realizing it.
The J-3 Cub is a calm outdoor flyer that can easily play
indoors, given you have a gym-sized space.
Kyosho: 20322 Valencia Cir., Lake Forrest CA 92630; Tel.:
(949) 454-8854; Web site: www.kyoshoamerica.com
Kyosho Cub
A Finer Starter
Motrolfly Motors
Genesis.XT Airbrush
11sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/24/09 1:47 PM Page 14
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 has a
fixed ground spike and one
has a removable ground spike.
The standard Tail-Hook has
an 18-inch-long hook that
suit s 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 Veichor: (908) 218-8963
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. Besides these
great pipes, you should
look closely at Common
Sense RC’s other helicopter goodies.
GP-Exhaust pipes are tuned exhaust systems. They are
handmade in Germany by craftsmen who have more than 20 years
of experience in RC model-engine design work 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 lightweight and simple to install.
Our aircraft are equipped with O.S. engines and have
performed well with sport muffler systems. The
upgrade to GP-Exhaust produced a
vivid power boost to both 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 MA
November 2009 15
Worth a Closer Look
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, to come up with motor, ESC, and
battery options that are plug-and-play and hassle-free to use. The
370, 400, and .10 motors are named so that glow-power fliers
know what system to buy to convert an old glow setup.
If you have a small, directdrive,
brushed power system,
the 370 motor package with
20-amp ESC and 640 mAh
battery is an ideal upgrade.
We saw a nice power increase
and double the flight time.
You 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 to make you smile, the
batteries are rated at 15C and include the Great Planes balance
wiring and plug.
SuperTigre: Box 9021, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 398-
8970; Web site: www.supertigre.com
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 great options that 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 the great XPS 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. Then
during the winter, we returned the system
for the latest v3 firmware update—at no
charge!
Our eight-channel system works
better than on the day it was
purchased—more than 10 years
ago—and the module/receiver
exchange means that we avoided
the hassle of reprogramming or
learning a new radio system.
XPS is an American
company, and the majority of its products are made in the US.
Xtreme Power Systems: 2440 N. Kiowa Blvd., Lake Havasu
City AZ 86403; Web site: www.xtremepowersystems.net
Tail-Hook Electric SuperTigrized Airplane Restraint
See page 183 for submission guidelines
Xtreme Radio Upgrade
Common Sense Exhaust
11sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/24/09 1:51 PM Page 15