Worth a Closer Look
4-in-1 Airplane Stand
Model stands are handy when you're working on aircraft at home or at the field. For those who fly larger aircraft (roughly 50cc and up), options have been limited. Extreme Flight addressed this need with the 4-in-1 stand, designed to work with round and "standard"-shaped fuselages.
The 4-in-1 features different-size and -shape padded openings on each of its four sides to accommodate a wide variety of models—simply flip the stand to the size needed. We've seen it used for aircraft as large as 100cc; a 50cc airplane is shown here for reference. The stand comes with padding installed and only needs to be bolted together with the included hardware.
Extreme Flight RC: 3600 N. Parkway, Ste. 101, Cumming, GA 30040; Tel.: (770) 887-1794; Web site: www.extremeflightrc.com
Celectra Four-Port Charger
If you fly ParkZone or E-flite microsize models, you likely use several 1S flight batteries that need charging. E-flite's Celectra charger makes this convenient by charging up to four 1S batteries.
The four ports can be used simultaneously or separately and have independent circuits, allowing batteries with different capacities to be charged together. The Celectra runs off four D-size batteries or can be powered using the optional E-flite AC adapter. For safety, batteries can be inserted only one way, ensuring proper polarity. Charging 70–110 mAh batteries takes 30–40 minutes, and charge status is displayed with an LED for each port.
We found the charger simple to use and appreciate the ability to use AC power when available, with the option to switch to battery power in the field. Being able to charge four batteries at once provides uninterrupted flying and ensures models are ready when you are.
Horizon Hobby, Inc.: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site: www.e-fliterc.com
KBDD Head and Tail Dressing
KBDD offers helicopter accessories that improve visibility and can change or enhance performance on many popular RC helicopters.
The company began with head dampeners that provided longer life and head stability sought by serious 3-D pilots. Its paddles provide performance for a variety of flying styles and have two mounting holes: the front flybar hole is threaded and preferred, while the rear hole is intended for the most aggressive 3-D pilots who demand lots of "pop."
KBDD tail blades are a bright addition for visibility and come in four colors with sizes for 200 motors up to large gas engines. There's even a night blade and paddle set. We found the paddles improved helicopter solidity without sacrificing maneuverability. The tail blades are stiff and practical compared to carbon-fiber tail blades that can break easily.
KBDD LLC: 6475 E. Main St., Suite 110, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068; Tel.: (614) 863-1111; Web site: www.kbddintl.com
Dremel 4000 High Performance Rotary
This isn't your father's Dremel—the new 4000 model is the most powerful rotary tool Dremel has produced to date. It separates the on/off switch from the speed-control dial, allowing you to use a set speed each time if desired. Electronic feedback circuitry helps it perform consistently at all speeds.
The 4000 is compatible with all existing Dremel accessories and attachments, plus high-performance attachments to handle a wide range of projects. Available attachment configurations include a front grip for greater precision, a circle cutter, and a straightedge guide.
A worthy upgrade to Dremel’s line of rotary tools, the 4000 is ready to tackle modeling projects large and small.
Dremel: 4915 21st St., Racine, WI 53406; Tel.: (800) 437-3635; Web site: www.dremel.com
On-Board Temp Treasure
Knowing an engine's temperature is vital. Moore's Ideal Products (MIP) TG-3 On-Board Temperature Gauge sensor fastens directly onto a gas-engine heat sink and delivers continuous, accurate temperature readings when activated.
The large LCD can display Celsius or Fahrenheit, has an on/off button for longer battery life, and includes a recall button to check highest and lowest temperatures. The TG-3 is simple to install and comes with a clear molded splash guard.
We tested it on a helicopter with a hard-to-find overheating problem. We could read the gauge while the model hovered. The TG-3 helped narrow down which changes had the greatest effect, saving diagnostic time and costly engine repairs. The TG-3 is $22.95.
RJR Cool Tools: Box 98, Dimondale, MI 48821; Tel.: (877) 230-2085; Web site: www.rjrcooltools.com
Angle Wizard
The Angle Wizard is a simple, precise tool for setting up models so they fly trim-free from the workbench. To use it, set the Wizard on any surface, press "zero," then tilt the surface as needed. It measures up to 180° and is accurate to 0.1°. The digital display is clear.
We found it helpful to add low-tack double-stick tape to the bottom so it wouldn't slide on smooth surfaces. The travel pouch keeps it protected in the field box for quick reference. Cost: $34.95.
Scratch Builder Warehouse: 3713 Pompano Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514; Tel.: (850) 494-0203; Web site: http://scratchbuilderwarehouse.com
RealFlight Basic
An RC simulator is a great way to practice without risking a model. RealFlight Basic gives pilots the essentials for simulator stick time, featuring many aircraft and flying fields from RealFlight G4.5 and Expansion Packs (including 47 aircraft and six PhotoField sites).
RealFlight Basic includes a six-channel controller modeled on an actual transmitter and comes on a single DVD for streamlined installation. We installed it on a laptop to get flying time on the road. It uses the same flight physics as other RealFlight versions, and the transmitter menu lets users select airports and aircraft. A reset button keeps keyboard and mouse use to a minimum.
If you're shopping for an RC flight simulator, RealFlight Basic is a low-cost option worth considering.
Great Planes Hobby Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-3630; Web site: www.realflight.com
PowerEdge Batteries
Choosing batteries for electric models can be confusing. Beyond price, service and warranty matter. RC Accessory imports PowerEdge batteries that offer strong performance, a broad pack variety at reasonable prices, and a fair warranty.
PowerEdge packs have a 30C (or better) rating and can be charged at 3C, meaning a pack can be ready to go again in about 20 minutes. We sampled four popular sizes: 1300 mAh 3S, 2100 mAh 3S, 2200 mAh 4S, and 2600 mAh 6S. All arrived assembled with Dean's Ultra Connectors and seemed well built.
So far we've been pleased with discharge and charging performance. Heating the batteries to any noticeable warmth has been difficult—which is good. Power output is excellent.
RC Accessory, Inc.: 3304 Foxridge Cir., Tampa, FL 33618; Tel.: (813) 765-0124; Web site: www.rcaccessory.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
