Worth a Closer Look
Night Vapor
The original Vapor introduced countless pilots to micro-flying with its simplicity and slow-speed performance. The new ParkZone Night Vapor is an improved design that features LEDs, allowing the model to be flown in any light conditions.
The Night Vapor uses a modular design, making parts replacement easier in case of a mishap.
We received the BNF (Bind-N-Fly) version, which works with any DSM2-compatible transmitter. An RTF (Ready-to-Fly) version is also available.
The Night Vapor LEDs are plenty bright and aid in orientation:
- three white lights on the wing leading edge (LE)
- one green light and one red light on the trailing edge (TE)
- one white light at the tail skid
Night-flying in the front or back yard is comfortable with this airplane; it can be flown in a nose-high attitude for amazingly slow flight. The model is easy to track and orientation is simple thanks to the bright LEDs. It can also be flown comfortably in a large indoor space (such as a one-car garage) or outdoors in calm conditions.
The Night Vapor is an easy way to try night-flying; just be sure to look out for obstacles lurking in the dark!
ParkZone: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.parkzone.com
Pulso Motors
Electric-powered models are more popular than ever, and aeromodelers have many options when it comes to motors and ESCs. Pulso is a company based in Shanghai, China, that produces motors for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), RC, and electric tools. Its current line of RC motors will power aircraft weighing from about 5 ounces to 15 pounds, and the company also manufactures a line of ESCs.
Each motor includes all hardware required to mount it on either side of the model firewall and a detailed instruction sheet with color photographs showing how to mount the motor. The sheet also includes complete motor specifications and recommendations for battery and propeller selection. Bullet connectors are preinstalled, so no soldering is required.
Pulso backs each motor with a two-year warranty that offers a free replacement if the design or assembly is at fault.
We received ESCs and the 2212/20 motor from Monto RC Hobby (a U.S. distributor of Pulso motors). This unit weighs 57 grams, can handle up to 16 amps, and is suitable for flying an aircraft that weighs as much as 23 ounces.
Monto RC Hobby: 72 Industrial Park Pl., Powell, OH 43065; Tel.: (614) 312-2390; Web site: www.montorco.com
AeroCinema
AeroCinema is an online documentary channel dedicated to honoring the legacy of flight with feature-length films and short stories that examine the most exciting aircraft of years gone by. Launched in October 2009, the site currently features 182 exclusive films and adds an average of about 10 films every month.
Each movie is produced by a dedicated team of professional filmmakers who are also aviation enthusiasts. They handle every aspect of production, including video and sound editing, animation, historical research, script writing, creative design, Internet technology, and all operational tasks.
Site sections:
- "Features" contains documentary-style movies that combine archive footage, animation, and specially filmed segments.
- "Reflections" offers interviews with a variety of aviators who share firsthand stories and memorable moments.
Visitors can preview some films and can join for full access for as little as $9.95 per month.
AeroCinema: 1218 Lakeshore Road W., Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6L 5J3; Tel.: (905) 842-1905; Web site: www.aerocinema.com
Worth a Closer Look
Low-Cost Servos
Hobby Lobby has released two new servos under the eRC name: the 8 gram (item ERCS800) and the 9 gram (ERCS900). They are value priced at $7.99 and $9.99 respectively.
Specs:
- 8 gram (ERCS800): nylon gears, 15.25 ounces of torque, 0.12 second speed at 6 volts
- 9 gram (ERCS900): metal gears, 18 ounces of torque, 0.10 second speed at 6 volts
We received three 8-gram units to test in a foam model and were immediately impressed with the generous number of servo arms provided: six in total (three different single arms, two double arms, and a wheel). A second servo-horn mounting screw was also provided in the package.
The servo wires measure 7.25 inches from the unit to the tip of the universal plug, allowing installation without servo extensions.
Initial bench-testing shows good centering; we look forward to testing durability after several flights.
Hobby Lobby International: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027; Tel.: (866) 512-1444; Web site: www.hobby-lobby.com
Castle Field Link
When Castle Creations released the Castle Link USB programmer, it eliminated beep-code programming for ESCs. Still, at the field and away from a computer, you might want to change ESC settings. The new Field Link bridges that gap, allowing any of the company's ESCs released after 2007 to be updated in the field. It also allows changes to the BEC voltage on compatible units.
Usage is simple: connect the Field Link to the throttle lead of the ESC and add power, then click the button to scroll through and adjust settings.
Bonus features:
- USB compatible — can be used as a Castle Link when connected to a Windows PC
- Requires Windows PC with USB 2.0 and the Castle Link software (free download from the company's website)
Castle Creations: 540 N. Rogers Rd., Olathe, KS 66062; Tel.: (913) 390-6164; Web site: www.castlecreations.com
Heli-Max Novus UH-1D Huey
The Heli-Max Novus UH-1D Huey allows RC pilots to fly a semiscale military helicopter without waiting to build skills for larger models. Its coaxial design provides stability, and the model includes scale details such as panel lines, rivets, functioning navigational lights, and even a tail rotor for added realism.
Features:
- Detailed cockpit and opening side doors for access and adjustments
- Officially licensed product
- Box doubles as a carrying case
Included in the box:
- Assembled helicopter
- 2.4 GHz four-channel computer radio with dual rates and backlit LCD
- Two 600 mAh batteries
- 3-amp wall charger
- Extra set of rotor blades
- 31-page instruction manual
The Huey is stable in flight; the heading-hold gyro locks in the tail nicely for a micro-size helicopter. It performed well indoors in office space and outdoors in calm conditions.
If you ever dreamed of flying a semiscale military helicopter in your living room, the Heli-Max Novus UH-1D Huey is cleared for takeoff.
Great Planes Hobby Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-3630; Web site: www.helimax-rc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
