Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/09
Page Numbers: 14,15
,

Worth a Closer Look

Super Brain Balancer

The Accutec RB126 will precisely test and balance battery packs with two to six cells before, during, or after their use.

Once a battery is plugged into the RB126 via the balance plug, the unit will flash once to indicate the number of cells in the pack. The six LEDs display cell condition during use and allow the balancer to be used as a stand-alone product.

Pilots who want more data on their battery packs can purchase a USB adapter and download free software from MRC to analyze their batteries on a computer. The software provides a graphical display of battery condition, including pack voltage, individual cell voltage, highest and lowest cell voltage, and percent off balance.

Although the balancer discharges the higher cells to get the pack in balance, it will not discharge individual cells to less than 3.2 volts.

Pin spacing is provided for XH-style balance taps. An adapter can be purchased separately to accommodate taps using 2 mm pin spacing.

  • Model Rectifier Corporation: 80 Newfield Ave., Edison, NJ 08837
  • Tel.: (732) 225-2100
  • Website: www.modelrec.com

Hitec Aurora 9

One of the most exciting things about the Aurora is the 5.1-inch backlit touch screen. It makes programming the radio simple, because you can easily access all of the options. The dashboard even provides an option at startup to use the radio without transmitting.

Although we needed the manual to understand the bind process, we were able to set up programming for a four-channel, high-wing trainer without taking a peek. We also adjusted the stick tension, which the user can access on the back of the transmitter without opening the case.

When programming a model, the user needs to assign the switches. This is made easy by using the touch screen. We found that if you typically use the same switch assignments, you can use the model copy feature to save time.

The telemetry features of the Aurora 9 provide pilots with useful information, including real-time receiver voltage during flight. Several other sensors will soon be available, allowing users to monitor operating temperatures, airspeed, and fuel levels.

Hitec also thought of upgradability, allowing anyone with a PC and the HPP-22 computer interface (not included) to upgrade both the transmitter and receivers free of charge.

The Aurora 9 has 30 model memories supporting three model types ("ACRO," "GLID," "HELI") and eight flight conditions. It's Li-Poly-friendly, with a programmable voltage cutoff to ensure that the battery can't be drained below safe tolerances.

We have enjoyed the feel and features of the Aurora 9 and look forward to testing some of the telemetry functionality once it becomes available.

  • Hitec RCD USA: 12115 Paine St., Poway, CA 92064
  • Tel.: (858) 748-6948
  • Website: www.hitecrcd.com

Lockheed Blackbird Family Photo Scrapbook

Most aeromodelers enjoy aviation-related books that feature many pictures. These images can spark interest in a new project or help with markings and scale details.

Specialty Press feeds our hunger for photographs with its coverage of the popular Lockheed Blackbird. This scrapbook contains 293 photographs and 40 illustrations, giving readers something to stare at on every page. A bonus is that every photo and illustration is accompanied by detailed caption information.

This volume features the family of Lockheed aircraft, including the A-12, YF-12, D-21/M-21, and the ever-popular SR-71. Lockheed Blackbird Family was compiled to showcase more than 100 never-before-published images that have been recently declassified with the help of the author, Tony Landis.

We found the photo scrapbook to be an easy read; the focus is on the wealth of images and illustrations, which are sure to keep any Lockheed Blackbird fan happy.

  • Specialty Press: 39966 Grand Ave., North Branch, MN 55056
  • Tel.: (800) 895-4585
  • Website: www.specialtypress.com

E/Z Bender

L-bends, Z-bends, and landing gear can be a challenge; not only do you need to make accurate bends, but you also need to avoid damaging the wire. Du-Bro has simplified the process with its new wire-bending tool.

The E/Z Bender is available with two forming dies to accommodate wire that is .015–.047 inch or .062–.093 inch in diameter. It can be easily mounted to a tool bench or placed in a bench vise. We were even able to hold it by hand when bending the smaller-diameter wire. The handles are marked with which side to use, depending on the type of bend you want to accomplish. You can produce corners that are anywhere from 0° to 90°, which should make bending your own landing gear a simple process instead of a frustration. If that is a normal part of your aeromodeling routine, the E/Z Bender could replace pliers as your tool of choice.

  • Du-Bro Products: Box 815, Wauconda, IL 60084
  • Tel.: (800) 848-9411
  • Website: www.dubro.com

Worth a Closer Look

Lift-n-Lok

Keeping tools and supplies readily available and organized can be a chore—especially at the flying field. The Lift-n-Lok storage system simplifies this task thanks to its revolutionary fastening system.

The three drawers comprise a total of 38 compartments of varying sizes for self-contained storage. The impressive part is the locking mechanism, which is the position of the handle. When the carry handle is rotated to the rear, the drawers and lid storage can be easily accessed. Once the handle is rotated into the carry position, or the front, the entire box is locked, with no chance of its accidentally opening.

We tested the box’s ability to keep each compartment self-contained. We put coins in various compartments and flipped it on its side and back; everything remained where we put it.

The Lift-n-Lok has proven to be durable thanks to its polypropylene construction and the lack of latches or flaps that could be broken or caught on something.

Phoenix R/C Pro Flight Simulator

An RC flight simulator is a worthy investment for new pilots or those who want to perfect their skills without putting models at risk. The Phoenix R/C Pro by Runtime Games, distributed by Horizon Hobby, takes this hands-on approach a step further by offering a genuine Spektrum DX5e transmitter in the package.

Each time the program is launched, the user is notified of available updates and is given the option to select and install them as desired. Updates are not limited to game improvements; they also add a wealth of aircraft. We enjoyed this feature because it allowed us to increase our fleet to 115 aircraft without leaving the program.

The Phoenix R/C Pro is a snap to navigate using the toolbar across the top of the program, and it allows you to customize your aircraft and controls. Training modes are provided for specific tasks such as landing and autorotation. The competition mode lets pilots complete tasks such as dropping bombs, bursting balloons, and performing spot landings. Multiplayer options allow for online flying as well.

We bound the included DX5e to a ParkZone T-28. We had never flown that airplane, but we were able to do so on the simulator and in the field using the same transmitter.

The Phoenix R/C Pro provides users with the flexibility of purchasing it with or without the DX5e transmitter, and it has a nice list of features for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Anyone who wants simulated stick time should give this system a look. Be certain to check its system requirements to make sure it is compatible with your computer.

  • Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel.: (800) 338-4639
  • Website: www.horizonhobby.com

All Things Slick

This is the second release in an instructional DVD series from Higher Plane Productions. In this installment, Andrew Jesky walks viewers through assembling and flying a 70-inch wingspan AJ Slick. As the designer and namesake of the aircraft, he is intimate with every aspect of its construction and flight performance.

Approximately 54 minutes of the video is devoted to getting the model ready for flight. During that time, Andrew shares a brief history of the design and development of the Slick, as well as construction and setup tips.

In the flying portion of the DVD, he talks through the maiden trim flight, covering tests for fore and aft CG, thrust angles, and applying mixing for “hands-off” knife-edge flight.

The highlight of the video is when Andrew demonstrates a series of popular maneuvers that include Snap Rolls, Spins, Harriers, Rolling Harriers, High Alpha Knife Edge, Snap-to-Hover, and the Death Slide. Onboard cameras are used during some sequences to give a view of the action from a different perspective.

Bonus features show 3D Hobby Shop owner Ben Fisher demonstrating the proper installation of a 30cc gas engine in the 70-inch Slick, in addition to equipment selection and repair techniques for the 42-inch Slick.

Filmed and mastered in 1080p HD, All Things Slick is available in both DVD and Blu-ray.

SpyderBatteries

The 11.1-volt, 2200 mAh Li-Poly is arguably the most popular battery size used in RC airplanes and 450-size helicopters. Aeromodelers have many choices when it comes to balancing price and performance, and SpyderBatteries fits in nicely.

The company’s 2200 pack is rated at 25C or 55 amps, which we were told was conservative. We immediately put it in an application drawing 59 amps static, and the battery has performed flawlessly with no heating issues. At a price point of $30 with a T-plug already installed plus fast shipping from the U.S., it’s a bargain.

Before launching SpyderBatteries, Kevin Hamm spent two years testing battery packs from a number of factories until he was happy with the performance and price. All SpyderBatteries are covered by a 60-day full replacement warranty and a 120-day crash-replacement program to provide modelers with peace of mind when trying this new line.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.