Worth a Closer Look - 2011/01

14 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Cole, product marketing manager for Hobby Lobby,
couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm when he told us about the new
eRC Micro Stik. He promised a three-channel aircraft that was both
docile and lively, depending on how you want to fly it.
We were impressed with the price point; for $74.99 this RTF
package includes the fully assembled aircraft, 2.4 GHz transmitter
with built-in charger, two sizes of flight batteries, and four AA
batteries for the
transmitter. Even
a streamer is
thrown in, in case
you want to fly
combat.
The airframe
is constructed
from carbon
fiber, with a
foam wing and
tail. The wing LE
is also reinforced
with carbon,
making the
model strong yet
light. It has a
wingspan of 16.58 inches and a flying weight of only 1 ounce.
The included 130 mAh and 150 mAh batteries can be charged
with the
transmitter
on or off, so
you can
charge one
battery while
flying with
the other.
Although
we have only
had the
opportunity
to fly the
Micro Stik
outdoors, it’s a performer. The power system is capable of allowing
the aircraft to perform short vertical climbs and unlimited loops,
and it has no problems with rudder rolls.
The airplane can also be flown in a more relaxed manner, with
only one-quarter throttle required to keep it in the air. Flight times,
depending on flying style and battery used, range from eight to 10
minutes.
The eRC Micro Stik has hit the mark as a low-cost micromodel
that is capable of both mild and wild flying characteristics indoors
and outdoors.
Hobby Lobby International: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood
TN 37027; Tel.: (866) 512-1444; Web site: www.hobby-lobby.com
The original ParkZone T-28 Trojan has been hugely popular,
thanks to its forgiving flight characteristics and solid ground
handling. So we were excited to see a tiny version added to the
model lineup.
Sold as a Bind-N-Fly (BNF) or RTF, the Ultra Micro T-28
retains the high-visibility Navy colors of its bigger sibling. It also
maintains the steerable nose wheel, which is a nice feature in a
micro-size aircraft.
As do other micros in the ParkZone fleet, the Trojan comes
with a Spektrum AR6400 6-Channel DSM2 Receiver/ESC/Servos
unit and 8mm brushed motor. We received the BNF version that
includes the airplane, charger with batteries, and 1S 120 mAh
battery. It was easy to bind to our JR 11X transmitter while we
waited for the flight battery to charge.
Right at home being flown indoors or out, the T-28 has plug-in
landing gear that allows it to be belly-landed in grass if a paved
runway is unavailable. The four-channel, 16.5-inch-wingspan,
1.34-ounce Ultra Micro T-28 didn’t disappoint at the flying field.
Taking advantage of the runway, the model tracks straight and
becomes airborne in only a few seconds. It is fully capable of
aerobatics directly out of the box, and the control surfaces can be
adjusted for increased throw by moving the linkages to the
innermost hole on the control horns.
Six minutes of flying between charges is normal with the
included 120 mAh, 3.70-volt battery, and the airplane is equally
happy using a 150 mAh battery for longer flights. You’ll want to
fly the Ultra Micro Trojan every chance you get.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822;
Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.parkzone.com
Worth a Closer Look
Micro Stik
Tiny Trojan
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January 2011 15
Henry “Buzz” Butler founded Magnum Fuels in 1985. He is an
avid aeromodeler who participates in many aspects of RC,
including sport, Aerobatics, Scale, and most recently helicopters.
In 1988 Buzz
introduced
Magnum #1, #2,
and #3, which
provided a
significant power
boost and coolerrunning
engines.
Many people
wanted to know
how much nitro
was in each, but
Buzz still keeps
that information a
closely guarded
secret.
At the IRCHA
Jamboree in August, the “buzz” around the Magnum Fuels tent
was that a fuel with the power of 30% nitro was available but
didn’t use nitro for the power boost. Heli-30 (DS) is a new
approach to fuel, with the revolutionary potential of the numbered
blends.
Our test runs with it showed no performance trade and slightly
better economy because the needle needed a click or two toward
lean.
Magnum fuels have always been a great value, and Heli-30 is
available in 1.25-gallon jugs. That’s more than an extra flight in
90-class machines and two more flights in 50-size helicopters.
The yellow blend shown is the Heli-30 Plus mix, which uses
high-quality nitro at a 30% ratio. That blend runs at a normal
needle setting and offers gobs of power and clean exhaust, which
does a great job of carrying out the heat too.
The long-term effect of running Magnum quality fuel is the
engine life extension. Synthetic lubricants used in the fuels offer
great protection. And because Buzz burns the products in his
models, how well they work matters.
You can purchase Magnum fuels direct in bulk and at better
hobby shops across the country.
Magnum Fuels: 1400 W., 70th Ave., Denver CO 80221; Tel.:
(303) 430-8828; Web site: www.magnumfuels.com MA
Worth a Closer Look
From the unique
packaging to the high
manufacturing
standards, everything
about Scorpion
products shows a
commitment to
quality. Innov8tive
Designs offers
outrunner-motor kits
for the do-it-yourselfer, as well as one of the most powerful and
efficient line of expertly assembled motors for almost any
electric-ducted-fan-powered airplane or helicopter application.
The Scorpion six-cell Commander Series ESCs include a
built-in switching BEC that provides a regulated output of 5.7
volts and can deliver 3 amps of continuous current with 4-amp
bursts. In a 450-class helicopter, that duty is almost even with
today’s digital servos handling a CCPM swashplate.
These new six-cell ESCs also offer a unique wireless
programming system that is a first in the RC model industry.
Scorpion provides a full-feature programming card with every
speed controller
sold—and at a great
price. Airplane and
helicopter motor
control programming
options are available,
and Scorpion products
from Innov8tive
Designs come with a
two-year warranty.
Programming the
Commander ESC is
similar to operating a
cable TV remote. The wireless programming system includes a
tiny infrared receiver module that mounts temporarily or
permanently in a model. There is no need to dig the receiver out
of the model, no need to unplug cables, and no more need to drag
a laptop computer to the flying field. If you can change the clock
on your VCR, you can optimize the Commander ESC to
effectively control your aircraft power system.
From the micro-size market to giant-scale electric-power
needs, Scorpion and Innov8tive Designs has a lot to offer.
Innov8tive Designs: 1495 Poinsettia Ave. Suite 144, Vista CA
92081; Tel.: (760) 468-8838; www.innov8tivedesigns.com
Innov8tive Remote
See page 175 for submission guidelines
Magnum Power
DVDs covering flying events can be entertaining, and they
give modelers the opportunity to review events they attended or
experience ones
they couldn’t
attend.
The 2010 FF
National
Championships
happened in our
backyard in
Muncie,
Indiana. Alan
Abriss, who has
been covering
this contest for
more than 10
Wholesome FF Entertainment
years, filmed and produced a two-hour DVD featuring this year’s
action.
This presentation features highlights from the weeklong summer
competition, including ROW, Dawn Unlimited, Dakota, and Electric
categories. It also features some Flying Aces Club events, including
the WW I and WW II mass launches.
Incorporated into this year’s coverage is in-flight video taken
from the wing of FF models. This graceful point of view adds to the
enjoyment of the content.
Several flights showcased on this release are accompanied by
interviews with the contestants, who provide details of their aircraft
to keep the viewer informed.
The 2010 Free Flight National Championships is enjoyable to
watch and should be a welcome addition to anyone who enjoys FF
models and competition.
Homegrown Productions: 94-20 66th Ave., Rego Park NY 11374;
Tel.: (718) 275-6362; Web site: www.homegrowntv.com
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