14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
In addition to the full version of
RealFlight G5.5, Great Planes is offering
upgrade software for current system
owners. A special version has been made
for G3, G3.5, G4, and G4.5 owners, and G5
owners can upgrade to G5.5 free of charge
simply by going online.
The updated version of the popular RC
simulator offers new combat events, gliderlaunch
options, additional orientation
options, and much more. The famous
RealFlight accuracy carries over into
DeadRinger and Hardcore Combat: two
new multiplayer combat events that push
the envelope of simulator science and pilot
skill farther than ever. And with more than
80 aircraft and 30 flying sites to explore, the
G5.5 practice options are tremendously
versatile.
DeadRinger requires the utmost in flying
and fighting skills. Being the first pilot to
fly through the floating rings is difficult, but
doing it while other pilots try to shoot you
down ...
Hardcore Combat virtually puts the pilot
in the cockpit and is a test of combat survival
kills. You face combat challenges that include
battling with limited ammo and the danger of
“blacking out” during overly aggressive
maneuvers. That’s keeping it real.
RealFlight is for modelers who are
looking for entertainment, but it’s also for
those who want to keep their skills tuned.
Weather, work, and family sometimes keep
modelers from getting outdoors; a fiveminute
flight session on the simulator is the
best medicine, whether you need a rotorwing,
slope, pylon, or floatplane fix.
If the wind is blowing at 50 mph outside,
why risk your model? Environmental
changes in G5.5 allow you to set the stage
to see if you can handle the meanest that
Mother Nature can be. You can even tweak
any airplane or helicopter to work identically
to the one hanging in your shop. In addition,
RealFlight’s Depth of Field effect can help
you nail your landings and position
maneuvers precisely where you want them.
Great Planes: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site:
www.realflight.com
You no longer need more batteries.
What you need is a battery workstation
that can charge, discharge, cycle, or
monitor many packs faster than you can fly
them to depletion, and that is the Cellpro
PowerLab 8.
From the massive heat sink to the twin
cooling fans, and from the 30-amp, 1,000-
watt (at 24VDC/50-amp input)
synchronous charging circuitry to the
1,000-watt-capable “regenerative
discharge” capability, everything about
this all-inclusive battery-management
system screams excessive.
The PowerLab 8 directly supports all
Cellpro Revolectrix battery packs. FMA
Direct sells adapters to interface with
various manufacturers’ batteries, including
the new safe parallel adapters that can be
daisy-chained to allow simultaneous, safe
parallel charging of multiple packs. More
importantly, this might be the safest,
simplest charger you will ever use.
Since the PowerLab 8 is a Cellpro
product, you cannot make a mistake; it
simply will not let you. It knows how many
cells are connected by monitoring charge
voltage on each cell in the pack. It performs
an entire series of tests to ensure that the
battery is hooked up correctly before it
even starts to charge.
This unit constantly monitors the
total pack voltage and will never charge
a single Lithium cell above the proper
end-of-charge voltage. And it’s
accurate, with laboratory-quality
readings.
Furthermore, if a pack has been
overdischarged, the PowerLab 8 will
automatically enter low-voltage restore
mode. It will also reduce charge voltage
during cold weather to extend battery life.
The user can adjust all parameters
associated with this feature.
Even though batteries in general, and
especially Lithium batteries, represent a
volatile potential, the PowerLab 8 reduces
the risks associated with maintaining any
size battery, of any chemistry.
Unlike traditional methods of discharge,
which deplete the output battery’s energy in
the form of heat across a transistor,
regenerative discharge puts most of that
energy back into the input battery. When
you discharge your Li-Poly for storage, you
will be recharging your Lead-Acid input
battery.
Rich in features, the PowerLab 8 is
designed to be simple to use and simple to
understand. It is patterned after the Multi4
charger; if you own one of those, you will
be instantly familiar with the PowerLab 8
as well as the free Charge Control Software
that connects it to a PC. Multiple units can
be interlinked for the ultimate in batteryservice
potential.
FMA Direct: 5713 Industry Ln. Ste. 50,
Frederick MD 21704; Tel.: (800) 343-
2934; Web site: www.fmadirect.com
Really Real G5.5
PowerLab 8
02sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 9:12 AM Page 14
February 2011 15
Worth a Closer Look
In addition to providing the benefits of Spektrum patent-pending
DSM2 technology, the new DX8 introduces advances in software,
telemetry, and ergonomics.
The powerful new Spektrum AirWare software includes all of the
programming functions an expert pilot could want, but you don’t
have to be an expert to use them. The intuitive SimpleScroll interface
lets the user “roll and click” with ease between
menus. And all information is presented in crisp,
clear detail on a big, backlit LCD screen.
The built-in telemetry feature gives you vital,
real-time information about what’s happening with
the model in flight—information that can prevent
crashes and maximize performance. The telemetry
data appears in an easy-to-read format on
the LCD screen so you can reference it at
a glance.
You can also have the DX8 alert
you with an audio or vibe alarm
whenever telemetry values exceed
your defined limits. Basic telemetry
accessories are included with every
system.
The DX8 is also the first Spektrum
radio to feature the Spektrum Data
Interface (SDI), which is designed for
use with standard SD memory cards (a 16MB card is included) and
adds a whole new level of flexibility and simplicity of use. With the
SDI you can share model setups, save more aircraft to memory, and
stay up to date with downloadable enhancements. Be sure to register
your DX8 for alerts and special announcements.
The transmitter feels good in a pilot’s hands and offers gimbal
precision and adjustment only previously found with expensive
systems. Besides all that, the DX8 is fun to use!
Spektrum: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217)
352-1913; Web site: www.spektrumrc.com MA
The “feel” of a particular
flybarless helicopter is now more
infinitely adjustable than ever.
Curtis Youngblood has been
working with flybarless
mechanics and electronic
stabilization systems (gyros)
for years. The advantages of
losing the flybar include less
mass, fewer parts, and higher
performance. Managing the mechanics with
gyros not only proved to be the solution, but it also added a new list
of advantages.
The Total G is CJ Youngblood Enterprises’ first all-in-one device
for the flybarless pilot who is looking for the ultimate in control.
There is an expense to going flybarless, but the Total G is
multifunctional and replaces accessories that are common on a
helicopter.
With this system you don’t need a separate (JR/Spektrum)
receiver, governor, tail-rotor gyro, or voltage regulator. Those items
combined can cost more than one Total G unit ($399).
Even if you don’t go flybarless, the Total G will help any
helicopter function in a more stable and predictable manner. The
three-axis stabilization can help beginners and experts tame their
machines. The model will
practically hold itself in a
hover. Imagine how much
easier learning inverted
flight could be.
The Total G electronics
have to process a lot of
information. Pilots who fly
3-D especially demand a
system that processes
quickly changing attitudes
and conditions and needs
to adapt rapidly to mechanical needs/limits and keep working without
bogging down. The four-core processing system of the Total G
ensures that operation continues seamlessly, adding to the pilot’s
confidence.
This system is small and works with every radio system and servo
technology. Each unit is equipped with the necessary accessories to
set up and interface with a PC, and the software free from CJ
Youngblood Enterprises. Support and tutorial videos are available, to
allow anyone to be successful the first time with a flybarless system.
The software works great while the Total G is powered up with
the radio system, so
that programming can
be witnessed in real
time. Presets are
being added
constantly; if you
have a popular
helicopter, a
download could be
available to help you
get into the air even
more quickly.
Any size
helicopter will benefit
from the Total G. The trim-lock function is terrific, because it
eliminates the need to adjust the model’s level position with the
transmitter; it effectively trims itself. The pilot can limit or turn off
this feature.
CJ Youngblood Enterprises: 903 S. Main St., Bryan TX 77803;
Tel.: (979) 779-2172; Web site: www.curtisyoungblood.com See page 171 for submission guidelines
“DX8” It Up
Every RC pilot is on a needto-
know basis with an aircraft.
The ProGauge from Viper R/C
Solutions is a pocket-sized
translator that can help a user
communicate with the systems
in a model and determine its
condition and performance.
The ProGauge is five tools
in one, featuring a Lithiumbattery
monitor, servo tester, input Pulse Position Modulation (PPM)
signal monitor, tachometer, and Viper device programming card (for a
line of ESCs that is soon to be released). This tool can work with or
without a radio receiver to operate the primary functions.
The battery-test function will work with Lithium balance
connectors on two- to six-cell packs that have 2.5mm pin spacing and
will show the direct voltage of each cell. A regulated voltage of 5.5 is
supplied when any compatible Lithium battery is connected.
In the PPM mode the supplied voltage can be monitored to assure
that enough power is supplied to the system. All rpm motor testing
should be done in a safe manner and in direct sunlight. The ProGauge
will measure as many as eight blades—so it’s great for electric ducted
fans—and will register as slow as 10 rpm.
Viper R/C Solutions: 5400 Carillon Pt., Bldg. 5000, Suite 422H,
Kirkland WA 98033; Tel.: (866) 206-8558; Web site: www.viperrc.
com
Total G Stability ProGauge
02sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 9:16 AM Page 15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 14,15
14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
In addition to the full version of
RealFlight G5.5, Great Planes is offering
upgrade software for current system
owners. A special version has been made
for G3, G3.5, G4, and G4.5 owners, and G5
owners can upgrade to G5.5 free of charge
simply by going online.
The updated version of the popular RC
simulator offers new combat events, gliderlaunch
options, additional orientation
options, and much more. The famous
RealFlight accuracy carries over into
DeadRinger and Hardcore Combat: two
new multiplayer combat events that push
the envelope of simulator science and pilot
skill farther than ever. And with more than
80 aircraft and 30 flying sites to explore, the
G5.5 practice options are tremendously
versatile.
DeadRinger requires the utmost in flying
and fighting skills. Being the first pilot to
fly through the floating rings is difficult, but
doing it while other pilots try to shoot you
down ...
Hardcore Combat virtually puts the pilot
in the cockpit and is a test of combat survival
kills. You face combat challenges that include
battling with limited ammo and the danger of
“blacking out” during overly aggressive
maneuvers. That’s keeping it real.
RealFlight is for modelers who are
looking for entertainment, but it’s also for
those who want to keep their skills tuned.
Weather, work, and family sometimes keep
modelers from getting outdoors; a fiveminute
flight session on the simulator is the
best medicine, whether you need a rotorwing,
slope, pylon, or floatplane fix.
If the wind is blowing at 50 mph outside,
why risk your model? Environmental
changes in G5.5 allow you to set the stage
to see if you can handle the meanest that
Mother Nature can be. You can even tweak
any airplane or helicopter to work identically
to the one hanging in your shop. In addition,
RealFlight’s Depth of Field effect can help
you nail your landings and position
maneuvers precisely where you want them.
Great Planes: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site:
www.realflight.com
You no longer need more batteries.
What you need is a battery workstation
that can charge, discharge, cycle, or
monitor many packs faster than you can fly
them to depletion, and that is the Cellpro
PowerLab 8.
From the massive heat sink to the twin
cooling fans, and from the 30-amp, 1,000-
watt (at 24VDC/50-amp input)
synchronous charging circuitry to the
1,000-watt-capable “regenerative
discharge” capability, everything about
this all-inclusive battery-management
system screams excessive.
The PowerLab 8 directly supports all
Cellpro Revolectrix battery packs. FMA
Direct sells adapters to interface with
various manufacturers’ batteries, including
the new safe parallel adapters that can be
daisy-chained to allow simultaneous, safe
parallel charging of multiple packs. More
importantly, this might be the safest,
simplest charger you will ever use.
Since the PowerLab 8 is a Cellpro
product, you cannot make a mistake; it
simply will not let you. It knows how many
cells are connected by monitoring charge
voltage on each cell in the pack. It performs
an entire series of tests to ensure that the
battery is hooked up correctly before it
even starts to charge.
This unit constantly monitors the
total pack voltage and will never charge
a single Lithium cell above the proper
end-of-charge voltage. And it’s
accurate, with laboratory-quality
readings.
Furthermore, if a pack has been
overdischarged, the PowerLab 8 will
automatically enter low-voltage restore
mode. It will also reduce charge voltage
during cold weather to extend battery life.
The user can adjust all parameters
associated with this feature.
Even though batteries in general, and
especially Lithium batteries, represent a
volatile potential, the PowerLab 8 reduces
the risks associated with maintaining any
size battery, of any chemistry.
Unlike traditional methods of discharge,
which deplete the output battery’s energy in
the form of heat across a transistor,
regenerative discharge puts most of that
energy back into the input battery. When
you discharge your Li-Poly for storage, you
will be recharging your Lead-Acid input
battery.
Rich in features, the PowerLab 8 is
designed to be simple to use and simple to
understand. It is patterned after the Multi4
charger; if you own one of those, you will
be instantly familiar with the PowerLab 8
as well as the free Charge Control Software
that connects it to a PC. Multiple units can
be interlinked for the ultimate in batteryservice
potential.
FMA Direct: 5713 Industry Ln. Ste. 50,
Frederick MD 21704; Tel.: (800) 343-
2934; Web site: www.fmadirect.com
Really Real G5.5
PowerLab 8
02sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 9:12 AM Page 14
February 2011 15
Worth a Closer Look
In addition to providing the benefits of Spektrum patent-pending
DSM2 technology, the new DX8 introduces advances in software,
telemetry, and ergonomics.
The powerful new Spektrum AirWare software includes all of the
programming functions an expert pilot could want, but you don’t
have to be an expert to use them. The intuitive SimpleScroll interface
lets the user “roll and click” with ease between
menus. And all information is presented in crisp,
clear detail on a big, backlit LCD screen.
The built-in telemetry feature gives you vital,
real-time information about what’s happening with
the model in flight—information that can prevent
crashes and maximize performance. The telemetry
data appears in an easy-to-read format on
the LCD screen so you can reference it at
a glance.
You can also have the DX8 alert
you with an audio or vibe alarm
whenever telemetry values exceed
your defined limits. Basic telemetry
accessories are included with every
system.
The DX8 is also the first Spektrum
radio to feature the Spektrum Data
Interface (SDI), which is designed for
use with standard SD memory cards (a 16MB card is included) and
adds a whole new level of flexibility and simplicity of use. With the
SDI you can share model setups, save more aircraft to memory, and
stay up to date with downloadable enhancements. Be sure to register
your DX8 for alerts and special announcements.
The transmitter feels good in a pilot’s hands and offers gimbal
precision and adjustment only previously found with expensive
systems. Besides all that, the DX8 is fun to use!
Spektrum: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217)
352-1913; Web site: www.spektrumrc.com MA
The “feel” of a particular
flybarless helicopter is now more
infinitely adjustable than ever.
Curtis Youngblood has been
working with flybarless
mechanics and electronic
stabilization systems (gyros)
for years. The advantages of
losing the flybar include less
mass, fewer parts, and higher
performance. Managing the mechanics with
gyros not only proved to be the solution, but it also added a new list
of advantages.
The Total G is CJ Youngblood Enterprises’ first all-in-one device
for the flybarless pilot who is looking for the ultimate in control.
There is an expense to going flybarless, but the Total G is
multifunctional and replaces accessories that are common on a
helicopter.
With this system you don’t need a separate (JR/Spektrum)
receiver, governor, tail-rotor gyro, or voltage regulator. Those items
combined can cost more than one Total G unit ($399).
Even if you don’t go flybarless, the Total G will help any
helicopter function in a more stable and predictable manner. The
three-axis stabilization can help beginners and experts tame their
machines. The model will
practically hold itself in a
hover. Imagine how much
easier learning inverted
flight could be.
The Total G electronics
have to process a lot of
information. Pilots who fly
3-D especially demand a
system that processes
quickly changing attitudes
and conditions and needs
to adapt rapidly to mechanical needs/limits and keep working without
bogging down. The four-core processing system of the Total G
ensures that operation continues seamlessly, adding to the pilot’s
confidence.
This system is small and works with every radio system and servo
technology. Each unit is equipped with the necessary accessories to
set up and interface with a PC, and the software free from CJ
Youngblood Enterprises. Support and tutorial videos are available, to
allow anyone to be successful the first time with a flybarless system.
The software works great while the Total G is powered up with
the radio system, so
that programming can
be witnessed in real
time. Presets are
being added
constantly; if you
have a popular
helicopter, a
download could be
available to help you
get into the air even
more quickly.
Any size
helicopter will benefit
from the Total G. The trim-lock function is terrific, because it
eliminates the need to adjust the model’s level position with the
transmitter; it effectively trims itself. The pilot can limit or turn off
this feature.
CJ Youngblood Enterprises: 903 S. Main St., Bryan TX 77803;
Tel.: (979) 779-2172; Web site: www.curtisyoungblood.com See page 171 for submission guidelines
“DX8” It Up
Every RC pilot is on a needto-
know basis with an aircraft.
The ProGauge from Viper R/C
Solutions is a pocket-sized
translator that can help a user
communicate with the systems
in a model and determine its
condition and performance.
The ProGauge is five tools
in one, featuring a Lithiumbattery
monitor, servo tester, input Pulse Position Modulation (PPM)
signal monitor, tachometer, and Viper device programming card (for a
line of ESCs that is soon to be released). This tool can work with or
without a radio receiver to operate the primary functions.
The battery-test function will work with Lithium balance
connectors on two- to six-cell packs that have 2.5mm pin spacing and
will show the direct voltage of each cell. A regulated voltage of 5.5 is
supplied when any compatible Lithium battery is connected.
In the PPM mode the supplied voltage can be monitored to assure
that enough power is supplied to the system. All rpm motor testing
should be done in a safe manner and in direct sunlight. The ProGauge
will measure as many as eight blades—so it’s great for electric ducted
fans—and will register as slow as 10 rpm.
Viper R/C Solutions: 5400 Carillon Pt., Bldg. 5000, Suite 422H,
Kirkland WA 98033; Tel.: (866) 206-8558; Web site: www.viperrc.
com
Total G Stability ProGauge
02sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 9:16 AM Page 15
