Worth a Closer Look
PowerLab 8
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 24 VDC/50-amp input) synchronous charging circuitry to the 1,000-watt-capable regenerative-discharge capability, everything about this all-inclusive battery-management system screams excess.
The PowerLab 8 directly supports all Cellpro Revolectrix battery packs. FMA Direct sells adapters to interface with various manufacturers' batteries, including 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 total pack voltage and will never charge a single lithium cell above the proper end-of-charge voltage. It's accurate, with laboratory-quality readings.
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, and the user can adjust all parameters associated with this feature.
Unlike traditional discharge methods, which waste the battery's energy as heat across a transistor, regenerative discharge returns most of that energy to the input battery. When you discharge your Li-Poly for storage, you will be recharging your lead-acid input battery.
Rich in features yet designed to be simple to use and understand, the PowerLab 8 is patterned after the Multi4 charger; if you own one of those, you will be instantly familiar with the PowerLab 8 and the free Charge Control Software that connects it to a PC. Multiple units can be interlinked for expanded battery-service capability.
FMA Direct: 5713 Industry Ln., Ste. 50, Frederick, MD 21704; Tel: (800) 343-2934; Web: www.fmadirect.com
Really Real G5.5
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, glider-launch options, additional orientation settings, and much more. The famous RealFlight accuracy carries over into DeadRinger and Hardcore Combat — two new multiplayer combat events that push simulator science and pilot skill farther than ever. With more than 80 aircraft and 30 flying sites to explore, G5.5's 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; doing it while other pilots try to shoot you down is even tougher.
Hardcore Combat virtually puts the pilot in the cockpit and is a test of combat survival skills. You face challenges that include battling with limited ammo and the danger of "blacking out" during overly aggressive maneuvers.
RealFlight is for modelers looking for entertainment and for those who want to keep their skills tuned. Weather, work, and family sometimes keep modelers from getting outdoors; a five-minute session on the simulator is the best remedy, whether you need a rotorwing, slope, pylon, or floatplane fix.
If the wind is blowing 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 match the one hanging in your shop. In addition, RealFlight's Depth of Field effect can help you nail landings and position maneuvers precisely.
Great Planes: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel: (217) 398-8970; Web: www.realflight.com
Total G Stability
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 also added a new list of advantages.
The Total G is CJ Youngblood Enterprises' first all-in-one device for the flybarless pilot who wants 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 (MSRP $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.
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, adapts rapidly to mechanical needs/limits, and keeps working without bogging down. The four-core processing system of the Total G ensures seamless operation, adding to the pilot's confidence.
This system is small and works with every radio system and servo technology. Each unit includes the necessary accessories to set up and interface with a PC, and the software is free from CJ Youngblood Enterprises. Support and tutorial videos are available to help anyone 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 programming can be witnessed in real time. Presets are being added constantly; if you have a popular helicopter, a download might be available to get you flying 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: www.curtisyoungblood.com
ProGauge
Every RC pilot is on a need-to-know basis with an aircraft. The ProGauge from Viper R/C Solutions is a pocket-sized translator that helps a user communicate with the systems in a model and determine its condition and performance.
The ProGauge is five tools in one, featuring a lithium-battery monitor, servo tester, input Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) signal monitor, tachometer, and Viper device programming card (for a line of ESCs soon to be released). This tool can work with or without a radio receiver to operate the primary functions.
The battery-test function works with lithium balance connectors on two- to six-cell packs that have 2.5 mm pin spacing and shows the direct voltage of each cell. A regulated voltage of 5.5 V is supplied when any compatible lithium battery is connected.
In PPM mode the supplied voltage can be monitored to ensure 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 422R, Kirkland, WA 98033; Tel: (866) 206-8558; Web: www.viper-rc.com
"DX8" It Up
In addition to providing the benefits of Spektrum's patent-pending DSM2 technology, the new DX8 introduces advances in software, telemetry, and ergonomics.
The powerful new Spektrum AirWare software includes all 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. All information is presented in crisp, clear detail on a large, 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 vibration alarm whenever telemetry values exceed your defined limits. Basic telemetry accessories are included with every system.
The DX8 is the first Spektrum radio to feature the Spektrum Data Interface (SDI), which is designed for use with standard SD memory cards (a 16 MB card is included) and adds a new level of flexibility and simplicity. With the SDI you can share model setups, save 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 previously found only on expensive systems. Besides all that, the DX8 is fun to use!
Spektrum: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel: (217) 352-1913; Web: www.spektrumrc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
