Worth a Closer Look - 2011/04

14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
Gorilla Bob’s Solutions
A Fantasy of Fun
The Fantasy Racer is a poor-man’s version of Italian artist
Mirco Pecoran’s Gee Bee R-3. He has inspired many full-scale
aircraft manufacturers and pilots to push their artistry to the edge.
Available from Cermark, ZD FLY has pushed the design envelope
so that everyone can taste that blend of speed and art.
The Fantasy Racer features full EPP (some call it EPO)-foam
construction, combined with beautiful lines and new assembly
techniques. It tracks well and has more than enough
power to wow
anyone who
sees it. In
addition to this
model’s speed
and aerobatic
qualities, it also
has tremendous
slow-speed
characteristics in any attitude. We know; they call it a “racer!”
ARF, RxR, and RTF versions of the 51-inch-wingspan design
are available. The RTF includes a four-channel 2.4 GHz radio and
has four servos installed, with all pushrods ready for adjustment.
A high-performance Neodym Neo-10 brushless motor comes
installed with a 50-amp brushless ESC. A charger and Amped 3S
2200 mAh Li-Poly are also included, at a great price.
Cermark: 9830 Bell Ranch Dr. #101, Santa Fe Springs CA
90670; Tel.: (562) 906-0808; Web site: www.cermark.com
Do you want more grunt from your electric-powered model?
Check out Gorilla Bob’s, which is touted as “R/C with Primal
Attitude.” A one-stop shop for electric airplanes and helicopters,
this company has big parts and the smallest doodads, ranging from
neon-colored slow flyer propellers to all of your night-flying
needs. That’s right; your Gorilla can glow in the dark.
A huge hit at the 2010 Nats was a 2-meter Aerobatics model
with a practical contrarotating power system. The rails on which
the model flew could not have been more true. That type of power
system could be the wave of future aerobatic aircraft.
To find out for ourselves, we picked up the compact CR23M
Contra-Rotating motor system from Gorilla Bob at the Expo. All
accessories were available, including the
trick aluminum spinner and standoffs that
were custom-made for the package.
We’re expecting 300 watts from
this system but are testing it in a
small GWS Formosa. With a pair
of Castle Creations Phoenix-10
ESCs and a 2S 1000 mAh Li-Poly
Zeus battery, we
should get ballistic
performance out of
the 22-ounce test
bed. Best of all, we
won’t have to be all
over the rudder
unless we want to
be.
Gorilla Bob’s R/C: 1253 Verano Dr., Bullhead City, AZ 86442;
Web site: www.gorillabobsrc.com
Give your 50cc- to 55cc-powered
model an added dose of power with
the new DA-60. With its integral
mount, this power plant weighs
less than the DA-50R with
standoff mounts and shows
lower vibration levels. With
equal-size propellers, the
DA-60 out-turns the DA-50R
by more than 600 rpm.
Desert Aircraft
engines are unmatched
in quality, performance,
and service. Modelers
who use gas burners
probably won’t be
disappointed, no matter what power plant they choose from the
company’s nine-engine lineup. Each includes a three-year
warranty.
DA engines are designed using the latest tools and techniques,
including 3D CAD and stereo lithography. Featuring a CNC-milled
7075 aluminum-alloy crankcase, the cylinders, pistons, and
crankshaft are exclusive Desert Aircraft designs. Performance and
reliability are further enhanced by the Desert Aircraft auto-advance
electronic ignition and long-trusted Walbro fuel-metering system.
With the price of fuels that contain nitro going up, consider
using gas for better economy. And no matter what propeller you
like, there might be a DA engine for you.
Desert Aircraft: 1815 S. Research Loop, Tucson AZ 85710;
Tel.: (520) 722-0607; Web site: www.desertaircraft.com
The T-Motor brushless series was designed by F3P fliers for
F3P fliers. These great little motors feature ball-bearing-supported
main shafts with built-in cross-style backplate mounts, and they
feature an integrated prop-saver-type propeller mounting system.
T-Motors are great for smaller RC models that need a powerful,
dependable, and lightweight power source.
The T2006 is designed to run on two- or three-cell Li-Poly
power. In addition to powering F3P-type models, it makes an
excellent brushless upgrade for many small RTFs that come stock
with small brushed motors and gearboxes.
To allow several sizes of propellers to be used, the T2006
comes with a centering ring adapter that fits over the integrated
prop-saver adapter. The main centering ring on the propeller
adapter is 7.0 millimeters in
diameter and is designed to
fit the hole in the center of
the GWS Direct Drive-style
propellers. The centering ring
adapter is 5.5 millimeters in
diameter and is designed to
fit the GWS Slow Fly-style
propellers.
The line of T-Motors is
long and smart. Check it out
online.
Innov8itve Designs: 1495
Poinsettia Ave. Suite 144,
Vista CA 92081; Tel.: (760)
468-8838; Web site:
www.innov8tivedesigns.com
Innov8itve T-Motors
These products debuted at the 2011 AMA Expo, which took place January 7-9 in Ontario, California.
Desert Aircraft’s New 60
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April 2011 15
A prototype 16-channel transmitter was shown for the first time
at the AMA Expo. Feedback from the public and top pilots in the
industry has been incredible so far.
Many were in disbelief of the number of high-tech features that
this system includes, such as 16 true channels, a large backlit LCD
display, speech recognition, speech output, 1,000-model memory,
full telemetry, etc.—especially given the target price of only $249.
We’ve been using the third generation of the XtremeLink radio
system for more than a year and have found it to be practically
bulletproof.
Version four of this system is expected to be ready for the
Toledo Show in April, and this first transmitter should be available
to the public at roughly that time.
Jim and Scott of Xtreme Power Systems were receptive to ideas
about what the transmitter should feature, such as flight-mode
systems, three-position switches, and sliders on the case side. The
feel of the sticks is easy to
adjust without removing
the case half. We thought
that it needed rubber
grips on the side, to
enhance comfort.
The transmitter
will be able to link
to a PC for updates
and downloads.
The unique part about
this yet-to-be-named
system is that the link to a PC will
be via WiFi instead of the clumsy cable. A
number of other details that the XPS team mentioned included
safety features, which made us AMA people happy.
Xtreme Power Systems: 2440 Kiowa Blvd. #102, Lake Havasu
City AZ 86403; Web site: www.xtremepowersystems.net
We aeromodelers are typically detail oriented, no matter what
our specialty. We get it right with whatever device is at hand, but
we know that the right tool does the job easier and better. The
motor tool has been realized as the most versatile “right tool” for
many of us, thanks to its ability to accept a wide range of bits and
rip through material like butter.
Thanks to the
detail-oriented
people at E-Power
RC, instead of
laboring with a small
hand file, now we
can intricately finish
and sculpt with the
efficiency of a power
tool. The company’s
Sanding Bands are
available in
diameters as small as
1/8 inch (similar to a
jeweler’s file) and packaged in multiple amounts with graduated
coarseness.
These implements can be used to finish-shape a wood or
composite part so that the inside corners have radiuses instead of
sharp corners; that detail can prevent failures.
Check out the E-Power Web site to see the wide array of tools
and accessories that this company offers.
E-Power RC: Box 1201, Los Alamitos CA 90720; Tel.: (714)
982-4547; Web site: http://rcmicroflite.3dcartstores.com
Worth a Closer Look
E-Power RC Sanding Mandrels
Gas engines are quickly becoming
recognized as economical forms of
propulsion for RC aircraft.
What we used to
classify as “120
size” is now being
called “30cc,” and
models are being
offered in this size for
aerobatics and warbird
fans.
AeroWorks is proud to
add a new 30cc Extra 300 and Edge 540 to its series of Quick
Build (QB) aircraft. QB models are designed with the customer in
mind, to provide the highest-quality lightweight construction and
fastest possible build time. Scale lines, light and strong
construction, and race-ready color schemes are just a few features
of the series.
The Extra 300 and Edge 540 offer unbeatable stability and
precision flight characteristics. With both precision and 3-D-style
flying in mind, they are sure to outperform many other models.
If you don’t have a gas engine for one of these 74-inchwingspan
aerobats, a 1.60-1.80 glow two- or four-stroke power
plant will do the job well. Electric fans will need 1,800-2,500 watts
of power to make these 10-pound models groove. Their feature
lists are impressive; visit the AeroWorks Web site to get the full
picture.
AeroWorks: 4903 Nome St., Denver CO 80239; Tel.: (303)
371-4222; Web site: www.aero-works.net
QB Mystery 16-Channel Transmitter 30cc Extra and Edge
If you haven’t tried digital servos,
you don’t know what you’re missing. If
their price has kept you away, the most
trusted name in servos has a solution.
Hitec believes in developing the
highest-quality servo for the market, at
an affordable price. The company
carries out that philosophy with its
economical new HS-5495BH and HS-
5496MH digital sport units. Based on
the popular HS-54XX series, these
high-voltage, heavy-duty servos are the
perfect match for sport airplanes in
sizes up to
25% scale
as well as sport cars and trucks.
The HS-5495BH’s Karbonite gears,
designed for models weighing less than
12 pounds, and the HS-5496MH’s
powerful metal gears bring long-lasting
reliability to our sport. With 7.4-volt,
two-cell Li-Poly battery capability, these
servos deliver the power you need at a
price you can feel good about.
Hitec RCD USA, Inc.: 12115 Paine St.,
Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948;
Web site: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec Servos
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16 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
YS Smart
The T-Rex 100
If you ask around, you might hear that “100” is too big of a
number to use to classify Align’s latest indoor electric-powered
machine. However, if you add up the features of this evolutionary
palm-size helicopter, you might agree that its engineers gave better
than 110% to make this entry-level product a complete package.
The T-Rex 100, distributed by Assurance R/C, is a single-rotor,
fixed-pitch machine with twin-rotor stability. Complete with solid
2.4 GHz radio technology, the design encompasses both agility
and stability characteristics.
Hobby-grade microservos guide the cyclic inputs for crash
resistance, solid handling, and a long life. The
heading-lock gyro will keep the nose locked in
while you explore the feel of the cyclic and
power controls.
The included transmitter doubles as
the flight-battery charger that uses a
mini-
USB
interface
for
charging
its own
NiMH
batteries, and
it links to a PC for
use with a third-party
flight simulator.
Weighing less than an ounce, this fun model package has a ton of
features.
Assurance R/C USA: 3626 Briggeman Dr., Los Alamitos CA
90720; Tel.: (562) 598-4700; Web site: www.alignrcusa.com
When the hood pops up and you find a YS engine, that model’s
owner probably understands performance. YS Engines has always
offered the most power in the smallest package, and for the past
few years the company has been increasing the output of every
engine in the line without increasing its footprint.
The 56SR is impressing helicopter pilots with what has already
wowed them in the 50 class, and four-stroke-powered airplane fans
have seen the .91 pulse-pounder rise in displacement from 1.10 to
1.15 cubic inches of propeller-turning potential.
YS considers today’s modeler’s needs and punches out power
packages that break the horsepower-output standards. Soon to be
released is a 1.20 two-stroke helicopter engine; it will fit a .91
mount but offer a
huge power
increase to
compete with
today’s electricpower
offerings.
Surprisingly,
the jump in
displacement
increases fuel
consumption by
only less than 1
ounce per average
flight. Use the
new 1.20 and take
advantage of lower fuel costs by using lower-nitro fuel instead of
costly 30% blends,
and you won’t lose
a bit of power.
But YS isn’t
leaving out the
four-stroke fans. Its
competitionproven
1.70 will
soon be available
in a “sport” version
that will be sold at
a substantially
lower price than
the DZ version.
And it will feature
the same top
materials and
reliability.
YS Parts and Service: 1370 Porter Dr., Minden NV 89423;
Tel.: (775) 267-9252; Web site: www.ysengines.net
YS Smart, continued
Celectra Power
E-flite’s new electric-power-management systems suit
multichemistry needs.
The Celectra line
currently offers three
products that work
collectively.
The Celectra 80-
watt AC/DC
multichemistry
battery charger (not
shown) is a fullfeatured
tool for
intermediate to experienced modelers that charges mediumcapacity
1C-3C/1S-6S Li-Poly, one- to 15-cell NiMH, and 2- to
24-volt SLA batteries on the bench, on the flightline, or at the
field. This unit is perfect for indoor and small-field needs.
The Celectra 200-watt DC multichemistry charger is also a
full-featured tool for
intermediate to experienced
modelers. It will charge
large-capacity 1C-5C/1S-
6S Li-Poly, one- to 18-cell
NiMH, and 2- to 24-volt
SLA batteries on the bench,
on the flightline, or at the
field.
The Celectra 15VDC
250-watt unit is a fullfeatured
power station that
provides sufficient current
to run a large-capacity
battery charger or a number
of small- to mediumcapacity
battery chargers
on the bench, on the flightline, or at the field.
E-flite: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.:
(800) 338-4639; Web site: www.e-fliterc.com
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April 2011 17
Worth a Closer Look
MyRCDesigns is the home of RC enthusiasts who make and
share electric-powered aircraft using the MyRCDesign program.
The software is currently in the beta-test phase, and you are
invited to join the company’s social network to download and
participate in the program.
Browse the items in the hangar to see models that are
already on the site. There is also a store, where you can
purchase proven designs that are available in kit form.
These profile flat-foam aircraft are such a breeze to build
and a blast to fly that you’ll probably be full of ideas about
airplanes you’ll want next. MyRCDesigns can help you with
that too.
You can use the company’s software to design or modify
existing plans. People such as yourself are logged onto the
forums, where they share ideas and can help you make tweaks
or avoid blunders.
The fun of foamies is that almost anything will work. But
just to be sure, members of MyRCDesigns will soon be able to
upload their work to a flight simulator and fly instantly,
virtually.
When your design is fine-tuned, MyRCDesigns can cut the
kit for you and ship it to your door. There’s even talk of
decoration services for decals or ink-jet printing. This company
will have you modeling in no time.
MyRCDesigns: 6 Red Fawn Ct., Henderson NV 89074; Tel.:
(702) 361-8421; Web site: http://myrcdesigns.com MA
Gaui X5 is Mild to Wild Your RC Designs
The new X5 from Empire RC has been flown at helicopter events
in a 3-D manner that some think of as insane, while others think that
they have to have this ultimate package!
It is fast, strong, and enormously agile. Because this electricpowered
model turns 500mm blades, it fits the budget better than a
50- or 90-class helicopter. It feels bigger than it looks in the air, and
that’s the
hook.
The X5
features a new main rotor
head and swashplate that
helps produce quick
control response and
the best stability.
The servo layout
is direct-drive
CCPM (cyclic/
collective pitch
mixing), which results in precise control to the swashplate. A carbonfiber
main frame with integrated CNC construction results in a highly
rigid setup that can withstand the ultimate power output. And we
even like the color of the fiberglass canopy.
Empire Hobby and the International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association (IRCHA) have collaborated to announce the new Gaui
X5 Mild-to-Wild (M2W) Program for IRCHA members. Members
of the SIG are impressed with this model. They learned that with a
single part change and radio setup options, the outrageous X5 makes
an excellent trainer. It is literally the machine that can take an RC
pilot from training gear to the Heli Smackdown events.
Visit the IRCHA Facebook page for all the details on how to
participate in the M2W Program.
Empire Hobby: 950 E. Baseline Ave. Unit 210, Apache Junction
AZ 85119; Tel.: (480) 982-0909; Web site: www.empirerc.com
During the Golden Age of Aviation, nothing compared with the
smooth lines and signature trim scheme that made the WACO
instantly recognizable—even at the smallest country airfields.
Today the WACO YMF-5D features the same timeless good looks
with the benefits of modern technology. The Great Planes replica is
a fitting tribute, with its smooth, flowing lines and classic style in
sport-scale detail.
Installing the replica radial engine takes a few minutes, but the
blister detail is factory-installed and ready to be admired. And there
are no screw holes to distract from the cowl’s good looks. The
hidden cowl ring secures it invisibly.
Engine options are wide open for this 72-inch-wingspan model.
The O.S. FS-120S-E Surpass engine offers the best in four-stroke
power and scale sound, while the low-cost DLE-30 provides true
gas economy and the ease of
electronic
ignition.
Expect the
weight of the YMF-
5D to be in the 13- to
14-pound range.
Great Planes
Model Distributors:
Box 9021, Champaign
IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-
3630; Web site:
www.greatplanes.com
Great Planes WACO
In each installment of “Worth a Closer Look” we
do our best to bring you new and exciting products
from our industry. These write-ups are not press
releases but are actually minireviews written by the
MA staff. In each instance the product or service is
actually built, tested, flown, used, etc. to give you a
firsthand account of how it
performs.
We have found some of
these items on our own, but many
have been brought to our attention by
outside sources. If you have a product
or service that you feel might be
“worth a closer look,” contact
MA Editor Jay Smith at (765)
287-1256, extension 225, or
[email protected].
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