Worth a Closer Look
Mini Titan V2
Performance has gone ballistic with the latest Mini Titan E325 from Thunder Tiger. The V2 offers tons of impressive features to create the ultimate 450-class 3-D machine.
New to the Mini Titan is a lightweight carbon/aluminum main frame. The full-metal rotor head and tail rotor, developed from the Mini Titan E325 Pro, are tunable. To further enhance aerobatic potential, the V2 features new lightweight 3-D paddles, a carbon fin, a reinforced main shaft, and a redesigned fiberglass canopy.
The V2 is also equipped with radically longer rotor grips and a rigid hub for generating additional lift and awesome responsiveness, even when flown using standard-size blades.
This model’s roll rate is exponentially faster than that of other 450-size helicopters, thanks to a lower blade-to-ground height, a high-positioned battery tray, and motor-mount design that keep the CG much closer to the main rotor disc. The “pendulum” effect is reduced to a minimum, making the V2 a much more stable platform.
With the availability of the Mini Titan E325 V2, any pilot can own a totally aggressive performer. Thunder Tiger claims that this new machine offers the best power-to-weight ratio and the widest adjustable mixing range of any 450-class helicopter.
The Mini Titan E325 V2 is available as a kit alone or packaged with a hot outrunner motor, 40-amp ESC, and carbon-fiber blades.
Thunder Tiger: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Web site: www.ttamerica.com
Portable Micro Power
Thunder Power is set to energize the micro world with its TP103CQ Quad/4-Port ACDC Charger and new G4 Pro Lite 25C ultramicro Li-Poly batteries.
The convenient TP103CQ is a pocket-sized charger and power supply set up to accommodate the 1S 3.7-volt Li-Poly batteries used in most ultramicro airplanes and helicopters.
This charger can be powered from any 100- to 240-volt outlet using the included TP1201P AC-to-DC 1-amp power supply. For added flexibility, the included DC input power leads can be connected to almost any 11- to 15-volt DC power source, including a 12-volt lead-acid or gel-cell battery, for charging on the go.
The TP103CQ features four ports that operate independently, allowing up to four batteries to be charged simultaneously at a rate of 0.3 amp per port. To keep it simple, the charger has multicolor LEDs for each port that show red when charging and green when charging is complete.
The G4 Pro Lite 25C series of Li-Poly batteries pack a lot of punch. Currently available in 125 mAh and 160 mAh sizes, they are like a shot of adrenaline for any micromodel and really shine when used with aerobatic and 3-D aircraft.
Thunder Power promises these batteries will deliver up to five times more cycle life and 5C charge-rate capability with no loss in power or cycle-life delivery. We have been impressed with their performance.
Thunder Power RC: 4720 W. University Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; Tel.: (702) 228-8883; Web site: www.thunderpowerrc.com
DuraTrax Pit Mats
DuraTrax offers a full line of tools and accessories that are perfect for keeping RC vehicles running strong. From field bags to precision parts, you’re sure to find something useful. While most of the company’s products are aimed at RC cars, model aircraft pilots would be smart to look at the lineup—many items crossover to flying-field needs.
DuraTrax has most recently added the Pit Mat, available in two sizes. It is made from heavy-duty black rubber that resists damage caused by oils and glow fuel, and the bottom surface is designed to prevent skidding.
The sides and interior of the mat have recessed areas where you can keep screws, washers, nuts, and other small parts from rolling around—or worse, dropping to the floor where they could bounce away and be lost.
The 29 x 19-inch version is excellent for any workbench and is an ideal cover for a folding table at a flying event. Even the 5 x 5-inch mat is handy. You could get them in pairs: one for the bench and the other for the field box.
DuraTrax: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Web site: www.duratrax.com
Four-in-One RC Sunglasses
When you purchase a pair of Model Glasses, you get a product designed and manufactured for model flying. Each set includes four sets of lenses, a cleaning cloth, a carrying case with belt clip, and a neck strap. We received the Flitemaster model of glasses, which was new in 2010.
Interchangeable lenses set these sunglasses apart from the typical variety. The ability to quickly and easily change lenses ensures you are covered in any lighting conditions. Included are yellow for low light (Category 0), which enhance light and definition; beige polarized for average sunlight (Category 2, glare-reducing); dark polarized mirror for bright sunlight (Category 3, glare-reducing); and dark smoked for extremely bright conditions (Category 4).
The frames fit comfortably and have been worn without issue for both flying and driving. The included case does a great job of keeping the sunglasses protected, whether you store them in your car or your flight box.
Per the website, the Flitemasters feature 100% UVA/UVB protection with a polycarbonate wraparound design that blocks annoying light and wind from the sides. The decentered, scratch-resistant lenses are optically balanced to negate the visual distortion that their curvature would otherwise cause.
Conforming to US ANSI Z80.3 and British and European safety standard EN1836, Model Glasses are subjected to a drop test at the factory and offer strong protection against flying debris in case of a mishap. All of the company’s glasses carry the CE compliance mark.
DMS Ventures: 390 Ambleside Dr., Roselle, IL 60172; Tel.: (630) 479-7449; Web site: www.modelglassesusa.com
E-Tap for Electrics
E-Power RC specializes in wire-harness manufacturing and assembly. The company carries all major brands of connectors and offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround.
A BEC is popular as an add-on accessory to supply, at reduced voltage, power to the radio or to a separate system such as lighting or another power-hungry setup. Disassembly of the ESC or battery plugs is normally required to connect a BEC. The E-Tap eliminates this hassle.
The E-Tap BEC/Lighting Tap for Deans Ultra plugs is a solderless accessory for electric-power modelers who need dedicated power supplied from an onboard battery.
Encased in an easy-to-grip housing, the E-Tap plugs into a Deans Ultra connector that is already hardwired to the ESC and leaves a ready-to-use Deans Ultra socket to accept the battery plug. From a separate strain relief at the center of the E-Tap is a 4-inch insulated lead finished with a female JST connector—the type typically used to make a BEC connection.
E-Power RC: Box 1201, Los Alamitos, CA 90720; Tel.: (714) 982-4547; Web site: http://rcmicroflite.3dcartstores.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
