Worth a Closer Look - 2011/05

14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
Portable Micro Power
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 presentation
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 bladeto-
ground height, highpositioned
battery tray,
and motor-mount design,
keeping 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 ratio of any 450-
class helicopter.
The Mini Titan E325V2 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
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 that
is set up to
accommodate the 1S
3.7-volt Li-Poly
batteries that are used in most
ultramicro-sized airplanes and helicopters.
This charger can be conveniently 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/gel cell) battery, for charging
on the go.
The TP103CQ features four ports that operate independently,
allowing up to that many 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 signal red when in charge mode
and green when charging is complete.
The G4 Pro Lite 25C series of Li-Poly batteries packs 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 to 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
Mini Titan V2
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May 2011 15
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.
Yes, most of what
the company sells is
aimed at RC cars, but model aircraft pilots would be smart to look at
the product lineup. Many items cross over to interests at the flying
field.
DuraTrax has most recently added the Pit Mat, which is 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 forever.
The 29 x 19-inch version is excellent for any workbench and 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
Worth a Closer Look
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 Web site, the Flitemasters feature 100% UVA/UVB
protection with a
polycarbonate wraparound
design that
blocks annoying
light and wind from
the sides. The
decentered, scratchresistant
lenses are
optically balanced
to negate the effects
that their curvature
would otherwise
have on your vision.
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 great protection against flying debris in case of a
mishap. All of the company’s glasses carry the CE (European Union
standard) compliance mark.
DMS Ventures: 390 Ambleside Dr., Roselle IL 60172; Tel.: (630)
479-7449; Web site: www.modelglassesusa.com
RC Sunglasses, continued
When you purchase a pair of Model Glasses, you are getting a
product that was designed and manufactured for model flying.
Included with each set is 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 switch
lenses ensures that 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, glarereducing);
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
Four-in-One RC Sunglasses
See page 167 for submission guidelines
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 a separate system such as lighting or
a similar 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 that needs
dedicated power supplied from an onboard battery.
Surrounded 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 housing ready to accept a power
plug from the battery. 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 that is 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 MA
E-Tap for Electrics
DuraTrax Pit Mats
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