Worth a Closer Look
Andrew Jesky Instructional DVD
Andrew Jesky and Higher Plane Productions have teamed up to bring aeromodelers a line of instructional videos. The first release, Foamies and Indoor Flight, focuses on everything you need to know to build and fly small electric-powered foam aircraft.
This 141-minute DVD begins with Andrew walking viewers through every step of building the Fancy Foam Models MX-2. During construction he shares tips and tricks and briefly discusses component selection and radio setup.
The remainder of the presentation covers trimming the model, tips for flying successfully in confined areas, and basic and advanced maneuvers. Andrew’s transmitter is shown in the lower right of the screen during flight instruction, allowing viewers to see all stick movements he makes while flying the aircraft.
Also included on the DVD is 20 minutes of bonus footage, including RJ Gritter flying and talking about his variable-pitch-propeller setup.
Higher Plane Productions: 1525 Acadia St., Durham, NC 27701; Web site: www.higherplaneproductions.com
Low-Cost F-86
Hobby Lobby’s new F-86 Sabre is advertised as simple, fun, and inexpensive, and those claims hold up. For a mere $119.99, you get a nice-looking, easy-to-assemble, receiver-ready jet. With its low parts count and the power system and servos installed, the model goes together in a couple of hours.
Although the F-86 is missing landing gear, the drop tanks come with plastic covers that act as skids to protect the bottom of the model. The drop tanks are a nice addition that help this Sabre stand out from the rest.
Included with the jet is a 1600 mAh, three-cell Li-Poly battery that fits neatly on the battery tray. The hatch is held on with magnets, making it simple to switch batteries.
Using the supplied battery, pilots can expect about four minutes of spirited flying. The F-86 is capable of basic aerobatics; its only limiting factor is the lack of rudder. Landing into the wind requires a touch of power and maintaining a bit of up-elevator until the model touches down. Slightly moving the CG back helps keep the nose up.
Anyone looking for a low-cost, electric-ducted-fan–powered jet should put the Hobby Lobby Skyblazers F-86 on his or her short list.
Hobby Lobby International: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027; Tel.: (866) 512-1444; Web site: www.hobby-lobby.com
Futaba Cordless Trainer System
If you find the buddy-box cord cumbersome, there’s a way to add freedom to the student/instructor relationship. The Futaba WTR-7 (Wireless Trainer System) uses FASST technology to link any Futaba transmitter with the square trainer port to a second Futaba transmitter with FASST technology.
With the WTR-7, the instructor can stand as far as 30 feet away from the student. Supervised solo flights can be safer than ever to perform. The independence given to the student is no longer limited by the length of the cord; the instructor can step back from the flightline and see how the student does.
This accessory works in a similar manner to a receiver, and the linking process of the buddy box is familiar. The small size of the WTR-7 makes it easy to keep handy. And because the unit simply attaches to the back with Velcro, the trainer port is less likely to wear from the dangling weight of a heavy trainer cord. When using the WTR-7, it’s important to ensure that the buddy box has a fully charged battery.
Futaba: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site: www.futaba-rc.com
Aluminum Ball Connector
Ball linkages offer slop-free connections with multiple pivot-point options. Sullivan’s ball connectors are very user-friendly, featuring a spring-loaded closure that not only secures the connection but also makes removal and adjustment a two-finger operation.
These linkages can be used for any control surface or mechanical control, such as engine throttle. The ball joints are machined from aluminum and provide a full range of movement up to 45° from center in any direction. The spring-loaded sleeve is made from steel, as is the ball, which is plated for years of smooth service.
Sullivan’s links are color-coded and available in three sizes. Make sure to lock the linkage to the metal pushrod with a threaded nut so that vibration can’t prematurely wear the precision threads.
Sullivan Products: One North Haven St., Baltimore, MD 21224; Tel.: (410) 732-3500; Web site: www.sullivanproducts.com
Transmitter Insurance
Have you ever dropped your transmitter? For that matter, have you dropped any valuable (sensitive) piece of equipment only to have it ruined or seriously damaged? If you drop your transmitter, are you going to feel safe using it right away? Consider the dollars-and-sense case for investing in an attractive, durable carrying case.
BP Hobbies has handsome cases that are modestly priced, aluminum-clad, and fully lined with foam. They are also packed with a center foam cradle that is easy to customize. The included gel packs keep interior moisture (which electronics hate) to a minimum.
Store your equipment in these cases and you'll avoid dust and dirt buildup in intricate crevices; it will always look newer. Furthermore, transporting small equipment in cases makes it easier to load into vehicles.
BP Hobbies LLC: 140 Ethel Rd. W., Suite J, Piscataway, NJ 08854; Tel.: (732) 287-3933; Web site: www.bphobbies.com
Micro Pterodactyl
It's a bird. It's a plane. The Marston Micro Pterodactyl is both. Designed around the popular Spektrum AR6400 receiver, this model looks cool in the air and on the ground and has garnered a lot of attention.
The 18-inch-span Pterodactyl comes as a full kit, with everything you need to build it other than CA and a soldering iron to fuse the motors. Add your receiver, battery, and one afternoon, and you will have your own RC flying reptile.
Depending on which version of the AR6400 receiver you use, programming may be required. Steps for using V-tail and programming mixes are covered in the manual.
The two included motors and our 130 mAh battery provided adequate power and good flight times. We placed the battery all the way forward to achieve the recommended CG.
We haven't had the opportunity to fly the Pterodactyl indoors, but it requires calm conditions outside. We also found the elevator to be extremely sensitive, so make sure you follow the recommendations in the manual.
Marston Pteroworks has designed a unique aircraft and generously provides an extra set of balsa parts to be used for spares. So far we have found the Pterodactyl to be quite durable, even in higher-than-recommended winds.
Marston Pteroworks: 1653 Westfield Ave., Reno, NV 89509; Web site: www.pteroworks.com
Graduate to a Real Helicopter
Sized to be friendly indoors or outside, the Single-Rotor (SR) Blade uses the stability of a collective-pitch machine but tames it in a 200-class frame and reduces the parts count to the bare minimum.
The SR is built to take some bumps and bruises while its "student-tuned" radio system and mechanics ease the pilot into the exciting realm of real RC helicopter flying.
Making the move from a coax-rotor helicopter doesn't have to be a big struggle, which is where the Blade SR comes in. Its decent E-flite heading-hold gyro does a good job of keeping the model in control, although the simple direct-drive tail motor is a bit noisy. Its Spektrum DSM2 radio system is a solid link and, outside of "hoverbatics," this machine performs smooth forward flight.
In addition, you can learn to hover inverted with this model. Doing so over soft grass means that if you dump the SR, a quick dusting is usually all it will need to fly again.
E-flite: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.e-fliterc.com
Traplet 10C
After conducting an in-depth exploration of Futaba’s innovative 10-channel, 2.4 GHz radio-control system, Traplet Publications has released a book intended to support and assist all 10C users and enable them to make the most of it.
Futaba 10C 2.4 GHz — The User's Guide starts with the basics of radio control, expands readers' knowledge through explanations of each feature, and includes a chapter detailing the logic behind the built-in functions and how to "think like a 10C." Another chapter focuses on using programmable mixes.
Readers will learn not only how to program every function, but also why each function can be a valuable asset to their RC skills and enjoyment. Author AnnMarie Cross helps users try their own unique programming—which provides new ideas and a deeper understanding of the radio's logic.
The book also contains an extensive glossary of terms, including the terminology as it is abbreviated on the radio's screens, common industry slang, and even terminology used by other brands.
Traplet Publications Ltd.: Traplet House, Pendragon Close, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GA, England; Tel.: (217) 355-2970; Web site: www.traplet.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
