RE: FP or LA
I prefer the FP series because of the metal backplate and traditional needle valve. The LA series have a plastic backplate and remote needle valve assembly. As far as reliability I would say they are equal. Parts are easier to get for the current production LA. No problems in Texas with air bleed carbs and bushed engines. Use the right fuel and the engine will last for years plus no worries about rusted bearings! Never experienced dirt in the air bleed oriface that was not caused a mishap. Never can understand why people think that bearings make an engine more powerful. I'm thinking that there is more to it than just the bearings.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 10:18 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232492

RE: Radio Equip. Needs Question
Batteries are a can of worms! Traditionally most of us started out with Nicads which generally worked well and are still acceptable but getting hard to find. They can be fast charged, last for years and are very robust and tolerant of abuse. Nimh batteries are newer, have more capacity for a given size and weight of battery but they have their own problems, mainly lower voltage per cell, unreliable fast charge capability and not as robust as Nicads. Lipo batteries are newer and have their advantages but probably not suited for beginners because they are dangerous if not handled properly and will require the use of a regulator. Life batteries are the current rage because they can usually be used without a regulator and are safer than Lipo batteries but like lipo batteries will require a special charger and handling. Best to leave the lithium batteries alone until you gain some battery experience. If using Nicads get a 4 cell pack of at least 600 mah capacity. If Nimh batteries get a 5 cell pack of at least 800 mah capacity. Either of these packs will give you at least enough power for about 2 hours of "ON" time or about 6 flights with reserve and without charging in between flights. Either of these batteries should cost under $20.00.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 5:46 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219317

RE: Question regarding Cox choke tube
I've had good results with the old exhaust restrictor type of throttle. Not much of a hit on the top end and still a low idle for a 1/2a engine. Cox International sells them and they are very reasonable. I think if one could rig up a linkage between the exhaust restrictor and the choke tube throttle his efforts would be well rewarded.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 5:57 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213054

RE: Master K vs APC
First: Master Airscrew props weigh much less than Apc props, sometimes 1/2 as much. Second: What is the point of trying to find out which is the best 10 x 6 prop or other given size of prop? We should instead attempt to find out which prop develops the most thrust for a given load on the engine. If a MA 11 x 6 prop loads an engine the same as an APC 10 x 6 prop, which do you think would produce the most thrust? I think this type of comparison is more useful but seldom considered.
Posted on: 7/16/2012 6:25 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11157086

RE: Lipo Fire in Garage
Those that treat lipo batteries lightly are endangering not only their models, but the lives of themselves and their families. I live in a small town of about 100,000. I can count over 10 incidents of fires due to charging of lipos just in this town. Several garages or shops burned down, one house burned down, and several cars torched. So far no one has been seriously hurt althought several have been admitted to the hospital. Perspective: That lipo in your garage may pose more of a threat to the well being of your family than you realize. Is it worth the risk?
Posted on: 6/26/2012 5:57 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11132198

RE: enya .09
How do you wear out an Enya engine. They last a long long time.
Posted on: 6/19/2012 5:37 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11124446

RE: Doculam
I recently conducted a simple test with Doculam and butyrate dope. First I sanded a 2 ft piece of 3 inch wide balsa and then covered it with Doculam. I then divided the piece into about 3 inch square sections with thin strips of masking tape. I then prepped each individual section differently as follows: no prep, wiped with dope thinner, buffed with steel wool, wiped with denatured alcohol, sanded lightly, wiped with vinegar, wiped with water, wiped with acetone. I then painted the entire sheet with Orange Sig Butyrate Dope brushed straight from the can. Then I let the piece sit in the garage for a couple of days. Then I took too strips of masking tape and ran the tape lengthwise on the piece of wood. One piece was blue low tack painters tape and the other was plain old beige colored masking tape. I then let the piece sit in the garage for a couple of days to get stuck down good. I then removed both pieces of tape to see how the paint would stick to the Doculam. The only section that was 100% unaffected by both tapes was the piece wiped with the dope thinner before painting. One other note. On all planes that I have finished with Butyrate dope, the finish was a low gloss satin finish which I usually top coated with clear to get a higher gloss. On my test piece I noticed that each section was very high gloss with the straight brushed on dope.
Posted on: 6/13/2012 1:00 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11117054

RE: Avistar Engines
It was Sig although I'm not sure they still are. Nice engine with a terrible carb. Too bad! I think Brodak is stocking them with a control line venturi, they might have the RC version. You would be better off buying the CL version and fitting a Perry or OS CARB.
Posted on: 5/16/2012 9:02 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11083904

RE: Lost a plane today
Just because a battery works does not mean it is good. Many people have replaced their 600 ma nicad battery with a 2000ma nimh and just because they can pull a few hundred ma out of it for a flight or two they assume the battery is good. The only way to determine the health of a battery is to cycle it. If you don't cycle nicad or nimh batteries to determine their health you will have problems sooner or later.
Posted on: 4/23/2012 10:18 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11053585

RE: Lost a plane today
I have had occasion to test hundreds of used batteries by cycling them. My minimum standard is that a good battery must cycle to within 80% of it's rated capacity. In almost every case Nimh batteries over about two years old FAIL while Nicad batteries nearly always PASS unles they are very old or have been severly abused. I would bet that a 10 year old Nimh battery would fail for sure. Just because a 3000 Ma pack charges up enough for a flight doesn't mean it is good. What is it's current capacity? I doubt it would pass the 80% test. Might be OK as a electric motor battery but I would NEVER use a 10 Yr old battery of any chemistry to power my receiver.
Posted on: 4/23/2012 5:00 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11053209

RE: Lost a plane today
If you are using Nimh batteries you should be aware of their limitations. I avoid them in receiver packs and prefer Nicad or Life packs. Most people overlook a few important differences between Nicad Batteries and Nimh batteries. These differences are the cause of many problems of this sort, so the first thing to do is to consider how the batteries may have contributed to the crash. 1. Nimh batteries have a slightly lower voltage than Nicad batteries, this is a big reason many went to 5 cell packs when Nimh batteries first appeared on the scene. 2. Nimh batteries do not hold their voltage as well under load as equivalent capacity Nicad batteries, another reason to use 5 cells with Nimh batteries. 3. Nimh batteries do not respond well to quick charging, especially those often used as receiver packs. Nicads usually WILL tolerate quick charging. 4. Nimh batteries have a very short lifespan when compared to other types. Many barely last 2 seasons. Nicads last much longer, Lipo and Life should too. Many modelers do not own a high output OVERNIGHT charger which is required when charging high capacity Nimh batteries. They often substitute the overnight charge for a quick charge at the field. Nimh batteries will often false peak when quick charging leading the modeler to believe that they are fully charged when in fact they are not. Most of the time you can get away with it but sooner or later .......? You should also consider that 2.4 receivers are very sensitive to low voltage spikes which can lead to a reboot of the receiver which can take up to 5 seconds, plenty of time to crash a plane. I have read that some 2.4 receiver will brownout and reboot at about 3 1/2 volts. Doesn't take much of a drop to cause problems. Plus there is a huge difference in the current draw of various servos even between servos of equal power. Add it all up and if you used a 4.8v Nimh battery pack it may have caused a problem if not properly charged, or there was a momentary high current draw caused by binding of a linkage or a stalled servo. Others have provided excellent advice, when using Nimh batteries, use 5 cells, charge properly, test frequently and cycle often to prevent problems. If not you are likely to experience problems especially with 2.4ghz receivers.
Posted on: 4/22/2012 8:45 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11052962

RE: Fuel Proof Spray?
First go to your local home improvement warehouse and find the Preval spray system, also available online. It is an aerosol spray can that you attach to a special jar which you can fill with any type of paint you wish. Then visit your hobby shop or order online; fuel proof butyrate dope. It comes in just about any color including flats and clear. Fill the Preval jar with dope and a little thinner and spray away. The Preval system is re-usable, simple and easy to use. One can is enough to lay about 2 or 3 coats of paint on your average .40 size plane if you don't get too carried away with spraying heavy coats. I use this system all of the time for small jobs when I don't want to crank up the compressor and the touch up gun. I have had good luck with butyrate dope on 1/2A planes using 25% nitro. If using nitro percentages over 15% be sure to let the paint dry for several days before using, especially if the finish is not clear coated. For reasons I don't quite understand, clear butyrate is supposed to be more fuel proof than the color dopes. Butyrate dope is available online from a variety of online sellers, usually those catering to the control line part of the hobby.
Posted on: 3/25/2012 7:23 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11014954

RE: Joy Stick
I have read that a typical tanked Cox engine is closer to 75 watts of power. My experience indicates that is about right. You should have way more power at almost 140 watts.
Posted on: 3/20/2012 4:57 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11008045

RE: Warning Re shelf paper!!!!
I've tried shelf paper as a mask and had the same results. Disaster! Shelf paper is not designed to be used as a paint mask so even if you DO find one that will work, there is no guarantee they will not change the adhesive formulation sometime down the road. Better to use products designed for the intended purpose and remove all worry.
Posted on: 2/26/2012 4:05 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10977169

RE: 1/2A Servos Revisited
I've been using Hs-81 servos for years and have never stripped a single gear. They seem plenty strong for me.
Posted on: 12/14/2011 8:46 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10860185

RE: Disappointed in RC Advancement Over Last 20 Years
The Ace Micro Pro computer radio first appeared sometime in the late 1980's and included most of what is offered on today's computer radios. And yes there were folks flying converted chain saw motor powered planes about that time as well.
Posted on: 11/16/2011 5:05 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10814521

RE: Touchdown by Aero RC Plans
Thanks guys! I found it with your help. Now to order the plans!
Posted on: 11/14/2011 5:48 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10812308

RE: Touchdown by Aero RC Plans
I couldn't find the plane over at Flying Models so I have posted a picture of what I am looking for. Plans would be great!
Posted on: 11/13/2011 8:18 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10810910

Touchdown by Aero RC Plans
Anyone have plans for the Touchdown by Aero RC from the late 1960s to early 1970s? I've been looking for this plane for years and just missed one on the auction site. Grrrrrrrrr
Posted on: 11/13/2011 8:16 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10809175

RE: Touchdown by Aero RC Plans
Thanks I will research your suggestion.
Posted on: 11/13/2011 8:11 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10810899

RE: Did they stop making Ambroid glue?
One other advantage to ambroid is that in the event a repair is required you can dissolve the ambroid joint quickly with a little acetone.
Posted on: 10/28/2011 4:54 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10787202

RE: 1/2a control line conversion to RC
I once converted a C/L Ringmaster to RC, powered with an OS Max 25FSR. It was a screamer! It also was a snap rolling, spinning wild ride to say the least. It would spin so fast you could not count the turns and took about 5 full turns of full down and opposite rudder to recover from the spin! Version two had a lengthened tail moment and flew much better. 1/2A C/L planes fly best at under 7 oz or so. 1/2A RC planes usually weigh about 12 oz to 16 oz and fly on the very same engines. It would be difficult to find a good flying 1/2A C/L plane with the proper dimensions for RC. But what the heck give it a try! That's what the hobby is all about. Be sure to keep us updated so we can try it too!
Posted on: 9/23/2011 8:54 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10731444

RE: Need Help Identifying OLD Engines
Thank you both for your help. I've been in the hobby for about 40 years but haven't come across these engines.
Posted on: 9/7/2011 8:35 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10706568

Need Help Identifying OLD Engines
A fellow modeler who is bit older has asked me to sell a few of his engines for him. This stuff is before my time and I wonder if any of you can help me figure out what they are so I can list them properly. The first engine has a indian head on the side but no other markings to denote manufacturer or size, looks to be about .35 size. Second up are three small engines, about .049 or smaller and they all appear to be diesels as I don't see a glow plug on any of them. Last up is what I think is a Holland Hornet but I'm not sure. Size appears to be about .60. Thank you for your help!
Posted on: 9/6/2011 2:44 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10704571

RE: What does the mAh rating mean?
A battery is nothing more than a vessel that holds energy. Similar to a tank that holds water, one tank may hold 5 gal and another 10 gal. The mah rating is a measure of how much energy the battery will hold. A 3000ma battery holds 1/2 as much as a 6000 ma battery even though they both could be the same physical size. Voltage is similar to water pressure. Pressurize the tank and the water flows out faster. More battery cells = more voltage and more pressure and faster discharge or emptying. Discharge rate - Suppose you poke a hole in the pressurized tank of water. A very small hole will empty the tank more slowly than a large hole. Likewise, batteries with low discharge rates release their energy more slowly than batteries with high discharge rates.
Posted on: 7/22/2011 9:53 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10634482

RE: Have Alpha 4 - Want to stay with NiCd!
Nicad batteries have several unique properties that make them well suited to our needs. Among them is their ability to accept fast charges, long life span, high voltage under load, reliability, voltage range suited to our needs, predictable discharge curve, and low cost. Unfortunately there are no other batteries yet available with all of these characteristics. In my opinion Nimh batteries are one of the least attractive options available to us. Among their disadvantages; lower voltages under load, short lifespan, reliability, low discharge rates, and unreliable fast charging capability. I avoid using them as much as possible. Lipo and LIFE batteries have their own set of problems. Among them is higher voltage which usually requires a regulator to drop the voltage to what is required for most RC systems increasing system complexity and decreasing reliability. I'm afraid the situation is unlikely to improve until radio manufacturers produce system components designed for the higher voltages of LIPO and LIFE batteries. You might check SR Batteries for your Nicad batteries, be warned though that they are expensive. The good news is they'll last years.
Posted on: 7/22/2011 8:30 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10633422

RE: Model Airplane Designer/Builder Wanted
While it is true that the kit production business has changed dramatically since the 1960s and 1970s it is by no means dead or even dying. Like the ground hog that only sees what he can from his hole, we as modelers tend to view the hobby as we see it from our vantage point. If you are a giant scale modeler or a jet modeler you tend to believe that everyone flies giant scale or jets or would like to. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many modelers world wide cannot afford to spend $5000 or more on a model plane, many more enjoy the cheap entertainment that comes from building something themselves. The days of a large kit manufacturer producing a run of 5,000 or 10,000 kits are indeed gone. However, I believe there are more kit manufacturers out there than there ever has been. CNC routers and inexpensive laser cutter machines have enabled many who have a desire, to produce high quality kits in their garage or basement. CAD software has replaced teams of designers, online print shops have enabled inexpensive blueprint reprint reproduction at any scale you desire. The modeling fraternity exists world wide not just here in the USA. Kits are in demand worldwide, admittedly in much smaller numbers than before but in demand just the same. Have you checked out the prices of kits on the auction sites, YIKES! A stash of kits is worth more these days than a stash of US Dollars! Indeed many of us complain of no time to build but seem to have plenty of time to spend on the internet or RCU!
Posted on: 7/19/2011 10:12 AM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Employment, Jobs, Help Wanted in Radio Control Industry"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10628749

RE: Hydramax battery
You do know that Hydramax batteries are NOT designed to be quick charged, right? You MUST slow charge them as directed on the exterior of the batteries to get anywhere the stated performance. They often will false peak if attempting a fast charge with a peak charger. If they don't false peak some will get too hot and melt the wrapper. Some may actually accept a fast charge without problems, but you never know for sure. When all else fails, READ THE DIRECTIONS. Nimh batteries are quite different than Nicads.
Posted on: 7/18/2011 6:38 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10627663

RE: Open Source Remote Control System (OSRC)
A radio system already exists that is more or less open source. Search out the Microstar 2000, Gordon Anderson and the Ace Micro Pro. They are all related and the Microstar is the latest revision. The Microstar encoder is inexpensive and can be added to nearly any radio system manufactured within the last 40 years to make it a computer radio. The software is updated on a regular basis to keep the system up to date and even ahead of most any system currently manufactured. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, why not improve or modify this system?
Posted on: 7/13/2011 8:29 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10620252

RE: Test stand running
Run them outside instead of the living room.
Posted on: 7/10/2011 7:30 PM by Author "049flyer" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10614347