RE: Larger Revolver
Built and loved my 70/DLE20cc combination for the four flights is lasted. Ordering another ARF, it was too good not to replace. The pilot attempted a turn back mid field on a dead stick. Downwind and low airspeed did not work out too well... 17x6 was perfect combination. Had just completed the landing gear mount upgrades. Blame it on the Angry Birds pilots. Should have known....
Posted on: 2/29/2012 8:06 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10981404

RE: Spektrum vs. Futaba?
You know, if any poster on here were at the 2011 Joe Nall, they would realize that there were "Smokin Holes" as a result of both Futaba and Spektrum/JR brands. In fact, one of the days I was there, there was a Futaba guided warbird that mysteriously ended up in a pile behind vendor's row. There was also a Futaba induced jet that fireballed off the end of the main runway, while there were Spektrum splashes and crashes on the main, 3D, and float flying areas. It isn't perfect technoloy when both brands cannot function in a heavy 2.4 RF enviroment. It appears both have pros and con's. It would appear that on here, the Futaba bunch feels it's more important to tout their brand with put downs and brand stroking. Likely they are the same pilots who never crash due to pilot error. As for me, I'm going flying..... Suposedly that is why we are all here?
Posted on: 2/27/2012 11:09 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10978467

RE: Where to live?
Greenville, SC Isothermal belt of the SE. 1.5 Hours to ATL. About the same to Charlotte. 30 minutes to mountains. 2.5 hours to the beach/Charleston. Reasonable cost of living, major manufacturing center as well as multiple corporate headquarters for Michelin, BMW N.A., Banks, and white collar businesses. Also, multiple flying clubs, and 30 minutes to Triple Tree Aerodrome, home of the Joe Nall, E-Nall, and several other events. Housing costs vary. Metro areas are surrounded by rural areas with open and wooded land.
Posted on: 2/17/2012 7:49 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Cars, Trucks, Buggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963988

RE: funny or amazing crash stories
Radar guns kill planes! I bought a used GP Super Skybolt, and installed a DLE20 on it as an experiment. It was a phenominal flyer and the CG was perfect. One of my friends at the field asked if I wanted to see how fast it was, and I preceeded to make upwind passes to check the speed. He suggested I make a right to left downwind pass. I throttled up, made the approach, but let the plane drift towards the ground as it approached. It "Landed" at 126 MPH (Radar indicated!) and I was so suprised, I hesitated to pull up. In a flash, it turned sideways and barrel rolled off the end of the runway. I'm putting another together right now... totally my fault, but the guys felt so bad he gave me a reciever. I had just finished a conversation with him about how every plane has a expiration date, and "This one might make it's last flight i a few minutes"! Hey, you live and learn, but it was still fun making the fast passes!
Posted on: 1/24/2012 8:40 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10924995

RE: I Dont Have IT
[quote]ORIGINAL: Nitro-Tom 3 - Get a replacement high wing trainer.....In my opinion, you were spot on with a glow trainer. Fixed it for ya...
Posted on: 1/23/2012 8:27 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10924304

RE: I Dont Have IT

Posted on: 1/23/2012 7:25 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10923013

RE: I Dont Have IT
[quote]ORIGINAL: AugerDawger [quote]ORIGINAL: on_your_six You know something cry-baby... I am a pretty durn good RC pilot and you are not. I don't think you have the mental fortitude for it. [/quote] You come across like a punk. Is it just your internets machismo ? [/quote] Auger, c'mon now. You posted here to tell of your first flight experience. We all have been there on the maiden flight and first crash. Why provoke the folks who are trying to help you? Let it go, and let's go flying! I've offered to help. If you are not close to me, tell us where you are, and I'll bet there is someone nearby who would give you a hand. Otherwise, you are going to quickly find yourself labelled by all in general as a troll, and from there my friend you are on your own....
Posted on: 1/23/2012 7:17 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10922999

RE: I Dont Have IT
Auger, I think you will find lots of folks on these forums will go above and beyond to help beginners. You will also find that it's better to take every post here with a grain of salt and move on. I'll be glad to help you if you are willing to come to our field. If you don't like me, we have four more instructors who will also help you. If will post your location, you will probably find there are several people near you who will offer to help. That's why most on here list where they are in their profile. It's a good way to meet new people and gain knowledge and experience. Now, if you just want to carry on an arguement, you will definitely find many here to engage you. Why not post up your location, and ask for a hand? One of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby for me is helping others learn to fly. I think many here will agree. Let someone give you a hand. You will really enjoy it...
Posted on: 1/23/2012 7:10 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10922913

RE: I Dont Have IT
Auger, I am located in Simpsonville, SC. Just Southeast of Greenville SC. I am a junior instructor with our club, and would love to invite you to come and fly with us. I dont' know where you are, but if you are close enought to upstate SC, I have several planes I train on and a DX7s buddy box preset for the tranier planes in the trailer ready to go. I know you said you don't want a foam plane, but I'd suggest a Parkzone T-28 Trojan to get your wings with. Many of our new pilots have learned to fly with them. They are very durable, can be fixed with hot glue and packing tape at the field, and parts are low cost and readily available if you really crash one to pieces. Many of our new pilots end up keeping them flying, adding lights to fly at night, or larger motors and power systems, flaps, retracts, etc. as they gain experience. I have one battle scarred in the trailer for fun and training, because when the crash happens, it's back in the air in 10 minutes or less. If you are close enough, PM or email me. I'd be glad to help you get comfortable with the basics, and able to enjoy relaxed flying..... You are welcome to try my foam Radian too. Also a great first plane tha't easy to fix and fly. You might be surprised. Byron
Posted on: 1/22/2012 7:34 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10922424

RE: Tired Old Man and Jody
Absolutely low cal! It's probably low carb too! The secret is to cook it with pork ribs, mmm, mmm, good!
Posted on: 12/16/2011 7:03 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10863058

RE: Tired Old Man and Jody
Aussiesteve, Off topic, but I wanted to share. Try this sometime, it is a big hit at my house: Four-Cheese Smoked Mac n’ Cheese Four Cheese Mac n Cheese Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all purpose flour 3 cups milk 1 (8 ounces) cream cheese, cut into large chunks 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups Gouda cheese shredded 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded Directions 1. Load the wood tray with one small handful of wood chips and preheat the smoker to 225° F. 2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, and whisk flour into the butter. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and thick. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in cream cheese until mixture is smooth. Add salt and pepper. 3. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup Cheddar, 1 cup Gouda cheese, Parmesan cheese, pasta, and cream sauce. Spoon mixture into an 11 by 9 ½-inch aluminum roasting pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle top with remaining Cheddar cheese and Gouda cheese. 4. Place in smoker and cook 1 hour at 225° F, until brown, bubbly and delicious. Even better if you crumble some fresh cooked bacon bits into the mix before putting it in the pan to cook. I have also cooked a pound of ground beef and mixed it in before putting it in the smoker. It's a meal in itself... If you click on the picture above, it will take you to John McLemore's website where the recipe is listed, along with many others...
Posted on: 12/16/2011 7:23 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10862215

Freakin Post Office!
Ordered a ne GP Super Skybolt and a ton of parts form my LHS. LHS shipped them to me. Did not arrive, the LHS got a call from the USPS stating that the box he shipped to be showed up at their sort center mid way here opened and EMPTY! So now he has to file a claim and reoder everything. What a bunch of thieves. And these are the people who' s salaries and benefits have run the Post Office into the ground. Sorry, for the rant. No loss to me or the LHS out of pocket, but we all end up paying for some government thief taking what they want with apparently no one watching.... I know I am not alone....
Posted on: 12/8/2011 1:37 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10850216

RE: Need a more Powerful Starter
I converted both my Hobbico 90 and Tower Hobbies cheapo to 3300mA 4S 14.7V lipo power. I can spin a DLE20 above reasonable idle speeds, and a 46 glow way above idle speeds with both. No heat or power problems yet, and these are both old and well used starters. I charges both packs after (3) weekends of flying, including loaning them to others, and neither was more than 25% discharged.
Posted on: 12/5/2011 11:11 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10844433

RE: dle 20 break in
I wish biela made a prop in that size, but they start at a 16" in the three blades. I like the smoothness of the three blade. The only issue I had was getting the jam nut tight enough to keep the propblades off of the spinner cone. I ended up cutting two discs of emory cloth with holes in the middle to put between the spinner back plate and thedrive washer, and the prop and spinner back plate. This gave enough bite to keep the prop locked to the spinner backplate, and the spinner back plate locked to the drive washer with everything tight. I'll bet the kit version is stronger than the ARF. I wish I had the time to build, the Skybolt is such a nice airframe. There is a kit cutter in Camden, SC who wants to make a Skybolt kit at 50-80cc size if he can get a set of plans to re-scale. That would be a plane I'd make time to build. Please post some pictures when you get it put together. Thanks, Byron
Posted on: 12/2/2011 9:58 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10839875

RE: dle 20 break in
Michael, Just a suggestion, I also converted a Skybolt, and went with a Master Airscrew 14-8 3-blade and Tru-Turn Spinner for clearance. I know everyone recommends wood props, but with the 20cc, the MA seemed to work well. It turned out to be a really good combination, the Skybolt was a screamer at 127 MPH with great vertical and overall balance. Unfortunately, I dumb-thumbed it on a speed pass, resulting in a crash. Assembling a new one now. Great choice of aircraft, one of my favorite flying models.
Posted on: 12/2/2011 1:08 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10839327

RE: A123 life charge?
bgosselin I understand and agree. Given the original posters question, I think he woudl be fine with either option. In this case he has a charge switch, it would seem easier to go the Fromeco route, especially since we are talking 2S packs here. I think my issue was with another poster's statement made that external balancers cannnot be used for charging. I've done it with Lipo's, Li-Ions, and now LiFE with no problems. Integrated balance is best, but if not able, I'm saying external balancers will work fine too. (Let me qualify that with "In this instance"- RX packs). I appreciate the info and discussion. It's folks like yourself who are willing to explain that make this site the resource it is. I'm glad you followed up! Thanks! James c harrell I think the answers are: A) Balance charge whenever able. It's the best way. In your case, the balance charge jack option would be the best B) It's okay to charge without balance as long as you check and balance the cells from time to time with an external balancer. Use reasonable rates when you charge. Keep an eye on the condition of the pack. C) If your batteries are not readily accessible, the onboard balancers can be another option for your RX pack if you choose to go that way. Use reasonable rates when you charge.
Posted on: 11/28/2011 2:48 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10833273

RE: A123 life charge?
Barracuda, I think the key word in your post is "Can" Not everyone charges LiFe or any other battery chemistry at the max rate possible. I charge my 2100mA LiFE packs at 2.1A with the on board balancers in line, and see little difference in charge time. I have verified with my balanging charger (Hitec X4) that the cells are in fact in balance with the onboard balancers in use. the same holds true for balance charging Lipo's with an external balancer and a non-balancing charger. With the manufacturers recommended rate, and properly maintained packs, there is absolutely no problem charging with an external balancer. Now, if you wanted to charge a 6S 35C Lipo that has been abused and not balanced at an extremely high current, there is no external balancer out there that could correct the problem or even keep up. Eventually, the pack will puff and fail. Likewise, I charge my NiMH packs at half the higest recommended rate, with field chargers in the trailer. I believe the more consistant you are with your charge and discharge cycles, the more reliable and longer life you will get from your packs. I have manu cheap-o Turnigy 2200 3S 20C packs that have had numerous cycles without puffing or showing signs of significant degridation. I think the point of the original poster is to determine a way that will work best for his application. There are obviously several qualified and workable solutions presented here, and no one solution is necessarily the absolute best for all applicaitons. I don't think it is accurate to state absolutley that outboard balancers cannot properly balance multi-cell packs, because they are performing essentially the same function as a balanceing charger. I do agree there is some effiency lost, but I believe it is negligeable when you have to spend 45 minutes disassembling a plane to remove the batteries, if there is another equally workable way. Like I said earlier, it work s for me. If balancing at the charger works well for you, I say great! bgosselin, I'm not sure how a balance charger is any different for an external balancer other that the reduced rate at balance if the cells are way off. You are applying the charge current and voltage to the main high amperage connector of the pack. the charger monitors the individual cell voltages during charging at the balance connector, and limits the individual cell volatge them by applying a resistive load to the highest individual cell to maintain it;s voltage level as the other cell voltages increase while the pack charges. While the capacity of the resistive load contained withing a balancing charger may be larger, in the end it is still a constant voltage/constant current process. That is why I disagree with the notion that external or "Blinky " chargers cannot be used to balance charge. In essence, they are performing the same function (Monitoring the individual cell voltages electronically) and apply a resistive load automatically to limit individual cell voltage during the charge process. The only difference is the balancing charger has the balance function integrated into it's electronics, and in the case of badly balanced packs, the ability to automatically correct for the balance issue. It's just an integrated vs external process. My opinion is that if you maintain your packs, the likelyhood of a major imbalance is minimized. In my case, I am always monitoring and maintaing cell balance automatically, both during charging and discharging, and while in storage. I agree, there is a going to be a miniscule parasitic load, but look how long it would take to become a problem, if ever. But all suggestions here are great. Just keep them balanced!
Posted on: 11/28/2011 10:37 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10832873

RE: A123 life charge?
That's why I leave them plugged in. They only are active during charging, or if one cell is higher than the other. Same principal as the "Blinky" balancers for Lipos. You can charge with the "Blinky" connected with a non-balancing charger to maintain cell balance. I have done this many times with my Lipos before buying a better charger. I am using the batteries in a scale 25% Cub where they are mounted behind the interior, PITA to disassemble and remove every time. Also in 60 size planes converted to GAS, where batteries are mounted for best CG. Most cannot be easily accessed. Both ways are maintianing the cell balance by leaving the boards plugged in. That is the purpose of having them. During charging the balancer applies a small load to the higher cell to bring it into balance as both cells charge together as a pack. I verified this tonight after a mishap today required stripping down the interior of my Super Skybolt for damage assessment and repair access. I have (8) charge cycles on a 2100mA LiFE Source 2S pack with the balance board left connected and charged via a standard charge jack at the documented 2.1A rate using my Hitec X4 in LiFE mode. Both cells are almost identical. Tested the cell balance by removing the balancer and connecting the balance plug to the X4 for a voltage check. Just another charging option for LiFE. Works well for me so far.
Posted on: 11/26/2011 7:46 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10830583

RE: A123 life charge?
You can also get a 2S balancer from Fromeco for around $8.00 that stays plugged in to the battery all of the time. Much like a Lipo "Blinky", it maintains cell balance while charging, and any charge switch will work. I have charged my batteries multiple times with no problems. Seem like a good option. These balancers can be had with either a 3-pin or JST style connector. They have two blue LED's to show discharge for balancing and a red LED that comes on if you plug the battery in with the polarity reversed.
Posted on: 11/26/2011 4:10 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10829473

RE: G20ei on a super skybolt biplane?
Nothing against the G20ei, I have two of 'em. But I am finishing a Super Skybolt with the DLE 20 and the balance seems perfect so far. Going to start out with a master airscrew 3 blade 14-9 witha tru-turn spinner. added the JTEC pitts muffler and Rexcel onboard tach with a single Hobbico LiFE battery and dual switches. The DLE dropped right into the existing beam mount, with some modifications to allow room for the carb. Here's some pictures:
Posted on: 11/6/2011 6:40 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10800073

RE: Funfly biplane?
Pictures of the DLE 20 install:
Posted on: 11/6/2011 6:31 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10799110

RE: Funfly biplane?
GP Super Skybolt! I found one on Craigslist locally, and picked it up for cheap. Ordered a new cowl, wheel pants, and went to work. Converting to a DLE 20. Just finished the install. Plane was very tail heavy with an OS 91, seems about right with the DLE 20. Putting the rx and electric equipment in today.
Posted on: 11/6/2011 6:16 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10799094

RE: GP Super Skybolt .60 electric conversion - step by step
Man that is very nice work! I bought a used one off of Craigslist, and am in the process of a gas conversion with a DLE 20.
Posted on: 11/5/2011 7:36 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10797880

RE: ***CUB BROTHERHOOD***
Sign me up too! Hangar 9 1/4 Scale, reworking to sport scale. Great Planes 60 size kit built and recently re-kitted! Rebuilding as a Super Cub with a Fiber Specialities cowl. Sig 40 size kit built being rebuilt with a Saito 72 fo power.
Posted on: 10/31/2011 10:36 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10790714

RE: Hangar 9 Beast
[quote]ORIGINAL: davidgeorge212 [quote]ORIGINAL: BGCombs David, I just bought my first LiFE batteries, and I noticed you have something plugged into the balance connector on yours. Are those balancers, or something else? Thanks! Byron [/quote] Yes, I have fromeco on board balancers pluged into both of my LiFe batteries. I was having problems with them puffing up when I was charging and balancing
Posted on: 10/23/2011 7:12 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10778509

RE: Should I buy from Banana Hobby?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Hnorth Honestly, I would spend the money and buy a Parkzon T-28 Trojan. Also, since no transmitter is included I would shell out to buy maybe a DX6i from Spektrum Rc. Both are really extremely good for beginners. When you get done flying the T-28 you could bind other aircraft to the DX6i. Just throwing that out there. [/quote I agree. Watch RCU for a used DX6i deal, AR500 reciever, and pick up a bind and fly to go with it. the best thing about this route is you can usually fix just about anything on it with glue/CA/hot glue/packing tape, and they still fly good afterwards. Also, you can usually find just about all of the most needed replacement parts at your local hobby shop. After you get the hang of it, you can easiy upgrade the power system, trick it out, etc. Some of our club members have at least on on foam floats! I have two plus many odd parts laying around my shop. Always fun to throw in the back of the truck with the transmitter and a few charged batteries for some quick flights after work. Since you are in GA, you migh want to plan a trip to Hodges Hobbies too. Mac is the man in Georgia......
Posted on: 10/22/2011 3:24 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10777104

RE: Hangar 9 Beast
David, I just bought my first LiFE batteries, and I noticed you have something plugged into the balance connector on yours. Are those balancers, or something else? Thanks! Byron
Posted on: 10/22/2011 3:05 AM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10777096

RE: Best 2.4 transmitter
I've hade great success with Spektrum/JR. DX6i, DX7, 9303, now 9503X. Keep the batteries in good shape, no problems with brownouts or lockouts/holds.....
Posted on: 7/24/2011 10:50 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10637441

RE: Hitec X4 Charger
Snowflake, Is this the one you are suggesting? Hyperion Multi-Adapter Balance Board 2-6S, No Cable (ProTek, Align, E-Flite, Venom) [HP-LBA10-XH-B] Hyperion Multi-Adapter Balance Board 2-6S, No Cable (ProTek, Align, E-Flite, Venom) Hyperion Multi-Adapter Balance Board 2-6S, No Cable (ProTek, Align, E-Flite, Venom) Click to enlarge Click to enlarge This is the Hyperion Multi-Adapter Balancer Board for EOS LBA10 and Hyperion Balance Chargers. This adapter allows you to balance a 2S to 6S via one harness. Great adapter when you have packs with different cell counts. Eliminates the need to purchase individual harnesses. Works with Hyperion chargers / balancers only. Plug only 1 battery in at a time during balancing. Available in Versions for All Lipoly Pack Major Brands NO CABLE INCLUDED. Use cable supplied with charger to connect adapter to charger.
Posted on: 6/20/2011 7:25 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10584394

RE: Hitec X4 Charger
Thanks guys, I also found this Venom balance block that is compatble with the X4... VEN-0664 Hitec X4 XH Balance Block by Venom VEN-0664
Posted on: 6/20/2011 7:18 PM by Author "BGCombs" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10584384